Rewalsar Lake: A Sacred and Scenic Destination in Himachal Pradesh

Rewalsar Lake

📍 Rewalsar Lake, Himachal PradeshView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:March to June

⏰ Open Hours:Open 24 hours

🏞 Things To Do:Boating, Visit local temples, Explore the local Tibetan Monasteries, Bird Watching, Walking around the lake

💰 Budget:Free Entry, Boat ride charges apply

🧳 Traveller Types:Family, Solo Travellers, Adventure Seekers, Spiritually Inclined

🔍 Known For:Its square shape, Floating islands and being a sacred spot for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs

📍 Distances:24 km from Mandi, 57 km from Bhuntar Airport, 124 km from Shimla Railway Station

🌳 Surrounding Flora:Rich in Pine and Deodar trees

🌺 Local Festivals:Baisakhi fair and 'Tsechu' fair

🚣‍♀️ Boating:Boating facility available, charges vary

📌 Tips:Carry a hat and sunblock for day trips, Avoid feeding the fish and birds

Rewalsar Lake is a mid-altitude lake located in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is also known as Tso Pema, which means Lotus Lake in Tibetan. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and has a unique shape of a square with rounded corners. The lake covers an area of about 15 hectares and has a depth of about 10 meters.

Rewalsar Lake is not just a natural beauty, but also a spiritual hub for various faiths. The lake is believed to be the place where the famous Buddhist teacher Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, performed miracles and attained enlightenment. The lake is also revered by Hindus and Sikhs, who associate it with different legends and deities.

If you are looking for a place that combines nature, culture, and spirituality, then Rewalsar Lake is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Rewalsar Lake, such as its history, significance, attractions, activities, experiences, tips, and FAQs.

History and Significance of Rewalsar Lake

Rewalsar Lake has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 8th century CE. According to legend, the lake was formed when Padmasambhava, a Buddhist master from India, converted the king and people of Zahor (present-day Mandi) to Buddhism. The king’s daughter, Mandarava, became his disciple and consort, and they practiced together in a nearby cave. However, the king’s ministers were unhappy with this and tried to burn Padmasambhava alive. But instead of fire, a lotus emerged from the pyre, and Padmasambhava flew away to Tibet on a tiger. The lotus then transformed into a lake, which came to be known as Rewalsar Lake or Tso Pema.

Rewalsar Lake is considered to be one of the most sacred places for Tibetan Buddhists, as it is associated with Padmasambhava, who is regarded as the second Buddha and the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

Rewalsar Lake is a place where different faiths coexist and respect each other. The lake is a symbol of the unity and diversity of India, and a source of inspiration and peace for many. The lake is also a host to many festivals and rituals that celebrate the culture and spirituality of the people.

Attractions and Sightseeing Around Rewalsar Lake

Rewalsar Lake has a lot of attractions and sightseeing options for visitors, who can explore the natural and cultural wonders of the lake. The lake has seven attractions around its periphery, which are known as the Sat Dhara or the Seven Streams. Here are some of the main attractions around Rewalsar Lake:

Temples:

Rewalsar Lake has three Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and the sage Lomas. The Shiva temple is located on the south-eastern corner of the lake, and is believed to be the oldest temple in the area. The Krishna temple is located on the western side of the lake, and is also known as the Prashar temple. The Lomas temple is located on the northern side of the lake, and is dedicated to the sage Lomas, who performed penance here.

Monasteries:

Rewalsar Lake has several Buddhist monasteries that belong to different sects and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The most prominent among them are the Nyingma Monastery and the Drikung Kagyu Monastery. The Nyingma Monastery is located on the eastern side of the lake, and is the oldest and largest monastery in the area. The Drikung Kagyu Monastery is located on the southern side of the lake, and belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect, which is one of the branches of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Statues:

Rewalsar Lake has three giant statues that depict the three main figures of the lake’s history and significance. These are the statues of Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshvara, and Naina Devi. The statue of Padmasambhava is located on the hill above the lake, and is the most prominent and visible attraction of the lake. The statue is 12 meters high and made of copper and brass. The statue of Avalokiteshvara is located on the island in the middle of the lake, and is 9 meters high and made of marble. The statue of Naina Devi is located on the north-western corner of the lake, and is 6 meters high and made of stone.

Caves:

Rewalsar Lake has several caves that are associated with the legends and practices of the lake. The most famous among them are the Padmasambhava Cave and the Pandava Cave. The Padmasambhava Cave is located on the hill above the lake, and is believed to be the place where Padmasambhava and Mandarava practiced together and attained enlightenment.

Islands:

Rewalsar Lake has three islands that float on the surface of the lake, and are considered to be sacred and mysterious. The islands are inhabited by different animals, such as deer, rabbits, and birds, and are also home to the statue of Avalokiteshvara.

Activities and Experiences at Rewalsar Lake

Rewalsar Lake is not only a place for sightseeing, but also a place for adventure and fun. The lake offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors, who can enjoy the beauty and thrill of the lake. Whether you are looking for a relaxing or an exhilarating activity, you will find something that suits your taste and mood at Rewalsar Lake. Some of the activities and experiences that you can do and enjoy at Rewalsar Lake are boating, fishing, trekking, camping and birdwatching.

Rewalsar Lake is a sacred and scenic destination in Himachal Pradesh, that offers a lot of attractions, activities, and experiences for visitors. The lake is a place where nature, culture, and spirituality meet and create a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a pilgrim, an adventurer, or a nature lover, you will find something that suits your interest and search intention at Rewalsar Lake.

If you are planning to visit Rewalsar Lake, then we hope that this article has provided you with all the information and tips that you need.

Rewalsar Lake Reviews

rahul raina

69 Followers

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Bdan sameth ke le jaaye jaise shaam kee dhoop, Tumhaare shahar se main is tarah guzarta hoon. Mujhe sukoon ghane janglon mein milta hai, Main raaston se naheen manzilon se darta hoon. As the sunlight gathers itself in the evening and fades away, I pass through your town in the same away. I find succour in the dense forests, I am afraid of destinations, not of the pathways. Much later in my backpacking trip, as I would sit amidst the sounds of Jazz and shelves of books, opening a page at random from encyclopedic book of Urdu Couplets in a Cafe in McLeodgunj, the lines of Bashir Badr above would summarize more than I could. A rough itinerary, a nation through currency ban, a calling that ran through my pollution choked veins and I was off. On my first solo backpacking adventure through Himachal for a good 12 days. Thanks all those saved up holidays and my manager's warning to stop making my Fridays into extended weekends. The plan was simple. Keep travelling North through Himachal and if time permits come back to Delhi from Kasol. But the first lesson I learnt was the mountain roads do no follow simple geometry of straight lines and directions. With my ticket booked for Mandi from ISBT ,Kashmere Gate using one of the last 1000 Rupee note I was bound to see, I left lights and skyscrapers on the night of 11th Nov. I intended to make my way to Rewalsar Lake as the first stop in my journey. The bus dropped me and a bunch of other travellers at a still sleeping Bus Stop at 5 AM. Before the smoke of bonfires that I had so pined for, I would witness smoke from tea cups rising into the dark skies. Absorbing the air for a few moments , I made my way into the bus stand. A bus was about to leave for Rewalsar and I quickly hopped on. I wouldn't yet see the terrain of the hills for the bus moved in the dark like a fugitive and an hour's journey had me at Rewalsar even before the Sun was up. Entering the arch indicating the Rewalsar boundaries one notices the lake shadowed by a silhouette of mountains. The mountains were always there even before religious monuments embellished the lake. Aren't the mountains divine by themselves, I wondered. I took a slow walk , circumambulating the lake biding by time for the Sun to wake up as well. The slow life of the hills was wading its way through my being. I gave a perfunctory glance through the doors of monasteries that came on my way. My eyes absorbing the seamless amalgamation of a quaint town with all of its quiet Gods. The first glimpse of the Devs of the Dev Bhoomi, Himachal. Much slower than the monks who walked and chanted their prayers were my feet on the tiny road of Rewalsar. I reached the Gurudwara , where I intended to enquire about lodgings . And luckily found a room they were able to spare for 100 bucks. Having never been a big tea drinker, the winters in hills would change that. A tall glass of tea offered in the Langar Hall warmed by cold senses. After freshening up as I made my way to courtyard of the Gurudwara, I noticed the very famous and formidable statue of Padmasambhava looking peacefully over the landscape. How does one define calls that have no words or language, such was the allure with which I was drawn to the Temple of Padmasambhava now shining with a Sun unhindered by clouds or pollution of Delhi skies. A small walk unmeasured by time and you are at the footsteps of the temple. I walked into the main shrine , whose doors were left open and the only restriction was of having your footwear left outside . The meditative silence of the place was prayer in itself which I could only further strengthen by keeping my quiet. After the temple, a little walk further takes one to the simple Temple of Rishi Lopas. And walking along the street more monasteries can be explored.

nipali.mishra

325 Followers

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From there we decided to go to Rewalsar, before starting back for Delhi. Rewalsar is a beautiful small town settled around the Rewalsar lake which is a sacred lake for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. Entering there, we actually had no idea about this place and were pleasantly surprised by its beauty, centered around a lake and surrounded by hills and the statue of Guru Rinpoche towering over the town. We started to walk along the lake to explore the town. There is also an option to hire cycle and roam around the lake. Our first stop was the Buddhist monastery named Nyingma Gompa which is situated at the lake front. Then we visited the Drikyung Kagyu Monastery on the opposite side of the lake . It's a little uphill and is home to the statue of Guru Rinpoche or Padmashambhava. The moon rise view from the top of this monastery was an absolute beauty. Then we headed to the Krishna temple and the Gurudwara. By then, we were very hungry and went towards the market to have some yummy roadside chaat and tea. Next stop were the little bakery stores, where we got some local cookies and snacks to take home. As dinner time neared we went to a little restaurant and relished some yummy Tibetan food. Overall, it was a very beautiful way to end our trip. This charming little town really won my heart. I even forgot to take pictures most of the time as I was lost in its tranquility. There are the Naina mata temple and the Padmashambhava cave, for which you need to hike a little, but we didn't have time for that.

Vaibhav Khandelwal

757 Followers

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The lake is very calm and Padmasambhav statue stands out once a person gets a closer look around the place. Lake is surrounded by temples and monasteries around it. A big trishul at a temple is also visible from a distance.One can try to visit a dave which is near Naina Devi temple - a ride by a local bus possible but do check timings from Mandi station and from local people once you reach Rewalsar.One can also try a few dishes at Emaho Cafe just at the entrance of the lake.

Arundhuti Adhikari

75 Followers

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After having breakfast at hotel, we called up same taxi driver and asked him to take us for local sight seeing, he charged us 800 bucks. So straightly we went to Rewalsar Lake which is famous for its monastery, lake view and old city takes. It took us 1.30 hours to reach this place from our hotel

Aabdika Sharma

760 Followers

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In the magical vicinity of this sacred town, located in the Southern Himalayan belt, one is likely to witness complete tranquility. An awe-inspiring town set surrounding the Rewalsar lake, and the pilgrimage destination of three religions namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.