Experience The Mesmerizing Beauty Of Prashar Lake And Breath-Taking Views!

Prashar Lake Trek is the perfect weekend getaway; from mesmerizing views to a moderate refreshing trek, you will find it all on this trek. 

Surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley is a lake called Prashar. Very few people know that Prashar Lake is a well-kept secret in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The trek follows a charming trail through a forest and several rivulets. Meanwhile, one can enjoy the local culture as the trail goes through villages as well. The best thing about the trek offers a 180-degree view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges.

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

If you think this is all, we would like you to know that Prashar Lake is also famous for a small circular island on its surface, which keeps on changing location from time to time. According to locals, there is a mystery surrounded by movement of the island. In addition, the depth of the lake is unknown. As per belief of locals, there have been many attempts to gauge the depth since ancient times but to no avail. Post-2000, temple committee has put fencing around the periphery of the lake.

The tiny lake, dense forests, beautiful temple, cold weather, chirping of birds, snow-capped mountains at distance offers great scenic natural beauty. It is a perfect place if you want to get away or a few days from the rushed city life; and spend some time in serenity and tranquility of the hills.

The initial trail is through a path full of boulders and water streams. Mind your step while crossing the streams as stones remain slippery. After this stretch of about half km, you will reach the forest and from where the real trek starts. The whole trek is steep and uphill and it passes through dense forest. After an uphill walk of around 5 km, you will reach a small meadow, which is a nice place to relax.

Altitude: 6,050 ft (1,844 m) to 8,900 ft (2,713 m)

Grade: Moderate. Steep ascent for 500 meters followed by a gradual ascent for about 4 km. Another steep ascent for 3oo meters followed by an easy walk.

Things To Carry

Water Bottle: Carrying a water bottle is a must. When you are trekking, your body dehydrates but most times due to the cold or cool temperature, you do not realize you are sweating. So, do keep on sipping on water to keep your body hydrated. 

Munching from time to time: You can munch on dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars come handy and are easy to consume. 

Torchlight or Flashlight: First-time trekkers often forget to carry a torch as they do not realize the importance of having a torch or flashlight. It is a lifesaver when you are trekking at night. So, don't forget to carry a torch!

Hiking shoes with a thick sole: Carrying hiking shoes is a must when it comes to hiking or trekking, make sure that these shoes have a good grip. Apart from shoes, you should also carry a walking stick for support. 

Water resisting trekking pants: When you are going on such a trek where you will be crossing rivers, water resisting trekking pants becomes a must carried thing.

Sunscreen, Sunblocks, and Lipbalms: This can be forgotten easily as there are so many other things to worry while going on a trek. Do pack the sunscreen to protect yourself from the UV rays and while trekking and traveling. 

Medical Kit or First-aid Kit: You must be aware of the fact that there'll be no medical help in the mountains while trekking. So, you need to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. 

Miscellaneous: Soaps and hand sanitizer,  Flip flops to offer rest to your feet

How To Reach Parashar Lake

Prashar Lake can be reached via two main points in Himachal Pradesh:

Mandi – Bijani – Kamand – Baggi – Prashar Lake (50 Kms)

Kullu – Bhuntar – Bajaura – Shayari – Bagi – Prashar Lake (65 KMs)

While Mandi lies at a distance of around 430 Km from Delhi and 187 km from Chandigarh, Kullu is approximately 498 Kms from Delhi.

The route takes similar time whether you start from Kullu or Mandi to reach the starting point of the trek, which is Baggi village. Here, I must highlight that you can drive further ahead of Baggi as well and reduce your trek duration or you can plan to hike through the woods to the Prashar lake from Baggi.

Prashar Lake Weather

Prashar Lake has a knack for unpredictable weather – from snow-laden winter months to rains & bright sunshine filled days – since this trek can be done throughout the year, the weather at Prashar Lake will be synonymous to the weather in the Mandi region.

Things To Do In And Around Prashar Lake

Shopping In Mandi

Who doesn't love shopping in the mountains? Mandi serves as the starting point to several amazing destinations in the state of Himachal Pradesh like Rewalsar, Parashar, and Barot. You will have a lot to shop in Mandi which includes sarees to crockery The best thing to do here is to visit one of the several hill stations around and just relax. Know more about the things to do in Mandi.

Photo Courtesy: Tripfactory

Bijli Mahadev Temple

Bijli Mahadev is a sacred temple located on top of a hill in Kullu with a breath-taking view of the Paravati Valley. You must be wondering about the name of this temple. Well, you know what, there is some much-needed history regarding this beautiful temple- as the name suggests, this temple is known as the temple of lightning.

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

Camp under the stars in Barot Valley

Camping in Barot valley is widely famous! Camping in Barot is the most popular family and corporate weekend getaway from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh. Barot is situated at 6,100 ft. at Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is at the distance of about 260 Kms/8 hrs from Chandigarh and 200 K.M. away from Pathankot, tucked away in the midst of deep forests of cedar and oaks. Set in the heart of the Indian Himalayas and surrounded by dense Pine, long wooded slopes of Deodar, Pine, Oak and Rhododendron forests.

Photo Courtesy: Thrillophilia

Best Time to visit Prashar Lake

Although this trek can be done at any time of the year, the months of January and February are considered best to do this trek as the lake is almost frozen and covered with snow. There is a certain magnetism to being in untouched hills, with the snowy white blanket embellishing everything in sight; with the nip of the air making you feel all the more alive, somehow.

One can enjoy the local culture as the trail goes through villages as well. The trek offers a 180-degree view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges. For those interested in architecture, the local temple of Prashar Rishi next to the lake, with its riveting Himachali architecture, blends perfectly with the landscape. The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. 

The views from here are outstanding. The mountain that you see from left to right are Triund, Dhauladhar Matterhorn, Kap Chuli, Man Hill, Hanuman Tibba, Sikar Beh, Mukar Beh, Manali peak, Friendship peak, Mukila, Ali Ratni Tibba and several smaller ones surrounding a beautiful valley. Rest here for a while.

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FAQ

Q. How to reach Prashar lake by bus?

A. Mandi is well connected to rest of North India by bus network and all buses traveling to Manali stop there. From Mandi, there is a local HRTC bus to Prashar Lake, which leaves each day from Mandi at 8:10 am and starts its journey back to Mandi from Prashar at 1:10 pm.

Q. How to start trekking?
A. Start brisk morning walks followed by jogging at-least a month before the start of your trek. Choose the correct footwear and walking socks most importantly. Build leg strength and increase your walking training. Train on similar walking terrain using backpacks and walking poles. Kee yourself hydrated.