About this location
Chandertal — the "Moon Lake" — sits above 4,300m in Spiti's high desert, its turquoise water framed by bare scree ridges. Wildlife here is sparse compared to lower wetlands, but passage flocks of bar-headed geese and the sheer, otherworldly setting make it a memorable high-altitude stop.
Species You Can Photograph in Chandertal Wetland
Best season guide
Peak photography conditions typically align with Jun–Sep. Add buffer days for weather and park closures.
JanOff-season
FebOff-season
MarOff-season
AprOff-season
MayGood
JunExcellent
JulExcellent
AugExcellent
SepExcellent
OctGood
NovOff-season
DecOff-season
How to Reach
- Nearest airport
- Bhuntar (Kullu–Manali) Airport (~165 km)
- Nearest railway station
- None nearby — Chandigarh (~430 km) is the nearest major railhead
By Air
Bhuntar (Kullu–Manali) Airport is the nearest airport, about 165 km away. Continue by taxi or pre-booked cab.
By Rail
There is no railway in Lahaul-Spiti. Chandigarh is the nearest major railhead, followed by a long road journey via Manali.
By Road
From Manali, cross the Atal Tunnel and follow the Gramphu–Batal road to the Chandratal turn-off — roughly 115 km of rough mountain road, open only from about June to October. The final stretch to the lake is a short walk from the parking/camp area.
Expert Wildlife Creators in Chandertal Wetland
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Available trips
No listed trips here yet
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Recent Wildlife Sightings
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Photography tips for Chandertal Wetland
Reached by trek or a rough access road (open only in summer months) as part of a wider Spiti itinerary; camping is regulated and permits are required — check current access rules before travelling.
Conservation: A Ramsar site protecting one of the highest-altitude wetlands on the Spiti circuit, with camping restrictions in place to limit shoreline degradation.
More in Himachal Pradesh
- Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
- Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Daranghati Sanctuary
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Inderkilla National Park
- Khirganga National Park
- Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Majathal Sanctuary
- Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pin Valley National Park
- Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
- Renuka Wetland
- Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Simbalbara National Park
- Spiti Valley
- Talra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary
Species guides