Manali to Chandratal Lake Road Trip
Day inSissuDay inChandratal Camp
Highlights
- The best short Chandratal road trip starting from Delhi with overnight Volvo to Manali and a comfortable night halt in Sissu before heading to the lake
- Scenic drive through the 9 km Atal Tunnel into Lahaul Valley where the entire landscape flips from green to raw brown in minutes
- One night in Sissu at 3,100 metres gives your body time to adjust so the Chandratal push the next day feels natural instead of rushed
Package Options
Duration
Stay
Vehicle Type
Itinerary
Board your overnight Volvo from Delhi in the evening and settle in for the journey to Manali. Rest well on the bus because the real trip starts tomorrow morning when you wake up in the mountains.
Board Overnight Volvo from Delhi
18:00 - 19:00
Delhi ISBT / Pickup Point
Overnight Journey to Manali
19:00 - 07:00
Delhi to Manali (Volvo)
Inclusions
- Overnight Volvo transfers on both legs: Delhi to Manali and Manali to Delhi
- Private AC cab for the full mountain trip from Manali to Manali (Ertiga, Bolero, or similar as per availability)
- 1 night stay in Sissu in a clean, warm hotel or guesthouse
- 1 night camp stay near Chandratal at the designated camping zone with sleeping tent and mess tent
- Breakfast and dinner on all mountain stay nights (MAP plan: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners)
- Experienced local mountain driver who knows the Chandratal route inside out
- Driver allowance, tolls, parking, fuel, and all applicable taxes including GST
- On ground support and basic trip coordination throughout the journey
Exclusions
- Lunch, snacks, tea, and personal expenses throughout the trip
- Meals during the Volvo journey are not included
- Entry fees wherever applicable
- Camera fees or additional activity charges
- Medical expenses or oxygen support if required
- Room heater charges where applicable at the Sissu hotel
- Costs due to weather, road conditions, landslide, or force majeure
- Any extra night stay if the trip extends due to road closure or weather
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions is excluded
Your Trip in a Nutshell
- Duration
- 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Start / End Point
- Delhi
- Stay
- Sissu (1N) • Chandratal Camp (1N) • Overnight Volvo (2N)
- Meals
- Breakfast & Dinner (MAP) on mountain stay nights
- Main Highlight
- Short Chandratal road trip from Delhi with overnight Volvo, Sissu comfort halt, and a lakeside camp night at 4,300 metres
- Best Season
- Mid June to Mid September
- Ideal For
- Couples, friends, working professionals, and anyone in Delhi NCR looking for a quick 5 day Chandratal escape
Know Before You Go
- The overnight Volvo from Delhi takes approximately 12 to 14 hours to reach Manali. Carry a neck pillow, light blanket, and snacks for the bus journey
- A night in Sissu after the Volvo journey gives your body time to recover and adjust to altitude before the Chandratal push the next day
- Camp conditions near Chandratal are basic: sleeping tents, shared toilet facilities, and a mess tent with simple hot meals. The setting at 4,300 metres with an unobstructed sky more than makes up for it
- Mobile network is patchy beyond Sissu (BSNL works in some spots) and completely absent at Chandratal. Inform your family before you leave and carry offline maps
- Carry sufficient cash (Rs 3,000 to 5,000 recommended) as there are no ATMs after Manali on this route
- Carry warm layers even in summer. Sissu nights are cool (8 to 12 degrees) and Chandratal nights drop to near zero even in July
- Wear sturdy shoes for the 1.5 km walk from the parking area to the lake. The path is rocky and uneven
- Stay hydrated throughout. High altitude dehydrates you faster than you think
- If you are travelling from outside Delhi, plan to reach Delhi by evening on Day 1 to board the Volvo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this better than a direct 1 night 2 day Chandratal trip?
Yes, for most travellers. The Sissu halt breaks the journey naturally, lets your body adjust to the altitude, and means you arrive at Chandratal fresher and with more energy to enjoy the lake. A direct push from Manali to Chandratal in one day after an overnight bus is tiring and increases the chance of altitude discomfort.
Who is this trip designed for?
Couples, friends, and small private groups from Delhi NCR who want Chandratal without the full Spiti circuit. If you have a long weekend plus one extra day off, this is the trip to do. It is also a great first high altitude experience for people who have never been above 3,000 metres.
What is the best time for this trip?
Mid June to mid September is the ideal window. The route opens once BRO clears the road to Chandratal, usually by the second or third week of June. July and August can have rain but the camps operate throughout. September offers clearer skies and fewer people.
Is this trip suitable for families with children?
Yes, for families with children above 10 years who are comfortable with overnight bus travel and mountain drives. For families with elderly members or very young children, a longer itinerary with an extra rest day in Manali is usually a better and safer choice.
What are the camp conditions like at Chandratal?
The camp is at the designated camping zone about 2 km from the lake at approximately 4,250 metres. You get a sleeping tent with mattress and blankets and access to a mess tent where simple hot meals are served. Toilet facilities are shared. It is basic but the setting, right next to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Himalayas under one of the clearest night skies in India, is extraordinary.
What if I want a better vehicle and upgraded stays?
Check our Best Chandratal Camping Tour From Manali which covers this same route with an Innova Crysta or similar premium SUV, a better Sissu hotel, and preferred camp allocation near Chandratal.
What if Chandratal is not accessible due to road or weather?
We adjust the plan with the best available alternative and keep you informed in real time. Safety always comes first. No one is taken to Chandratal if the route is not safe on that day.
Can travellers from other cities join this trip?
Yes. You need to reach Delhi by evening on Day 1 to board the Volvo. On the return, you arrive in Delhi by morning on Day 5. We can help arrange connecting flights or trains on request.
What about mobile network and ATMs on this route?
Mobile network is patchy beyond Sissu. BSNL works in some spots but at Chandratal there is zero signal. There are no ATMs after Manali on this route. Carry Rs 3,000 to 5,000 in cash for personal expenses.
How cold does it get at Chandratal even in summer?
Sissu nights are cool at 8 to 12 degrees. Chandratal nights drop to near zero or below even in July and August. Carry thermals, a warm jacket, gloves, and a cap. The camp provides blankets but your own warm layers make a big difference.
Reviews
Real experiences shared by Travel Coffee travellers.
55 traveller reviews
Based on Google reviews.
Guest Moments
Real photos and videos shared by travellers from recent trips.
55 reviews
- owais khanVerifiedviaGoogle
Had an absolutely incredible trip exploring Manali, Solang, Sethan, Khokhsar, Sissu, and Darcha, all the way up to Shinkula Pass and Shinkula Top, thanks to Travel Coffee! A huge shoutout to Preeti Jasyal, who helped us a lot throughout the process. She is an amazing person and went above and beyond to help us create the perfect booking. The entire service was seamless and highly effective, and the hotels she selected for us were absolutely amazing with great comfort and views. Driving through those massive mountain terrains can be daunting, but their flawless coordination made the entire journey stress-free. If you're planning a trip to Leh, Ladakh, Spiti, or any of these mountain regions, Travel Coffee is the way to go!
- Khianush DadabhoyVerifiedviaGoogle
I, being a senior citizen travelled solo with Travel Coffee for Spiti Valley and Chandratal Lake for 8N/9D. It was an amazing trip, well organised with decent hotels. Vanshika from Travel Coffee supported me, took great care of me till the very end. I enjoyed a lot and am looking forward to join any upcoming trips in future
- Moksh GodaniVerifiedviaGoogle
We had an amazing experience on our Spiti Valley trip organised by Travel Coffee. Everything was well organized, from the itinerary and accommodations to transportation. The entire journey was smooth and hassle-free, allowing us to truly enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Spiti. A special thanks to Preeti Jaysal and the team for their constant support before and during the trip. They were always available to help and ensured that everything went as planned. Our driver was experienced, friendly, and made us feel safe on the challenging mountain roads. We made unforgettable memories, visited stunning places, and had an incredible overall experience. I would definitely recommend them to anyone planning a Spiti trip. Thank you for making our journey so special!
- SANJEEV KUMAR SINGHVerifiedviaGoogle
Our Delhi to Kaza round-trip with Travel Coffee was incredible! Huge thanks to Manju ma'am (Manju Mehta) for her flawless management and organization throughout. Special gratitude to our driver, Negi bhai (Prakash Negi), whose expert driving skills kept us completely safe on the challenging Spiti roads. Highly recommend them for a seamless, unforgettable adventure!
- Prabir BhattacharjeeVerifiedviaGoogle
Lovely and nice experience with travel coffee During my recent trip of spiti valley tour, nice arrangements done from their side in every aspect, thanks to travel coffee for arranging such a nice trip
- Shivam GargVerifiedviaGoogle
We did a spiti bike trip with travel coffee this early June. We had a very new experience this time as we travelled with travel coffee for the first time. We booked 7 bikes, a Bolero Camper to travel as backup vehicle …
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