
CHANDERTAL LAKE LAHAUL AND SPITI
Chandertal :-
- Chandertal is one of the high-altitudewetlands located in the cold desert of Lahaul &
Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The wetland is situated in the Chandertal Wildlife
Sanctuary. The total area of the sanctuary is 38.56 sq.km (3856 ha) and the Protected
Area is 61.50 sq.km.(6150 ha) with Eco Sensitive Zone. Chandertal catchment is an
area of meadows, rugged rocks, snow and scree. The area falls in the rain-shadow
region of Himalayas. The monsoon hardly penetrates and reaches the valley in the
form of misty drizzles. Precipitation occurs in the form of snow fall and mercury dips
down to-40°C during winter season. Chandertal area is covered by glacial type of soil
which is not fully matured. The catchment area of this wetland is formed by the
Kunzam range which is covered with snow for most part of the year. This area is free
from any human activity in the immediate vicinity. Approximately 65% of the
catchment area is a degraded land due to glacial action, remaining 35% of the area
has seasonal grazing. In the view of unique features andecological importance of the
Chandertal Wetland, it has been
declared as a RAMSAR site in
2005.
Location: Lahaul & Spiti
Area: 49.1747 ha
Elevation: 4285 m
Latitude: 32°28’57.49” N
Longitude: 77°36’56.67” E
Source of Water: Glacial Melt
&Snowfall
Values & benefits: Tourism,
Cultural and Religious.
Threats: Soil Erosion, Increase
in solid waste & tourist influx
Flora and Fauna:
Plant species: Potentila, Ranunculus, Acquilegia, Rosuilagia, Primula etc.
Animal species: Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Himalayan Wolf, Ibex, Blue Sheep etc.
Birds Species: Snowcock, Chukar, Black-winged Stilt, Brahminy Duck, Kestrel,
Golden Eagle, Chough, etc.
To reach Chandertal from Himalayan Calling, you can follow these steps:
1. *Route Planning:*
Plan your route from where you are in relation to Himalayan Calling. Identify the nearest major town or city as your starting point.
- Chandigarh to Shimla
- Shimla to Kalpa / Chitkul
- Kalpa / Chitkul to Tabo/ Nako
- Tabo / Nako to Kaza
- Kaza to Chandertal
- Chandertal to Manali
- Manali to Chandigarh .
2. *Transportation:*
Decide on the mode of transportation. You can rent a bike or a car from The Himalayan Calling in a single call . You can either hire a private vehicle, such as a car or a taxi, or use public transport like buses or shared jeeps for more information contact us 8261831595.
3. *Travel Time:*
Consider the travel time required to reach Chandertal from your starting point. It may take several hours depending on the distance and road conditions.
4. *Road Conditions:*
Check the road conditions beforehand, especially if you’re driving. Some routes may have rough terrains or require a 4×4 vehicle.
5. *Permits:*
If necessary, obtain any permits required for travel to Chandertal. Certain areas in Himachal Pradesh may require permits for tourists.
Note :- If you are coming from any country then you need to take a permit because it is necessary for the people coming from foreign countries to have a permit for Spiti Valley.
6. *Accommodation:*
Plan for accommodation near Chandertal if you intend to stay overnight. There are campsites and guesthouses available in the area.
7. *Weather:*
Check the weather forecast for Chandertal and surrounding areas. Weather conditions can impact your travel experience, especially in mountainous regions.
8. *Local Guidance:*
Consider hiring a local guide or consulting with locals for updated information on the route and any specific considerations for your journey.
Short note on Chandertal :-
Chandertal, also known as Moon Lake, is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s a popular destination among adventure enthusiasts, especially for bike riding enthusiasts.
Riding a bike to Chandertal offers a thrilling and scenic experience. The route to Chandertal is known for its challenging yet breathtaking roads, with spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains, lush valleys, and rugged terrain.
Bikers often start their journey from Manali or Keylong, passing through picturesque villages like Jispa and Sissu, and then continue towards Chandertal. The road to Chandertal includes stretches of gravel, rocky paths, and sometimes narrow trails, making it suitable for experienced riders who are comfortable with varying road conditions.
Along the way, bikers can enjoy panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, pristine rivers, and alpine meadows. The journey culminates at Chandertal, where the serene lake surrounded by towering peaks creates a mesmerizing backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
It’s essential for bikers to be well-prepared with appropriate gear, including protective clothing, helmets, and tools for bike maintenance. Additionally, checking weather conditions, road closures, and carrying sufficient supplies is crucial for a safe and enjoyable biking experience to Chandertal.