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THE REST HOUSES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH



 
Forest Rest House


 During the pre-independence days, in the mountains, when there were no roads,the babus and the common alike used the bridle paths. You must remember those old stories of traveling from village to village and how people used to spend days on these paths. In Himachal these old footpaths are still used, and you will find Dak Bungalows after every 12 kms in the state. Some of these are over a century old and some even date back to 1800’s. 



In its essence one can remember the old Chowkidar (official caretaker) who has spent his life taking care and upkeeping the place, a certain supernatural aura surrounding these places; deep jungles, stories of wild animals, ghosts and pre independence Mem Sahibs and their rendevouz with eloping officers and staying at these places. Well, to say some might even hold true, for in the visitor guest lists of these rest houses you do find references dating back to as far 1890's. And the locations where the rest houses are, exquisite and exclusive. 

PWD Resthouse Reknong Peo


There is another trivia - and this might interest the hikers, cyclists and motorcyclists alike - All the rest houses in Himachal Pradesh - at least the old ones are 12 Kms. apart ... so if you say you start from Shimla, the next place where you would unwind is 12kms and so on -- At least thats what it used to be in the old days, traveling on foot you reached your night halt after 12 kms .... Makes sense ... Imagine! A deep forest, small villages, Himalayan Outdoors. Makes you want to unwind. and retrace these Bridle Paths. Get in touch with the forest department Himachal Pradesh to make your bookings.. 

1) List of PWD Rest Houses Himachal Pradesh
2) Charges for the use of Circuit Houses/Rest Houses
3) List of Forest Rest Houses

PARASHAR LAKE, MANDI, HIMACHAL PRADESH, (Cycling, Hiking or a Motorcycle, trip)



 
Parashar Lake



This lake lies 45 km north of Mandi, with a three storied pagoda like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The Lake is located at an height of 2730 m above sea level. With deep blue waters, the Lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated here.  A three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar, the lake is has deep blue waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looking down on the fast flowing river Beas, the lake can be approached via Drang.

The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. The lake has a floating island in it and it is said to be unclear how deep it is, with a diver not being able to determine its depth.Framed by snow-capped peaks and looking down on fast flowing river Beas, the Lake can be approached via Drang. Every year in the month of June, famous traditional fair is held here. Several camping sites are also located here and it is the base for numerous easy & hard treks.

A QUICK GETAWAY - PARASHAR LAKE ... Mandi, Himachal Pradesh (8 hours from Delhi) Hike, Downhill Cycling, Road Trip ...


Nearby Destinations: Chindi, Barot, Janjehli.
Around Prashar Lake

Pandoh: Just 16-km away from Mandi is Pandoh Dam.

Shikhari Devi: 15-km from Janjheli is situated the ancient temple of Shikhra Devi and is surrounded by some marvellous landscapes.

Barot: A nice picnic spot situated at a distance of 33 km. from Mandi on the Mandi - Pathankot Highway. It is famous for trout fishing and a ropeway that attracts the tourist.

Chindi: This little hamlet in an apple growing area is blessed with breathtaking beauty. There are numerous small temples of considerable antiquity not too far away.

Kamru Nag Lake & Temple: Resting resort for trekkers at a height of 3,334 meteres above sea level on the Mandi–Karsog road. You can start trek from Rohanda which is 40 km from Sundernagar & 60 km from Mandi.





Parashar Lake, Mandi - Himachal Pradesh



Do it Yourself - Best Plan!

Travel to Shimla. Spend about a day there. Bike downhill to Tattapani. Enjoy a session of Rafting on the Sutlej. 18kms (1hr). Proceed further towards Chindi, nestled amongst Apple orchards and rolling Meadows. A great destination for unwinding. Absolutely splendid in the Monsoons. Travel further through a great winding road towards Mandi (cycle it down) 69 kms. A day in Mandi is just as good. Its the temple town of Himachal Pradesh. Kataula is 22 kms from Mandi, Start from here towards Parashar Lake. Katindi is the base for the hike up to the lake or you can also drive up through the forest and the off road track leading up to the lake and the temple. Camp or Stay at the Forest Rest House.

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