Chandratal Lake & Lahaul Valley Bike Expedition (5 Days)
Manali - Chandratal - Manali
Tour Overview
If you are a rider looking for a quick adrenaline rush over a weekend, the Chandratal Lake & Lahaul Valley Bike Expedition is made for you. Starting from the beautiful hill station of Manali, this 5-day tour takes you through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel and into the rugged, barren landscapes of the Lahaul Valley.
You will ride along the fierce Chandra River, navigating off-road tracks and water crossings to reach the magnificent Chandratal Lake—the “Moon Lake.” Camping under the clear Himalayan sky with the Milky Way above you is an experience of a lifetime. This short expedition is packed with adventure, raw nature, and the ultimate joy of motorcycle touring.
Tour Highlights
- Ride through the iconic Atal Tunnel into Lahaul Valley.
- Conquer the mighty Kunzum La Pass (14,931 ft).
- Camp overnight at the breathtaking Chandratal Lake.
- Experience thrilling off-road tracks and water crossings at Gramphu.
- Ride along the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.
- Stargazing and bonfire at the high-altitude campsite.
Day-wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Manali & Bike Handover
Arrive in Manali by morning. Meet the road captain for a trip briefing. Complete the bike handover process and gear up. Take a short test ride to get comfortable. In the evening, explore Old Manali or Mall Road. Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Jispa via Atal Tunnel (90 km / 3-4 hours)
After breakfast, we ride towards Atal Tunnel—the longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft. Enter the Lahaul Valley and witness the drastic change in landscape from lush green to barren mountains. Ride along the Bhaga River to reach Jispa. Overnight stay in camps/homestays in Jispa.
Day 3: Jispa to Chandratal via Kunzum Pass (80 km / 4-5 hours)
Today, we ride towards the majestic Kunzum La pass. After seeking blessings at the Kunzum Mata temple, we take a detour towards Chandratal Lake. Ride the bumpy, off-road track to reach the Moon Lake. Spend the evening exploring the lake and stargazing. Overnight camping near Chandratal.
Day 4: Chandratal to Manali (120 km / 5-6 hours)
Wake up to a freezing but beautiful sunrise. After breakfast, ride back towards the main road and take the adventurous route down via Gramphu (known for its water crossings and rugged terrain). Cross the Atal Tunnel again and return to Manali by evening. Farewell dinner with the group. Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 5: Departure from Manali
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Drop your bikes at our Manali office and proceed for your onward journey. The tour officially ends here with a bag full of memories.
What’s Included
- 4 Nights accommodation (Hotels in Manali & Camps at Jispa/Chandratal).
- Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle (411cc/450cc).
- Fuel for the entire journey.
- Daily Breakfast and Dinner.
- Experienced Road Captain and Mechanic.
- Backup vehicle for luggage.
- All required permits for Chandratal and Lahaul Valley.
- Oxygen cylinder and First-aid kit.
What’s Not Included
- Travel to and from Manali.
- Lunch and extra meals.
- Personal riding gear (Jackets, Helmets, Gloves).
- Personal expenses (tips, shopping, alcohol).
- Travel insurance.
- Any cost due to road closures, landslides, or weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for beginner riders?
This tour is rated Moderate. You don't need extreme off-roading skills, but you must be comfortable riding on rough, unpaved roads (especially the stretch from Gramphu to Chatru). If you have basic experience on a motorcycle, you can easily do this with our guidance.
What is the altitude of Chandratal Lake?
Chandratal Lake is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level. Because of the high altitude, it is crucial to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. We keep oxygen cylinders handy just in case.
Are there any facilities available at the Chandratal campsite?
The camps at Chandratal are basic but comfortable. You will get tents with sleeping bags and blankets, and hot meals. There is no mobile network or electricity grid (only solar power for basic lights), which makes it a perfect digital detox.
Do we need permits to visit Chandratal?
Yes, you need a valid permit to visit Chandratal and enter the Lahaul-Spiti region. We take care of all the necessary permits (including the eco-fee) for our riders.
What if the weather is bad and Kunzum Pass is closed?
Kunzum Pass is usually open from mid-June to October. If it closes suddenly due to heavy snowfall or bad weather, our backup plan is to explore alternative routes in Lahaul Valley or return to Manali via the Atal Tunnel. Safety is our top priority.
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