Chandra Taal
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Indian English Template:Infobox lake
Chandra Taal (Template:Lit) is a lake in the upper Chandra valley of the Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India.[2] Chandra Taal is near the source of the Chandra River. Despite the rugged and inhospitable surroundings, it is in a protected niche with some flowers and wildlife in summer. It is a favourite spot for tourists and high-altitude trekkers. It is usually associated with Spiti, although geographically it lies in the watershed of the Chandra River of Lahaul. Kunzum La separates Lahaul and Spiti valleys.
Description
Chandra Taal Lake is on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks the Chandra River (a source river of the Chenab). The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. It is at an altitude of about Script error: No such module "convert". in the Himalayas.[2] Mountains of scree overlook the lake on one side, and a cirque encloses it on the other.
Access
Chandra Taal is a tourist destination for trekkers and campers. The lake is accessible by road from Batal and by road as well as on foot from Kunzum Pass from late May to early October. The road to Chandra Taal branches off from NH-505 about Script error: No such module "convert". from Batal and Script error: No such module "convert". from Kunzum Pass.[3] This Script error: No such module "convert". motor road runs as far as a parking lot Script error: No such module "convert". from the lake. One has to travel on foot for the final Script error: No such module "convert".. It takes approximately two hours from Kunzum Pass to Chandra Taal. Chandra Taal is also accessible from Suraj Tal, Script error: No such module "convert". away.
Fauna and flora
There are vast meadows on the banks of the lake. During springtime, these meadows are carpeted with hundreds of varieties of wild flowers.[4] In 1871, Harcourt, Assistant Commissioner of Kullu, reported that there was a plain of good grass to the north of Chadra Taal, where shepherds brought large herds for grazing from Kullu and Kangra.[5] Due to overgrazing, the grasslands are now degraded.[6]
Chandra Taal is home to a few species such as the Snow Leopard, Snow Cock, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Chough, Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep. Over time, these species have adapted to the cold arid climate, intense radiation, and oxygen deficiency by developing special physiological features. Migratory species such as the Ruddy shelduck are found in summer.[7]
Other details
The lake is one of two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites. Tourism seems to be having its effect on this pristine hidden paradise.[6]
Gallery
-
Chander Taal Wildlife Sanctuary sign. Lahaul & Spiti.
-
View of Chandra Taal, 2008
-
Chandra Taal
-
Chandra Taal reflecting evening sun
-
Footpath around the lake, Jul 2017
-
Ruddy shelduck & wildflowers, Jun 2018
-
Wildflowers, Jun 2018
-
Grass flowers by the lake, Jun 2018
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".