Chandratal Lake

A gentle 15 to 20 minute path from the roadhead to the lake, slightly longer on the way back because of the altitude. Walk slow. Sit at the lake edge for at least 20 minutes. Most people miss this because they rush.

A loose walking trail runs roughly around the lake, often called the parikrama. It is about 3 to 4 km. Doable for most walkers with reasonable fitness, but the altitude slows everyone down. Skip if you are feeling any signs of altitude sickness.

The sunrise is the one people come for, but the late evening light just before the gate closes is actually better on most days. Water turns a deeper shade, the winds usually drop. Bring a proper jacket, it gets cold fast.

One of the clearest night skies in India, thanks to zero light pollution and the altitude. Best window is roughly July to September for the Milky Way. Point a camera on a tripod at the southern sky, 15 to 25 second exposure. Set your alarm for 2 am and brave the cold.

The famous rest stop on the Manali approach, run by Dorje and Hishe for decades. Hot rajma chawal, chai, and basic shelter. Almost every Lahaul Spiti traveller has a photograph here. Worth the stop regardless of meal time.

Kunzum Pass at about 4,590 m is a small high pass with a temple and prayer flags. Usually a quick stop to acclimatise, take a round, and move on. Most drivers do a single parikrama of the temple, a local tradition that is considered auspicious before a Spiti trip.

Camps near the roadhead are simple, with basic tents, heavy blankets, and a kitchen tent that usually serves dal, rice, and chapati. Once you arrive in the afternoon, the best thing you can do is nothing. Lie down, let your body acclimatise, eat light, drink water. You will sleep better.