| Chandra Taal | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Chandra Taal | |
| Location | Western Himalaya,Lahaul Valley,Himachal Pradesh |
| Coordinates | 32°28′31″N77°37′01″E / 32.47518°N 77.61706°E /32.47518; 77.61706 |
| Type | Sweet Water Lake |
| Basin countries | India |
| Max. length | 1.76 km (1.09 mi)[1] |
| Max. width | 0.41 km (0.25 mi)[1] |
| Surface area | 0.488 km2 (0.188 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 23.9 ft (7.3 m) |
| Max. depth | 139.4 ft (42.5 m) |
| Water volume | 886.85 acres (358.90 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 4,250 m (13,940 ft) |
| Frozen | December-March |
| Islands | 1 |
| Official name | Chandertal Wetland |
| Designated | 8 November 2005 |
| Reference no. | 1569[2] |
Chandra Taal (lit. 'moon lake') is a lake in the upper Chandra valley of theLahul and Spiti district ofHimachal Pradesh,India.[1]Chandra Taal is near the source of theChandra River. Despite the rugged and inhospitable surroundings, it is in a protected niche with some flowers and wildlife in summer. It is a favourite spot for tourists and high-altitude trekkers. It is usually associated withSpiti, although geographically it lies in the watershed of the Chandra River of Lahaul.Kunzum La separatesLahaul and Spiti valleys. It's surrounded by theChandratal Wildlife Sanctuary.
Chandra Taal Lake is on theSamudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks the Chandra River (a source river of theChenab). The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. It is at an altitude of about 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) in theHimalayas.[1] Mountains ofscree overlook the lake on one side, and acirque encloses it on the other.
Chandra Taal is a tourist destination for trekkers and campers. The lake is accessible by road from Batal and by road as well as on foot fromKunzum Pass from late May to early October. The road to Chandra Taal branches off fromNH-505 about 2.9 kilometres (1.8 mi) from Batal and 8 km (5.0 mi) from Kunzum Pass.[4] This 12 km (7.5 mi) motor road runs as far as a parking lot 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the lake. One has to travel on foot for the final 1 km (0.62 mi). It takes approximately two hours from Kunzum Pass to Chandra Taal. Chandra Taal is also accessible fromSuraj Tal, 30 km (19 mi) away.
There are vast meadows on the banks of the lake. During springtime, these meadows are carpeted with hundreds of varieties of wild flowers.[5] In 1871, Harcourt, Assistant Commissioner of Kullu, reported that there was a plain of good grass to the north of Chadra Taal, where shepherds brought large herds for grazing fromKullu andKangra.[6] Due to overgrazing, the grasslands are now degraded.[2]
Chandra Taal is home to a few species such as theSnow Leopard,Snow Cock, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt,Kestrel,Golden Eagle, Chough,Red Fox,Himalayan Ibex, andBlue Sheep. Over time, these species have adapted to the cold arid climate, intense radiation, and oxygen deficiency by developing special physiological features. Migratory species such as theRuddy shelduck are found in summer.[7]
The lake is one of two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated asRamsar sites. Tourism seems to be having its effect on this pristine hidden paradise.[2]
