About this Himachal Tour
The moon lake and the beauty of Lahaul
Centred on the mesmerising Chandratal - the crescent-shaped moon lake at 4,300m - this trip weaves through the wide, green Lahaul valley (Sissu, Jispa) and dips into Spiti for the Key Monastery and Kaza, with a magical night camping near the lake.
Fewer days at extreme altitude than a full circuit, with the headline lake and the underrated beauty of Lahaul.
Trip Highlights
A moon lake, green valleys and monasteries
A lakeside night at Chandratal
The green Lahaul valley & Jispa
Snowy Sissu & the Atal Tunnel
The iconic Key Monastery
Kaza & the Spiti river
Stargazing at 4,300m
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Seven days from Manali to Chandratal and back
- Arrive in Manali; rest and acclimatise.
- Trip briefing.
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu.
- Sissu waterfall, then on to Jispa in the Lahaul valley.
- Explore Lahaul's villages and monasteries around Keylong.
- Riverside walks and mountain views.
- Long, scenic drive into Spiti to Kaza.
- Rest and acclimatise in Kaza.
- The iconic Key Monastery and Kibber.
- Optional Langza and Komic.
- Drive over towards Kunzum La to Chandratal.
- Camp near the lake; sunset walk and stargazing.
- Cross Kunzum La and return via the Atal Tunnel to Manali.
- Trip ends.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- All arrival & departure transfers
- 6 nights hotel stay (Lahaul & Spiti)
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- All sightseeing & transfers by private vehicle
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls & parking
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Train/air fare to the start city
- Lunches & personal expenses
- Rohtang permit, adventure & activity charges
- Entry tickets, ropeway & pony rides
- GST as applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to Carry
High-altitude cold-weather essentials
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Altitude: Spiti, Kinnaur and Chandratal sit at 3,000–4,300m. We build in acclimatisation and keep the pace gentle to reduce the risk of mountain sickness (AMS).
Roads & Season: High passes like Kunzum and the Atal Tunnel route are seasonal; the summer Spiti circuit runs roughly June–October, while winter Spiti is a special snow experience.
Connectivity: Mobile network and ATMs are limited beyond Kaza and Reckong Peo. Postpaid SIMs work best; carry enough cash.
Permits: Indian nationals do not need inner-line permits for the main Spiti and Kinnaur circuit; we advise on any local requirements before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
Chandratal (the moon lake) is a crescent-shaped high-altitude lake at about 4,300m on the Spiti-Lahaul border. Its brilliant blue water, surrounding peaks and incredible night skies make it one of the Himalaya's most photographed lakes.
Camping directly at Chandratal is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem. We stay in a fixed camp a short distance away and walk to the lake for sunset, sunrise and stargazing.
Very cold - it can drop near or below freezing even in summer. Our camps provide warm bedding, but bring a heavy layer, cap and gloves for the evening and early morning.
It spends fewer days at extreme altitude and includes the greener Lahaul valley, so it feels a bit gentler, while still reaching Kaza, Key Monastery and Chandratal. It is a great lake-focused alternative.
Lahaul is a wide, green high-altitude valley (Sissu, Jispa, Keylong) with rivers, villages and monasteries, opened up year-round by the Atal Tunnel. It is scenic, peaceful and less touristy than Spiti.
June to September, when the Atal Tunnel side, Kunzum La and the Chandratal road are open. The lake is usually accessible from around mid-June once the snow clears.
We start with a Manali night, ascend gradually through Lahaul, and keep the highest camps for later in the trip. We carry oxygen and first aid and keep the pace relaxed.
Yes - with almost no light pollution at 4,300m, clear nights at Chandratal offer breathtaking views of the Milky Way and countless stars, weather permitting.
