Some trips are worth the long drive, and Chandratal is one of them. This crescent-shaped, deep-blue lake — its name means 'moon lake' — sits at around 4,300 m on the edge of the Spiti valley, across the mountains from Naggar. With the Atal Tunnel now cutting hours off the old Rohtang route, it has become one of the most spectacular overnight escapes you can plan from the Kullu valley.
How to reach Chandratal from Naggar
From Naggar you drive up the valley to Manali and through the 9 km Atal Tunnel into Lahaul. The road then runs via Gramphu and Batal towards Kunzum Pass; a rough 14 to 15 km track branches off near Batal to the lake. All told it's around 110 km and five hours of driving from Manali, much of it on high, remote mountain road — so this is an overnight trip, not a day trip.
When to go
The route only opens once the snow clears. Kunzum Pass (4,590 m) usually opens in early June and closes by mid-October, and the window from mid-May to October is the realistic season for the lake. September is a local favourite for its clear skies and settled weather.
Where to stay and camping rules
To protect the fragile lake, camping right on the shore is not allowed; designated campsites sit a couple of kilometres away near Batal, and you walk the last stretch to the water. Nights here are bitterly cold and the air is thin, so most travellers spend a night near Batal or in the camps rather than attempting the whole round trip in a day.
Practical tips
- Altitude: at 4,300 m, take it slowly — acclimatise in Manali or Naggar first and watch for signs of altitude sickness.
- Vehicle: the Batal track is unpaved; hire a sturdy taxi or shared cab with an experienced hill driver.
- Fuel and supplies: there are no proper shops past Manali, so carry water, snacks and warm layers.
- Network: expect no mobile signal beyond the tunnel.
A trip to Chandratal works best as the high point of a longer, slower stay in the valley. Base yourself for a few days at Ghar in the Hills, a homestay in Naggar village, to acclimatise gently and plan the drive — then head over the mountains to the moon lake. Book your stay and let Naggar be your calm starting point.