Have you ever thought that if you get free time in life, then you can drive a bike or car in the mountains, amidst the clouds, and reach the shores of a mysterious blue water lake, where there is only cold air, open sky, and views? If yes, then the name of your dream is – Chandratal. The journey from Manali to Chandratal Lake in Himachal is no less than a film scene. But the real question is: “What is the distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake?”, how to go, how difficult are the routes, taxi fare, bus or train, where to stay, what to eat and drink, in which season to go – thinking about all this often postpones the trip plan! 

Today, we are going to tell you in detail in very simple language how to travel from Manali to Chandratal, so that you do not just read, but feel yourself sitting on the banks of the lake!

Chandratal Lake: Dreamland

Chandratal – meaning moon-like lake – is a beautiful place located at an altitude of 4,300 meters (about 14,100 feet) in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It’s a blue lake, and the path around it makes you want to get lost in it. Travelers, trekkers, and adventurers from all over the world visit this place at least once a year.

The glacier water of Chandratal, its serenity, and the changing shadows of the surrounding mountains – truly, it seems as if God has painted the most beautiful painting of the Himalayas.

Manali to Chandratal Lake Distance 

Now let’s talk about the biggest question – what is the distance?

The distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake by road is approximately 120-125 km, if you also count the distance from the direct Manali Mall Road to Chandratal Lake.

• The distance from Kullu Manali to Chandratal Lake is approximately 160-165 km.

• The distance from Old Manali to Chandratal Lake is also approximately the same.

This is not a difficult distance, but the road is unpaved, rough, narrow at places, and full of adventure.

When you pass through the Atal Tunnel, Gramphu, Batal, and Kunjum Pass, the road condition gives you the feeling of a real Himalayan tour.

Manali to Chandratal Lake Distance via Atal Tunnel

After the opening of the Atal Tunnel, “Distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake via Atal Tunnel” has become the shortest and most popular route.

• Manali – Solang Valley – Atal Tunnel – Gramphu – Batal – Kunjum Pass – Chandratal

• The journey will take approximately 7 to 9 hours, that too if there is no traffic or bad weather on the way.

• The Atal tunnel has made the journey easier and safer, as you don’t have to go to Sarahan on this route.

Manali to Chandratal Lake Distance via Rohtang Pass or Kunzum Pass

For the old timers, “Distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake via Rohtang Pass” has always been the most preferred route.

• But now, after the Atal tunnel, this route has become very limited, as strict permit requirements and closed roads are common for Rohtang Pass.

• Both routes are available to you only after reaching Gramphu.

• Whatever it is, the adventure of “Distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake by Road” will remain incomplete without the 4,500 m altitude of Kunzum Pass and its sharp turns.

Know The Thrill of Trekking.

If you want to know the “distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake”, the trek to Hampta Pass is one of the best adventure trips in the world – about 4050 km of forest, glaciers, rivers, flower fields, and finally the thrill of a tent pitched on the banks of Chandratal.

• At every turn of this trip, you will get a chance to explore your limits!

All the “How to Reach” options of the trip – The Full Truth

1. Manali to Chandratal Lake by Taxi

• “Taxi Fare from Manali to Chandratal Lake” – During season: Usually ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 (one way), but if you go in a group, it gets split.

• You can also book a taxi from the local taxi union or hire a private driver who has experience with high mountain roads.

• On the way, you will find food and drinks only at Batal and some small dhabas or camping sites.

2. Manali to Chandratal Lake by Bus

• You can reach Batal by boarding government HRTC buses from Manali to Kaza.

• The “Distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake by Bus” is almost the same (122-125 km), but for the last 15 km, you will have to take a shared taxi or walk (many people do this trek for camping there).

3. Manali to Chandratal Lake by Train

• “Distance from Manali to Chandratal Lake by Train” – As there is no railway track in Manali or Spiti Valley, there is no direct rail connectivity.

• The nearest big station is Chandigarh or Kalka – take a bus or taxi from there, come to Manali, and from there proceed by road.

4. Self-Drive, Bike Trip, or Trekking

• It is better if you go in your car or a Royal Enfield bike! The real feeling comes then. But it is better if the vehicle is 4×4.

• Some people also do biking or cycling from Old Manali to Manali Mall Road to Chandratal Lake.

• Hampta Pass Trek for adventure – on foot, with a backpack on heart and shoulders, real adventure is in every breath.

Places to Eat and Stay on The Way

• On the way, Gramphu, Batal, and Kunjum are famous for small dhabas or camping sites nearby.

• Chacha-Chachi ka Dhaba in Batal is no less than a paradise for tea and Maggi – the fun returns instantly.

• The real fun of camping is in tents under the open sky near Chandratal.

• Wow, not the comfort of luxurious hotels, but here the stars are open for you!

Season and Necessary Precautions

• Season: The best time to visit Chandratal is between June to October; the rest of the time, the roads are closed due to harsh winter and snowfall.

• Pack everything – necessary documents, permits, booking, your medicines, trekking gear, first aid, warm clothes.

• Mobile network often goes off after Graphu – download photos and offline music in advance!

• If you face any problem on the hilly path, seek help from a guide or professional immediately.

Trip Planner – Your Go-To Team

If you are planning to go on this adventure, but don’t have time to go through the hassle of planning –

• Our Trip Planner service takes care of your every need:

• Best route, safe driver, complete arrangement of SUV, bike, hotel, and camping

• Experienced guides who help with health, weather, and special trekking routes

• Customized packages for families, couples, solo travelers – everyone

• Arrangements for everything from local food, dhabas, permits, and travel insurance

24×7 Team Support: If you get stuck anywhere, call us – we will help you!

Just tell us the date of the trip and pack your bags; we will plan the rest. See you on the banks of Chandratal!

Practical Travel Tips: Friendly advice

1. Latest Weather Updates: Snowfall and rain can block the way anytime.

2. Be the cameraman: The views are too beautiful to ignore.

3. Go with friends: Groups are ten times more fun.

4. Choose only trusted local guides; don’t bother asking for directions or booking anywhere.

5. Permits/bookings – Get these done well in advance during the peak season of May-June or September-October.

6. Power banks, offline maps, and Ladakhi food – you will get these if you get the chance!

7. Fitness check – This is a high-altitude journey; if the heart and mind are healthy, the fun is doubled!

Also Read: Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari Distance & Travel Guide: Road Trip, Train, and Bus Options Explained

Conclusion

The journey from Manali to Chandratal Lake is not just a 120 km Google map – it is a journey of adventure, thrill, and love for the beauty of nature. The toughness of the trails, the coldness of the tent, the warmth of the campfire, your reflection in the calm waters of the lake – all these combine to create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Make the sweetest decision of your life today – visit Moon Lake in the Himalayas with friends or alone. A trip planner will make your journey easier, but the real destination is in your heart.

Let’s give some freedom to the child in us – and make your dreams come true!

FAQs About The Manali to Chandratal Lake Distance