Chandra Tall means “Lake of the Moon” is located in the middle of Spiti’s wilderness at the elevation of 14100 feet (4300 meters) is a crystal clear glacial lake and is a photographers delight. The legend is that this is the location from where the rain God “Indra’s” chariot took Yudhishthira (eldest of the Pandava’s from Mahabharata) to heaven. It is a very rough and tiring 1¼ hours drive from Batal. About 3 kms before the parking there are camping grounds with many tented accommodations available for the travelers. From the parking it is about 1 Km walk to the lake but when to get the first sight of the lake one forgets all the tiredness and you get spellbound by the tranquility of the lake. The air is cold windy Buddhist prayer flags fluttering around and there is a mysterious energy radiating around the place. It is Mother Nature at it’s best and one should enjoy and immerse in these beautiful surroundings.
It is believed that during old times the lake used to be a resting spot for the traders plying on the Tibet– India route. The lake is surrounded by the Chandra Baga mountain range. As per the Hindu mythology if was at this place that God Indra took Yudhistra, the eldest Pandava brother, to heaven in his chariot. The lake and surrounds are a trekkers delight and there is a famous Baltal – Chardra Taal – Barachala Pass trek. Best time to visit the lake is from June to September.
