Mandi
The Varanasi of the Hills — historic stone pagoda temples, mystical floating lakes, and deep cedar-clad valleys
All Destinations
Prashar Lake & Pagoda Temple
Surrounded by undulating alpine meadows and dense cedar woods, Prashar Lake is an oval high-altitude tectonic lake holding a mysterious floating circular island of reed that moves unpredictably across the seasons. On its grassy bank stands a magnificent 13th-century three-tiered pagoda temple built by Raja Ban Sen, constructed entirely of deodar wood without iron nails and dedicated to the revered sage Prashar. The surrounding ridge offers an unrestricted 360-degree panorama of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges.
Rewalsar Lake (Tso Pema)
Nestled in a natural mountain basin, Rewalsar Lake (known to Tibetans as Tso Pema or 'Lotus Lake') is one of the most sacred pilgrimage shrines in northern India, revered simultaneously by Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. It is historically celebrated as the place from which Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to Tibet to establish Vajrayana Buddhism. The lake is flanked by a colossal 138-foot bronze statue of Guru Rinpoche, multiple Tibetan monasteries, a Hindu Shiva temple, and an ancient Sikh Gurdwara.
Barot Valley & Uhl River
A hidden gem tucked within the Chauhar Valley on the banks of the roaring Uhl River, Barot was developed in the 1920s as part of the Shanan Hydroelectric Project. Surrounded by dense deodar and oak forests, Barot is renowned for its trout fishing hatchery, the historic British funicular trolley system, and serene riverside campsites. It serves as the gateway to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary and scenic trekking trails leading into the Chhota Bhangal valley.
Mandi Heritage & Panchvaktra Temple
Known historically as 'Chhoti Kashi' (Varanasi of the Hills), Mandi is a historic cultural city perched on the banks of the holy Beas River, boasting more than 81 ancient stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most architecturally renowned is the 16th-century Panchvaktra Temple, situated dramatically at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers, featuring a five-faced stone sculpture of Lord Shiva displaying different divine cosmic aspects.
Kamrunag Lake Trek
Perched high on the Balh valley ridge, Kamrunag Lake (3,334m) is a deeply revered mountain lake dedicated to King Yaksha (Lord Kamrunag), the God of Rains. According to ancient Himalayan tradition, pilgrims who make the steep 7 km forest trek from Rohanda deposit gold coins, silver ornaments, and currency notes directly into the lake bed as offerings, which remain visible through the clear mountain water and are protected by sacred taboos.