Prashar Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Prashar Lake Trek is a popular trekking trail located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The trek leads to the stunning Prashar Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 2,730 meters above sea level and is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks.

Prashar Lake, Mandi

Prashar Lake is a picturesque natural lake located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is situated at an altitude of about 2,730 meters above sea level, in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, making it a popular destination among nature lovers and trekkers.
The lake is named after the sage Prashar, who is believed to have meditated here in ancient times. According to local legend, the lake was formed when the sage Prashar struck the ground with his staff, creating a hole that filled with water. The lake is considered sacred by the local people, and there is a temple dedicated to the sage Prashar on the banks of the lake.
The Prashar Lake trek is a popular trekking route in Himachal Pradesh, and it is known for its beautiful scenery and stunning views. The trail passes through dense forests of pine, oak, and cedar trees, and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. The trek also takes you through several small villages where you can experience the local culture and lifestyle of the people. Once you reach the lake, you will be mesmerized by the stunning views of the clear blue water and the surrounding mountains. There is a small island in the center of the lake, which is believed to be floating on the water, and it adds to the charm of the place.

The Prashar Lake Trek

The Prashar Lake trek is a popular hiking trail in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from the village of Baggi, which is located about 50 kilometers from the city of Mandi. The village is easily accessible by road, and there are several buses and taxis available from Mandi to Baggi.
The trek to Prashar Lake is a moderate-level trek and can be completed in 1-2 days. The trek route passes through dense forests, small villages, and meadows before reaching the beautiful Prashar Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 8,900 feet above sea level.
The trek starts from Baggi and follows a well-marked trail that passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine trees. The trail is quite steep in some places and requires a moderate level of fitness. After walking for around 5 kilometers, trekkers will reach a small village called Parashar.
From Parashar, the trail becomes easier and follows a gradual ascent to the lake. Trekkers will pass through several small streams and meadows before finally reaching the beautiful Prashar Lake. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Once at the lake, trekkers can camp overnight in tents or stay in the local guesthouses. There is a small temple dedicated to the sage Prashar, after whom the lake is named, located on the shores of the lake.

The Best time to Trek

The best time to go for the Prashar Lake trek is during the months of April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and minimal chances of rainfall.
In the summer months of April to June, the temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C during the day and drop down to 0°C to 7°C during the night. This makes for comfortable trekking conditions during the day, with cold nights that require warm clothing.
During the months of September to November, the weather is colder, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C during the day and dropping down to -5°C to 5°C during the night. This period is ideal for trekking enthusiasts who enjoy chilly weather and want to experience snowfall.

Why you should plan a trek to Prashar Lake

Natural beauty:
Prashar Lake is a hidden gem nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green forests, the lake is a sight to behold. The pristine waters of the lake are crystal clear and reflect the surrounding mountains, making for a picturesque view.

Adventure:
The trek to Prashar Lake is a moderately challenging trek that offers a good mix of adventure and thrill. The trail passes through dense forests, meadows, and steep ridges, offering trekkers an adrenaline rush as they navigate through the terrain.

Culture:
The Prashar Lake trek takes you through several traditional Himachali villages, where you can get a glimpse of the local culture and way of life. You can interact with the locals, taste the local cuisine, and experience the warmth of Himachali hospitality.

Spiritual significance:
Prashar Lake is considered sacred by the locals, and there is a small temple dedicated to the sage Prashar near the lake. The temple is believed to be over 800 years old and is a popular pilgrimage site.

Offbeat destination:
Unlike other popular treks in the region, such as the Kheerganga trek or the Triund trek, Prashar Lake trek is still relatively unexplored and off the beaten track. This means that you can enjoy the serenity and solitude of the mountains without the crowds that usually flock to popular trekking destinations.

Activities On Prashar Lake Trek

Prashar Lake trek is a beautiful and adventurous journey through the scenic landscapes of the Kullu Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy during your Prashar Lake trek:
1. Trekking: The main activity of the Prashar Lake trek is, of course, trekking. The trek is moderate in difficulty, and covers a distance of around 8 kilometers. It takes you through lush green forests, scenic meadows, and steep ascents to reach the pristine lake at an altitude of 2,730 meters.
2. Camping: You can camp overnight at the Prashar Lake campsite, which is located right next to the lake. The campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake itself, and is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of trekking.
3. Photography: The Prashar Lake trek offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and the surrounding valleys. You can capture some amazing photographs of the landscape and the lake, which is said to change colors throughout the day.
4. Wildlife spotting: The forests around Prashar Lake are home to a variety of wildlife, including langurs, barking deer, and Himalayan black bears. You can keep an eye out for these animals during your trek.
5. Local culture: The Prashar Lake trek takes you through several small villages, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You can also visit the ancient Prashar temple, which is located near the lake and is dedicated to the sage Prashar.
6. Yoga and meditation: The serene environment of Prashar Lake makes it a perfect place for yoga and meditation. You can practice yoga and meditation in the peaceful surroundings of the lake and rejuvenate your mind and body.
7. Bonfire: You can enjoy a bonfire at the Prashar Lake campsite and spend the evening stargazing, singing, and dancing around the fire with your fellow trekkers.

Some Place on Prashar Lake Trek

Here are some places you can explore on your trek to Prashar Lake:
Prashar Lake: The main attraction of the trek, Prashar Lake is a serene and peaceful water body surrounded by mountains. The lake is believed to have been created by the sage Prashar and is considered a sacred site by the locals.
Prashar Temple: Located near the lake, the Prashar Temple is an ancient pagoda-style temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The temple is famous for its architecture and is believed to date back to the 13th century.
Pandoh Dam: Located on the way to Prashar Lake, the Pandoh Dam is a huge hydroelectric dam built on the Beas River. The dam offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains.
Bheemakali Temple: Located in the nearby town of Mandi, the Bheemakali Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Bheemakali. The temple is famous for its intricate woodcarvings and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh.
Tunga Mata Temple: Located near Baggi village, the Tunga Mata Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Tunga. The temple is famous for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is considered a popular spot for meditation and relaxation.
Baggi Village: Baggi Village is a small and charming village located on the way to Prashar Lake. The village is famous for its apple orchards, traditional Himachali architecture, and friendly locals.