“Where the forest opens to a lake that holds the sky.”
📖 Overview
The Parashar Lake Trek is a 9 km forest trail that begins from Baggi village and ascends to the mystical Parashar Lake (2,730 m / 8,960 ft)—a high-altitude waterbody with a floating island and a three-tiered pagoda temple dedicated to Rishi Parashar, the sage who meditated here. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, cedar forests, and rolling meadows, this trek is ideal for beginners, families, and spiritual seekers looking for a short Himalayan escape.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Baggi village (via Mandi)
Lake Altitude
2,730 m (8,960 ft)
Trek Distance
~9 km one way
Trek Duration
1–2 days
Grade
Easy to Moderate
Best Season
April–June & September–November
Permit Required
No (register locally for safety)
🥾 Trail Highlights
Baggi to Parashar: A well-marked trail through pine and oak forests, stream crossings, and open ridgelines with views of Beas Valley.
Parashar Lake: A crystal-clear lake with a floating island that mysteriously changes position—surrounded by meadows and snow peaks.
Parashar Temple: A 13th-century pagoda-style temple built by King Ban Sen of Mandi, with intricate wood carvings and mythological lore.
Sunrise & Stargazing: Campers are rewarded with golden-hour reflections and star-studded skies—ideal for photography and meditation.
🛕 Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Rishi Parashar Legend: The sage is believed to have meditated here, and the lake is said to have formed at his command.
Floating Island Mystery: The circular island drifts across the lake—locals consider it sacred and believe it marks the sage’s presence.
Festivals: During Makar Sankranti and Baisakhi, locals gather for rituals, fairs, and folk performances.
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
Comfortable trekking shoes or trail runners
Clothing
Light layers; warm jacket for evenings
Gear
Daypack, water bottle, rain cover
Camping
Allowed near lake (designated zones); tents rentable in Baggi or Mandi
Food
Carry snacks; dhabas near lake offer basic meals
Safety
Trail is beginner-friendly; avoid during heavy snow or monsoon
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Mandi ➝ Baggi village: ~26 km (jeep or taxi)
Baggi ➝ Parashar Lake: ~9 km trek
By Train: Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): ~60 km from Mandi
🏞️ Add-On Adventures
Drive to Parashar (Alternate Route): A motorable road reaches ~1 km from the lake (seasonal access)
Tunga Mata Temple Hike: A short detour to a hilltop shrine with panoramic views
Mandi Heritage Walk: Explore Bhutnath Temple, Tarna Devi, and colonial bridges before or after the trek
