Prashar Lake Snow Trek Guide: Difficulty, Best Time, Cost & How to Prepare
Everything you need to know before the Prashar Lake Snow Trek in Himachal Pradesh: how hard it is, when to go, how to train, what to pack and what it costs — from the team that runs it.
Why do the Prashar Lake Snow Trek?
- A high lake with a floating island that drifts across the water
- The 13th-century three-tiered pagoda temple of Rishi Prashar
- Snow from December to March, on one of Himachal's easiest snow treks
- Sunset over the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Kinnaur ranges
- Starts and ends in Mandi — easy by overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh
How difficult is the Prashar Lake Snow Trek?
The Prashar Lake Snow Trek is graded easy, covering about 14 km on foot and reaching about 2,730 m. Daily walks are a few hours long on clear trails, so it suits fit beginners who train beforehand.
Best time for the Prashar Lake Snow Trek
The trek is at its best from December to November. From December to February expect snow on the trail and nights well below freezing — microspikes and proper winter layers matter. See what each month is like on our treks in December page.
How to prepare for the Prashar Lake Snow Trek
Start training 3–4 weeks before the trek. By departure you should be able to walk or jog 5 km in under 40 minutes comfortably.
- Brisk walk or jog 3–5 km, four days a week
- Climb 10–15 floors of stairs twice a week
- One long walk of 2–3 hours on a weekend, in the shoes you'll trek in
- Break in your trekking shoes on at least three long walks before the trip
Prashar Lake Snow Trek itinerary, day by day
- Day 1Mandi to Baggi, trek to Prashar Lake — About 30 km and 1½ hours to Baggi village.
- Day 2Sunrise, down to Mandi — A short walk to the viewpoint, then breakfast.
Prashar Lake Snow Trek packing list
- ✓Trekking shoes with ankle support and a deep grip, broken in before the trip
- ✓40–60 L backpack with a rain cover
- ✓Three warm layers (fleece + padded/down jacket) — winter nights drop well below 0 °C
- ✓Waterproof jacket and quick-dry trek pants (no jeans)
- ✓Thermal inner wear, woollen cap, fleece + waterproof gloves, 3 pairs of socks (2 woollen)
- ✓UV sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm — snow glare is strong
- ✓Two 1 L water bottles (no single-use plastic on the trail)
- ✓Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✓Personal medicines
- ✓Government photo ID — original and one photocopy
The full checklist: Himalayan trek packing list.
How to reach the Prashar Lake Snow Trek
Our trip starts and ends at Manali bus stand, or Bhuntar Airport with a pickup charge. Bhuntar (Kullu) airport is about 50 km away with limited flights; most travellers come by overnight bus or car from Delhi and Chandigarh (12–14 hrs and 8–9 hrs).
Prashar Lake Snow Trek cost
Our 2-day Prashar Lake Snow Trek costs ₹3,999 per person.
Included
- Transport Mandi → Baggi → Mandi
- 1 night in tents near the lake (twin or triple sharing) — or a basic guesthouse when snow makes camping unsafe
- Meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 2
- Trek leader trained in wilderness first aid, and a local guide
- Forest entry and camping permits
- Tents, sleeping bags, mats, dining and toilet tents
- Microspikes and gaiters when the trail has snow
Not included
- Travel to Mandi and back (overnight Volvo from Delhi or Chandigarh — we can book it)
- Personal trekking gear (can be hired as an add-on)
- Travel insurance
- Anything personal: snacks, bottled drinks, tips
- Costs from snowfall or road closures that change the plan
Prashar Lake Snow Trek: questions trekkers ask
How difficult is the Prashar Lake Snow Trek?
It's graded easy, with about 14 km on foot over 2 days and a highest point of about 2,730 m. Fit beginners can do it with a few weeks of preparation.
What is the best time for the Prashar Lake Snow Trek?
December to November. Expect snow and sub-zero nights in the winter months.
How much does the Prashar Lake Snow Trek cost?
Our 2-day trip starts at ₹3,999 per person, including transport mandi → baggi → mandi; 1 night in tents near the lake; meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 2.
What is the maximum altitude of the Prashar Lake Snow Trek?
About 2,730 m above sea level.
Can beginners do the Prashar Lake Snow Trek?
Yes. It's one of the treks we recommend for first-timers — train for 3–4 weeks so you can walk or jog 5 km in under 40 minutes.
Where does the Prashar Lake Snow Trek start?
Our trip starts and ends at Manali bus stand, or Bhuntar Airport with a pickup charge. Bhuntar (Kullu) airport is about 50 km away with limited flights; most travellers come by overnight bus or car from Delhi and Chandigarh (12–14 hrs and 8–9 hrs).
Ready for the Prashar Lake Snow Trek?
Trek leader, permits, camps and meals handled — one enquiry, no payment until you confirm.