Menu

Manali to Chandratal

The Manali-Leh highway via Atal Tunnel is open for all vehicles, and the onward motorcycle expedition from Manali to Chandratal Lake via Kunzum Pass is now feasible for the season. Kunzum Pass and the route beyond Gramphu, including tracks from Gramphu to Batal, have reopened after snow clearance operations. Chandratal Lake is accessible as of late May/early June 2026. This 3-day journey is now possible, but a free e-permit from eaagman.hp.gov.in and an entry fee (₹150 for Indian nationals, ₹500 for foreign nationals) are required for Chandratal Lake, and camping is restricted to designated sites 2-3 km away from the lake. Travelers should be aware that August is the peak monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh, with active IMD orange and yellow alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in various districts, including Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul-Spiti, from August 14-22, 2026. This significantly increases the risk of landslides, flash floods, water crossings, and temporary road blockages, especially on the Manali-Kullu approach and the Gramphu-Batal stretch. Road conditions can change rapidly, and delays are highly probable. An ISRO study has also warned of a potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Lahaul-Spiti, with early warning systems being installed.

Verified
Route
Verified · 17 Aug 2026 · Active
SSankhadeep Paul
Roads: RoughAdvanced Only

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Manali → Chandratal Camps

6:00 AMStart from Manali

The Manali to Chandratal route via Kunzum Pass is now open for the season. A free e-permit from eaagman.hp.gov.in and an entry fee are required for Chandratal Lake. Be prepared for active monsoon conditions, including potential heavy rain, landslides, and temporary road blockages, especially on the Manali-Kullu approach. Check local road status updates before departing.

0 km

7:30 AMAtal Tunnel & Gramphu

Cross the 9km Atal Tunnel. Stop for photos at the North Portal. The Manali-Leh highway to Gramphu is open for all vehicles, including bikes. At Gramphu, the right diversion onto the dirt track towards Spiti and Chandratal is now open.

35 km

10:00 AMChatru - Tea Break

The road to Chatru and beyond is open. Expect rough and slippery conditions. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are highly probable in Himachal Pradesh, increasing the risk of delays.

52 km

⚠️ Rough roads begin here; ride standing up on pegs. Be extremely cautious of water crossings, loose debris, and potential landslides due to active monsoon.

1:00 PMBatal - Lunch at Chacha Chachi Dhaba

The road to Batal is open, but expect challenging conditions with water crossings and rough patches. A free e-permit from eaagman.hp.gov.in and an entry fee are required for Chandratal Lake.

85 km

4:00 PMArrive at Chandratal Camps

Chandratal Lake is accessible. A free e-permit from eaagman.hp.gov.in and an entry fee (₹150 for Indian nationals, ₹500 for foreign nationals) are mandatory. Camping is not permitted at the lake itself; designated campsites are 2-3 km away and are operational.

110 km

⚠️ High altitude (4250m) - stay hydrated to avoid AMS
Day 2: Chandratal Lake & Exploration

6:00 AMSunrise at Chandratal

Chandratal Lake is accessible. Remember that camping is not allowed at the lake itself, only at designated sites 2-3 km away.

3 km

10:00 AMLake Circumambulation (Parikrama)

Chandratal Lake is accessible. A free e-permit and entry fee are required.

3 km

2:00 PMReturn to Camp / Leisure

Return to designated camps near Chandratal Lake. Camping at the lake itself is banned.

6 km

1 more day locked

Day 3 · Chandratal → Manali

110 km · 6-7 hours · 4 timed stops

✓ Verified 10 days ago by a partner rider

7:00 AMDepart for Manali0 km

The return journey from Chandratal to Manali is now possible as the route is open. Be prepared for active monsoon conditions, including potential heavy rain, landslides, and temporary road blockages, especially on the Gramphu-Manali stretch. Check local road status updates before departing.

+ 3 more stops in this day

  • Remaining itinerary1 day · 4 stops
  • Per-day cost breakdownfuel ₹700 +
  • Packing list for this route39 items
  • Offline PDF + navigationincluded

30 days · every trip · no auto-renew · refund policy

💰 Cost Breakdown

Estimated Total₹4,200 - ₹10,200
🔒

Per-day cost breakdown locked.
Unlock to see fuel, stay, food, and activity estimates.

📋 Packing Checklist

🎒

39-item route-specific packing list locked.
Tuned for this route's terrain, weather, and altitude.