Perched at 4,270 metres (14,220 ft) in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, Chandratal Lake, the crescent-shaped "Moon Lake", is one of India's most breathtaking high-altitude wetlands. Its turquoise-to-gold colour shifts, and its location on the classic Spiti Valley circuit have made it a bucket-list destination for trekkers, campers, and road-trippers alike.
But that same popularity has a cost. Rising footfall each tourist season (mid-June to early October) has led to plastic waste, food wrappers, and litter accumulating along the lake's fragile shoreline and camping zones, threatening the flora, fauna, and pristine water quality that make Chandratal special in the first place.
The Chandrataal Cleaning Program 2026 is a call to action: a community and volunteer-driven cleanliness drive aimed at restoring and preserving this Himalayan gem for future generations. 🌿
The Chandrataal Cleaning Program brings together local villagers, trekking communities, tour operators, environmental NGOs, and travellers to:
Remove plastic and non-biodegradable waste from the lake periphery, parikrama (circumambulation) trail, and nearby camping sites
Reinforce Chandratal's existing no-plastic, no-camping-by-the-lake rules enforced by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department
Spread awareness about responsible, low-impact travel in the Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary
Support waste segregation and safe disposal systems at base camps like Batal and Kunzum Pass
Educate visitors on sustainable trekking and camping practices in fragile high-altitude ecosystems
📅 When: 26 September 2026 (27,28 September) 📍 Where: Chandratal Lake, Spiti Valley, Lahaul & Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh 🤝 Organised by: Wander Yak, Spiti Tours and NYDA Camps 📝 Reporting Date: 26th September at NYDA Camps, Batal
Chandratal isn't just scenic; it's ecologically significant:
It sits within the Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area under India's wildlife laws
It is a source lake of the Chandra River, feeding into the larger Chenab basin
Camping directly beside the lake has already been banned by the forest department, with designated campsites now located a few kilometres away
Because the lake is frozen and inaccessible for nearly eight months a year, its brief summer window sees concentrated tourist pressure making organised cleanup and waste management critical every season.
Every plastic wrapper left behind at 14,000 feet takes decades to decompose in the cold, dry Himalayan climate, far longer than in lower-altitude regions. Initiatives like the Chandrataal Cleaning Program 2026 aren't just about picking up trash; they represent a shift toward sustainable, community-led conservation in one of India's most delicate high-altitude ecosystems.
By joining or supporting this program, travellers don't just visit Chandratal; they help protect it, ensuring the Moon Lake continues to enchant visitors for generations to come.
What's Included:
Accommodation at NYDA Camps by Wander Yak (Batal)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cleaning Equipment (Gloves, Garbage Bags, etc.)
Local Coordination & Support
Volunteer Certificate of Participation
Important Note:
If you are travelling from Manali, you will need to reach our campsite on your own.
Our campsite is located in Batal under the name NYDA Camps by Wander Yak.
Please plan your journey accordingly, as transportation from Manali to our campsite is not included.
You can reach Batal by:
Your own vehicle (car or motorcycle).
The HRTC bus operating on the Manali–Kaza and Kaza-Manali route. You can get off at Batal and walk a short distance to our campsite.
Once your registration is confirmed, we'll share the exact campsite location, directions, and reporting time.
Let's work together to keep Chandrataal clean and protect this fragile Himalayan ecosystem for future generations. 🌿🏔️
Please fill out this form carefully. We will contact selected participants with further details.
Manali
Kerala
Kashmir
Spiti Valley
Dharamshala
Shimla
Ladakh
Bir Billing
Dalhousie
Kasol
Tirthan & Jibhi
Meghalaya
Tawang
Uttrakhand
Sikkim
Bhutan