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Parashar Lake

📍 Prashar Lake, Himachal PradeshView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:May to July and September to November

⏰ Open Hours:Open all year round, 24 hours

🎯 Things To Do:Trekking, Camping, Photography, Temple visit

💰 Budget:Free entry, Trekking costs may vary

🧳 Traveller Types:Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, Photography Enthusiasts

🔖 Known For:Scenic beauty, Parashar Rishi Temple, Floating Island

🚉 Distances:From Mandi - 49 km, From Bhuntar Airport - 91 km, From Joginder Nagar Railway Station - 56 km

🌄 Altitude:2730 meters above sea level

👣 Trek Difficulty:Moderate

⛺ Camping:Available, with prior permission from Forest Department

🌳 Forest Type:Dense Deodar forest

Have questions about Parashar Lake?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
Prashar Lake: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place that looks like a fairy tale? A place where you can witness a stunning lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a floating island that changes its position, and a temple that dates back to ancient times? If yes, then you should definitely add Prashar Lake to your bucket list.

Prashar Lake is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that lies in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is named after Sage Prashar, who is believed to have meditated here. According to legend, the lake was created by his disciple Bheem, who struck the ground with his elbow and formed a dent that filled with water. The lake has a depth of unknown meters and a floating island that moves around the lake according to the wind direction.

The lake is also home to a three-storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to Sage Prashar. The temple was built in the 13th century by King Ban Sen of Mandi and showcases the Himachali style of architecture. The temple has intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.

The best way to experience the beauty and mystery of Prashar Lake is by trekking to it from the nearby village of Baggi. The Prashar Lake Trek is one of the most popular attractions near the lake and offers a moderate level trek through pine forests and meadows. The trek is about 15 km to 16 km long and takes about 4 to 5 hours one way depending on your pace and fitness level. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers and can be done throughout the year.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Prashar Lake and its trekking attraction, such as how to reach, what to expect, what to do, when to visit, and what tips to follow. You will also discover some amazing facts and insights that will make you fall in love with this destination even more. So, are you ready to explore Prashar Lake with us? Let’s get started!

How to Reach Baggi Village: The Starting Point of Prashar Lake Trek

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Parashar Lake - (c) Amarujala

Baggi village can be reached from various nearby cities or towns such as Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Delhi, etc. by different modes of transportation such as bus, taxi, car, bike, etc. Here are some of the approximate distances and times required to reach Baggi village from each city or town:

Mandi: 26 km (1 hour)

Kullu: 76 km (2 hours)

Shimla: 137 km (4 hours)

Delhi: 436 km (10 hours)

What to Expect on Prashar Lake Trek: A Journey Through Pine Forests and Meadows

The Prashar Lake Trek is a journey through pine forests and meadows that will take your breath away with its scenery and landscape. You will encounter waterfalls, streams, bridges, villages, and wildlife on your way to Prashar Lake. Some of the highlights and landmarks that you will see are:

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Baggi Village:

The starting point of the trek where you can meet your guide and fellow trekkers. You can also enjoy some local delicacies such as siddu (steamed bread stuffed with lentils), madra (curd-based dish), and chha gosht (mutton curry) at Baggi village.

Baggi Nala:

A small stream that flows along the trek route. You will cross this stream several times during the trek. You can also refill your water bottles from this stream as it is clean and fresh.

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Thakur Dwara:

A small village that lies halfway through the trek. You will pass through this village where you can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle. You can also see some apple orchards and fields in this village.

Prashar Lake:

The final destination of the trek where you can witness the beauty and mystery of Prashar Lake. You can explore the lake, the floating island, and the temple at your own pace. You can also camp near the lake if you want to spend more time there. You can also enjoy some activities such as sightseeing, photography, boating, etc. at Prashar Lake.

Also check out: Prashar Lake Trek: A perfect weekend trek in just INR 2500!

What to Do at Prashar Lake: A Paradise for Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers

Prashar Lake is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to experience something unique and magical. Here are some of the things that you can do at Prashar Lake:

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Trekking:

The most popular activity at Prashar Lake is trekking. You can trek around the lake or up to the nearby hills for panoramic views of the lake and the mountains. You can also trek to other nearby places such as Tunga Mata Temple, Kamrunag Lake, etc.

Camping:

If you want to spend a night under the stars, you can camp near Prashar Lake. You can pitch your own tent or rent one from the local vendors. You can also enjoy a bonfire and some music with your friends or family. You can also witness the sunrise and sunset from the lake, which are spectacular.

Sightseeing:

If you want to learn more about the history and legend of Prashar Lake, you can visit the three-storied temple dedicated to Sage Prashar. The temple is a marvel of Himachali architecture and has intricate carvings and sculptures. You can also see the floating island, which is a natural phenomenon that changes its position according to the wind direction. You can also see some rare birds and animals near the lake such as Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Black Bear, etc.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Prashar Lake depends on your preference and expectation. If you love snow and want to see a frozen lake and snow-covered peaks, then winter months (December to February) are ideal for you. However, be prepared for cold weather and slippery trails during this season.

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If you prefer pleasant weather and blooming flowers, then spring months (March to May) are suitable for you. However, be aware of landslides and roadblocks during this season. If you want clear skies and green meadows, then summer months (June to August) are good for you. However, be ready for rain showers and bugs during this season.

If you like lush and misty views of the lake and mountains, then monsoon months (September to November) are risky but rewarding for you. However, be careful of landslides and slippery trails during this season.

No matter when you visit Prashar Lake, there are some tips that you should follow to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Here are some of them:

1. Carry warm clothes, sunscreen, torch, first aid kit, etc. as per the weather and season.

2. Carry snacks and water bottles as food options are limited along the trek route.

3. Check the weather forecast before planning your trip as weather can be unpredictable at high altitudes.

4. Respect the local culture and environment by not littering or disturbing the wildlife.

You may also like to check out: Prashar lake – So deep, it touches your Soul

Prashar Lake is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to explore a hidden gem in the Himalayas. It offers beauty, mystery, and adventure in one package.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip with Tripoto today and experience the magic of Prashar Lake Trek for yourself!

Want to know more about Prashar Lake and other amazing places in Himachal Pradesh? Check out our website for more information and travel packages that suit your budget and preference. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the best of the Himalayas!

Parashar Lake Reviews

We got lost (or we thought we were lost) atleast half a dozen times during the trek (due to the lack of signs of course) but we kept making our way to the top. We could not see any signs of human contact with this part of the world. We walked for about 3 hours in absolute disarray, not knowing if we were headed in the right direction. Sometime after that, we reached a level plane ground and sat down to relax there. What we saw there would fill us with joy! We saw plastic wrappers and plastic bottles (even though I hate littering in the mountains, I was happy to see this) and we knew that we were on the right track because humans have been here! In another half hour, we could see electricity cables and huge electric poles. We remembered that the local had told us to reach that point and then continue following the cables. When we made it to the electric poles, we could finally see some kaccha houses, and knew we had finally contacted civilisation. It was another half hour to walk to the lake from here, we sat down for some time to take in the view. We had CLIMBED AN ENTIRE MOUNTAIN! We started at the bottom (the root of the mountain) and made it to the very top. Relaxed, took some pictures, had some water from the locals, and then walked to Parashar lake. The lake itself sees a normal amount of crowd (because we realised now that you can reach here by road, and families come here) but it was tranquil when we got here. Sat for some time by the lake, went to the temple to get blessings, and made our way to the cottage. There are only 2 cottages in Parashar (if you plan to stay here) so it is advisable to book in advance because room availability is always an issue. We took a room for one night, and the night was chilling! It was extremely cold (even in June). Cost 1000 INR for one night, which is expensive for the quality of rooms that we got.
Parashar Lake lies 49 km north of Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh. The Parashar Lake is surrounded by the high mountains of the great Dhauladhar ranges. The pristine blue Parashar Lake is located amidst in the Dhauladhar ranges of Kullu. Parashar Lake is a beautiful lake located at an altitude of 8,956 ft. (2730 m.). Parashar Lake is an abode for nature lovers and offers its visitors tranquility and beautiful views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Kinnauri mountain ranges. The deep blue water Lake dedicated to Sage Parashar (Rishi Parashar) and he is regarded to have meditated here. Parashar lake is Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looking down on the fast flowing river Beas. There is a round floating island inside the lake like a pearl in the Ocean. Other than its charismatic natural beauty, the place is famous for the three storied Pagoda styled temple (Pagoda style is traditional style particular used to build a religious place communally used in Buddhist traditions), which is located on the bank of the Parashar Lake. The lake seems to be enchanted by the architecture and calmness of a Pagoda styled temple standing by the side, surrounded by the snow peaked mountains. Dear fellow travelers I have written a whole article on Parashar Lake, so for the detailed information about Parashar Lake please visit the link below. https://www.tripoto.com/trip/when-the-girl-met-parashar-5cbac62e400a0 Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:- himachal pradesh package with flight, himachal tour packages with flight, himachal pradesh yoga retreat, himachal pradesh 10 days package, himachal pradesh 4 days package, 6 nights himachal package, 7 nights himachal package, 7 nights 8 days himachal package
In the evening, as the moon came up along with the chill, all of us settled around the fire for the usual chitchats , music and chatting. After dinner, few of us went for a walk and lied down under the sky in the nearby meadow. It was a full moon , so there were not as many stars visible as I would have liked but still it was quite beautiful. Gazing the night sky in a pitch dark surrounding and almost deafening silence is soothing and peaceful. It's the feeling of being just you and the limitless expanse of the sky and nothing else mattered. Thus, the day ended as we retired to our tents. Next day I woke up early, in a mission to find a good spot to view the sunrise. I couldn't find a god view of sunrise, but I did end up having a nice walk in the woods. Then after breakfast and a good number of photo shoots with my groupies, we headed back to Baggi. For the return journey, we took a different route. It was through a village. The views were equally pleasant during the return as well, rather I would say charming. The little houses, the sheep, the cattle sheds, little children playing, the mountains in the backdrop, the apple orchard where we rested , the fields , the trees, leaves and the flowers, everything looked perfectly placed like a work of art.
I woke up in the morning and freshened up. Went on to a nearby temple to start off. There is only one bus going all the way to Prashar lake per day. I took that bus and went to the Prashar lake. The three-hour journey was filled with scenic beauty on the way, with the destination being the icing on the cake. The scene on top of the Prashar lake was the best scene I had seen in the trip so far. Any direction I faced, provided me with a scene to capture and made me feel the lust to come to this place again. The simplicity and seclusion of the place, surrounded by the serene beauty of mountains on all sides, added by the divine touch near the Prashar temple and lake just made my day. I climbed on top of one of the surrounding hill to get a bird-eye view of the whole place. I chatted with the temple authorities to gather info about the camping and other facilities in that place. I left the place with a heavy heart and boarded the bus back to Mandi. In between the bus stopped at a place for lunch, where I had cheap but delicious Thukpa. On reaching Mandi, I had my snacks and left for Delhi on the evening bus. Day 5 – Back from Delhi
We got up late and it was drizling outside and now what we are rushing for everything the very next day. We all took a bath and walked to the mandir. It was really a beautiful temple and the aroma of the place was amazing. It surely tied you with the strings of peace. When we was praying the rain started with a great pace.We took a shelter and clicked some photographs there. It was all made of woods , Mandir parisar have some rooms(you cant drink or smoke inside the parisar). So after spending about 45 minutes we took a round of the lake and the nearby surroundings and to the highest peak seen from there. We took over 2 hours to roam around and enjoy the beauty of almighty nature.We enjoyed the very beautiful foggy weather which is unseen by some of the people visited here . As it was already 2 and we have to leave as two of my friends wanted to smoke a spliff .So we left from the campus to our guest house where we enjoyed fire and the local stories by the watchman guy. It was really a rainy day. At around 7 he asked us for the dinner and again we did the same. (Simple thali)
Photos of Parashar Lake
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