Prashar Lake Trek 2023 – A Complete Trekking Guide

Trek to The Floating Island of Himachal

Prashar Lake Trek is a untouched secret in the Himalayas in the lap of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The trek is a moderate one and it is a perfect fit into your weekend plans & wanderlust fix.

The trek starts from the village of Baggi and passes through dense forests, meadows, and snow-capped mountains.The trek offers a spectacular view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Kinnaur mountain ranges and gives one the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture as it passes through villages.

The lake is believed to have been created by a sage named Prashar and is surrounded by a temple dedicated to him. For those fascinated by architecture, Prashar Rishi’s temple near the lake is a must-see, boasting a captivating Himachali style architecture..The trek is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and is a must-do for all adventure seekers.

Also, since you can do the Prashar Lake trek throughout the year. Prashar Lake is the ideal escape for those seeking tranquillity, seclusion, and stunning views all year round. Furthermore, this trek is made even more special with its bonus of a peaceful and tranquil setting.

Quick Facts about Prashar Lake Trek

Start/End: Baggi

Duration: 2D/1N

Total Distance: 16 km

Maximum Height: 8956 ft (2730 m)

Prashar Lake Trek Difficulty Level: Easy

Temperature: Day (10°C to 15°C) and Night (-2°C to 0°C)

Best Time for Prashar Lake Trek: March – December

Highlights of Prashar Lake Trek

Visit the Rishi Prashar ancient temple to witness its outstanding architectural presence.

Camping near the lake & gather around the bonfire with your friends and enjoy a night of stargazing and lively conversation.

Enjoying the mesmerizing views of the gorgeous views of Kap Chuli, Friendship peak, Mukila, Ali Ratni Tibba.

Witnessing the stunning sunsets and sunrises.

Trekking through the dense forests of pine, deodar trees & several streams.

How to reach Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake is located in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. The Prashar

Lake trek starts at Baggi, which is around 27 km from Mandi and you can

reach Prashar Lake by car, public transport or by trekking.

Delhi → Mandi → Baggi Village → Prashar Lake

Reaching Mandi from Delhi

From Delhi, it is a 430 km journey to Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, which takes approximately 10-12 hours by Volvo bus. Himachal Roadways and Himachal Tourism both offer daily services from Himachal Bhawan in Delhi to Kullu and Manali, which pass through Mandi. The bus fare prices range from Rs 530 to Rs 1400.

Also, for detail read FAQs

Reaching Baggi (starting point of the trek) from Mandi

By Car: Prashar Lake is located at a distance of 49 km from Mandi town. You can hire a taxi or rent a car from Mandi to reach Prashar Lake. The cab costs INR 600 till Baggi those who want to trek should get off at Baggi village and start their trek and those who directly want to go to Prashar Lake the cab cost around INR 1500-2000.

By Public Transport: You can take a bus to Baggi from mandi. one direct bus goes to Prashar Lake, which leaves at 8 AM from Mandi bus stand. The same bus reaches Baggi village around 10:30 AM. Those who want to trek should get off at Baggi village and start their trek. The cost of the bus ride will be around INR 50. The same bus leaves from Prashar Lake at 1:30 PM and reaches Mandi at 4:30.

By Trekking: Prashar Lake can be reached by trekking from Mandi town. The trek is a challenging 5-day journey which starts from Mandi and passes through villages like Jwalapur, Tatta Pani, Poo, Jogni and Prashar. The trek is suitable for experienced trekkers only.

Detailed Prashar Lake Itineary

Day 1: Baggi to Prashar Lake (7km / 4-5 hours)

Ensure that you have adequate supplies and essentials with you before arriving at Baggi, as there are limited stores in the area. The journey from Baggi village to the lake will around 4 hours, depending on your fitness level and you will be covering a distance of approximately 7 km.

The trail begins with a steep climb of about 500 metres across open land, affording a view of the valley on the right. As you enter the jungle, mainly composed of rhododendron, the gradient eases to become a gradual ascent.

After 400 metres, you reach a clearing where the majestic Dhauadhar range is visible in its entirety. Take a break here and make sure you capture this stunning vista on camera. Once you cross the clearing, the trail takes you through an oak forest. It is a gentle ascent as you make your way through this jungle for 1 km, until you reach another clearing where you can take a much-needed break.

As you hike from the meadow, you will encounter apple orchards. The breathtaking view from this spot is incomparable. From left to right, you can see Triund, Dhauladhar Matterhorn, Kap Chuli, Man Hill, Hanuman Tibba, Sikar Beh, Mukar Beh, Manali peak, Friendship peak, Mukila, and Ali Ratni Tibba, with many smaller mountains scattered around the valley.

At the end of this flat path, you will travel towards Prashar, you’ll come across a few houses. After passing them, take a turn and a low ground will be visible. When you reach its edge, the picturesque Prashar Lake will come into view. Surrounded by a fence, entry into the lake is not permitted.

Inside the lake, there is a unique floating island which may move if you are lucky. Beside the lake stands a temple devoted to the sage Prashar with its striking architecture.

Walk to the highest point near the lake to watch the sunset and come back early the next day to witness the sunrise. From here you can have a spectacular view of the Papsura and Dharmsura mountains.

Day 2: Prashar Lake to Baggi (7km / 3-4 hours)

The night sky above Prashar Lake sparkles with an innumerable amount of stars, creating an enchanting view.

However, the morning hours are when the lake gleams in all its glory. The snow-capped greens surrounding the lake are illuminated in a deep, mystic blue, leaving an unforgettable impression.

If you’re willing to take on the challenge, consider visting to the nearby Sukhasar Lake, which is only 2 KMs from Prashar. This journey will take you around one and a half hours, but is well worth the effort.

Upon returning to the campsite, take the time to explore the old temple and learn about its mythological history. But first, make sure to wake up as early as possible so that you don’t miss out on the spectacular views of the Himachal Himalayas, which encompass the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar and Lahaul & Spiti ranges.

Once you are done with exploration, enjoy your morning cuppa chai and choose upon your return. You have the option to either trek back to the Baggi Village in the morning and be there by 2 PM, when the bus leaves from the village. Or, you can take the bus from Prashar Lake which will get you to Mandi by 5 PM and you can catch an overnight bus to Delhi from there.

From Baggi to Prashar Lake is an approximately 7 km trek and can be easily done in 3-4 hours, mostly descending trail with few, short ascents but it is not recommended as it can be quite effort. It is best to take two days to complete the trek, allowing for rest and time to enjoy the views.

Best Season to do Prashar Lake Trek

The best time to do Prashar Lake Trek is during the summer months of March to December. The weather is pleasant and the days are long, making it an ideal time to explore the area.

This trek can be done any time during the year. The temperature during this time ranges from 15°C to 25°C. During the winter months, the lake and the trekking trail are covered in snow, if snow is what you’re looking for, then Prashar Lake is a great trek to do between December and February.

However, this is a lovely trek to do even without snow.

How to get fit for Prashar Lake Trek

The Prashar Lake trek is classified as an easy trek. From Baggi at 6,050 feet, you will gain about 2,000 feet to Prashar Lake. This can make the trek quite demanding. The continuous ascent can be quite demanding for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

It is recommended that you have a good level of cardiovascular fitness and strength in order to complete the trek. You should also be able to walk for long periods of time and carry a backpack with your supplies.

This trek requires a good amount of cardiovascular endurance.To prepare for this high-altitude trek, one should incorporate a combination of distance and speed targets into their jogging routine, gradually increasing the pace day by day.

During preparation for this trek, your aim should be to comfortably finish 5 km within 40 minutes. You should start your preparation from at least a month in advance, by running or by doing some cardio you can achieve your fitness for Prashar Lake Trek.

Helpful Tips before you go for Prashar Lake Trek

Mandi is the last point where the ATMs are available. So, it’s better that you carry enough cash.

Prashar Lake does not have a strong connection. Usually, the network comes and goes. BSNL/Jio works the best in these areas

Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the heat and get the best views of the valley.

Carry enough water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the trek.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip as the terrain can be slippery at times.

Carry a first aid kit and some basic medicines to treat minor injuries or ailments.

Carry sunglasses & sunscreen above SPF 30.

Do not litter and keep the environment clean. Respect the local culture and traditions of the area.

Take least possible clothes. Lesser the weight to carry, easier it will be later.

History & Mythological Connections

The lake known as Prashar was named after the Rishi Prashar who meditated here in antiquity and a temple dedicated to him was built in the 13th century by Raja Bank Sen of Mandi.

Legend has it that the lake was created by Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, upon his return from Kurukshetra after the Mahabharatha war. The Pandava brothers were accompanying Lord Kamrunag & he enamoured by the valley and its location, Lord Kamrunag decided to stay there forever.

To make the valley even more beautiful, Bhima then created a lake by ramming his elbow into one of the mountains. Local people claim that its true depth is unknown, and many studies and divers have attempted to reach its bottom point but have been unsuccessful.

FAQs

What is Prashar Lake famous for?

It is known for its scenic beauty, the three-storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar, and the magnificent views of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The lake is also said to be the home of the local deity, thus making it a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Prashar Lake has a small floating circular island on its surface. And, locals will be quick to point out that there is no particular trend for the movement – it may be in the same place for months on end, or it might move several times in a month.

Prashar Lake Trek is recommended destination for couples, family & kids, corporate, foreign group & solo trekker.

What will be the Temperature be like during the trek?

The temperature during the trek will depend on the time of year and location you are trekking. Generally, during the summer months, temperatures can rise during the day and drop at night, while during the winter months temperatures can remain colder with snow in higher elevations. It is important to check the forecast before embarking on a trek.

Daytime temperatures will range from 10-18ºC and nighttime temperatures will range from -2-0ºC.

Total distance of Prashar Lake trek?

The Total distance that needs to be covered to complete the Prashar Lake trek is 14 kilometres (7 km each) This trek is covered approximately within a period of 3-4 hours.

Is Prashar Lake trek being Difficult?

Prashar Lake trek has moderate difficulty level. It is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. The trek is mostly through easy trails and the highest point is about 8,900 feet. The trek involves some steep ascents and descents.

Trekking to Prashar Lake during the spring season is an ideal time, as the environment is lush green and the trails are gentle and wide. However, heavy snowfall can make the trek more difficult due to slippery and tricky routes.The trek is also subject to weather conditions and can be a bit challenging during the winter season.

What is the Maximum altitude of Prashar Lake Trek?

Parashar lake is located at an elevation of 2730 m above sea level.

What are the Stay Options near Triund Trek? Is camping allowed?

You can save money by staying in the temple dorm near Prashar Lake, which is free of cost. However, some shops do offer tents you can also rent a tent at the lake for around INR 300-500 per person, depending on the season. Alternatively, you can book the Forest Rest House, located 500 metres away, for around 1000/-. If you have your own camping gear, you can pitch it at a distance from the lake since pitching tents near the lake is not allowed.

(Contact Details for booking of Forest Rest House: – Mr. Vir Singh 09459137877)

How to reach Mandi from Delhi?

By Air: If you want to visit Prashar Lake, the nearest airport is Bhuntar, located around 60 KMs away. You can hire a cab/bus to reach Mandi or directly to Baggi village if you do not intend to explore Mandi. However, due to the weather fluctuations in the region, the airport’s operations might be interrupted.

By Train: No direct trains are available from Delhi or Shimla to Mandi. Therefore, one should take the Shatabdi till Chandigarh and then hire a cab or take a bus to reach Mandi. Another option is to take a train to Joginder Nagar station.

By Road: You can book tickets for buses from Delhi to Manali on Redbus or HRTC, which have multiple options available like non-AC, semi sleeper/Volvo and even Mercedes buses. However, for reliability and safety, it is recommended to choose HPTDC or HRTC buses over private buses.

How is Prashar Lake Trek in December?

In December, the Prashar Lake trek is blanketed with snow and offers stunning views of the horizon. Temperatures at this time of year drop to between 0 and 5-degrees Celsius and snowfall is common.

What clothing or equipment do we need to carry from our side during Prashar Lake trek?

Prashar Lake Trek is considered as easy to moderate trek and safest trekking trails in the Himalayas. However, that does not mean you should visit the place with empty hands. Bringing high energy is essential for Prashar Lake Trek, but trekkers should also not forget to pack the following items: Trekkers should bring jeans, t-shirt, warm clothes(in winters), trekking shoes, an extra pair of socks, a camera, skin moisturisers and sunscreen lotion, an umbrella or raincoat, Snacks and energy bars, sunglasses and caps, personal stuff, personal medicines, a flashlight, and water bottles when they go on the Prashar Lake Trek.

It is always better to carry proper trekking shoes while you head out to do Prashar Lake trek because on the way you will find many slippery patches as well as rough roads.

Is there any food and water sources available on the Prashar Lake trek?

Yes, there are food and water sources available on the Prashar Lake Trek. Most of the places have basic amenities like tea stalls and small dhabas. There are a few cafes near the lake that offer tea, coffee, Maggi, parathas, and Rajma Chawal at reasonable prices. Additionally, there are a few shops and restaurants located in the nearby villages and towns.

You can also find water sources throughout the trek, but it is recommended to carry your own water and by refilling your water bottle as many times as you need, you can contribute to protecting the Himalayas from plastic pollution. Every action counts, and yours can make a difference!