Are you planning a trip to Chandratal Lake in 5 days from Delhi and wondering how to fit it all in? Well, you have come to the right place. Chandratal, the “Moon Lake” at 14,100 feet in Lahaul-Spiti district, is one of those places that makes you question whether such beauty can actually exist in the real world. I have been there multiple times over the years, and each visit has been equally surreal.
However, let me be honest with you. A 5-day trip to Chandratal from Delhi is absolutely doable, but it requires careful planning. The altitude is serious, the roads beyond Gramphu are among the worst you will encounter in Himachal Pradesh, and AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real concern when you gain this much altitude in a short span. This guide will walk you through a practical day-by-day itinerary, updated for 2026, along with everything you need to know about the route, stay options, costs, and safety.
Last Updated: February 2026. This itinerary accounts for the Atal Tunnel route (opened October 2020), which has significantly changed how travelers reach Chandratal from Manali. You no longer need a Rohtang Pass permit if you take the Atal Tunnel.
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Let's quickly dive into the details:
How Has the Atal Tunnel Changed the Chandratal Route?
If you have been reading older articles about reaching Chandratal, most of them talk about crossing Rohtang Pass. That was the only way until October 2020, when the Atal Tunnel (9.02 km, the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet) opened. This tunnel connects Manali directly to Sissu in Lahaul Valley, completely bypassing Rohtang Pass.
What does this mean for your Chandratal trip? Two big things. First, you save roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of driving time because you skip the hairpin bends and traffic of Rohtang. Second, you do not need a Rohtang Pass permit if you are taking the Atal Tunnel route. The permit is only required if you want to cross Rohtang Pass itself, which some travelers still do for the views. For more details on permits, check my article on Rohtang Pass Permit Online.
The route now is: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Sissu → Gramphu → Chattru → Batal → Chandratal Lake. The total distance from Manali to Chandratal is approximately 140 km, and it takes about 5 to 6 hours one way. Keep in mind, the last 14 km from Batal to Chandratal parking is an extremely rough dirt track. No matter how good the Atal Tunnel is, this last stretch will test your vehicle and your patience.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Chandratal Lake?
Chandratal Lake is accessible only from mid-June to early October. The exact opening and closing dates change every year depending on snowfall. The road from Gramphu to Batal and then to Chandratal is among the first to close and last to fully open in the Spiti-Lahaul belt.
Here is a month-wise breakdown to help you decide. June is tricky because the road may still have snow patches and water crossings can be aggressive. July and August bring monsoon rains, which means landslides on the Gramphu-Batal stretch are common. The road conditions are at their worst during this time, but the lake and surrounding meadows are at their greenest. September is often the best month to visit. The rains have subsided, the skies are clear, the lake reflections are at their finest, and the surrounding landscape turns golden. Early October is possible but risky, as snowfall can arrive without warning and the camps start closing. For a detailed month-by-month breakdown of the entire Spiti region, refer to Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley.
What Is the Day-by-Day Itinerary for Chandratal Lake in 5 Days?
This is the most balanced itinerary for visiting Chandratal Lake from Delhi in 5 days. It keeps daily distances manageable and, more importantly, gives your body time to acclimatize to the altitude. I have seen too many travelers rush to 14,000 feet in a single day from the plains and suffer badly. Hence, this plan builds in acclimatization stops.
Before going on a trip to any high altitude region in the Himalayas, I always urge everyone to read the article on Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization. Please keep in mind that when you are planning the trip from Manali side, you can never fully avoid AMS concerns because you gain altitude very quickly.
Day 1 | Delhi to Manali (Overnight Bus or Self-Drive)
Your journey begins with the overnight haul from Delhi to Manali. If you are taking a Volvo bus, you can book through HPTDC or private operators from ISBT Kashmere Gate. The HPTDC Volvo costs around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per person (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates). The bus typically departs around 5 PM to 6 PM and reaches Manali by 8 AM to 10 AM the next morning.
- If self-driving, the Delhi to Manali distance is approximately 530 km via NH3 and takes 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops
- Reach Manali and check in at your hotel. If possible, stay at Solang Valley area for a head start the next morning
- Explore Manali if time permits: Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Old Manali, Vashisht Hot Water Springs
- Rest well. The next two days will demand your energy
- Overnight at Manali or Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali to Batal via Atal Tunnel (140 km, 5-6 hours)
Start early. This is not optional. Leave Manali by 6 AM if possible. The Atal Tunnel opens at 6 AM for regular traffic (timings may change seasonally). You will drive through the tunnel to Sissu, then continue towards Gramphu, Chattru, and finally Batal. I always suggest starting early on mountain roads because weather deteriorates as the day progresses, and the benefits of starting early cannot be overstated.
- Manali to Sissu via Atal Tunnel: About 32 km, takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Excellent road through the tunnel
- Sissu to Gramphu: About 15 km, decent road along the Chandra River
- Gramphu to Chattru: About 24 km. Road condition varies from fair to bad. Water crossings are common, especially in July-August
- Chattru to Batal: About 24 km. This is where it gets rough. The road is essentially a river bed in many sections. Drive carefully
- You can either stay overnight at Batal (at Chandra Dhaba or the PWD Rest House) or push further to the Chandratal camping zone if you are feeling well acclimatized
- I recommend staying at Batal to give your body an extra night at around 13,000 feet before going higher the next day
- Overnight at Batal
Alternate plan: If you want more acclimatization time, you can break this day into two by staying at Khoksar (just after the Atal Tunnel exit) on Day 2, and then continuing to Batal on Day 3 morning. This adds safety against AMS but means you will need 6 days total.
Day 3 | Batal to Chandratal Lake and Back to Batal (28 km round trip)
This is the day you have been waiting for. Head early morning to Chandratal Lake from Batal. The distance is about 14 km one way, and it takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours because of the dirt track condition. The reason I suggest going early is to catch the lake when it is calm, with mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains. As the day warms up, winds pick up and the reflections disappear.
- The last 2 km from the parking lot to the lake is a walk on foot. Carry water and a light jacket
- Spend time at the lake, explore the surrounding meadows, have lunch
- Camps are located about 1 to 1.5 km from Chandratal Lake at the designated camping zone near the parking lot. Private camping at the lake banks is strictly prohibited
- You can either stay overnight at the camps near Chandratal or head back to Batal (preferred). Staying at Batal saves time and energy for the return journey the next day
- About 1 to 1.5 hours drive each way
- Overnight at Chandratal camps or Batal
Day 4 | Batal/Chandratal to Manali via Atal Tunnel (140 km, 6-7 hours)
Time to head back. Drive from Batal (or the Chandratal camping zone) back to Manali following the same route: Batal → Chattru → Gramphu → Atal Tunnel → Manali. The return drive can take 6 to 7 hours because you will be dealing with oncoming traffic and possibly construction work on the Gramphu-Chattru stretch.
- Start early to avoid getting stuck in afternoon traffic at the tunnel entrance
- The drive back feels longer because the rough road section (Batal to Chattru) is exhausting
- Reach Manali by afternoon or evening. Rest, eat a proper meal, and relax
- If you are in a hurry, you can take the overnight Volvo back to Delhi from Manali the same evening. But honestly, after this road, you deserve a good night’s sleep
- Overnight at Manali
Day 5 | Manali to Delhi (530 km, 12-14 hours)
The final leg. If you are self-driving, you have two route options back to Delhi.
- Route 1 (Standard): Manali → Mandi → Bilaspur → Chandigarh → Delhi. About 530 km, 12 to 14 hours
- Route 2 (Alternate, scenic): Manali → Mandi → Jahu → Bhota → Una → Delhi. About 55 km longer but the road quality is better and you avoid truck traffic on the Bilaspur stretch. Pretty scenic route through lower Himachal
- If taking a bus, HPTDC and private Volvo buses depart Manali for Delhi between 4 PM and 6 PM, arriving Delhi early next morning
- Home sweet home
Day 6 (Buffer): I always recommend keeping a buffer day in case of road closures due to landslides, snowfall, or simply because you want to enjoy the mountains a little more 🙂
What About Traveling to Chandratal from the Kinnaur Side?
If you are coming to Chandratal Lake from the Kinnaur side, there is much less to worry about regarding AMS because your body will already be acclimatized from spending days at altitude in the Spiti Valley. In this article, I am specifically talking about making a trip to Chandratal from the Manali side with limited days at hand.
This plan does not cover a full Spiti Valley circuit. It is limited to a visit to Chandratal Lake only. In case you are interested in making a complete trip to Spiti Valley, then better refer to my article on planning a Spiti trip from Manali side. If you have more time, say 8 to 10 days, combining Chandratal with Kaza, Tabo, Dhankar, and Key Monastery makes for an incredible circuit.
Where Can You Stay at Chandratal Lake and Batal?
Thankfully, there are no concrete buildings near Chandratal Lake. Only a few temporary camps operate during the season at a designated camping site near the parking lot. Here are your options:
Camps Near Chandratal Lake
You can get in touch with Bishan Thakur, Parasol Camps & Retreats at 09418845817 or 09459910098. You can also write to them at parasolcamps@gmail.com. These camps are spacious, have mattresses, quilts, and decent comfort with a dining area and covered washrooms. Nawang can be reached at 09459073908 or 01906-200204. There are a couple of other camps too nowadays. Camping costs range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per night depending on the operator and what is included (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates).
Dorje Uncle’s son Tenzin now also runs camps at Chandratal. You can reach him at Tenzing Camp, +91-8991722020. Else call up the satellite phone and ask Dorje Uncle to do the bookings for his son’s camps.
Stay at Batal
At Batal, you can stay at Chandra Dhaba run by Dorje Uncle. It has a shed-like room for 7-8 people. Workers and the dhaba family itself occupy most of the space where food is served, so if you are lucky, you may get space to sleep there as well. They charge about Rs 150 to Rs 200 per person for a night stay and provide quilts (as of 2025, verify locally). Best is to have your own sleeping bag.
There is also a PWD Rest House at Batal, but it operates without electricity. You can take rooms there and eat at Chandra Dhaba. The satellite phone number at Batal is 08991722020. You can inquire from Dorje Uncle if he can book a PWD Rest House room for you or the igloo-type huts just in front of his dhaba that offer shelter from cold winds at night. For more on booking HP PWD rest houses, check my article on PWD Rest House Booking Process.
How Much Does a 5-Day Chandratal Trip Cost from Delhi?
The cost of your Chandratal trip depends heavily on how you travel. Here is a rough budget breakdown per person, assuming a group of 4 traveling in one vehicle (as of 2025, prices may vary):
| Expense | Budget (Per Person) | Mid-Range (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Manali (Volvo bus round trip) | Rs 2,500 – Rs 3,000 | Rs 3,000 – Rs 4,000 |
| Self-drive fuel (if driving own car, split among 4) | Rs 2,500 – Rs 3,000 | Rs 2,500 – Rs 3,000 |
| Accommodation (3 nights: Manali + Batal + Manali) | Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,500 | Rs 3,000 – Rs 5,000 |
| Chandratal camping (1 night) | Rs 1,000 – Rs 1,500 | Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,500 |
| Food (5 days) | Rs 2,000 – Rs 3,000 | Rs 3,500 – Rs 5,000 |
| Miscellaneous (permits, parking, tips) | Rs 500 – Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,000 – Rs 1,500 |
| Total Per Person | Rs 10,000 – Rs 14,000 | Rs 14,500 – Rs 21,000 |
If you are hiring a taxi from Manali for the Chandratal round trip, expect to pay around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 for a small car (like an Alto or Wagon-R) and Rs 14,000 to Rs 18,000 for an Innova or similar SUV. The rates depend on the number of days and the taxi driver. I always recommend connecting with local drivers directly. You can find verified contacts in my article: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley.
For more ways to cut costs on this trip, read my detailed budget guide: How to Make a Budget Trip to Chandratal Lake.
What Should You Carry for a Chandratal Trip?
Chandratal is at 14,100 feet with no shops, no ATMs, no mobile network (except occasional BSNL at Batal), and no medical facilities. You need to be self-sufficient. Here is a quick checklist:
- Warm layers: Temperatures drop to 0 to 5 degrees Celsius at night even in July. Carry a good down jacket, thermals, and a windproof outer layer
- Sleeping bag: Essential if staying at Batal or camps. Even if quilts are provided, your own sleeping bag is much warmer and hygienic
- Medicines: Diamox (for AMS prevention, consult your doctor), basic painkillers, Disprin, ORS packets, any personal medicines
- Cash: There are no ATMs beyond Manali on this route. Carry enough cash for 3 to 4 days. Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 per person should suffice
- Fuel: No petrol pumps beyond Manali. Fill up completely before leaving Manali. A full tank is usually sufficient for the round trip to Chandratal and back
- Food and water: Carry dry snacks, biscuits, and at least 2 liters of water per person. Dhaba food is available at Batal and Chattru, but options are very limited
- First aid kit and basic tools: Puncture repair kit, tow rope, and basic car tools are a must on this stretch
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV exposure at this altitude is intense
For a comprehensive list, refer to List of Things to Carry on a Trip.
Can You Visit Chandratal Lake in 3-4 Days from Delhi?
At a minimum, you will need at least four days to visit Chandratal Lake from Delhi. Here are the two possible compressed plans:
Plan A (4 Days, Aggressive): Take the overnight Volvo from Delhi to Manali (Day 0 night). On Day 1 morning, drive straight to Chandratal via Atal Tunnel and stay overnight at Batal or the camps. Day 2, explore the lake in the morning and drive back to Manali. Day 3, drive or take a bus back to Delhi. This plan gains altitude very fast and AMS risk is high.
Plan B (4 Days, Slightly Safer): Reach Manali on Day 1 and rest for the day. On Day 2, drive to Chandratal via Atal Tunnel and sleep overnight at Batal or the camps. Day 3, visit the lake early morning, then drive back to Manali and take the overnight Volvo to Delhi. You reach Delhi by Day 4 morning.
If you ask me, I will highly suggest against both these compressed plans for Chandratal. Your body needs time to adjust to 14,000 feet. AMS is not something to take lightly. Still, if you must, I will put my bet on Plan B where you at least get a full day in Manali to rest before climbing to altitude. For a deeper understanding of why rushing altitude is dangerous, read Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization.
What Vehicle Is Best for the Chandratal Route?
This is one of the most common questions I get. Here is the honest assessment:
- SUV or 4×4: Highly recommended. The Batal to Chandratal stretch and the Gramphu to Batal stretch have water crossings, loose gravel, and steep sections. An SUV with good ground clearance handles this comfortably
- Sedan or Hatchback: Doable with caution, but only in dry weather (September is best). In July-August, the water crossings can be deep enough to stall a low-clearance car. I have seen WagonRs and Swifts make it, but not without scraping the undercarriage multiple times
- Motorcycle: Popular choice among bikers. A Royal Enfield or any adventure bike handles this route well. Just be careful at water crossings, the current can be strong
- Tempo Traveler: Possible but tight on the narrow Batal-Chandratal stretch. Not recommended beyond Batal
The condition of the Gramphu to Batal road changes every season and sometimes every week depending on rain and landslides. Keep in mind that after heavy rain, even SUVs can get stuck. For the latest road conditions, check the Spiti – Manali – Kaza Road Status page which I update regularly.
Is There Mobile Network on the Chandratal Route?
Let me set your expectations right. Once you cross the Atal Tunnel and head towards Gramphu, mobile network becomes unreliable. Here is the signal situation:
- Manali to Atal Tunnel: Full network (Jio, Airtel, Vi all work)
- Sissu and Keylong: BSNL works best. Jio has patchy coverage
- Gramphu onwards: Essentially no network. You may get occasional BSNL signal at Chattru
- Batal: No regular mobile network. There is a satellite phone at Chandra Dhaba (08991722020) for emergencies
- Chandratal Lake: Zero mobile network. No signal of any kind
Hence, inform your family about your plans before you lose network at Gramphu. Download offline maps on Google Maps for the Lahaul-Spiti region before you start. This is not a suggestion, it is a necessity.
What Are the Important Safety Tips for Chandratal?
I do not want to scare you, but I want you to be prepared. This is a remote high-altitude destination, and things can go wrong quickly if you are not careful.
- AMS is real at 14,000 feet. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Do not try to “push through” AMS
- Do not drive after dark on the Gramphu-Batal-Chandratal stretch. The road has no markings, no barriers, and a wrong turn can be fatal
- Water crossings are the biggest road hazard. They are calmest in early morning and most aggressive in late afternoon when glacial melt peaks. Cross them early in the day
- Carry enough fuel. There is no petrol pump between Manali and Kaza (the next fuel stop is 200+ km away via Kunzum Pass)
- Weather changes fast. You can have bright sunshine at 10 AM and a snowstorm by 2 PM. Always carry warm layers even if it feels warm when you start
- Do not enter the lake water. Chandratal is a protected wetland. Entering the water, washing clothes, or using soap near the lake is prohibited
- Carry all trash back. This is a fragile ecosystem. Do not leave any garbage behind. For more on responsible camping, read Camping Tips for Spiti Valley
Quick Reference: Distances and Driving Times
| Stretch | Distance (approx) | Driving Time (approx) | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Manali | 530 km | 12-14 hours | Good (NH3) |
| Manali to Sissu (Atal Tunnel) | 32 km | 45 min – 1 hour | Excellent |
| Sissu to Gramphu | 15 km | 20-30 min | Good |
| Gramphu to Chattru | 24 km | 1-1.5 hours | Fair to Bad |
| Chattru to Batal | 24 km | 1.5-2 hours | Bad (river bed sections) |
| Batal to Chandratal Parking | 14 km | 1-1.5 hours | Very Bad (dirt track) |
| Chandratal Parking to Lake | 2 km | 20-30 min walk | Trail on foot |
Related Reading
- Delhi to Chandratal Lake, Complete Travel Guide
- Sopona Lake Trek, A Hidden Gem in Spiti Valley
- How to Make a Budget Trip to Chandratal Lake
- Spiti Valley via Manali, How to Plan Your Journey
- Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley, Month by Month
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Rohtang Pass permit to visit Chandratal Lake in 2026?
No, if you are taking the Atal Tunnel route from Manali, you do not need a Rohtang Pass permit. The permit is only required if you specifically want to drive over Rohtang Pass. Most travelers now use the Atal Tunnel, which is faster and permit-free.
Is Chandratal Lake safe for families with kids?
Chandratal is at 14,100 feet, and the road conditions are rough. Families with young children (under 5 years) should be cautious because kids are more susceptible to AMS. If your children are older (8+) and in good health, it is doable with proper acclimatization. I suggest spending an extra night at a lower altitude (Khoksar or Sissu) before heading to Batal.
Can I drive a sedan to Chandratal Lake?
It is doable in dry weather (September-October) but not recommended during monsoon months (July-August) when water crossings are deep. An SUV with good ground clearance is the safer choice. If driving a sedan, go slow, avoid deep water crossings, and be prepared for undercarriage scraping on the Batal-Chandratal stretch.
Is camping at Chandratal Lake allowed?
Camping directly at the lake banks is strictly prohibited. You can camp at designated camping zones near the Chandratal parking lot, about 1 to 1.5 km from the lake. Several operators run seasonal camps there from June to September with basic amenities. There is no entry fee for Chandratal Lake itself.
What is the best month to visit Chandratal Lake?
September is often the best month. The monsoon has ended, skies are clear, the meadows are golden-green, and the lake reflections are at their best. June and early July are also good, but roads may still have snow patches. August has the worst road conditions due to monsoon rains and landslides.
Is there food available at Chandratal and Batal?
At Batal, Chandra Dhaba (run by Dorje Uncle) serves basic meals like dal-rice, Maggi, and tea. At the Chandratal camping zone, the camp operators serve meals if you are staying with them. Do not expect variety. Carry your own snacks, biscuits, and dry fruits as backup. There are no restaurants or shops at the lake itself.
How far is Chandratal Lake from Manali via Atal Tunnel?
The distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake via the Atal Tunnel is approximately 140 km one way. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on road conditions and the time spent at water crossings. The last 14 km from Batal to the Chandratal parking area is the slowest section.
Can I combine Chandratal with a Spiti Valley trip?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it if you have 8 to 10 days. You can visit Chandratal on the way to or from Kaza via Kunzum Pass. This way, you get to explore Kaza, Key Monastery, Tabo, Dhankar, and Chandratal in one circuit. Check my detailed guide on Spiti Valley Most Common Itinerary for how to plan this extended trip.
Conclusion
I hope this updated itinerary for Chandratal Lake in 5 days from Delhi helps you plan your trip better. The Atal Tunnel has genuinely made this trip more accessible, but do not let that fool you into thinking it is easy. The altitude, the roads beyond Gramphu, and the remoteness of Chandratal demand respect and preparation. Plan well, start early each day, and give your body time to acclimatize. The lake, when you finally reach it, is worth every bit of effort.
Do share your valuable thoughts, questions, or any doubts in the comments section below. If you have done this trip recently and have updated information about road conditions or stay options, please share that too. It helps everyone in the DwD Community plan better trips 🙂 …
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39 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
For a trip to chandratal and rest of the Spiti valley, I called multiple numbers of the drivers given in dow. We are 7 adults. Some of them told me it’s not possible to go with a sumo or scorpio with 7 people and luggage in these roads and I should book a tempo traveller and some told me sumo will be perfectly fine. So wanted some advice.
I do believe that with 7 people and luggage it will surely be tough and should be avoided.
Thanks Dheeraj. We have booked a 12 seater Tempo Traveller for 7 days @35k . Sounds fare or I have been duped ? I have already sent the advance.
It sounds OK to me. Regular taxi costs about 3500 per day, so tempo for 12 is usually 35% more, maybe some 10% here and there. Plus less days costs more on per day basis as you cover the distance. However, just to be on safer you can also double check with a driver named Nittu at these numbers +919418344252, +917018346811, +919736464283. He does have a new tempo traveler too.
Hi, Can Manali to Chandratal lake be done in 1 day,
Like first day reach chandratal lake from Manali, stay a night at the camps and then leave the next day back to Manali
And i’l be travelling with my Mom, just 2 of us.
Can we atleast get to see the lake in terms of walking distance since there is no direct road to the lake from the camps to & back
Manali to Chandratal can be done in one day. The road end is at the walking distance from the lake.
Ohh ok….Like on day 1 can i do Rohtang pass and then to Chandratal lake, spend some time there and then go to Kaza for a 1 night stay and leave next day (day 2 )to Manali from kaza?
I replied to your other question.
Hi Dheeraj, i have read all the articles that you have posted and i really appreciate all the information that you have provided all lf us with !
We, a group of four people are planning to visit Chandrataal in the long weekend of 15th August this year in our MUV (Ecosport)
Can you share some insight on the road conditions during that time window as it’ll be the first time we will be driving on such roads.
We are planning to do
Delhi to Solang on 12th, stay for the night.
Solang to Chandrataal site on the 13th with an overnight stay.
And then 14th- Chandrataal to Manali followed by 15th- Manali to Delhi.
Is it a good itenerary or we shall add another buffer day keeping the weather+road conditions in mind?
Also is it advisable to get the Beyond Rohtang La permit online a month early?
Really appreciate the time and efforts you’ve put to answer everyone’s query!
Youve made travelling alot easier with all these experiences 🙂
Thank you Abhi !! Sorry for delayed reply, been busy with some stuff at the office in last few days. It will be peak monsoons, rivers and water crossings will be in spate. Upto Manali and Rohtang Pass, in case of rains, slush and landslides could be common. So, no silver bullet but it is a matter of taking a risk.
You should have a buffer day in place. You will not get Beyond Rohtang PAss permit before 5 days of your travel, I think they have restricted it to get the permit 5 days before the date of travel. There is no much fuss about that permit, so you should be OK with 5 days in avdance as well.
Hi Abhi,
I visited chandrataal on 17th June weekend. The roads a pretty bad and virtually non existent. the major lot is so tricky that there is hardly place for 1 vehicle to go forget 2 requiring crossing each other. If you have never driven on bad roads, AVOID. Take a cab. Will save ur MUV & urself from over working. There are lots of nallas which makes it further difficult.
I did the mistake of reaching chandrataal around 4 PM and climbing to lake same day. Managed with minor difficulty but spending the night became difficult. Blood oxygen levels went really low. Try consulting a physician on how to overcome that.
However, its a beautiful place. All (senic) beauty and nothing else. Feels amazing. The climb was smooth and risk free.
Hope this helps… All the best
Hello Dheeraj
thanks for the insights. Me and my friends planning to go to Chandartal from Manali on Saturday 30th June 2017. Advice if that would be right time?? and also things we should carry with us. We are planning to stay for one day near Chandartal, hopefully will carry tents and sleeping bag. Kindly advice.
June – mid July is fine to travel to Chandratal lake. You should read: Delhi to Chandratal Lake Spiti Valley – Travel Guide
I am visiting Chandratal lake next week and the post helped me with lots of information. Thanks for sharing!
Best wishes for the trip Isha, feel free to post any further questions you may have for it.
HI DHIRAJ
WE HAVE PLANED A TRIP TO CHANDRATAAL .WE REACH SOLANG VALLEY ON THE 13TH NIGHT .ON THE 14TH WE LEAVE FOR CHANDRATAAL AND SPEND 3 NIGHTS THERE MAY BE AT PARSOL CAMPS OR AS YOU ADVICE .17 & 18 WE HAVE BOOKINGS AT CLUB MAHINDRA MANALI .SO I WANTED TO ASK IF IT’S WORTH STAYING AT CHANDRA TALL LAKE FOR 3 NIGHTS AND IF SO IS THERE ANY TRECKING TO DO THERE .OR SHOULD WE GO TILL KAZA VISIT KEY & KIBBER AND STAY IN CHANDRATAAL FOR 1 DAY . KINDLY ADVICE
If you are looking forward to a very relaxing trip, then, in that case, it should be OK to stay at Chandratal and do the hikes around the lake, maybe even towards Samudri Tapu however with high altitude there could be a struggle. Regarding going to Kaza, I will suggest that on 14 you directly go to Kaza, 15 spend day at Kaza and explore Langza, Hikkim, Komic and then on 16 you reach Chandratal from Kaza, stay overnight and next noon start for Manali to reach by evening.
Hi, we are a group of 6 persons looking for a stay at the camping site near chandratal , what will be the cost of tents at the camping sites.
Thank you
Please read stay options section of the article: Delhi to Chandratal Lake Spiti Valley – Travel Guide
hi dheeraj,
i need the working number of batal.
08991722020 is no longer in service and we’re planning a trip to chandrataal in the end of June.
without that number, I’ll not be able to make a booking of camp as parasol camp is very very expensive.
and without booking, i may not get a permit in manali
please correct me if i am wrong
Lavish, no booking required from this year. You just to provide the required information to get the permit to travel beyond Rohtang Pass. Just ensure that you travel to Khoksar to make the entry to checkpost and then come back to Gramphu and travel to Chandratal or Spiti.
Thank you so much Dheeraj, that is really helpful.
We’re planning to book camps and Batal stay there impromptu(not booking earlier) – I hope that is not a problem.
Really appreciate you going the extra mile 🙂
Yes Lavish, that is correct. No pre-booking required bro to get the permit for Rohtang Pass from this year !! 🙂 🙂
hello dhiraj. we are total a group of 25 ppl and planning for chandratal lake we are reaching Ambala on 13th july morning. from there how can we plan the dayz ? how many dayz should we plan for stay at chandratal ? we have 8 kids age 10 to 14 is is ok for them ?we are planning to take 2 bykes from manali is it ok ? we have return train tickits from chandighar on 20th morning 10 am.
Hi Chirag,
Kids of such age are OK to be taken as they can convey the inconvenience. You should refer the itinerary mentioned in the article above for planning the trip. If you guys have experience in riding the bike in such a terrain, it is OK to take it else avoid. Also, please note it is an adventure destination not a family or leisure vacation spot. You will go through some hassles and family, in particular, will not like the roads and bumpy ride. Since, it is a very large group, people might be prone to AMS in the group.
Hi,
We are planning to reach losar on 24th May 2017 from Shimla. Is that possible? Will the road open that time?
Regards
Ajay
Road from Shimla side will be open but not from Manali side.
Hi dheeraj,
A group of friends (6-8people) are planning to visit chandratal around 12-13th June.
We will reach Manali on 10th, acclimatise at solang valley on 11th, and head out towards chandratal on 12th early morning.
We plan to keep a day in hand if anyone needs further acclimatising at battal.
We plan to camp overnight at Chandratal and come back to Manali the next day.
(How should we go about the Rohtang pass permit, as we plan to only do chandratal lake and back)
Also, what mode of transportation would you advise us to take (if at all roads are open by then)
Thanks in advance
Ashish
Manali does not help in acclimatization, so it is better to stay at Solang and Khoksar or Solang and Battal. You will have to take the permit for Rohtang Pass as you will be crossing it. In case you are hiring a taxi, then taxi guy will arrange the permit.
I will advise you to hire the local taxi in Manali.
Hi Dheeraj,
Any way to reach Chandrataal if we are travelling to Spiti via the Shimla route in Mid-May?
TIA
No Aaditya, you cannot travel to Chandratal in the month of May.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a short trip to Chandrataal lake first week of June. I heard that roads are open. However is it a good time to do this trip ? Secondly can we camp there..I mean can we bring our own tents and camp. Or it is not allowed. If not then what’s the other option to stay overnight out there. We will take bullets on rent from Manali and go.
A little help will be appreciated 🙂
Whosoever told you that roads are open gave you the wrong information. The road from Manali to Kaza is not expected to open before mid of June at least as per last reports. Camping is only allowed 1.5 KMs from the lake at designated camping sites.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj for that update. Yeah i meant that only that the roads will be open by 1st week of June or so. I called up parasol camps and had a word with Bishan thakur… he told me that the roads will open by 1st week.
Lukesh, please follow the thread for updates: Manali – Kunzum Pass – Spiti Valley Road Status
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning spiti valley tour in Mid October. Is there any Tents camps available at Chandartaal in MID Oct ? or any other staying option near Chandartaal
It could be quite cold Sarin at that time of the year. Most of the camps wind up but since weather has changed a lot, keep a check with Parasol guys who wind up in the last. But, beware that it will be quite cold with winds at Chandratal in October mid.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to visit Chandratal from Manali via Rohtang during mid May (17th-18th May to be precise)?
Thanks
No, traveling to Chandratal lake is not feasible in the month of May.