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Nako Lake ( 3,662 m above sea level ) |
| Location :- In the Pooh sub-division
of district Kinnaur. |
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| 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 ) |
| Location :- In district Mandi, 30
to 40 km from Mandi town. |
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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 ) |
Location :- In district Mandi, 24
km from Mandi town.
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| 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. |
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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.
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| Accommodation :-
HPTDC Hotel Rewalsar, private sector Hotels and Rest Houses. |
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Kunt Bhayog Lake ( 1,700 m above sea level ) |
| Location :- Rewalsar
town (hiltop) in district Mandi. |
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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 ) |
| Location :- Rewalsar
town (hiltop) in district Mandi. |
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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 ) |
| Location :- Rewalsar
town (hiltop) in district Mandi. |
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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.
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| Accommodation :-
HPTDC Hotel Rewalsar, private sector Hotels and Rest Houses. |
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