Mandi: Lakes, Temples and Trekking Routes

The Mandi district has a wide variety of landscapes to explore. The natural Rewalsar Lake is known for its floating reed islands and fish; in Sundernagar, an artificial lake was created using water from the Beas-Sutlej Project. The two places offer different kinds of waterways and travel experiences. Fields, forests, temples and trekking routes also shape the district’s other destinations.

Lakes, Forests and Special Places

Devidarh offers a different landscape, with lush green fields, meadows and dense Deodar cedar forests. Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh shrines stand on the shore of Rewalsar Lake; the town also has three Buddhist monasteries. In this way, the lake is associated with several religious traditions.

Prashar Lake lies at an altitude of 2,730 metres and has a floating island. An ancient pagoda temple dedicated to Rishi Prashar stands beside the lake; it was built by King Ban Sen in the 13th to 14th century. In Sundernagar, shaded walking paths between tall trees are another landscape feature. Barot is considered the gateway to the 278-square-kilometre Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary; it is also home to a trout farm run by the Fisheries Department.

Trekking and Walking Trails

The hiking destinations differ in their routes and starting points. A steep mountain trail runs from Rohanda to Kamrunag for about six kilometres; the walk takes three to four hours. Kamrunag lies at an altitude of 3,334 metres and is known for its lake and the temple beside it. Both the terrain and an approximate time frame are therefore specified for this hike.

Prashar is the starting point for numerous easy and challenging treks. From Shikari, you can hike along various routes to Chindi, Karsog and Janjehli. Devidarh lies on the Janjhali–Shikri Devi–Devidarh–Kamrunag trekking route. Barot serves as a starting point for trekking routes into the Kullu and Kangra valleys. If you are planning a walk rather than a longer hike, Sundernagar’s shaded paths between tall trees offer a route of their own.

Culture in Mandi and Sundernagar

In the town of Mandi, the Ghanta Ghar stands at the centre of the Indira Bazar commercial complex. The three-storey pagoda-style building was constructed in 1939. The Ardhanariswara Temple in Mandi is also designated a centrally protected monument. In Sundernagar, the Mahamaya Temple is considered the town’s most important temple.

Banthra is the main folk dance performed during theatrical performances in Mandi and is also the district’s official folk dance. Every year in March, the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair takes place and lasts for seven days. Sepu Wadi is also part of the local culture: Mandi’s official and most important dish is served at Dham meals, which are organised for local weddings, events and celebrations.

Getting There and Choosing a Base

Mandi is accessible by road from Shimla, Chandigarh, Pathankot and Delhi. Regular bus services connect the town with places such as Manali, Palampur and Dharamshala. The nearest airport is Kullu Airport in Bhuntar, about 60 kilometres from the town of Mandi. Barot can be reached by road from Ghatasani via the Pathankot–Mandi National Highway. Check current schedules for your specific bus journey.

Rewalsar, Prashar, Barot, Sundernagar and the hiking areas are in different locations. Choose your base according to the places you want to visit, and check which connections are suitable.

Discover more destinations: Chauk, Kas, Hatgarh, Joginder Nagar, Sirmaur, Chamba, Hamirpur and Chail.

For the main travel overview: Himachal Pradesh.