10hrs away from Delhi, this heavenly lake is must visit post Covid19

Day 1

Finally Friday evening arrived and I was all set for my first trek (Parashar Lake) in northern India. Akshardham metro station in Delhi was meeting point and after meeting some fellow travel enthusiast we hopped into the traveller.

Our first halt was at Murthal for dinner, place famous for parathas and Dhabas. Since date of travel was 30th of December, there was heavy fog enroute and chilled waves kept us shivering whole night. Finally we reach Mandi (Himachal Pradesh ) at around 6am next day, since we had to reach Baggi village from where trek was supposed to start we continued our voyage. Baggi village is around 30km from Mandi and it takes around one hour to reach there. If you have reached Mandi by bus then you can take bus from Mandi bus stand to Baggi or can also take a taxi.

Finally we reached Baggi at around 7:30 am. Though sun was shining but cold winds were sufficient to remind us about winters. After getting freshen up , it was time fill the tummies before starting the trek. Hot aloo paratha with masala tea is best breakfast one can expect in cold winter morning. After storing all the calories for trek we were all set to go.

Trek started through a jungle trail. Since sunlight couldn’t reach us through the trees of jungle the coldness of weather could be felt even in our breath. Initially trek was easy, there were some slight ascents and descents. Baggi is around 4400ft altitude and Parashar lake is at 8900ft altitude that means altitude almost gets doubled during trek.

Soon gradient was reasonably increased and now real test and stamina had begun. Though it was end of December but there was no sign of snow fall. However there were numerous patches of snow on the trail. At few points there were water streams frozen due to sub zero degree temperature.

The jungle mainly consisted of rhododendron and oak trees. The silence of nature made the whole atmosphere breathtaking and soul soothing. By the time we had covered half of the distance most of us were drained out of energy. But chirping birds, view of snow capped peaks, soothing sound of fresh water streams kept us moving.

Soon we reached a clear spot from where we could have panoramic view of snow capped Dhauladhar range. It was also time to take a break and relish our packed lunches. We spent almost half an hour here clicking some pictures, lying down on meadows, soaking the awe inspiring vistas.

After trekking for another hour we reached another unique point. There were series of huts made of mud on a flat surface at top of hill. Since the height of huts was not much we climbed on roof of hut, the view of majestic Himalayas was just jaw dropping. Had time permitted us, we could have spent hours without taking eyes off from these mountains.

Since we were already late, our trek guide suggested that next stop will be directly at Parashar lake. After trekking further for some time, we left the jungle behind. There was now flat trail leading to motorable road that connects Baggi to Parashar Lake. Soon we had first glimpse of Parashar lake. Oval shaped lake with mountains in backdrop looked like dream scenery or as some painting has just turned alive.

It is believed that sage Parashar has meditated here and lake is named after him. There is temple next to the lake sorounded by meadows. Post snow fall this whole place turns into white blanket and even lake gets frozen. Though we were not lucky to view that all white lake, but a thought to revisit to this place post snow fall was already pinned in mind.

Since it was already evening and Sun was about to set, cold winds were now blowing at their peak. It was bone chilling cold by now and no amount of hot tea or Maggi was sufficient to give warmth. By the time it turned dark and we had moved to our campsite. It was my first experience to stay in camp on the freezing cold night. The temperature had already dropped to below zero and cold winds were only making situation severe.

Evening was spent enjoying warmth of bonfire playing Antakshari with Fellow travellers. The climate was so cold that we were drinking boiling water, a thought of going to washroom was spine chilling. It was totally dark and only light available was in form of bonfire and flashlight of phone. As we were all cherishing the moments, hot Rajma chawal was ready for dinner. Since it was all dark our host lit the headlight of his bolero for dinner. Though candle light dinners are famous headlight dinner was never heard but it was super fun. Weather was so much cold that boiling hot rajma was turning cold in no time.

Finally eventful day came to an end, we jumped into our tent and slipped into sleeping bag. Though the force of wind could be felt inside the tent, but we so tired after trekking whole day that it was one of the best sleep ever.

Next day we woke up super fresh with first ray of sunlight. Discovered a small frozen pond, clicked some awesome pictures for Instagram. Even the water kept in drums at campsite turned frozen, luckily we could get some hot water then only we could even brush our teeth. After relishing puri bhaji in breakfast, it was time to trek back to Baggi village.

While returning most of trail was descent. Since this route was different from previous day, we passed through couple of little gorgeous villages. Though we couldn’t witness the snowfall but the view of snow capped peaks still took our heart and soul.

We reached Baggi in afternoon at around 1:30 PM and it was now time to say good bye. Being a travel enthusiast such goodbyes are never easy for me. Finally we left for Delhi with some priceless memories to cherish.