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Nako Lake ( 3,662 m above sea level ) |
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Location :- In the
Pooh sub-division of district Kinnaur.
The lake is surrounded by willow and polar trees. There is a small
village on the bank of this lake - and the village seems to be half
buried by the lake's borders. On the water's northern side, are four
Buddhist temples with stucco images and murals. Near Nako is a footprint-like
impression ascribed to the saint Padmasambhava. It freezes in winter
and people enjoy skating on this lake.
Accommodation :- There are hotels at Recong Peo. |
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Prashar Lake ( 2,730 m above sea level ) |
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Location :- In district
Mandi, 30 to 40 km from Mandi town.
This lake is situated in a cup like valley. A temple of great scenic
beauty is also here. With deep blue waters, this beautiful lake is
held sacred to the sage Prashar (rishi). A three-tiered Pagoda-like
temple dedicated to the sage lies by the lake - and he is regarded
to have meditated here. No other temple in the Western Himalayas
can rival the grandeur of the settings of Prashar Rishi. A fair is
held here in the in the month of June every year, where people gather
from all neighbouring villages. This lake is fed by small mountain
streams.
Accommodation :- Various hotels and Rest Houses
are available in Mandi. |
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Rewalsar Lake ( 1,360 m above sea level ) |
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Location :- In district
Mandi, 24 km from Mandi town.
The lake is also associated with Nag cult or serpent worshipping.
The lake water is believed to be flowing underground from Rewalsar
to 'Nagchala' ( a place 10 km from Mandi on the Mandi-Shimla National
Highway ). The Hindus believe that it was here that the 'Lomas
Rishi' held his penance in devotion to lord Shiva. Overwhelmed,
Shiva gave the rishi, the seven floating islands in reward. This
is a very sacred place.
Shaped quite like a square and with a shoreline of 735 meters.
It is an important pilgrimage. This lake is known for its floating
island. There is a story behind the formation of this lake. The
legend goes that princess Mandarva, the daughter of king 'Arshadhara'
of Zahor ( tibetian name of Mandi ) resolved to announce her loyal
ties and dedicated herself to the religious order. The king agreed
and she took her bows before a Buddhist scholar named 'Shantarakshita'
( believed to be the brother of Padmasambhava ). Padmasambhava
having observed that she was a dedicated pupil, came through the
air from 'Uddiyana' and appeared in person to give her teachings.
A cowherd who saw all this spread the words that he had seen the
princes with Charlatan. The news aroused King's wrath. He thought
that his daughter has broken the vow by flirting with a man. On
King's
order, the princess was put in a deephole in the earth full of
thorns and Padmasambhava was taken out to a secluded place, tied
to a wooden
pyre which was then set on fire. When the smoke did not clearoff
for a week, the King visited the spot and found to his surprise
that the place had turned into a Lake with Lotus in the centre.
Padmasambhava had menifested himself. Repenting king offered him
his kingdom and princess Mandarva was married to him. Rewalsar
is
known as 'Padmacan' to the Buddhist which means 'Lotus Possessing'
and is considered the place, where the spirit of Padmasambhava
rests.
Accommodation :- HPTDC Hotel Rewalsar, private
sector Hotels and Rest Houses. |
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Kunt Bhayog Lake ( 1,700 m above sea level
) |
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Location :- Rewalsar
town (hiltop) in district Mandi.
Situated at the beautiful hiltop of Rewalsar town and it is enclosed
by hills from two sides. This lake is about 12 to 15 m deep at the
centre.
Accommodation :- HPTDC Hotel Rewalsar, private
sector Hotels and Rest Houses. |
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Kalasar Lake ( 1,755 m above sea level ) |
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Location :- Rewalsar town (hiltop)
in district Mandi.
It is situated at the top of Rewalsar town and is surrounded by
beautiful green hills. This lake sometimes experiences snowfall during
winter.
Accommodation :- HPTDC Hotel Rewalsar, private
sector Hotels and Rest Houses. |
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Sukhsar Lake ( 1,760 m above sea level ) |
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Location :- Rewalsar town (hiltop)
in district Mandi.
Another beautiful lake on the hiltop of Rewalsar town is Sukhsar
lake which is surrounded by rising hills and thick bushy vegetation
in the catchment area. There is a snowfall in the winter here.
Accommodation :- HPTDC Hotel Rewalsar, private
sector Hotels and Rest Houses. |
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