A weekend getaway to frozen lake #TheFirstOne

Around 4:00 in the morning we (I & my husband) started our journey from Delhi by car and reached Mandi around 1:00 pm. As we didn't took long rest stop so it only took us 9 hrs to reach Mandi.

We were tired so decided to stay in Mandi and explore local market. After searching for a while we found Hotel Paras (Budget friendly hotel with good parking space, clean rooms, amazing hospitality & tasty food). It is located on NH 21 so you can find easily. After reaching hotel we had brunch and the food was super tasty.It was worth waiting.We took a rest for few hours and later in the evening went to explore the local market of Mandi and to binge on some food.

After a fine and deep sleep we woke up in the morning. Had our breakfast not too heavy because we have to go for trekking. It was around 8:00 Am and we were all set to start our journey towards next destination.

We headed towards Bagi which was 50 km from Mandi, 2 hours drive. As the Parashar lake does not have proper transport connectivity in winters due to snow , and therefore travellers will have to trek 7km uphill from Bagi (Base village of Parashar lake). This is not an easy trek as you've to trek on snowy roads and needs to be very careful but definitely worth the effort. You can take breaks while trekking have some energy bars, drinks & water. Please conserve water and drink sip by sip, because you will find nothing before you reach your final destination.

We were on our way and after 2 hrs we were almost close to our destination.This entire trek takes about 2-4 hrs. or can be even more, depending on your physical and mental strength.As the final destination arrives, you find a PWD rest house and after that a Forest rest house. These rest houses are 300-400 meters before the lake. Bookings for these rest houses can be done in advance.We walked ahead towards the lake. There are two Dhabas near by the lake but first we decided to go for Darshan in temple.

After doing Darshan we went to first Dhaba as we were very hungry & tired. We had tea (which was must in that freaking cold) and a local dish Rajma Rice which was INR 60/plate.After that we went towards this mesmerising and frozen lake with a floating island. Though it was freaking cold but then this view was breathtaking and we didn't want to miss a chance to click some amazing pictures.

After searching for a while we found a guest house with lake view. Though it only has mattress and blankets (No beds). You can also find a room in temple which is free and for blanket+ mattress they charge INR 20/each. Due to winter all the pipe lines were frozen and there was no water supply. Only packaged water can be purchased from the Dhabas. Also washrooms facilities were closed so for natures call we have to use open space.