Of all my wanderings in the mountains, the one location which comes to mind the most is Chandratal - The Moon Lake. Before anyone thinks I’m a hopeless romantic, I’d like to stress that I am quite a practical person most of the time.
I don’t know what it is that draws me here repeatedly, but there is something about this lake that is irresistable. Locals insist that a world of Gods lies at its bottom, and you can sometimes see it if you are a really pure soul. Maybe it is so, or maybe, the powerful aura of the place gives birth to such fantasies.
There is a legend about the origin of the Chandratal and Surajtal lakes as a result of eternal love between the son of the Sun and the daughter of the moon and their quest to meet, that is an apt description of the celestial presence the lake evokes.
I can speak for myself and what I feel when I’m there. At Chandratal, I’m at peace from the world. Not the most demanding clients or worries from back home can hurt me here. I feel protected by the energy of the place. It is a very beautiful location as mountain lakes go. A medium sized lake you can walk around within an hour. The crystal clear water is of course because it is fed from an underground stream in its bed. No pollution, no contaminants. Germs hardly survive here. All drinking water overflowing in a steady stream giving birth to the mighty Chandra River. All around are mighty peaks of the Chandrabhaga range and some of the most challenging climbs to be found in this region. Shimmering in their snow cover and glaciers in the warmth of sunlight striking camp in the morning.
A mug of tea in hand, it is time to watch the shepherds on the other side sending their flock out to graze in the day. Distant bleats echo each other, and a new day is begun.
This is my best experience for an ideal morning, and each time, it feels new. Still, many other places have such charm - why Chandratal.
It is difficult to put in words. The place has a tangible feeling of wholesomeness, healing and there seems to be magic in the air. People are at their best, awed into respect by the very place itself. The lake offers quiet companionship, and it is rare to hear loud voices.
The lake gets deep quite quickly from the shore, yet it is fascinating to see the shore extend for a long way before the distance blurs the details. the hypnotic and rythmic distortion from the waves makes one aware that the water is actually there.
Afternoons are a good time to visit the neighbouring nomadic shepherds, share local news over cups of strong goat milk tea, and watch the livestock feeding on the nourishing grass. Even the animals are at peace. Horses are known to wander away from camps on treks, creating a huge inconvenience to staff and clients alike, but at Chandratal, they seem content to graze on the highly nourishing ‘neeru grass that grows here in abundance. Their reluctance to leave can be seen on the day the group leaves.
There is no shrine or temple here, nothing to denote any religion. Yet spirituality envelops one and all, and the presence of God, or if you prefer, an all encompassing power is undeniable.
I am not trying to make a sale, but this is one place worth a visit. It is an essential pilgrimage of the soul, whether you do it with us, or anyone.
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