Chandra Tal Lake
Thursday, June 29th, 2006Although my time in India was short, I did manage one memorable trip with a local guide and his family. Hiralal was selected from many to guide myself and 3 Israeli friends on a 3 week trek across the Himalayas beginning in Himachal Pradesh and ending in Ladakh. I never did embark on that journey, but prior to its departure Hiralal invited the 4 of us to join him and his family on an overnight trip to Chandra Tal Lake high in the Mulkilla & Lahaul Range. After a rather exasperating start to my stay in India, this journey warmed my heart. Himala’s family was charming and generous. The long dirt road to Chandra Tal was equally alarming and alluring. And the lake itself was magical. I won’t soon forget these people who shared this precious time with me and whom kept watch over me in the days to follow as I lay ill. I hope to return to Manali some day to greet them all with a warm embrace and to make the trek that eluded me this stay.
The drive was absolutely terrifying. One lane dirt roads with no barriers.
Cars racing & passing at full speed. But the scenery was breathtaking.
A truck stop if you will.
Busy road
The line of cars leading to this patch of snow was bumper to bumper for at
least a mile. This small patch entertained skiers, sledders & more!
Nine adults & 2 children piled in to this small jeep for the journey!
Our ‘convenience store’ stop for food & chai tea.
Mulkilla & Lahaul Range
Falave, Munu & Gudi
Me & Mayaan at Chandra Tal
Hiralal & friend
Roe, Khakeram, Raj, Me, Hiralal, Mayaan, Gudi, Falave, Munu, Pankeg
Reflections of Chandra Tal…
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