What is Chattrakund Lake?
Chattrakund Lake is one of Uttarakhand's best-kept secrets — a small, crystal-clear alpine lake sitting at 2,900 metres above sea level, just 3 km from Auli in the Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. While thousands of visitors flock to Auli every year for skiing and ropeway rides, very few make the short walk into the forest to discover this tranquil lake tucked between ancient oaks and rhododendrons.
The lake is fed by snowmelt and forest springs, keeping its water clear and cold year-round. At its banks you will often spot umbrella-shaped wild mushrooms — locally called chattra — which inspired the lake's name. The surrounding forest is a nature sanctuary in miniature: Himalayan monal pheasants, barking deer, and langur monkeys are commonly sighted along the trail. The lake surface perfectly mirrors the sky and the ring of trees, making it an outstanding photography location.
Why is Chattrakund Lake Called Chattrakund?
The name Chattrakund combines two Sanskrit-origin words: chattra (छत्र), meaning umbrella, and kund (कुंड), meaning a pool or lake. The lake earned this name from the distinctive umbrella-shaped mushrooms — locally called chattra fungi — that grow prolifically on fallen oak logs and mossy rocks along its banks, especially in the monsoon months of July and August.
Local villagers from Auli and nearby hamlets have known this lake for generations as a medicinal herb-gathering spot and a water source. The mushrooms have long been used in traditional Garhwali cuisine. For trekkers today, spotting the distinctive chattra fungi on the forest floor is one of the small joys of the approach trail — look for clusters of ivory-white caps on rotting logs in the shaded sections of the path.
Did you know? Kund is the same root word used in names like Hemkund Sahib (icy pool) and Deoria Tal — all referring to high-altitude water bodies held sacred in the Garhwal Himalaya.
When is the Best Time to Visit Chattrakund Lake?
Chattrakund Lake is accessible for most of the year, but the experience varies significantly by season. The Chattrakund Lake trek is best done April through June and October through November — outside these windows the trail can be snow-covered or the forest can be extremely wet during monsoon.
Temperature: 8–18°C at the lake. Forest floor explodes with wildflowers — primulas, anemones, and violets. Snow has melted from the trail. Lake water is clear and cold. This is the peak season for Chattrakund Lake trekking.
Temperature: 5–15°C. Oak and maple trees turn amber and gold. Crystal-clear post-monsoon skies give the best mountain views from the forest clearings. Fewer trekkers — extremely peaceful. Second-best window for visiting the lake.
Temperature: −5 to 5°C. The trail may be icy or buried under 1–2 metres of snow. The lake itself is often frozen. Suitable only for experienced winter trekkers with proper gear and a local guide.
What is the Chattrakund Lake Trek Like?
The Chattrakund Lake trek is a 3 km one-way trail starting from the upper cable car station area in Auli. The total trek distance is 6 km return, taking approximately 3–4 hours for the round trip at a leisurely pace. Altitude gain is around 200–300 metres from the Auli ski slopes level.
The trail is a classic Garhwali forest path — initially wide and clear near Auli, narrowing as it enters the oak forest. The ground is carpeted with pine needles, fallen leaves, and seasonal wildflowers. The path rises steadily but never steeply; the steepest gradient is a short 150-metre section about halfway through. A first-time trekker of average fitness can complete this comfortably.
The trek begins near the Auli Ski Resort and Sarai Hotel area. A local guide or signboard marks the forest entry point. The first 500 metres is through open meadow with clear Himalayan views.
The trail enters dense forest at around 1 km. Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) and Himalayan rhododendron dominate. In spring the rhododendron blooms are spectacular — red and pink flowers against the dark bark.
A short but steady climb through dense undergrowth. Take it slow — altitude of 2,700m means the air is noticeably thinner. Rock steps are naturally formed; use them carefully in wet weather.
The lake appears suddenly as the forest opens — a still, dark-green oval of water surrounded by mossy banks and forest. The sound of birdsong and the smell of wet earth replace all other input. Rest here, eat a packed lunch, and enjoy the silence.
Is Chattrakund Lake Suitable for Beginners and Families?
Yes — the Chattrakund Lake trek is one of the most beginner-friendly treks near Auli. The trail is short (6 km round trip), the altitude gain is moderate (around 400m from Auli town level to 2,900m lake), and there are no technical sections requiring ropes, ladders, or special equipment.
Children above 6 years can comfortably complete the trek, and many families with children complete the Chattrakund Lake trail on the same day as their Auli Ropeway visit. Senior travellers in good health routinely complete the trek at a slower pace. The key factors to keep in mind:
- No altitude sickness risk: At 2,900m, the lake is well within the safe range for day treks if you have spent a night acclimatising in Joshimath or Auli beforehand.
- Trek duration: Allow 3–4 hours for the return trip. Do not start after 1 PM to ensure you return before dusk.
- Trail condition: The path is clear and well-worn in spring and autumn. Avoid if there has been heavy rain in the previous 24 hours.
- Guide optional: Locals from Auli village offer guiding services for a nominal fee (~₹300–500). A guide is recommended for first-time visitors and families with young children.
What Should You Carry for the Chattrakund Trek?
Packing light is key for this 3 km walk. You do not need technical gear — just the essentials for a 4-hour mountain forest day hike.
- 1.5 litres of water per person
- Light packed lunch or energy snacks
- Sturdy trekking shoes (ankle support)
- Light windproof jacket or fleece
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic)
- Fully charged mobile with offline maps
- Heavy backpacks (over 5 kg)
- Flip-flops or open sandals
- Umbrellas (use rain poncho instead)
- Large camera bags (use a sling bag)
- Single-use plastic bottles or bags
- Pets (disturbs local wildlife)
How to Reach Chattrakund Lake from Auli?
To reach Chattrakund Lake from Auli, you first need to get to Auli (2,519m), then start the 3 km trek from the ski slope area. Below is the complete travel guide from major origin points.
Nearest major railheads are Haridwar (270 km) and Rishikesh (253 km) from Joshimath. From either station, take a private taxi or shared cab to Joshimath (approximately 8 hours), then proceed to Auli by ropeway (₹1,000 return) or by road (16 km, 45 minutes).
UPSRTC and GMOU buses run from Delhi Anand Vihar ISBT, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Joshimath. Journey time from Delhi is approximately 12–14 hours. From Joshimath bus stand, take the Auli ropeway or a local shared taxi to Auli (₹50–100 per person).
Private taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Joshimath covers approximately 270 km in 8–9 hours. From Delhi the distance is approximately 500 km (12–14 hours). From Joshimath, drive 16 km to Auli. Tour Venture India arranges private AC cabs door-to-door — call +91-8057146497 for current rates and availability.
What Places Can You Visit Near Chattrakund Lake?
Auli is a destination-rich area. Combine your Chattrakund Lake day trek with these nearby attractions — most are within 5 km of each other and can be covered in a 2-day Auli itinerary.
What is Chattrakund Lake?
Chattrakund Lake is a pristine hidden alpine lake at 2,900 metres altitude, located 3 km from Auli in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. The lake is reached by an easy 1.5–2 hour forest trek through dense oak and rhododendron woodland. Named after umbrella-shaped mushrooms (chattra) that grow on its banks, it is the most secluded lake in the Auli region. Best time to visit: April–June (wildflowers) and October–November (clear autumn skies). Trek difficulty: easy — suitable for beginners and families.
Frequently Asked Questions — Chattrakund Lake
This guide is authored by the Tour Venture India team — our travel experts have personally trekked to Chattrakund Lake and guided hundreds of travellers through the Garhwal Himalayas since 2013. All distances, altitudes, and seasonal information are verified from on-ground experience and coordination with local guides and authorities in Chamoli district.