Prashar / Parashar Lake And Temple

At a distance of 65 km from Kullu, 51 km from Mandi and 103 km from Manali, Prashar Lake is a beautiful lake situated at an altitude of 2730 m in Mandi district.

Prashar Lake with blue and clear waters is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated there. It is one of the top trails for trekking in Himachal Pradesh. An interesting thing about Parashar Lake is its floating circular island that keeps changing its position. This lake is fed by small mountain streams. Along the lake is a three storied temple dedicated to sage Prashar. Parashar is said to be the grandson of famous sage Vashishta. Locally known as Deu Padasar, it is said Parashar came to this spot and struck his axe, leading to water springing out of the ground. This water spring later filled the bowl like depression in the ridge to form what is currently known as Parashar Lake. Bansen, the King of Mandi built this temple in 14th century. The temple is in pagoda style with elaborate carvings of serpents and animals.

There is a motorable road all the way up to the lake. Prashar can be reached by bus from Mandi. There is a morning 7.45 AM bus from Mandi which reaches Prashar Lake (via Kataula and Bagi) at around 11.15 AM and returns from Prashar Lake at 1.15 PM reaching Mandi at around 4.15 PM daily. Buses do not ply to Prashar Lake in peak winters when it snows as the roads are not in good condition.

There is also a 7 km trekking route that starts at Bagi village. The trek is mostly uphill through dense forest. During winters it is possible to trek to Prashar Lake along the closed Bagi-Prashar road. The trek is 16 km from Suda village to Prashar Lake and it is moderately difficult.

During June 2nd week every year, a three day festival is organized. The temple complex has a dormitory facility as well.

Best time to visit the Prashar Lake is April- July and October-November.