Parashar Lake: A Quick Summer Jaunt

So, after that dead autumn visit in 2012, I could never return to the Parashar Lake (or Prasher as they pronounce) for more than a decade, simply because there was a lot more to cover in this state. Finally, last summer, I decided to fix this and catch the lake at the peak of summer, when everything is green.

I was already in Mandi during one of my regular visits when I finally made up my mind. Last time I got a shared vehicle, but I figured out that there are direct buses to Parashar, and so, there was no need to hire a separate vehicle or go for a 2-day trek that some people opt for.

Mandi To Prasher Bus

I had a quick breakfast at my regular place at the Mandi bus stand at around 8 AM and then I noticed two tempting buses standing next to each other. One to Parashar and another to Karsog, another place I had to revisit after 2013. I was tempted, but I eventually stuck with the original plan. A kaphal seller entered the bus to make up for the early morning rush. 

The bus was slow, but that is expected in these remote areas with narrow roads and a limited number of buses serving scattered villages. It took a longish tea break at one point, which was right on the edge of a deep gorge offering good views. 

At Parashar Lake

The bus stopped at around 1 km before the main lake and temple and I joined the rest of the people. Many other people were already there and apparently it was a day of some ritual as I could see the devotees carrying the palanquin of the deity and walking towards the temple while the feverish music of drums and horns elevated the mood.  However, somehow they seemed to be in a hurry and they left the temple and moved on even before I could reach the main temple compound. 

The Parashar Rishi Lake is said to be the meditation site of the ancient sage Parashar, father of Ved Vyasa, who performed deep penance here, making the lake sacred to devotees. Just like most ancient sites, it is not possible to exactly trace the origins, but the old kath-kuni style temple is not a surprise in this region.

According to another legend, the lake was created by Bhima of the Pandavas, who struck the mountain with his elbow to form a basin for the sage’s meditation. The mysterious floating island within the lake is considered especially sacred. If I must find a comparison, I can think of the phumdis of Loktak Lake in Manipur. However, that is a much larger lake and this is a high-altitude, miniature version of the same.

After spending some time in the temple, I decided to hike away from the lake to get a wholesome view. In recent times, many Indian towns, monuments and even nondescript edifices have formed a questionable habit of erecting I Love (Insert Place) Sign Boards. I personally detest such installations and I could see one here, too from a distance but at least, it said Jai Rishi Parashar instead of I ❤︎⁠ Prashar Lake. So, that was sort of a relief and actually, this board was a good point to hike up to and get a good view of the lake and temple. 

A Slow Return

After spending a couple of hours around the temple and circumambulating the lake a couple of times, I was done, and I started to walk back towards the bus. There were a couple of small shacks along the way. I stopped at one of them and asked if they have anything to eat. They tried to offer that abominable instant noodle brand glorified by Indian travellers. I promptly refused and finally got a plate of rajma chawal for lunch. 

The return was even slower. The bus stopped twice. As the bus is meant to do only this one trip per day, they were not in a hurry at all. I eventually got back to Mandi town by evening. 

Parashar Lake Travel Guide

How to Reach Parashar Lake? Buses available? Bus Timings?

There are a couple of buses that go towards the lake in the morning. Ideally, you should go to the Mandi bus stand in the morning. One bus leaves at around 8 AM as far as I remember. It reaches Parashar in around 3 hours and then waits there for another 3-4 hours. Then it returns back at around 2-3 PM. 

Do note that there is another route to Parashar from Kullu side but the Mandi route is better connected and easier.

Trek to Parashar Lake?

You can trek for 6-7 KMs from Baggi village to Parashar. You can first reach Baggi from Mandi using a morning bus or a cab. However, I have not done this personally. 

Where to stay for Parashar Lake?

Ideally, you can just do it from Mandi, which is a large town with many hotels. If you must stay, there is a Forest Rest House as well as a PWD Rest House, located just at the point where the bus stops. I found a couple of sites, I have not tried them but you can check. 

For PWD Rest House

For Forest Rest House

What’s the right season?

Parashar offers different views in different seasons. The emerald green of summer/monsoon is what I prefer. Late autumn is dry and somewhat dull but it turns white during the winter. However, the buses may not reach till the temple during snowfall season. So, choose carefully.