With the year end approaching, my adrenaline rush to get a pump was turning into aches. I was in pursuit of whereabouts of a place which could justify every bit of my temptation and give me an exquisite impulse before I step into New Year. Just in time I came across this petty paradise far from the roar of city. The more I read about it, the more was the altitude of my urge to be at this untouched and unadulterated piece of Fairyland in secluded part of Himalayas. While the world was celebrating Christmas loud and boom, we started from Delhi on a dense foggy night, with a thought that Santa has lined up this for my Christmas and the Celebrations can't get any better than this.
Drove through the cities:
Delhi -> Ambala -> Chandigarh -> Kharar -> Rupnagar -> Bilaspur -> Mandi -> Baggi Village
When we talk about the roads, the highways are smooth but the path leading to Baggi Village from Mandi is bizarre. Commute from Delhi to Mandi takes 12-13 Hours approximately and is totally dependent on Weather.We elapsed more tik-toks on the clock due to low visibility and dense fog. We took shelter at Mandi and headed for the Village Baggi on the next sunrise.
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| Pristine Lake |
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Fascinated!!
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This pristine lake resides as a secret in heart of Mandi, situated on top of a terrain alongside a Pagoda-like Temple (built in 13th century) devoted to sage Prashar. The lake is geographically placed in the vicinity of Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. This lake is sanctified to the belief of this being the place of meditation of Sage Prashar. The lake possesses a small floating island which shifts co-ordinates within. The depth of this water body is still undetermined.
Starting from Baggi village, trails are well defined during first kilometer but got diminished as we headed on. The snow patches started to appear once we elapsed the first mile. As we moved ahead, it turned from patchy to fuller and soon it was snow covered all around. The sun was shining bright with its rays colliding the snow which in turn was evolving a beautiful spectrum as if a treasure chest have spilled everywhere.
Some beautiful captures from trek:
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| The Holy Prashar Lake |
Some beautiful captures from trek:
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| Frozen Ceilings |
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| Guest House maintained by Forest Dept. |
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| Trails walked at night (morning view) |
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| Descend from top |
As we climbed up, the view kept on getting exceptional to awe-inspiring. Night was even more astounding when stars emerged from the horizon and the whole aura of geography changed. The luminous star studded sky embellished the snow as if I am in a wonderland surrounded by Diamonds. All the memories of this itinerary may fade or I may have to look at the pictures to reincarnate the scenic but I lost my heart somewhere in that Magical Starry night well-crafted on the canvas-board of outer space above. The persistence of this fascinating scenic in my heart is going to be indefinite. The snow scintillated like crystals with scattered rays of my torch-light. I would address myself opportune and fortunate enough for having witnessed this spellbinding mirage.
The highest peak in the terrain surrounding the lake rewards a 180 degree view of Dhauladhar ranges. While you Stand on the top, the view encountered on Front and rear is wholly different. One side is a painted serenity with a pearl white sheet of snow with sparse foot trails engraved by the fellow trekkers and other side bestowed the view of unending brown gigantic Dhauladhars piercing the Horizon and sandwiched a pale-golden flame between the sky and mountains. Such journeys may come with acute difficulties but the synergy of the hardships and scenic views combined, always lit up life with energy and optimism.
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| 180 degree view of Dhauladhar range |
That is why it is said
'When everything in life feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from The Top'
and
When you witness the view, you forget all the hardship you have gone through.
and
When you witness the view, you forget all the hardship you have gone through.
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| My Last picture on this trek |
Have you been to Prashar Lake?
If yes, share your experience
If planning to visit soon, find the details
If planning to visit soon, find the details
Details for the ones who are planning to visit the pristine lake:
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Length of Trek: 8 km per side
Preferred Time of travel -
Winter Trek : Dec end to Feb beginning
Summer Trek : June to August
Preferred Accommodation:
Camping at the Lake side is recommended but there is one guest house 1 km before the Lake
Gears Required:
Water resistant trekking shoes for winter trek
Thermals
Comfortable track pants
Cap/Balaclava
Fleece Jacket would be of great use
Face mask if not carrying Balaclava
Food:
There are no shops en-route and at the top so prefer carrying your food or ask your guide to arrange
Guide Requirement:
It's a straight uphill trek. You may choose to go on your own. In my case I hired a guide to arrange camp, sleeping bags and food.
Guide Contact Details:
Manu - 09817615207
Vishwas (Trek Bulls) - 8744002299
