Prashar Lake Trek is a hidden activity surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley a blue water lake also known to be a well-kept secret in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. This trek is a charming trail through a forest and several streams of water. Tekkers who are going through the strain can also enjoy the local culture of the villages they find. This trek offers a 180-degree view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Kinnaur mountain ranges. The local temple, Prashar Rishi, right next to the lake, is beautiful with Himachali architecture and mesmerising surroundings. This temple is a perfect place for those who are interested in architecture.
Planning The Prashar Lake Trek
Here are a few things to remember that are very important while planning your trip to the Prashar Lake Trek.
Planning Day 1
Morning :
The tourists planning to trek Prashar Lake should assemble at Mandi early in the morning. From there, they should reach Kantlu village, which is 2 hours away from Mandi. The elevation from Kantlu village to Prashar Lake is 6,050 feet to 8,900 feet, which is 7.5 km and takes 4 to 5 hours. 500 m through open land, the trail begins with a steep ascent, and trekkers can see the valley on their right. After crossing 400 m, a clear view of the Dhauladhar range is seen. Trekkers can take a break here and click on some beautiful pictures of the Dhauladhar range. The trail enters an oak forest, and after walking in the jungle for 1 km, trekkers reach another clearing, another good spot to take a break. From there, the trail goes to the motorable road, and we have to walk on this path for the next 700 m. Then the trekkers reach a place called Til, where there are lots of shops.
Afternoon:
From Till, trekkers can see the Kachha road and ascend on it for 600 m till they reach another small meadow. The trail ascends steeply for 300 m from here and gets slightly strenuous. The views after reaching the clearing from here are absolutely mesmerising. The trekkers can observe various mountain ranges, like Triund, Dhauladhar, Matterhorn, Kap Chuli, Man Hill, Hanuman Tibba Friendship Peak, Manali Peak and many others surrounding the beautiful valley. After another 300 m of trekking, they reach another forest, where the trail is flat and followed by a short ascent. There is a beautiful lake below at the end of the section. The trekkers can go down and explore the lake, and they can also find two shepherd huts here. There is a motorable road for 1.7 km from this lake where houses are present. After taking a turn from there, the low ground is visible. After reaching the end of this low ground, a beautiful lake, Prashar Lake, is visible.
Must Read: Best Places To Visit In Mandi
Planning Day 2
On the second day, the trekkers return to Kantlu but through a different route. Starting from the Prashar Lake, they walk on the motorable lake for 1.5 km. From there, they turn right and find a narrow path through grasslands. After walking for 700 m on this path, a small water pump house is found, which is amazing and beautiful because it is surrounded by forest and absolutely quiet. The only sound heard here is water; the trekkers can refill their water bottles.
After crossing this, the trail enters a dense forest area with a diversion after 500 m taken on the right. After 1.2 km, they reach an ascent. After crossing this, a beautiful house set in a clearing appears to the right, where there is an apple orchard. It is filled with apples, especially in May and June. There is a beautiful haveli behind this house where the Dhauladhar range, Mulika, and Hanuman Tibba peaks are also visible. 200 m from this house will take the trekkers to a motorable road again and enter a forest. This forest is filled with pine, oak and rhododendron trees. 1 km later, the forest thins down, and a small reservoir is found on the left. After a 100 m walk, there is a small village named Halgarh. This village has a few houses and a clear view of Kantlu and the valley. There, the tourists can have their lunch and start getting back to Mandi.
Things To Pack While Planning To Trek To Prashar Lake
A few important things to take while trekking to Prashar Lake are head gas to protect the face and head, headlamps, hats, sunglasses, and Balaclavas to protect your ears and face from obstacles and the extreme temperature entering your body.
- Clothes: A woollen sweater, fleece, trekking jacket, thermal, undergarments, gloves, trek pants, and raincoats are recommended.
- Tracking shoes with waterproof and ankle support help you cross the streams and rest your feet with a sharp grip.
- Everybody trekking should carry a personal first aid kit with all the necessary items.
- Gadgets like a mobile phone camera, spare batteries, lightweight flashlight, waterproof bag, 1-litre water bottle, trekking poles, and other items that interest you are a must.
- The important documents are the original and a photocopy of the government photo identity, which should be submitted to the forest department before the track for safety and security purposes.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
Tips While Planning To Trek To Prashar Lake
Image Credit: Casonideepika for Wikimedia Commons
Tourists should start their fitness routine a few days before planning the trek, so they do not face complications. Cardiovascular endurance is the most important thing while trekking because it is at a high altitude. Starting to jog every day and increasing the pace daily can help prepare your body for the high-altitude trek.
You can increase the speed and distance every day depending on your capacity. Later, increase it to 5 km in 45 minutes and take it to 5 km in less than 45 minutes. Also, if you prefer cycling, you can cover 18 km in 60 minutes. Track your fitness routine every day and plan your distance target to have an amazing trekking experience.
Further Read: Trekking In Himachal Pradesh
Now that you have a list of things to remember while planning your trek to Prashar Lake plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to explore many more adventurous and beautiful places in the mountain ranges. While on your Himachal trip, you must participate in the Prashar Lake trek, which will give you a lifetime of memorable experiences.
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Cover Image Credit: Yogeshvhora for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Prashar Lake Trek
What is the best time to plan your trek to Prashar Lake?
The best time to plan your trip to Prashar Lake is between the months of April to May, because during these months the mountain region is green and absolutely mesmerising to look at.
How is the climate at Prashar Lake?
The average temperature at Prashar Lake is between -8 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It is extremely cold, especially in the month of December, where the temperature sometimes also goes to minus 4 degrees Celsius.
How difficult is the trek to Prashar Lake?
The trek to Prashar Lake is moderate to difficult because it is an extremely cold region with many animals surrounding it. The trail has a few short ascents, which are a bit difficult. Still, the rest of the trek is to walk.
Is accommodation available on the way to Prashar Lake?
There are many types of homestays, hotels and resorts available on the way to Prashar Lake. There are also camping options at Prashar Lake to enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayas where many people prefer to go camping at this lake during the summers.
How to reach Mandi district?
Bhuntar's airport is the nearest one to Mandi by air. By rail, the railway station at Jogindernagar is the nearest one. By road, there are many buses, taxis and cabs available through various routes.
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