Prashar Lake is located about 50 kms north of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, and is named after the three-storied temple dedicated to the sage Prashar on its banks. You’ll trek through pine forests, see meadows with cows, woolly lambs, and horses grazing, and will pass charming villages as you go. From the lake, you’ll be able to see panoramic views of the snowy Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.

Prashar Lake difficulty level

If you’re considering doing your first trek here, you should check out our Top Short Treks in Himachal Pradesh.

Camping at Prashar Lake

One of the highlights of the Prashar Lake trek is that you’ll get to camp beside the lake. The pretty, oval lake lies at an altitude of 8956 feet, and looks like a pretty, oval jewel nestled in the hills. Glacial meltwater from the region flows into the lake, keeping it cool and fresh year-round.

Legend has it that the famous Rishi Prashar meditated here, but it is fascinating for other reasons too. Locals claim to have seen tall trees collapsing into the lake during storms, and vanishing without a trace, but nobody knows how deep it really is. There is also a floating island in the middle of the lake that mysteriously changes location every now and then.

Prashar Lake – Trek itinerary

The Prashar Lake begins at Kullu or Manali. You’ll be driven to the start point, which is Baggi, about 2 hours from Kullu. You’ll trek for about 4-5 hours to get to the lake, and will get there in time for tea. You can spend some time watching the sun set and enjoying the views, and then it’s time to set up camp.

The next day, you’ll wake up to spectacular views of the lake and the mountains around. You’ll eat breakfast and explore the lake, and then it’s time to head back to Kullu.

If you’re planning a holiday here, you should read our blog about Top Things to do in Himachal Pradesh.

What is the best time for the Prashar Lake trek?

The best season for the Prashar Lake trek are mid-April to the end of June, when the weather is lovely, the landscape and forests are green, and the views are clear. During these months, the temperatures hover between 16-25 degrees Celsius.

However, if you love snow and want to see a winter wonderland, then December is perfect. The lake freezes over and is surrounded by snowy landscape. In the monsoon, the region receives heavy rainfall and it becomes hard to find dry camping ground, so you should avoid going during this time.