Chandertal Lake

Chandertal Lake is a natural high altitude lake nestled in the Western Himalayas, situated near the Kunjam Pass [6 km], which joins the Great Himalayan and Pir Panjal Ranges.

It lies in the Upper Chandra Valley with an outlet into the Chandra River, in the Lahaul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh.

The Lake has been identified as a Wetland of National Importance, declared as a Ramsar Site [November 8, 2005] and Wildlife Sanctuary [November 5, 2005] due to presence of rare plants, variety of animal species, and its role in the maintenance of ecology and biodiversity of the region.

The Lake lies at an altitude of 14,009 feet above sea level.

Chander Tal Sanctuary's area is 38.56 square kilometres.

Vehicles stop 1.5 km short of the Lake. Tourists have to walk 3 km [return] to visit the Lake.

View of mountains on the way to Lake is surreal!

During first week of October, a variety of vegetation could be seen.

A very small lake existed nearby.

River Chandra originates from the Lake.

Accommodation is available a few kilometres away from the Lake in camp [tents]. Those, who do not wish to stay at high altitude / in tent, can stay at Manali and do a day trip to the Lake. However, permit is required to cross Rohtang Pass and it has to be obtained minimum a day in advance.

Parashar Lake

Parashar Lake is located 40 km Northeast of Mandi town, on the ridge above Kataula village.

Its altitude is 2,730 metres / 8,954 feet above sea level.

A temple dedicated to Sage Parashar is located on banks of the Lake.

Parashar Lake has a patch of floating grass. The island of grass moves inside the Lake at very slow pace - not visible to eyes. However according to shopkeepers, location of floating grass differed in the morning and in the evening.

Small flowers made their appearance on last day of May 2015.

It is surprising to find live fish in the Lake which receives snowfall during winters.

Circumambulation of the Lake offers good views of the Temple.

Public transport bus plies between Mandi and Parashar only once in the morning. After visiting Parashar, tourists travelling by private vehicle need not come back to Mandi but can go ahead to Bhuntar / Kullu. Basic accommodation is available at Parashar; however, it is advisable to stay at Mandi / Bhuntar / Kullu.

Saryolsar Lake

Most of the tourists travel from Shimla to Manali via Mandi by National Highway 21. Tourists, who are not in a hurry and wish to enjoy nature in less crowded environment, may travel via Jalori Pass [10,866 feet above sea level]; they may join National Highway 21 at Aut.

Jalori Pass is a high altitude road with a temple [partly visible in above referred photograph], a few dhabas, and a rain shelter built by the state government. Dhabas provide basic accommodation and food. Nearly fifteen minutes walk from Jalori Pass to Saryolsar Lake take us to a tented accommodation by Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation Limited. 

Unfortunately, contact numbers have been disfigured in above signboard.

Four wheeler vehicles can also go near the tented accommodation. The tented accommodation is on a lower level as seen in above photographs. The tourists have to walk down from the road head to the tented accommodation.

Saryolsar Lake [10,233 feet above sea level] is little lower in altitude compared to Jalori Pass.

I stayed at Shoja [8,802 feet above sea level] and made a day's visit to Saryolsar Lake. All the places - Saryolsar Lake, Jalori Pass, and Shoja lie in Kullu disrtict of Himachal Pradesh. While travelling from Shoja to Jalori Pass [5 km], I could see snow in route during first week of June 2015.

The trek from Jalori Pass to Saryolsar Lake is a gentle trek [6+6 km] without any sharp ascent / descent. The path is well laid out and not slippery.

I hereby share a few photographs shot during initial stage of the trek.

It appeared that some trees were deliberately damaged.

Wild flowers could also be seen on the way.

There is Budhi Nagin Temple near Saryolsar Lake. Following signboards could be found guiding the pilgrims.

When Saryolsar Lake was nearing, I could see some shepherds' huts. I also interacted with a few shepherds from Kashmir before that; but they were going ahead of Saryolsar Lake.

The temple administration had put various informative boards for the pilgrims.

The first look of Saryolsar Lake was mesmerizing!

I hereby share a few more photographs of Saryolsar Lake.

In the following photograph, both the temple and the lake are visible.

Budhi Nagin Temple is small and attractive.

As I was nearing Jalori Pass after completing the trek, I could see a lot of sheep.

It started raining after 11-30 am and continued incessantly for hours. I could return to Jalori Pass safely without getting wet and after having food, left for Shoja.

Dhabas near Saryolsar Lake offer basic food and beverages. They may also provide basic accommodation. A board by temple administration [published on this same page] states availability of basic accommodation at temple; however, I could not see anybody. Accommodation by Forest Department near Jalori Pass appeared good. Dhabas at Jalori Pass provide very basic accommodation.

Hence, it is advisable to stay at Shoja and visit Jalori Pass and Saryolsar Lake; the trek should start early in the morning and finish before 11-30 am.

Persons desirous of availing public transport may inquire at Shimla or Kullu regarding availability of the same.