Table of Contents
OVERVIEW
Prashar Lake is Located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, and most of the visitors to this region are unaware of this hidden gem. Also, since you can trek Prashar Lake throughout the year, it is a perfect getaway.
A bonus makes this trek even more special. Away from the hustle and bustle of your usual life, this is the place to be if you are looking for solitude, peace, and spectacular views. Parashar Lake is situated at an altitude of 8956 feet in the Kullu Valley surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges.
The lake is considered sacred as Maharishi Parashar is said to have meditated there. Located right next to the lake is famous for Parashar Rishi Temple and known for Himachali architecture.
The trek to Parashar Lake is a perfect trek for beginners who are looking for a perfect weekend getaway in less time. The trek to Parashar Lake starts from Baaghi village, a short distance away from Mandi.
Take a walk through the dense oak forests and various waterfalls along with the beauty and serenity of the Himalayas. From above, Parashar Lake offers stunning 180-degree views of the Mandi Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Kinnaur mountain ranges.
Spend your night at the campsites near the lake and make your Prashar Lake camping experience unique.
DAY 1: DRIVE FROM MANDI TO BAGI VILLAGE AND TREK TO PRASHAR LAKE
Pick up from Mandi bus stand at 9:00 am and transfer to Bagi village.
Upon reaching Bagi, have a refreshed breakfast and start your Prashar Lake trek after a group induction and briefing session.
The trek is 9 km long with a gradual incline and an easy trail.
Enjoy beautiful views of the Dhauladhar ranges while the trail passes through a dense forest of deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees.
Upon arrival at the campsite, get ready to pay homage at the ancient temple of Sage Parashara, refreshed.
From the campsite, one is stunned by the panoramic 180-degree views of the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Kinnaur mountain ranges.
Enjoy dinner with a bonfire under the starry sky.
Spend the night in the camps.
DAY 2: PRASHAR LAKE TO BAGI VILLAGE AND DRIVE TO MANDI
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy the beautiful sunrise with a hot and refreshing breakfast.
The weather of Prashar Lake is pleasant in the morning.
After breakfast, start your trek to Bagi village.
On reaching Bagi, drive back to Mandi.
On reaching Mandi, farewell to fellow travelers and guides.
The journey ends with beautiful memories.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR
The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, about 50 km from Manali. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh.
BY TRAIN
The nearest railway station to Mandi is Joginder Nagar, which is 55 km away. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Mandi.
BY ROAD
You can reach Mandi from Delhi, Palampur, and Dharamsala by HPTDC or buses run by private operators. Private buses also connect Delhi or Chandigarh with Mandi.
THINGS TO CARRY
- Rucksack (at least 55 liters with rain cover)
- Trekking shoes, floaters or sandals
- Quick dry tees
- Track pants
- Cotton socks
- Pair of wool socks
- Rain jacket or poncho
- 1 full-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket, 1 heavy jacket, 1 pair of thermals
- Quick drying towel
- Windproof jacket
- Wool cap
- Gloves
- Sun cap
- Scarf
- Lip balm
- Cold Cream and Sunscreen (SPF 40+)
- Packaged food
- Water bottle 1
- Power bank
- Headlamp or flashlight with freshly paired batteries
- Personal Cosmetics
- Personal Basic Medical Kit
- Sunglasses
- People who use glasses (use photochromic glasses instead of contact lenses)
- Trekking pole Extra polyethylene.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PRASHAR LAKE
Although you can do this trek at any time of the year, the months of January and February are the best to do this trek as the lake is almost frozen and covered with snow.
There’s a certain magnetism to being in the untouched hills, embellishing everything with icy white blankets, with a gust of wind making you feel all the more alive, somehow.
PRASHAR LAKE WEATHER
Parashar Lake has a knack for unpredictable weather – from snow-laden winter months to days full of rain and scorching sun – since you can do this trek all year round, the weather at Prashar Lake will be synonymous with the weather in the Mandi region.
During the year, the highest average Parashar Lake temperature remains around 21C, and the minimum temperature remains around -8 C. It’s essential to prepare for the unexpected cold, even in the hot summer months.
Thus, layering of clothes is the key to any successful trek in the Himalayas. Well, you can indulge yourself in Prashar Lake Snow Trek in winter.
