If you're an adventure enthusiast eager to experience untouched mountain beauty, then 'Chandratal' in the Himalayas is nothing less than paradise. Situated at a breathtaking height of approximately 14,100 feet (4,300 meters) in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul Valley, this lake is renowned globally for its ethereal charm.
The name 'Chandra' and 'Tal' translates to 'Moon Lake,' and upon your arrival, you'll understand the careful artistry of nature that crafted it. Its crescent shape flanked by towering peaks creates a natural amphitheater. As stunning as it is enigmatic, this lake beckons travelers to witness its splendor at least once. Let us explore this magical world high in the Himalayas and the trails that lead here...
यह भी पढ़ें: मुफ्त में करें ताजमहल का दीदार, अगले 3 दिनों तक नहीं लगेगा कोई टिकट
The Enchanted Colors and Legends
The lake's greatest magic is its water. The minerals carried by glacial streams play with sunlight to exhibit enchanting hues that leave you awestruck. In the morning, the lake is a light blue, turning to a vibrant turquoise under the midday sun, and by evening, it takes on a deep green shade. It seems as if the lake is not just watching the sky but conversing with it. For scientists, it offers a sensitive ecosystem; for locals, it's a divine realm.
यह भी पढ़ें: 200 साल पहले रातों-रात गायब हो गए थे 84 गांव, आज भी क्यों नहीं बसता कोई इंसान
According to ancient myths, Chandratal is linked to the Mahabharata era, where it is believed that Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, was taken to heaven by Indra from here. Another folklore suggests that the Moon God and a celestial nymph meet here to this day. Perhaps this is why, on full moon nights, the moonlight on the water creates a surreal, otherworldly scene.
How to Reach Chandratal?
Reaching this high-altitude lake is nothing less than an adventure film. There are two main routes. The first route goes through Manali, through the Atal Tunnel and Gramphu to reach Batal. From Batal, it's a 14-kilometer treacherous and rugged path where only 4x4 vehicles can travel.
The second route starts from Kaza (Spiti), crossing the heights of Kunzum Pass to get here. On both paths, you will encounter rocky terrain and icy waterfalls. The last and most challenging part is a 2-kilometer trek on foot, as vehicles are prohibited near the lake. At an altitude of 14,100 feet, the thin air tests your physical endurance, but the breathtaking sight of the expansive blue lake wipes away all your fatigue in an instant as you round the bend.
