"Never let your memories be greater than your dreams."
Situated at an altitude of 8956 feet above mean sea level, Parashar Lake is an hallowed lake in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that the lake has no bottom or no scientist has been able to measure the depth of the lake. The floating island in the lake keeps changing its position all over the year and in winters the entire lake premises becomes a gorgeous white paradise.
BRIEF ITINERARY:
Departure Day (Day 0): Start our Drive from pre designated point towards Prashar Lake in Mandi (Overnight journey)
Departure Day: Start our journey to Parashar Lake from pre designated point on board the Off Road Travellers bus. The road trip takes us through the states of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal. We will be stopping for Dinner and will continue our journey towards Parashar Lake in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.
We will be reaching Parashar Lake in afternoon after a overnight journey. Here after a back breaking journey we will be in the middle of heaven where Beautiful sanitized camps will be welcoming us having a serene background of mountains. In the lap of nature, delicious lunch will be served and after taking some rest we will head to lake side and temple near by. Here we will get ample locations to click pictures.
The most fascinating part of the lake, however, is the floating island at its centre. The island is made of regular landmass and covers 29% of the area while the water content is about 71%. Coincidentally, that is exactly the proportion of land and water on the planet, which also led to the speculation that this is some mythical, microcosmic representation of the Earth.
The lake is flanked by an ancient temple dedicated to Rishi Prashar, resting areas for tourists, and camping grounds. The three-storied, pagoda-shaped temple is said to have been built in the 13th century under the patronage of Ban Sen- the king of Mandi. Local stories say that the temple structure was shaped with a single Deodar tree and the façade as well as interiors boast intricate wood carvings of animals and serpents. Besides its historic significance, the mesmerizing temple and its surrounding landscape is a treat for sore eyes.
After spending our evening at lake side, we will head towards cottages and dinner will be served piping hot at night alongside a bonfire and music. Overnight rest.
Tunga Mata Mandir Trek
Our morning starts early with the mesmerizing view near our camp site where we will have tasty local food. Post breakfast our trek leaders will be briefing you on the technicalities, terrain and precautionary measures to take during the Tunga Mata hike. It is known for years long worship by maa Parvati’s for Lord Shiva. Tunga Bhagwati temple is situated directly opposite to Parashar on top of a hill which provides 360 degree panoramic view of the wide valley stretch. The 7 kms hike will pass through forest cover of Katauda region that will make your heart rush with joy. During those 3-4 hours, we will be mesmerized by the flora rich cover of the forest and few snow patches in the final stretch of the trek. In winters, this beautiful trail is fully covered with snow.
The temple is surrounded by the Pir Pinjal range, Dhauladhar range and the Manikaran sides. We get views of the Deo tibba (6000 metres), Indrasan (6220 metres), Inder Quila, Hanuman Tibba on this day. After having lunch, we retrace our steps back to Prashar Lake Camp Site. Reach the camp by evening and enjoy the evening bonfire in heavenly views with delicious dinner and soothing music.
The panoramic view of snow-capped peaks, lush greenery of the valleys, and the deep blue waters of the lake make for a perfect rejuvenating as well as memorable holiday.
Now its time to say GOOD BYE to this beautiful valley and go back home with a bag full of memories.
After having breakfast we will be heading back to our home sweet home while stooping at some quick stops on our way back(if the time allows)
We will reach by evening giving you enough time to sleep and relax and get ready for monday morning.