2 Days / 1 Night · Moderate

Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek

A high-altitude traverse from Kunzum Pass towards the Moon Lake, trading the Batal road approach for a quieter walk across open Spiti terrain.

Trek overview facts

Trek essentials

Duration2 Days / 1 Night

Group sizePrivate / small group

Best timeJuly to September, only when roads and camps are open

Maximum altitudeAbout 4,590 m

Start pointKunzum Pass

DifficultyModerate

Trek overview

Everything You Need to Know

Walking from Kunzum Pass is the most rewarding short approach to Chandratal, but it starts at very high altitude. Himachal Tourism places Kunzum Pass at about 4,590 metres and describes a roughly two-hour level walk to the lake; actual time can be longer with acclimatisation, wind, route variation and baggage. Camping is normally arranged at designated sites away from the protected lakeshore. Road opening at Kunzum and Batal controls the entire plan, so no fixed departure should be promised before local access is confirmed.

Trek Gallery

Trek Highlights

Begin at the high gateway of Kunzum Pass
Walk across open Spiti terrain
Approach Chandratal without driving to the lake
Stay only at a designated camp away from shore
Plan entirely around official road access

Trail guide

Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek Route and Distance

After acclimatisation in Spiti, drive to Kunzum Pass and follow the locally accepted traverse towards Chandratal. Visit the lake on foot and continue to the designated camp outside the protected shoreline zone. The next day, walk to the agreed pickup point or retrace the route depending on road access.

Choose your dates

Best Time for the Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek

July to September is the usual window. June access can be delayed by snow clearance, while fresh snow may close Kunzum early in autumn. Nights remain cold throughout the season and strong afternoon wind is common. Confirm road, camp and vehicle status immediately before departure.

Day by day

Trek Itinerary

Day 1

Kunzum Pass to Chandratal camp | Drive to the pass after acclimatisation, begin the traverse at a slow pace, visit the lake without entering the water and walk to the designated camp.

Day 2

Morning lake walk and pickup | Revisit only if weather permits, then walk to the agreed road pickup or return route and continue towards Batal or Kaza.

What’s Included

A trek leader familiar with Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek
A route and weather briefing at Kunzum Pass
The camps or simple stays named in the confirmed itinerary
Only meals and local transfers itemised for this 2 Days / 1 Night route
Permits specifically confirmed for the departure

Not Included

Travel to Kunzum Pass unless listed in the quotation
Personal equipment not named in the Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek gear package
Rescue, evacuation, insurance and medical expenses
Food or lodging outside the confirmed 2 Days / 1 Night itinerary
Personal purchases and unlisted services

Stay, Meals and Transport

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Stays & Meals

Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek uses the camps, village rooms or simple mountain accommodation appropriate to its 2 Days / 1 Night route. The final plan must name each halt and meal arrangement because facilities can change by season.

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Transport

The transfer plan for Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek must state how the group reaches Kunzum Pass and where it finishes. Snow, road damage or local controls can move the practical pickup point.

Booking and Cancellation

Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek operates only when its route and weather are considered safe.
The leader may change a camp, shorten a stage or turn back below About 4,590 m.
Insurance should cover trekking at this elevation and emergency evacuation.
Participants must disclose medical conditions relevant to a Moderate trek before confirmation.

Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Trek FAQs

How long is the walk from Kunzum Pass?

Himachal Tourism describes about two hours, but acclimatisation, wind and the exact route can make it longer.

Can I camp beside Chandratal?

Use only designated camps away from the lakeshore and follow current conservation rules.

Is this suitable immediately after reaching Manali?

No. Starting near 4,590 metres without acclimatisation creates avoidable altitude risk.

When does the route open?

Opening varies with snow clearance and road repairs; July to September is the usual broad window.

Can weather cancel the pickup?

Yes. Carry buffer time and confirm the vehicle plan because Kunzum and Batal roads can close suddenly.