This is my personal experience for the first time trekking at Parashar lake trek in Himachal Pradesh near Mandi.
I went with 2 friends and along with a group which organizes trekking at various places in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
There is a small island that floats inside Parashar Lake and changes its position – Visible in picture
About Parashar Lake
- 2730 meters above sea level
- Sage Parashar is regarded to have meditated there
- Temple was built in 13th century
- Trek Level – Simple
Day 0 – Friday Delhi to Mandi
We traveled via Volvo bus from Delhi ISBT to Mandi In Himachal Pradesh. The bus started at 0730 PM (Friday) from Delhi (~200 meters from Majnu ka Tilla Gurudwara which is near to ISBT)
The bus stopped at Ambala for dinner around 1030 PM and reached Mandi Bus stand early morning at 0530 AM(Saturday). Here we were supposed to be picked up by Trektrails group for trekking.
Day 1 – Saturday Mandi To Parashar
The group (trektrails) came there by 0600 AM, meanwhile we enjoyed a cup of tea at Bus stand waiting for the group. They took us to a famous Gurudwara in Mandi which is just 500 meters from the bus stand.
We took the bath, got fresh and prayed in Gurudwara.
It was a group of 20 people.2 Jeeps were arranged which took us to a Dhaba for getting breakfast.
We packed the lunch in our “Tiffin Box” ,we brought with us. Also there was a single common room in that Dhaba where people changed their clothes one by one for trekking.
Our bags were loaded on the top of the jeeps.
On the way to Parashar Lake
The jeep took us to a mountain from where the trek has to start. It took us 1-1.5 hrs. to reach there as the road was rough. On reaching there, the view was so amazing seeing that all tiredness was gone!
Place from where Trekking started
There are many places from where the trek can begin. One can select as per their group’s choice. The people/groups who go often they know it better and the villagers.
Walking on top of mountains is trekking but its an experience, its not just walking.
.
Landscape view
A fanny bag was handed over to us with some fruits, chocolates and dry fruits. The bag was later supposed to be used to trash the wrappers or some waste to avoid littering the mountain.
You can see the bag on my waist to keep the waste plastic wrappers or fruits cover.
Trek Begins:
It was a total of 7 KMs trek. (for Day1)
The trek is not a child’s play, we realized it just in 30 mins but not that tough at the same time if your stamina is average.
Although weather was good and everything was so pleasant and it was a simple trek like anybody can do it ,but since we were not so in habit of walking inclined, so the trip started to be felt tiring and painful. So one must start walking daily 1-2 Kms daily 10-15 days prior to the trekking to make it easy, less painful and more enjoyable.
Though it was not the same for everyone. Remember you have to carry a bag on your back.
At this place, we stayed so long that we lost our way, as group was walking a little faster
.
Lunch on Top of mountain – Awesome Experience.
After trekking for 2 hours, we reached at the top of a mountain. There we had lunch, we brought in our tiffin box, we relaxed a bit and then started again our trekking.
The place where we had our lunch
Great views and we have to be safe
We got to see some really amazing views on our way. If you have friends who are photo addict, you can spend hours at few spots clicking and capturing those mesmerizing views.
The way was simple and so was our guide. The day was called off after reaching the point where our tents were arranged to spend the night. We had dinner and chit chat with friends and dumb charades with everyone.
You can see millions of stars as there is no pollution no clouds, it was just awesome
We went to sleep in out tents inside sleeping bag as temperature was 4 degree C or lesser . This experience was something really different, sleeping inside a tent in a mountain was so adventurous!
The night was so silent and it had a feeling of being so close to nature and Mother Earth!!
The tents in which we slept. 2 or 3 people inside 1 tent
Tip :- Keep your bags light as you have to carry whatever you brought from home.
Closer look :-
Day 2 :- Sunday
Next Morning we woke up , everything was so fresh ,the weather ,the trees, the cold breeze and so our moods- happy and smiling.
Now for nature’s call we were provided temporary washroom that were built under tent. It was a bit uncomfortable but we had to manage.
Great opportunity for photos on top of mountains. Its a great feeling being there
Tip :- Get up early to make the best use of the washroom . As its cleaner in starting as most of the people on the trek are first timer to use it.
We have the lake and temple in background
There was yoga session conducted in the morning once everyone woke up and it was one of the extra ordinary experiences doing that in that atmosphere.
Temple History
As per wiki, Bhim one of the Pandavas ramed his elbow on one of the mountain and creates a big dent in the land while he was passing from here as he wanted to stay here for sometime.
We had breakfast which was prepared by the people in the group in the Kitchen Tent. Also the lunch boxes were packed for the lunch.
Trek Continues
The trekking started from Parashar lake for back to Mandi. Getting down was easy comparatively but you have to be a little more careful when getting down as its little slippery
The way was better as it was all through the forest and all greenery.
There was a small waterfall of on the way where we had our lunch and the usual photography sessions carried throughout the journey.
By 0530 PM we reached where the jeeps were waiting for us to take us to Mandi.
On the way we booked our tickets to Delhi. Thanks to Paytm
Tip :- Internet will not work like it works in metro cities. So be careful and keep more time in case you left with any bookings
Return Journey
0830 we had the bus from Mandi bus stand. Since we had time, we went to the same gurudwara and had the langar (prasad) as dinner.
The bus came at 0830 PM which dropped us at Delhi by around 0700 AM (next day)
Hope you like the article. Like share subscribe.
Remember Sharing is caring
See you again
Its a lifetime experience and i would recommend you must do it. The place without any vehicle. No pollution. All natural things.
You can even visit this place in car as well without trekking too but trek is way better.
Based on the weather and the time of year , you go this place looks like below as well
So check the season and go accordingly
Reviews for trektrails :- very nice company, they take care of everything . Did 2 treks with them. They take care of everything
- Do leave a comment as feedback and
- Don’t forget to subscribe. Sharing is Caring
Tip :- Get up early to make the best use of the washroom . As its cleaner in starting as most of the people on the trek are first timer to use it.
PRO TIP hai ekdum!!! 🙂 😄
If such an experience trekker is saying so , it must be. Thank you
😎👍Firstly iam really very happy to read your article. After read your full article your real nature experience and also saw your all photos with natural beauty am so much of excited to go there..😍😍
During your journey you showed us the scenic beauty of the place and the beautiful views of the nature and also mountains there.
I want to thank you from the heart. You gave us all this useful information from your travel experience.
Thank you very much
Your friend
Naresh Thakur
Hare Krishna
Thank you Naresh for writing a detailed feedback for the parashar lake trek post. Keep visiting. Your words are motivating.
Do subscribe to youtube channel as well and keep coming back
Good one!
Hey Deeksha
Thanks for dropping by and reading it.
Thanks for sharing this useful information.
Thank you Samriddhi 🙂