Prashar Lake Trek : Explore a Beautiful Lake

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Prashar Lake Trek

Prashar Lake Trek is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. This oval shaped beauty is resting in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. This trek is a two-to-three-day trek and is located at a height of 8,900 ft. The trail goes through the thick green forests along with the small water streams flowing between them. 

The main attraction of the prashar lake trek is a small floating island on the lake surface. If you are lucky, you can witness the island moving at regular intervals. Moreover, you can witness the famous Dhauladhar, Kinnaur and Pir Panjal from the lake.

Winters are harsh here and as a result of which the trek route is mostly closed during the snow months like December and January. Infact you will find feet’s of snow piled up during these months. The temperature drops down to below -0.8 degrees Celsius.

History

It is one of the untouched gems of lakes and rarest of its kind. This lake is said to be the result of the ramming done by the Pandava Bhim. While returning after the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas and the Lord Kamrunag had a stop near the lake region. The Rain God (Kamrunag) got fascinated by the beauty of this place hence decided to stay forever at this place. 

Bhima, strongest of them all, pounded his elbow into the mountain thus creating the Prashar Lake. And this stands as one of the reasons for not knowing the depth of the lake as the beliefs are that it was created by one of the strongest men in that period. Locals narrate that they had witnessed such a harsh storm that the tallest of the trees fall inside the lake due to the harsh winds in the storm and there are no traces to be found afterwards. 

Due to this, the lake is also called Kamrunag lake. 

How to Reach

The two options to reach this lake is either by means of trek or through the road. The common starting point is Baggi and can be reached via Mandi. You can get various buses from Mandi for the lake. 

The two common routes are-

1.Mandi to Bijani to Kamand to Baggi to Prashar

2.Kullu to Bhuntar to Bajaura to Baggi to Prashar

The 1st route is the famous one and will usually take around 5-6 hours to reach Prashar Lake from Baggi. So, take a bus till Baggi and then start your trek journey from there. Mandi to Baggi will take you around 2-3 hours.

Day1: Baggi to Prashar Lake

Start from Baggi with all the essentials with you. You will come across the first water point after travelling for around 15 minutes. Then, a small divert from the water stream will take you to a steeper trail and takes you towards the beautiful grasslands.

You might find a few local houses enroute. You can take a stopover and have some chit chat with them. They would love to offer you a cup of hot tea and make you go owe with their hospitality. However, there are not many so be prepared. 

You will reach the Lake point by the evening. Take a night stay there and enjoy the stay under the blanket of stars.

Day2: Exploring the Lake

Wake up in the early hours of morning and experience the beauty around. Get ready and explore the near by areas. Next to the lake is the Prashar Rishi temple built in the Rishi’s memory as he meditated here. It is designed keeping in mind the Himalayan architecture. The temple is a great place for those who like to meditate. It can be a good start of the day.

You can also trek further for 2 km to explore another lake called as Sukhsar Lake. Ideal duration to reach this place is around 1 hour, however it can stretch further depending upon your trekking capabilities.

You might find yourself lucky to encounter the Sun as it tries to play hide and seek with you. And the moment you find the first rays of the Sun falling on your face, you shine like a crystal. 

Day3: Prashar to Mandi

It is time to get back to the place from you started. It is a moderate easy trek and can be managed without a guide too depending on your trekking experience. Relax for some time before heading back towards your destination. 

You can take a direct bus from Prashar Lake to Mandi or can also trek back to Baggi and then take a bus to Mandi. 

Try to do a prior booking before visiting the place as it is always preferable and advisable.