Prashar Lake Trek

Prashar Lake trek – A perfect family trek in Himachal

Surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley is a blue-water lake called Prashar. Prashar Lake is a well-kept secret in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The trek follows a charming trail through a forest and several  rivulets. Meanwhile, one can enjoy the local culture as the trail goes through villages as well. The trek offers a 180 degree view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Kinnaur mountain ranges.

For those interested in architecture, the local temple of Prashar Rishi next to the lake, with its riveting Himachali architecture, blends perfectly with the landscape.

Prashar lake is semi frozen in winter and the surroundings are blanketed in snow

The Trek

Day 1: Kantlu to Prashar Lake

• Altitude: 6,050 ft to 8,900 ft

• Time taken: 1 hour drive + trek for 5 hours, 7.05 km

• Trek gradient: Moderate. Steep ascent for 500 metres followed by a gradual ascent for about 4 km. Another steep ascent for 3oo metres followed by an easy walk.

• Water sources: Carry two litres of water. There is one water source at Til, around 2.6 km into the trek. You can refill your water bottles here.

Last view of Baggi village before you head into the forest PC: Rohit Singla

Kantlu is about 2 hours from Mandi. Reach Mandi by 7.00 am and head straight to Kantlu. Have breakfast here and begin trekking.

The trail begins with a steep ascent for about 500 metres through open land. You will see the valley on ur right.

After this, you enter a jungle, which mainly consists of rhododendron. The trail eases a little here to become a gradual ascent. In 400 metres, you reach a clearing from where you get the full view of the Dhauadhar range. Take a break here. It’s a good spot to click some photographs.

On you cross the clearing, the trail enters an oak forest. It continues to ascend gradually. After walking in the jungle for 1 km, you reach another clearing. This is also a good spot to take a break.

From this clearing, the trail gets on to the motorable road. Walk on this for the next 700 metres. You will then reach a place named Til. There are a lot of shops here.

From Til, seek the kachha road. Ascend on this for about 600 metres till you reach another small meadow. Break here for lunch. The views are great from here.

Once you start trekking from the meadow, you will come across apple orchards. Make sure you do not pluck any apples. After 700 metres, you will cross the motorable road again. From here, the trail ascends steeply for 300 metres. This section is a little strenuous. You reach a clearing right after this.

The views from here are outstanding. The mountain that you see from left to right are Triund, Dhauladhar Matterhorn, Kap Chuli, Man Hill, Hanuman Tibba, Sikar Beh, Mukar Beh, Manali peak, Friendship peak, Mukila, Ali Ratni Tibba and several smaller ones surrounding a beautiful valley. Rest here for a while.

Walking through the snow to reach Prashar Lake on a winter day PC: Pratul Nigam

In 300 metres, you enter another forest. The trail here is flat, followed by a short ascent. At the end of this section, you will see a beautiful lake below. But this is is not Prashar Lake. Go down to the lake and explore around. You will also find two shepherds’ huts here.

From the lake, follow the mkotorable road for 1.7 km. You’ll see few houses before reaching Prashar. Take a turn once you cross these. A low ground is visible from here. Once you reach the edge of this low ground, a beautiful lake comes into view – this is Prashar.

Prashar lake is protected by a fence so you cannot enter it. There is a round, floating island inside the lake. If you are lucky, you can see the island move while you are there.

There is a beautiful temple dedicated to the sage Prashar next to the lake. Its architecture is unique and attractive.

Walk to the nearest ‘top’ from the lake to view the sunset and return early the next morning for the sunrise. You get to see whole mountains from here including Papsura and Dharmsura. Rest for the night at the dormitory.

A different view of Prashar Lake PC: Ikshit

Day 2: Prashar Lake to Kantlu 

• Altitude: 8,900 ft to 6.050 ft

• Times taken: 3.5 hours, 7.7 km

• Trek gradient: Easy. Mostly descending trail with few, short ascents.

• Water sources: Carry two litres of water. You can refill your water bottles from the small pump that you reach 2.2 km after starting the trek.

View of sunrise over the Dhauladhar range PC: Rohit Singla

You will return to Kantlu today but through a different route.

Walk on the motorable lake from Prashar lake f0r 1.5 km. From here, leave the mkotorable road and turn towards the right. This is a narrow path through grasslands. After 700 metres on this path, you will see a small water pump house. This, is an absolutely quiet, beautiful place surrounded by forests. The only sound hear is that of water. You can refill your water bottles here.

The trail enters dense forest from here. There’s another diversion after 500 metres, where you need to take the trail on the right. The trail descends gradually after the pump house. After 1.2 km, you will reach an ascent

The trail enters dense forest from here. There’s another diversion after 500 metres, where you need to take the trail on the right. The trail descends gradually after the pump house. After 1.2 km, you will reach an ascent. Once you cross this, a house beautiful house set in a clearing appears out of nowhere to your right. In front of the house is an apple orchard, which is filled with apples in May and June.

Behind the house is a beautiful valley. You can see the Dhauladhar range, Mukila and Hanuman Tibba peaks from here.

In about 200 metres from the house, you will cross the mkotorable road again and enter a forest. This is filled with pine, oak and rhododendron trees. After 1 km, the forest thins down. On your left will be a small reservoir. Within 100 metres you will reach a small village named Halgarh. This village has only a few houses. You get a clear view of Kantlu and the valley from here.

Begin descending again  from this point. In a short while, you reach the a part of the route taken on Day 1. Follow this to reach Kantlu, which is 2 km from Halgarh.

Have lunch at Kantlu and depart for Mandi.

Nearby excursions: A 12 km trek to Tunga Mata temple above the Prashar Lake is a viable excursion one can make while camping at Prashar Lake. The trail is a steep climb on the mountain ridge behind the lake. The view of the lake from here is stunning.