Did You Know These 10 Weird Facts About Prashar Lake?

Prashar Lake is located around 60 km from Mandi, in Himachal Pradesh. It is a slightly circular, freshwater lake that has a 3 storeyed temple on it's banks. The beauty of the lake makes it's trek a popular one. This Himachali trek receives a really good amount of snow every year, which makes it a dream destination for travellers to explore during the winter. The best part of the Prashar Lake trek is that it is great for novices as it is very beginner-friendly. So if you are someone who is looking for a trek but have not hiked anywhere before, your search ends here. Prashar Lake serves as the perfect getaway for all those who want to try their luck at first time trekking.

Picture - Getty Images

Before You Plan Your Prashar Lake Trek, Here Are A Few Facts About This Amazing Location -

1. It Is A Holomictic Lake

Picture - Instagram (junni_dar)

Quite a strange word, right? Holomictic lakes are not very common in India and Himachal Pradesh is lucky to have one. It is a type of lake that has uniform density and temperature at a specific time during the year. Due to this, the water of the lake mixes completely.

2. It Is A Sacred Lake

Picture - Unsplash

Prashar Lake is one of the holiest lakes in India. Access to this lake is very strictly prohibited for anyone else apart from the priests of the adjoining temple. This faith comes from a long-time belief about the importance of the lake to Rishi Prashar. It is said that he meditated beside the lake.

3. It Has A Floating Island

Picture - Instagram (jony_jindal) 

A very interesting tidbit is that the little landmass on the lake is actually a tiny buoyant island. It is made up of plant vegetation in different states of decay. This island takes up only 7% of the lake but changes its look completely. Interestingly enough, the remainder of oxygen in the plant's roots is what keeps the island floating. That is why it changes positions quite frequently.

4. Legend Of The Temple

Picture - Instagram (sarkar_kri) 

The Prashar Temple is iconic on its own and has several myths associated with it. This 13th-century Pagoda-style temple is said to have been built by a baby (YES, you read that right) from a single tree. That's just one of the tales. Other locals say that the temple was built by King Ban Sen and took 12 years to complete construction. Make sure to find out more about this on your Prashar lake trek.

5. The Depth Of Parashar Lake Is Unknown

Picture - Getty Images 

Weird as it may sound, this is in fact true. The true depth of Prashar Lake has not been discovered yet. Locals claim to have seen huge entire trees drown inside the lake without even a ripple on the surface. A traveller once asked a priest about it and the priest replied that two German divers did try to map the depth but were quite unsuccessful.

6. The “Mahabharatha” Connection

Picture - Unsplash

Among all the local tales associated with Prashar Lake, one popular story is that it was created by Bheem; who was one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Upon returning from a long ordeal, they found this place and lord Kamrunag (who was with them) instantly fell in love with its green surroundings and serene atmosphere. He decided to live the rest of his life here and to help him sustain, Bheem elbowed one of the nearby mountains and dented the lake into existence. Fascinating, isn't it?

7. The Beautiful Rhododendrons Blooms

Picture - Getty Images

The valley leading up to Prashar Lake is one of the many reasons to take this beautiful trek. During the months of January to March, the entire valley blooms with thousands of rhododendron bushes; washing it in a hue of lush fuchsia pink. A delight to walk through, it's a sight that's totally grammable! Turn your travel dreams into reality and plan your Prashar Lake trek soon!

8. Amazing Views From The Trail

Picture - Instagram (techfrog.in)

Located at a height of 2730 m from sea level, the trail to Prashar Lake provides some really good views of Shimla, Kinnaur, Rohtang Pass and the Dhauladhar range. If seen through binoculars on a clear day, you get to see all your favourite Himachal locations from a bird’s eye view.

9. The Annual “Saranahuli Mela” Of Parashar

Picture - Getty Images

This vibrant annual fair is celebrated every year around June. It involves traditional Himachali rituals and a big feast for all the attendees. Every year thousands of devotees come here to take part in the rituals and witness the live commemoration of this occasion. If you want to experience the pahadi culture, do plan your trek to Prashar Lake during this unique celebration.

10. Sukhasar Lake

Picture - Instagram (minalpanta)

Been to Prashar before but want to explore more this time? Just 2 km ahead is Sukhasar Lake. It will take you just an hour to reach the lake by road. This lake is also one of the oldest lakes in the area, just like Prashar. Another offbeat destination to cross off your bucket list.