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.

Chandratal - The lake that belongs to the Moon.

Chandra Taal (meaning the Lake of the Moon), or Chandra Tal, is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas. Mountains of scree overlook the lake on one side, and a magnificent cirque presents a view on the other. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. Situated in the Spiti part of the Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh (India), Chandra Taal is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. The lake is accessible on foot from Batal as well as from Kunzum Pass from late May to early October. There is also a motorable road from Batal which is 16 km (9.9 miles) away from Chandra Taal, but before August, its condition can be bad. The road from Kunzum Pass is accessible only on foot, and it is about 8 km (5.0 mi) from Chandra Taal. Suraj Tal is also accessible Chandra Taal, 30 km (19 mi) away. Vast meadows on the banks of the lake are the camping sites. During springtime, these meadows are carpeted with hundreds of kinds of wildflowers.

The most surprising thing about this lake is that there is no visible source of this lake but there is a visible outlet of this lake which means that water to this lake comes from underground.

The lake is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks the Chandra River. The lake is one of two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites. Boasting of a circumference of about 2.5 kms, the deep blue-water of Chandra Tal Lake is the source of the Chandra river.

Chandratal copyright:dhurjati-chatterjee

The Chandratal lake, once a halting place for traders who went to Spiti and the Kullu valley from Tibet and Ladakh attracts a large number of photographers and adventure lovers.

The mountains peaks with snow caps and slopes around the valley rise up to 3000 meters to 6300 meters. The mountain ranges are called Moulkila and Chandrabhaga which challenge mountaineers.

This crystal clear blue water lake lies in a broad grassy plain, which in ancient times was a glacier, Idle for camping, can be approached from Manali and by Kaza.

An old video collection of pictures of Shimla and Himachal!