Which Lake Is Known As The Moon Lake In India, And Why?

High in the rugged silence of the Lahaul and Spiti Valley, where the air grows thin, and the mountains touch the stars, lies a body of water so surreal it feels like a fragment of the cosmos resting on Earth. The Moon Lake is not merely a destination for trekkers; it is a landscape draped in a cloak of ancient whispers and modern-day enigmas. From its crescent-shaped shores to the legendary tales of celestial chariots descending from the heavens, every ripple on its surface tells a story. 

Which Lake Is Called the Moon Lake in India?

The Chandratal Lake is famously known as the Moon Lake in India. It is a stunning high-altitude lake located at an elevation of approximately 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) in the Himalayas.

Why Is Chandratal Lake Known as the Moon Lake?

The lake earned its celestial nickname for two primary reasons:

1. Crescent Shape: The name literally translates to ‘Moon Lake.’ Its shoreline naturally curves into a crescent shape, resembling the moon during its early phases.
   

2. Mythological Connection: According to local folklore, the lake is associated with Chandra, the Moon God. Legends say that Chandra and Bhaga (the son of the Sun God) fell in love and chose to meet at this spot to unite, eventually forming the Chandrabhaga River.

Where Is Chandratal Lake Located?

Chandratal is situated in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It sits on the Samudra Tapu plateau, overlooking the Chandra River. 

Best Time to Visit Chandratal Moon Lake

Due to its extreme altitude, the lake is accessible for only a few months each year:

• Peak Season (June to September): This is the best time to visit. The snow clears, roads become motorable, and the nearby campsites are fully operational.

• Shoulder Season (October): The weather turns freezing, and most camps begin to pack up by mid-month.

• Winter (November to May): The lake is completely inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and the closure of the Rohtang and Kunzum Passes.

ALSO READ- Why Is Udaipur Called The City Of Lakes?

Why Chandratal Lake Is a Must-Visit Destination

• The Colour-Changing Water: One of the most surreal experiences at Chandratal is watching the water change colours. Depending on the position of the sun, the lake shifts from a deep turquoise blue to an emerald green and even a metallic grey at dusk.

• Stargazing Paradise: With virtually zero light pollution, the night sky at Chandratal is a canvas of the Milky Way. It is considered one of the best spots in India for astrophotography.

• Pure Tranquillity: There is no permanent construction, no mobile network, and no electricity. It offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world.

Interesting Facts About Chandratal Moon Lake

• The Mahabharata Link: Local mythology suggests that Chandratal is the spot where Lord Indra’s chariot descended to pick up Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, to take him to heaven in his mortal form.

• The Mystery Source: Surprisingly, there is no visible source of water entering the lake. It is believed that the lake is fed by underground water and glacial melt.

• UFO Sightings: In 2004, a group of ISRO scientists reported a strange, robot-like white object hovering near the lake, leading to several X-Files-style mysteries surrounding the region.

• Ramsar Site: It is a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, supporting rare alpine flora and fauna like the Snow Leopard and Ruddy Shelduck.

Image credits: Freepik

ALSO READ- Top 4 Lakes Near Chandigarh for a Perfect Winter Escape

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.