Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary

Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It was first notified on 14 May 2007 and received final notification in June 2013 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Wildlife and habitat

It surrounds Chandratal Lake, a high-altitude wetland designated as a Ramsar site in 2005. Its characterised by alpine meadows, rocky terrain and cold desert ecosystems.
Fauna recorded include snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, red fox, marmot, Himalayan snowcock, chukar partridge, black-winged stilt, brahminy duck and golden eagle.

Conservation and management

The sanctuary is managed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. The official management plan of the sanctuary covers zoning, grazing control, eco-tourism regulation and ecological monitoring.
In June 2025, a seasonal police check post was established at Chandratal to enhance tourist safety, emergency response and real‑time weather/route updates—reflecting the region's growing focus on responsible tourism management.
The Forest Department also has imposed daily entry and activity fees to manage growing visitor numbers and protect ecological integrity.

Threats

Tourism-related pressures include littering, vegetation trampling and non‑compliance with e‑pass and safety protocols—local authorities have issued repeated warnings against swimming in the icy lake and disregarding registration requirements.
Unseasonal snowfall in July 2023 left over 250 tourists stranded at Chandratal for several days, prompting large-scale rescue operations involving helicopters and road clearance teams—highlighting vulnerability to weather extremes and the importance of preparedness.