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This
is a beautiful glacial lake located at the source of the Chandra River in
the La haul Valley of
Himachal Pradesh. The towering main Himalaya hems the
northern periphery of the Chandratal Lake. This lake is fed by melt-waters
from the Chandra glacier. The lake is situated at an altitude of 15,500 ft
above sea level.
The Chandra Tal Lake lies in a large depression formed by the glacier.
The Chandra Tal -- "the lake of the moon" -- is an apt name as
it lies in a broad turquoise crescent along the flank of the Great
Himalayan range. The high peaks of the Chandrabhaga and Mulkila massifs
surround it.
THE LEGEND OF CHANDRA TAL LAKE
This glacial lake was probably formed at the end of the last ice age.
When the glaciers retreated, they left behind large "dead" ice
masses, which on melting, formed the lake.
According to some believers, this is the spot from where the god Indra's
Chariot took the eldest 'Pandava' brother, 'Yudhistra' to 'Swarga', heaven
in his mortal form.
Alpine vegetation grows on the surrounding moraines in summer. This lake
freezes during the winter season. Its waters are crystal clear. A number
of temples stand along the periphery of the lake.
To the north lies a plain of fairly good grass. This little "oasis",
sheltered from the bitter winds, is a favorite halting place for
shepherds, who bring up large herds from
Kangra and
Kulu .