Parashar Lake near Mandi

I got hooked with Prasher Lake after looking at a picture Now I want to go in May. I found out that it is around 30 KM from Mandi and road goes up to it (well almost, you have to walk the last 1KM). But if possible, I would like to trek to the place. So, I have three questions.

1. Is it possible to trek to the place? How long should it take?

2. How can one book the government guesthouse near the lake? Do they let you camp near it?

3. Can such a trip be commanly organized from Mandi? Also, do shared vehicles ply on this route (just in case if we can't trek).

Please help.

Looks like my kinda place.
I could picture myself hanging out there for weeks. Just exploring the countryside.

What is that a temple and ashram or hotel?

SoulFood can feed your souls.

Anada, you and I can take a bow to Amyl. Amy, many many thanks for the information. OK, so no shared jeep or buses and private Qualis is always expensive, will have to look for the trek.

I was enchanted by the its sheer location. And then that floating micro-island. Wanted to do that last time I was in Manali but on not getting any confirmed ways of going there, tho the porters I had did know about this lake, alternatively spent a night in Sissu to end my trip. Prashar is still in the list. Trekking wud be fun , yeah! 30 KMS not a big deal! Go for it!

Amyl 30 km as such is not a big deal but in one day, it seems a bit tough to me. However, I think I am mistaken and this is the distance by road and not the trek distance, so will have to check it out.

The trekking distance would approx10-12 km. as u wudnt be using the road to trek.You wud have to carry your own tent and food.

Rishab, thanks a lot for the reply. I have a list of questions and I would put it here. Can you help me with any of these?

1. So, do we need a guide for the trek?
2. How does one book the forest guest house?
3. Do they provide food?
4. What if I do not get the guesthouse? Can one camp?
5. What are the rate of the guides, if we need one?
6. Can one trek from Mandi or the trek starts somewhere els?
7. Anything else that you think that could be useful?

Sorry for the late reply Mridula
here are the answers
1.If you have a good map then you dont need the guide.
2.The forest rest house can be booked through dfo,mandi
3.I dont think they provide food
4.You can easily camp in the meadow.
5.no idea about the rate of guide in mandi
6.The trek would start from Baagi
7.There is a jeep track which takes you upto 1 km. short of the lake,which i think is a better option.

Thanks a lot for your reply Rishabh. We are quite sure we want to trek. So, let us see how it goes. Anyway, I have time as we are planning to go in mid May.

My best wishes for your trek
Rishabh

I finally went to Prashar Lake this week and thought I will share some pictures.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mridula/...manchalPradesh

We trekked from Bagi to the forest department guest house next to the lake and it was steep! I will write in more detail about the trip but that will have to wait a few days. Too tired as of now.

And I loved the place.

Kewl!

Liked the fotos. Sunset must have been a fabulous time to be there.

Thank you Amy. You know what? We started from Mandi that is at 780 meters, came by bus to Bagi (don't know the altitude but the nearest town Kataula is at 1380 meters) and from there we trekked up to the lake at a height of 2730 meters. No doubt I am still tired and catching a cold.

now this is something strange.....I had wanted to ask you about the height the lake is it but somehow it slipped my mind when I posted. Coincidentally or whatever you have put just the thing I had wondered about.

Waiting for the trek report.