Trek Himachal

A series of 3 posts, the Watering Holes is a series dedicated to lakes that I have encountered on my treks in the last few months.

1. Parashar Lake - nestled in what looks like a volcanic crater, the lake is a holy site with a 15th century wooden pagoda shaped temple right next to it. The only one on this list with a road approaching it, it is shrinking by the day. Every June, the temple hosts a huge pilgrimage fair as multitudes descend to pay their homage to Parashar Rishi. A couple of km away, on a walk along the ridge is another ancient temple with beautiful views of the Beas Valley. See this link to find out how to trek to Parashar Lake.

2. Kareri Lake - a glacier/snow melt fed lake in the lap of the Dhauladhars, Kareri Lake is the highest return on investment lake in all of Dhauladhars. For a 3 day go to come back trek, it offers great views, tranquility, prospects of sighting wildlife and a camp right at the foot of Minkaini Peak. A minor pilgrimage site (like all lakes in the mountains), the lakeside has a small temple with a couple of wooden shelters. The far bank of the lake has a series of shepherd huts and a fantastic campground. Click here to get details for the trek.

3. The Thamsar Lakes - 3 of them, 1 on the South side of Thamsar Pass and 2 on the North side. The ones immediately next to the pass are high enough to stay almost frozen all year long. The first photo you see below is from July 2010 and the lake is barely thawing. Temperatures reach freezing points in another 2 months again. There is no sense in trekking to just these lakes. If you go that high, may as well complete the Bada Bhangal trek. It is one of the longest and wildest treks in Himachal.