A taxi from Manali to Chandratal covers about 125 km and usually takes about 6 to 7 hours. Quoted before booking. The last 12 km are a rough track, so we advise an SUV.
Manali to Chandratal at a glance
| Route | Manali to Chandratal, via the Atal Tunnel, Gramphu and Batal |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 125 km |
| Drive time | about 6 to 7 hours |
| Road | Mountain road, then a 12 km rough dirt track from Batal with water crossings |
| Fare | Quoted before booking |
| Vehicles | Sedan (4 seats, 2 bags), SUV or MUV (6 seats, 4 bags) and Tempo Traveller (12 seats) |
| Pickup | Your hotel, homestay or any address in Manali |
What the drive is like
From Manali, the road goes through the Atal Tunnel to Gramphu and turns off the Kaza road at Batal. The last 12 km to the Chandratal parking area are a dirt track with rocks and water crossings. From the parking area you walk about 1.5 to 2 km to the lake.
It is a very long day trip, so many guests book it as part of a Spiti trip or stay overnight at a campsite near the parking area. Camping on the lake shore is banned. Only the designated campsite a few kilometres before the lake is allowed.
Good stops between Manali and Chandratal
- Chandratal Lake – at about 4,270 m, famous for its colour changes
- Chandratal parking area – start of the short walk to the lake
- Batal – the turn-off for Chandratal
- Gramphu – junction for the Kaza and Keylong roads
- Atal Tunnel – the shortcut into Lahaul
Fare and what is included
There is no standard fare for Chandratal. The price depends on the vehicle, whether you go for a day or stay overnight, and the road condition on the date. Send us your date, group size and luggage on WhatsApp and we reply with a fixed fare before you book.
Vehicle choices: Sedan (4 seats, 2 bags), SUV or MUV (6 seats, 4 bags) and Tempo Traveller (12 seats). Local sightseeing in Manali with the same driver can be added on request.
Best time and road conditions
Chandratal is open only for a short season, from about mid-June to early October. The road is closed by snow for the rest of the year, so a trip in mid-October or later is usually not possible. Plan for June to September and check with us before you travel, because road and stream conditions change quickly in the high hills.
Manali to Chandratal Taxi: common questions
How far is Manali from Chandratal by road?
About 125 km by the usual route (via the Atal Tunnel, Gramphu and Batal). The exact distance changes a little with the road your driver takes on the day.
How long does the Manali to Chandratal taxi ride take?
Plan for about 6 to 7 hours. Traffic, weather, road work and meal stops can add time, so do not book a tight train, flight or hotel check-in without a buffer.
How much does a Manali to Chandratal taxi cost?
There is no standard fare. It depends on the vehicle, the day trip or camp stay, and the road condition. Message us and we quote a fixed fare.
Can I drive all the way to the lake?
No. Vehicles stop at the parking area, and you walk about 1.5 to 2 km to the lake. Camping is not allowed on the lake shore.
Is a sedan fine for Chandratal?
We advise an SUV or MUV. The 12 km track from Batal has rocks and stream crossings that are hard on a sedan.
Can I book the Manali to Chandratal taxi on WhatsApp?
Yes. Message +91 70307 30001 on WhatsApp with your pickup point, date, number of passengers and luggage. We reply with the vehicle options and a fixed fare.
Book your Manali to Chandratal taxi
Call +91 70307 30001 or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us your pickup point, date, group size and luggage. You can also use the Request a quote button on this page. Details on this page were last checked on 12 October 2026. Road and permit rules in the hills change, so we confirm the latest position with you when you book.