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November, 2022November 27, 2022

The Chandra Bhaga River Confluence at Tandi Village

Leaving behind several villages I don’t remember the names of, I reached a small village called Tandi. I had entered Lahaul Spiti area so the geography looked different from Manali. It wasn’t as green as Solang Valley. The mountains changed their colors and the faces of people also. The roads were slightly different and the air had a peculiar smell. This is the village where you will get to witness the mighty Chandra Bhaga River Confluence.

I had heard this name before. I have read about it and known about it for quite some time. However, I was never sure that one day I would end up in this village. Also, the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga river was something which was new for me. I got to know about this confluence of Tandi when I asked a local about it.

Visiting this confluence of these two rivers in Tandi was not on the list. However, the list barely had anything. The only idea was to spend a night at Kyelang, then head to Jispa, return to Manali to take a bus back to Delhi. That’s it. It was the journey and destination that added to the list and things got unfolded.

Read Here – Sissu Waterfall & Lake

Interesting Facts about Chandra Bhaga River Confluence at Tandi Village

The confluence is located in Tandi village (as mentioned before) at an altitude of nearly 9,400 ft from the sea level. This is the place where the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga river gives birth to Chenab river (or Chandrabhaga river).

The origin point of Bhaga river is Surya Taal lake.
The origin point of Chandra river is Chandra Taal.
Together they make Chenab river.
Chenab River flows through India and Pakistan.
The river rises in the Lahaul Spiti region (upper Himachal).
The river passes across the Jammu part of J&K.
Pakistan was given Chenab river’s water as per the Indus Water Treaty.

Legends Behind the Confluence of Chandra Bhaga Rivers

As per the scriptures, the rivers Chandra and Bhaga are mentioned in Mahabharata. When Pandvas were heading to heaven from this path, Draupadi is said to have slid away. She then perished in human form. She was unable to reach the sky. That place came to be known as Tan Dehi which means in human form. And thus, the name Tandi came from Tan Dehi.

There is one more myth behind this place. As per this legend, moon and sun wished to marry Chandra and Bhaga. They both walked their own paths and ended up reaching Tandi. And that’s where they got married.

No matter if it’s a legend or something real, the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga river attracts travelers who pass by, those who are on their way to Jispa. That’s where they would stay for a day or two and then continue their journey to Leh Laddkah. Tandi is nearly 9 KM away from Kyelang which is the major administrative town here. And next to Kyelang is Jispa which is a perfect place for camping and staying while going to Leh Ladakh.

While we were on our way to Kyelang, we stayed at a local roadside shop for some quick bites. Also, we needed to take a break. Not the photography break, but a real one to relax for a while. And that roadside shop adjacent to Chandra Bhaga confluence in Tandi was the perfect place for this. This was the first real halt of the Old Manali – Keylong road trip. And we were supposed to stay for a night at Kyelang.

We hadn’t booked any hotel and planned to search after reaching there. This year, I had started with a little planning. I have started booking hotels beforehand. I have traveled unplanned a lot. Moreover, when you have to travel with someone, a little planning is often needed. We must have stayed there for half an hour and headed off to the destination.

Rajat Kumar

Hi there I am a food & travel enthusiast, a music aficionado, poet, artist, and someone who loves to explore unexplored/off-beat places. I started this blog to share my food and travel journey.