Parashar Lake - Solace 8950 feet above the sea level.

They say what do you get driving to the hills… Only answer to it is Solace. this time we found it 8950 feet above the place we live.

It was Narender who talked about a trekking idea somewhere in Himachal and we found Parashar Lake after a weeks discussion. Managing the week, we decided to drive to Mandi and trek to Parasher Lake spotted in some photos in the internet and some stories. we only had 2 days to do trek and come back to our busy life.

Team started off with all the gears to climb up the hills from Delhi. After having fresh parathas in Murthal, our cars hit the NH1 towards the mighty hills…gradually we landed in Mandi the next morning when it was a Saturday and we were pondering the route to Parasher… Had a route plan till Baggi and we rushed… On our minds we had a 7 KM trek from Baggi to Parasher but we were little worried about Ambuj, our teddy bear who inhales faster as compared to the revolution of the odometer needle after moving some distance :) So we drove off and reached Baggi. The route was still motorable and we did not stop. And there was a point which said Parasher Lake - 200 meters away.

I have always loved Himachal for the serenity, peace and freshness of nature but never did I know that I was going to experience something different. The last 700 meters were totally misty before we stopped our wagons. Seemed the clouds travelled with us. And we climbed up the last 200 meters to the lake. Few people around and AAH!! the beauty, it was all green covered by white misty sheet of clouds. The lake view was smokey. And slowly slowly the mist melted in the air and the first view of lake was seen with a small floating land. It was breath taking. The lake and its tranquil surroundings has won our hearts. Now I know why Kamrunag decided to live there and Sage Parasher meditated.

Sun rays uncovered all the tales of this secret place and a pagoda shaped temple was seen from the distance. It seemed someone has stacked few pantiles in a creative shape to make this a beautiful house. After having the tea and maggie we rushed towards the lake and the temple. Near to the temple there is an amphitheatre and we sat there to chat and appreciate the beauty of the nature. We were so lost with the weather, greenery, the surrounding mountains and tales of the lake, we dis not want to come.

Rachit wished he was Harry Potter and tried flying taking a stick assuming it as the broom stick. Luckily he escaped from hitting a bull. There were few homestays nearby for the trekkers to spend the night. Rooms were available in the temple premises in nominal rates with basic amenities.

We then decided to leave the place to get some sleep and return to our hustle bustle but the mystic blue lake and a pagoda-like temple next to the lake surrounded by splendid scenery gets stashed in our memories forever.