Prasher Lake new tourist hot spot

By: Avnish Katoch

Prashar lake during summers!

Prasher Lake new tourist hot spot
Rakesh Lohumi
Tribune News Service

Shimla: Standing majestically amidst alpine pastures at a height of 9600 ft in the hills of Mandi, the Prasher Lake is emerging as a new tourist destination.

The place has immense potential for tourism but it remained in oblivion all these years. It was only recently that the government took interest to develop the scenic place and set up a development authority for the purpose. The authority has taken up several works to make travel and stay of tourists and pilgrims more comfortable. The road between Baggi and Prasher, which had been in a state of neglect, is being widened. An amount of Rs 45 lakh has been earmarked for the repair of the road. The entire stretch of 20 km between Baggi and Prasher is likely to be completed by March 31, 2006 after which a bus service will be introduced.

The forest department has also taken up various activities to give a facelift to the area. The road between Kandlu and Tilli, and the bridal path from Bieun to Prasher are also being improved. The serais in the Rishi Prasher temple complex were being renovated. A proposal has also been mooted to provide a road link via Jwalapur and Thata to Prasher.

The journey beyond Baggi can be undertaken on foot through existing village paths and trails. There is another trekking route from Panarsa and the trekkers can even explore the possibility of reaching Prasher from Pandoh. This trekking route is also being improved and widened.

The lake has also immense religious sanctity because of the temple of Rishi Prasher built by Raja Baan Sen of the Mandi state during the 14th century. The small round-shaped floating island in the lake is one of the prime attractions for the pilgrims and tourists. The route between Kataula and Prasher is replete with forests of Baan, Mohru, Deodar, beautiful oaks, towering fur and spruce. The area also abounds in fauna, particularly pheasants.