Parashar: Himachal’s best kept secret

Himachal Pradesh, also called as Dev Bhoomi is a vacation pilgrim place for many across India. There are HRTC buses that go from Mandi to Parashar Lake. It takes around three hours to reach Parashar. The journey feels like a destination itself. The roads run through villages, dense pine forests and lastly the road filled with partial white snow. The road offers a spectacular view of snow-peaked mountains that will leave you in awe.

The trail and hiking is fairly easy. The first slight of the lake at an altitude of 9,000 feet is breathtaking. The lake has a three-tier temple made out of wood in Himachali style dedicated to Saint Parashar. The temple is bang opposite the lake and one needs to remove their footwear to enter the temple.

There is one eatery run by the few locals who stay there next to the temple serve Maggi, tea and biscuits. Although it was sunny, it was still cold. The lake has a biomass chunk floating in the middle of the lake. The lake is considered holy, has fencing around it and one gate to enter it. The locals are very friendly and greet you with warmth and smile.

Parashar Lake

There was a snow-capped mountain which looked hike-able. Trekking through snow and slippery trail and then reaching the peak of the mountain has a blissful view. A 360 view of Lake Parashar with the Himalayas in the backdrop is what one has. This place feels like one could sit and daydream, meditate or just simply look at the majestic Himalayas.

There are a lot of mountain dogs that will keep you company and petting these furry friends is fun. There are cattle also that keep grazing and adding to the beauty. Parashar Lake is definitely Himachal’s best kept secret with barely a few travellers making it. It’s a right mix of nature, mountains, spirituality and solitude.

–>For a similar experience, >>Click here

–>To plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh, >>Click here

Text & Photography – Vijaya Nair