Prashar Lake is located about 49 km from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, sitting at an altitude of around 2,730 meters (8,960 ft). Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense cedar forests, this serene alpine lake is known for its mysterious floating island, which changes its position throughout the year — a natural phenomenon that remains unexplained.
Tucked deep in the peaceful hills of Himachal Pradesh, Prashar Lake is one of those places that still feels untouched, magical, and truly offbeat. If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the chaos of city life — this is it.
Our Quick Trip to Prashar Lake
During our June 2025 visit, we were based at Kamand near IIT Mandi. We caught an early morning Himachal Roadways bus from Kamand at 9:00 AM heading directly towards Prashar Lake. The journey, though a bit bumpy and narrow, was scenic and peaceful, with hills, forests, and sleepy mountain villages along the way.
We reached Prashar Lake around 11:30 AM, spent a couple of hours enjoying the calm atmosphere, and caught the same bus back at 1:30 PM, reaching Kamand by 3:45 PM.
Our 2-hour stop was enough for light walking around the lake, visiting the temple, clicking some beautiful pictures, and soaking in the peaceful vibe. But if you want to explore more, stay overnight, or stargaze, we highly recommend spending at least a night near the lake.
Hidden Gems & Secrets of Prashar Lake
- Floating Island: A grassy patch that floats on the lake’s surface, moving slowly around. No one knows why!
- Prashar Rishi Temple: Built in the 13th century from just wood and stone. Legends say it was built overnight by a single craftsman.
How to Reach Prashar Lake from Delhi or Mandi
From Delhi:
- Take an overnight Volvo or HRTC bus from Delhi to Mandi (10–12 hours).
- From Mandi, choose one of these options:
Option 1: Mandi to Prashar by Road
- Hire a taxi or cab from Mandi taxi stand. Takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Road is narrow but motorable year-round (except during heavy snow).
Option 2: Mandi to Prashar by Bus
- Himachal Roadways buses run daily (early morning) from Mandi bus stand to Prashar Lake.
- Check timings in advance as only 1–2 direct buses operate per day.
Option 3: Mandi to Baggi + Trek to Prashar
- Take a local bus or cab to Baggi village.
- From there, enjoy a 7.5 km scenic trek through forests and ridges to reach the lake.
Where to Stay If You Want to Explore More
Our visit to Prashar Lake in June 2025 was short, sweet, and deeply refreshing. But if you want to spend more time or catch sunrise/sunset views, here are your best stay options:
- Forest Rest House (PWD Guest House) – Right near the lake. Basic but comfortable. Book through the Forest Department or local tourism sites.
- Tents or Guesthouses in Baggi – Ideal if you plan to trek. Baggi has a few homestays and camping options available.
- Camping at Prashar Lake
- You can bring your own tents or book local camping packages with dinner and bonfire included.
- Remember to carry warm clothes, even in summer nights it gets cold.
Weather at Prashar Lake in June
The weather in June is generally pleasant, cool, and sunny, making it one of the best times to visit for clear views, easy travel, and comfortable walking conditions.
- Daytime temperatures: 15°C to 20°C
- Night temperatures: Can drop to 5°C or below
- Skies: Mostly clear with occasional clouds
- Snow: You won’t find snow in June, but the meadows are lush green and perfect for photography and camping
Snow Season Info: If you’re keen on seeing snow-covered Prashar Lake, plan your trip between January and early March. During this time, both the lake and surrounding forest trails are blanketed in snow, and the temple often looks like a scene from a postcard.
Food Options
- There are small local dhabas near the temple offering basic meals like dal-chawal, rajma, Maggi, and chai.
- If trekking or staying overnight, carry some snacks, water, and essentials.
What to Carry (June Travel Tips)
- Light jacket (mornings are cool even in June)
- Water bottle, energy snacks
- Sunglasses, cap, sunscreen
- Trekking shoes if planning to hike
- Power bank and cash (no ATMs or network)
Our visit to Prashar Lake in June 2025 was short, sweet, and deeply refreshing. Even with just 2 hours, the energy of the place stayed with us — peaceful, calm, and mystical.
But if you can, spend a night, hike from Baggi, and watch the stars reflect in the lake at night. It’s a part of Himachal that still feels untouched — a true hidden gem worth discovering.