And Parashar Lake is a very beautiful natural lake situated at an altitude of 2,730 meters in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated 50 km away from Mandi town and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and a beautiful meadow. And the lake can be reached from Mandi or from Bajaura in the Kullu Valley. From here you can get panoramic views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges. And the lake is also a popular place for camping and trekking.
Prashar Lake History
The lake is named after the sage Parashara. He is believed to have meditated near the lake and performed penance for many years. The temple is dedicated to sage Parashara, and his ashes are said to be kept inside the temple. The lake is known for its floating island. The floating island moves on the surface of the lake and many people have seen this sight. And this island is a natural phenomenon and has remained a mystery for many years. Floating islands move in all directions in the lake. The depth of Parashar Lake has not yet been measured by anyone and it is also said that divers cannot fathom its depth. It is believed that taking a dip in its holy water washes away sins. The temple of Parashara Rishi is also an important pilgrimage site for the devotees.
The temple was built in the 13th century by King Ban Sen of Mandi in honor of the sage. The lake is also associated with the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas came to this lake during their exile. When the Mahabharata war was over, the Pandavas were returning with Lord Kamrunag. When they reached the place, Kamrunag liked the serene environment and decided to stay there forever. So, Bhima thrust his elbow into one of the mountains and made a huge hole in the ground. This pit became Parashar Lake.
Mandi to Prashar Lake Trek
The trek from Mandi to Parashar Lake is a popular and scenic route. The trek is about 7 km long and the trek takes about 3-4 hours. And trek starts from Baggi village, which is located at a distance of about 23 kilometers from Mandi town. By buggy, the trek goes through dense forests and beautiful meadows. The trek is suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, and there are several camping sites available along the way. Carry enough water and food supplies with you as there are no shops or restaurants available on the trail. You can visit Parashar Lake anytime. By the way, the best time to visit Parashar Lake is between April to July and September to November.
Mandi to Prashar Lake Bus
For those who do not fancy trekking, a bus service is available from Mandi to Parashar Lake. The bus journey takes about 3-4 hours and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The bus service is operated by the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), and tickets can be booked online or at the HRTC bus station in Mandi. It is important to note that bus service may not be available during the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the area. Hence, it is advised to check the availability of bus service before planning a trip to Parashar Lake during the winter months.
