Overview
The Prashar Lake, embedded by the Dhauladhar range in Kullu Valley, is the highlight of the trek, with its cobalt blue water. Prashar Lake trek also has a small circular floating island on its surface. Locals will also point out that there is no discernible pattern to the movement – it could stay in the same spot for months on end, or it could move several times in a month.
One of the most appealing aspects of this trek is that you can select your starting point. Though the basic starting point in Himachal Pradesh is Baggi village near Mandi, you can push even farther ahead and trek less. This trek is also doable without a guide, depending on your experience in the wilderness, though it is highly recommended for beginners to bring an informed person with them.
About reaching Prashar Lake Trek
Prashar Lake is accessible from two major locations in Himachal Pradesh.
You can reach Prashar lake via Mandi to Bijani to Kamand to Baggi.
The other route is from Kullu to Bhuntar to Bajaura to Shayari to Bagi to Prashar Lake.
About reaching Mandi
It is best to arrive in Mandi (which takes less time from Delhi) and then continue your journey to Prashar Lake from Mandi on the same day. Mandi is well-linked by road and has a plethora of public transportation options because it is en route to Manali.
By Air
Bhuntar Airport is approximately 60 kilometers from Prashar Lake. To get to Mandi, you’ll need to take a taxi or a bus. If you do not intend to explore Mandi, it is preferable to take a cab straight to Baggi village. Given the region’s weather fluctuations, the airport’s connectivity is limited and operations may be disrupted.
Train
There are no trains running between Delhi and Shimla and Mandi. However, you can take the Shatabdi to Chandigarh and then a cab or bus to Mandi. You can also take the train to Joginder Nagar.
By Road
You can reach Mandi from Delhi by road. From Delhi to Sonipat and from Sonipat to Kurukshetra to Chandigarh to Sundernagar and from Sundernagar you will finally arrive at Mandi.
By Private Vehicle
The above route will take you approximately 9 hours to complete. However, there is plenty of Dhaba food to sample along the way. So, have fun with your gluttonous pit stops. Having your own car/self-drive cab is a fantastic option.
You don’t have to worry about your car being jacked while you’re out in the wild because it can be safely parked in Baggi.
By Public Transport
This is a viable option in my opinion. All buses from Delhi to Manali will stop at Mandi. Tickets can be purchased through Redbus or HRTC. There are numerous options, ranging from non-AC buses to semi-sleeper/Volvo and even Mercedes buses. However, I recommend that you take HPTDC or HRTC buses rather than private buses because they are more dependable and safe.
About the itinerary, for Prashar Lake Trek
The Prashar Lake trek allows you to choose your starting point. One can even walk directly to the lake. That, however, would be a waste of an opportunity to truly explore the hills.
I believe that hiking/trekking is acquired through level progression, similar to video games. Beginner levels are required before progressing to the most difficult levels. So hone your skills and reconnect with nature!
Day 1: Delhi to Mandi
Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Mandi. Alternatively, you could drive yourself or take a flight to Bhuntar, or any of the other options discussed above. I’m hoping to get to Mandi by 6/ 7 a.m. Explore the surrounding Mandi region and take in the quaint Himalayan lifestyle.
Day 2: Mandi to Baggi Village to Prashar Lake
Take the bus to Baggi village at 8 a.m. from the Mandi Bus Stand, which departs at 10 a.m. There are a few coffee shops where you can eat breakfast, pack your lunch, and shop for snacks.
This is a trek in the mountains, among the trails, and there will be no commercialization. Remember to bring your water bottles and replenish them before beginning the trek to Prashar Lake.
The adventure from Baggi village to the lake will take approximately 4 hours, based on your fitness level, and will cover approximately 7 km.
Day 3: Explore Around Prashar to Sukhasar Lake
Get up as soon as you possibly can. If you’re new to trekking, your body will ache and you’ll want nothing more than to curl up in your warm tent. But you’re only depriving yourself of the breathtaking sights that await.
The view from the lake includes three Himachali Himalayan ranges: the Pir Panjal range, the Dhauladhar range, and the Lahaul and Spiti range. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue your adventure by visiting another ancient lake, Sukhasar Lake, which is only 2 kilometers away from Prashar. This journey will take approximately one and a half hours and is well worth the effort. Also, once you’ve returned to the campsite, go start exploring the old temple and soak up the mythical history.
Day 4: Prashar to Mandi to Delhi
When you return to the campsite, enjoy your morning cup of chai and make your selection. You can either start hiking back to Baggi Village in the early hours and arrive there by 2 PM when the bus leaves from Baggi Village. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Prashar Lake directly to Mandi, arriving around 5 p.m. From Mandi, you can take an overnight bus to Delhi.
Conclusion
Prashar Lake trek is a frequently overlooked trail in the area. Partly since there is now complete road connectivity up to the lake. The trail, on the other hand, is an extremely enjoyable experience that will surprise you a few times by opening up into amazing scenery and shocking your system with what’s ahead.
Even if you’re not the fittest person in the world, the whole family can experience it together. Furthermore, there are no AMS concerns, making for a comparatively easy journey.