Photo spot in Auli
Chattrakund
Auli, Uttarakhand
A small, serene high lake amid conifer forest a short trek beyond Gorson Bugyal, with clean cold water reputed to be fed by a spring — a quiet picnic spot.
Best time
Late morning, when light filters through the trees onto the water; overcast days for soft, even colour in the forest.
Best angle
Crouch at the edge of the lake and take a low photo across the still water, with the tree trunks reflected in the foreground.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Daylight hours
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Chattrakund
Late morning, when light filters through the trees onto the water; overcast days for soft, even colour in the forest. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Chattrakund
Crouch at the edge of the lake and take a low photo across the still water, with the tree trunks reflected in the foreground. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the forest lake
On the trek to the lake
Outfit guide
What to wear at Chattrakund
For photos at Chattrakund, rust, forest green and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Auli.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Chattrakund.
Eat nearby
Food near Chattrakund
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for singori nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Start from the top of the chairlift by 9 am so you are back before the afternoon cloud and cold.
Hire a local guide the first time, as the path is not signposted at every fork.
Carry water and snacks, as there are no stalls on the trail.
Wear walking shoes with a good grip, since roots and wet leaves make the forest path slippery.
Keep your voice low near the lake to hear the birds that come to drink.
Do not use soap or wash in the water; the pool is small and easily spoiled.
Skip the walk after heavy rain or snow unless a guide says the path is safe.
A pool in the forest
Chattrakund is a small, clear lake hidden among oak, rhododendron and conifer trees, about 1 km past the meadow of Gurson Bugyal. Locals say it is fed by a spring. It has none of the grand peak views of the meadow. What it offers is quiet: still water, birdsong and dappled light. Few people go beyond Gurson, so you may have it to yourself.
The walk
Start at the top of the Auli chairlift. The trail climbs gently for about 3 km through forest to Gurson Bugyal, then continues about 1 km to the lake. Most people take four to five hours for the round trip, including breaks. The path is clear in dry weather but not signposted everywhere, so go with a local guide if it is your first time.
When to go
May, June and October are the best months, with dry paths and the forest at its best. In the monsoon the trail becomes muddy and slippery, and leeches appear. In winter the path lies under snow and is not safe without a guide and proper gear. Always come back down well before dark.
Keeping it clean
This is a small, fragile spot. Do not wash, bathe or use soap in the water, and carry all litter back down. Keep to the path to protect the plants on the banks.
Nearby
Pair it with the meadow at Gurson, and on the way down stop at the Auli Artificial Lake above the slopes.
Questions
Chattrakund — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Chattrakund?
Late morning, when light filters through the trees onto the water; overcast days for soft, even colour in the forest. Crouch at the edge of the lake and take a low photo across the still water, with the tree trunks reflected in the foreground.
Is there an entry fee at Chattrakund?
Entry to Chattrakund is free.
What are the opening hours of Chattrakund?
Chattrakund keeps daylight hours.
What should I wear at Chattrakund?
Rust, forest green and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Chattrakund get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: late morning, when light filters through the trees onto the water; overcast days for soft, even colour in the forest.
What food should I try near Chattrakund?
Try singori at spots close by.
How far is Chattrakund from Auli?
About 4 km from the top of the chairlift: roughly 3 km to Gurson Bugyal, then about 1 km more through the forest.
Is the Chattrakund trek difficult?
No, it is an easy to moderate walk on a forest path. The altitude makes it tiring for some people, so walk slowly.
Can I go to Chattrakund in winter?
Only with a local guide and proper gear. The path is under snow in winter and easy to lose.
Is there a view of the peaks from Chattrakund?
Not much, because the lake is inside the forest. The big view is at Gurson Bugyal on the way.