Parashar-Tunga Mata
This trip came almost as an afterthought. I was reeling under the depression of having to cancel an actual trek because of reasons which need not be documented when my mom suggested this. Parashar has always been a family destination to me where you go car loaded with stuff to eat, have a nice picnic near the lake and like good folks, come back home before dark. When the prospect of a trek and an extension to Tunga Mata presented instead of a rough road ride up a curvy road, I grabbed it with both legs. The fact that powers that be thought that no guide was required made my mouth water and off I went, no plan in my head, just a ruck sack with the very basics.
Part 1: Diyori at 1171 metres – Parashar at 2614 metres, 3 and ¾ hours, total altitude gained 1443 metres
A late start at 2:30 PM meant I was always behind the 8-ball. Locals told me this is a 2 and a half hour trek and I was taking it easy, ambling along the way rather than rushing, making phone calls as I pleased. The walk is through no jungles or almost no jungles. It is through a very sunny and dry southern aspect of a mountain face. There is little vegetation, very dry grass, even some cacti on the way. There is an odd oasis of greenery. I saw a thin, 
vertical strip of greenery and was surprised to find ferns amongst it, for ferns demand a lot of humidity only to realize that there is a waterfall hidden behind the green strip. There are a couple of waterfalls on the way and if you make an early start, having a bath at one of them with the sun beating down in full glory would be a good experience. Not for late starters like me though. After reaching Lehar, I realized that 2 and a half hours was not the correct estimate and I had already lost time by being as slow as I was. Having set a slow pace for myself, I now found it difficult to push the pace. Anyway, the idea was to be near Parashar sometime before dark and the biggest positive was the ridge top was always within view from the trail. So getting lost was not an issue. At quarter past six with the moon instead of the sun beating down (if that expression can be used) on me, I reached the ridge top and climbed down to the bowl that forms Parashar lake in a hurry with dogs barking at me. A few minutes later, I was in bed for it was too dark to do anything else.
Early next morning was reserved for a photography session of the Parashar Lake. Parashar is a local 'highpoint', that is to say it is the highest point in the area by a large margin. Owing to the fierce sun, there is hardly any vegetation on the ridge top which means clear views on all sides. And for the nth time on this site, I will say 'The views are delicious'. They actually are. Don't take my word for it, just go visit the place. Over and above the views, there is a small lake in a bowl below the ridge. Next to the holy lake, close to which you can take a dip, there is an ancient temple dedicated to Rishi Parashar, the wood carving from antiquity on which is another attraction for the historically inclined. All in all, look wherever you want, you will find something worth looking at.
Part 2: Parashar at 2614 metres – Tunga Mata at 2995 metres, 2 and a ½ hours, total altitude gained 381 metres
Tunga Mata is a little off the beaten trail. People usually come to Parashar and go back in a day but if they listen to me, they should go to Tunga Mata as well. I had heard of it from someone I spoke to before starting and was glad about it. The walk was as simple as a walk can get. It is the kind which everyone would be comfortable with and at the end is another high point with closer views of mountains and a clear look down the Beas valley. You can see the Beas snaking down towards the East, more than a km below where you are and there is complete tranquillity. The only thing disturbing the quiet is you.
There are various permutations and combinations you can do this trip in. Walk both trails, only Parashar by car, Parashar by car and Tunga Mata walking. There are enough options for staying overnight at Parashar; a PWD Rest House, a Forest Rest House, the free accommodation at the temple complex. Should you want to stay there, Tunga Mata also has the free accommodation at the temple complex. There are large open grounds at both places if you want to camp. Enough makeshift 'hotels' to eat. In a nutshell, beautiful place, beautiful views, an even better Pagoda temple, history, places to stay (some free), places to eat. It just does not get any better, especially when the only effort you have to make is sit in a car and go there.
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