Overview
Mandi is a river town on the Beas known as the Varanasi of the hills for its many stone temples, and it sits at the centre of some of Himachal's most beautiful and least-visited places. This four-day trip uses Mandi as a base: one day for Prashar lake, high on a ridge at about 2,700 m, with its floating island and three-tiered pagoda temple; one for Rewalsar, a lake sacred to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists; and one for Barot's river and forests in the Uhl valley. No drive is longer than about five hours.
Best for: Travellers who want temples, lakes and short walks off the usual route
- Prashar lake and its floating island
- The pagoda temple of Rishi Prashar
- Rewalsar's lake, gurdwara and Padmasambhava statue
- Mandi's Bhootnath and Panchvaktra temples
- Barot and the Uhl river
- Three nights in one base
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to Mandi
About 200 kmOvernight: Mandi
Through Bilaspur and Sundernagar to Mandi, about five hours. Afternoon walk to the Bhootnath temple in the market and the Panchvaktra temple at the meeting of the Beas and Suketi rivers.
Road guide: Chandigarh to Mandi → - Day2
Prashar lake
About 100 kmOvernight: Mandi
Up a winding road to Prashar lake at about 2,700 m, a small lake in a grassy bowl with a floating island that drifts across the water, and the pagoda-style temple of Rishi Prashar, said to date from the thirteenth century. Walk around the rim for views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges.
- Day3
Rewalsar and Barot
About 160 kmOvernight: Mandi
Morning at Rewalsar, where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated: a large statue of him overlooks the lake, alongside a gurdwara linked with Guru Gobind Singh and Hindu temples. Afternoon in Barot's forests by the Uhl river, with trout ponds and the old Shanan project haulage trolley line.
- Day4
Mandi to Chandigarh
About 200 km
A morning at the Mandi market and the drive back to Chandigarh, about five hours, arriving by mid-afternoon. Your driver helps with luggage at the station or airport, and if your train or flight leaves late we can add a lunch stop or a short detour on the way.
Mandi, the Varanasi of the hills
Mandi was the capital of a princely state and grew up on a trade route between the plains and Ladakh. Its stone temples, many dedicated to Shiva, line the Beas and fill the old market. During the International Shivratri fair, hundreds of village deities are brought to town in decorated palanquins.
Three faiths at Rewalsar
Rewalsar, known to Tibetans as Tso Pema, the lotus lake, is a pilgrimage place for three religions. Tibetan monasteries ring the lake, a large statue of Padmasambhava stands above it, and the Gurdwara Rewalsar Sahib commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's stay. The caves above the town are visited by Buddhist pilgrims.
Who this suits
Travellers who like history and temples, photographers and families who want short drives will all enjoy this trip. It works well in winter too, when the plains are foggy and the hills are often clear.
Prashar lake in each season
In spring and early summer the meadow around Prashar lake is green and dotted with flowers, and grazing herds wander along the rim. In autumn the light is clear and the mountains sharp. In winter the lake can freeze and the meadow turns white; the last part of the road is often closed, and the walk in becomes part of the adventure.
Food in Mandi
Mandi is known for its sepu badi, lentil dumplings in a yoghurt curry, and for the Himachali dham, a festive meal served on leaf plates. Ask your driver for a local dhaba that serves it.
Route and price at a glance
The Mandi, Prashar Lake and Rewalsar trip covers about 660 km by road over 4 days, with overnight stops in Mandi. The car is priced on the same basis as our private car tours: 1,000 billable km (the larger of the real distance and 250 km a day) at the vehicle's per-km rate, plus 3 nights of driver allowance, with fuel, tolls and parking included.
For two travellers on standard hotels, that comes to ₹7,500 for 3 hotel nights with breakfast and dinner, ₹24,200 for the car and driver and a ₹4,755 service fee: ₹36,455 in all, or ₹18,000 each. Larger groups share the car and pay less per person.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Mandi (about 200 km, overnight Mandi)
- Day 2: Prashar lake (about 100 km, overnight Mandi)
- Day 3: Rewalsar and Barot (about 160 km, overnight Mandi)
- Day 4: Mandi to Chandigarh (about 200 km)
Mandi, Prashar Lake and Rewalsar price
Per person, by hotel tier and group size. Prices last calculated 21 October 2026 from current rate cards and hotel listings.
3-star hotels, standard camps and homestays
| Travellers | Per person | Group total | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ₹18,000 ≈ US$210 | ₹36,000 | Sedan |
| 4 | ₹14,000 ≈ US$165 | ₹56,000 | Innova |
| 6 | ₹14,500 ≈ US$170 | ₹87,000 | Tempo Traveller |
Per person, twin sharing, all-inclusive of the items listed below. Dollar prices are approximate (₹85 = US$1). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book; it depends on dates, hotel availability and group size.
Where the money goes: 2 travellers, standard hotels
- Hotels and camps (breakfast and dinner)₹7,500
- Private car and driver for the whole trip₹24,200
- Our service fee (15% on hotels and transport)₹4,755
- Total for both₹36,455
Included
- 3 nights in Mandi, twin sharing, with breakfast and dinner
- Private car with driver for all 4 days (sedan or Innova for two, Innova for four, Tempo Traveller for six), including fuel, tolls, parking, state taxes and the driver's allowances
- Pickup from Chandigarh and drop at Chandigarh
Not included
- ×Train, bus or flights to Chandigarh
- ×Lunches, drinks and snacks
- ×Entry fees, ropeways, activities and snow gear hire
- ×GST on the package, travel insurance and tips
Good to know: roads, permits and safety
- No permits are needed.
- The last few kilometres to Prashar lake are narrow; in winter we may need to walk the last stretch.
- Rewalsar has temples of three faiths; dress modestly and remove shoes where required.
When to go
The whole year at a glance
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Kullu, Manali and the Parvati valley
- Mandi756 mMandi: Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov; Monsoon: Jul–Aug
More places
- Barot1,829 mBarot: Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov; Monsoon: Jul–Aug
- • March to June and September to December are the best months.
- • Prashar lake often has snow from December to February; the last stretch of road may close.
- • Mandi's Shivratri fair, in February or March, is one of Himachal's biggest festivals.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Mandi, Prashar Lake and Rewalsar package cost?+
About ₹14,500 per person for six travellers on standard hotels, or ₹18,000 per person for a couple, for all 4 days. Comfort hotels cost more; the price table shows every option.
What is special about Prashar lake?+
A small lake at about 2,700 m with a floating island and a pagoda-style temple, with wide mountain views.
Why is Rewalsar sacred?+
It's linked with Guru Padmasambhava for Buddhists, Guru Gobind Singh for Sikhs and the sage Lomas for Hindus.
Can we stay at Prashar lake?+
There are a few simple guesthouses near the lake; we use Mandi for comfort, but can arrange a night there.
Is Barot worth seeing?+
Yes for forests, the river and quiet. It's a good add-on to Rewalsar.
Which car do we get on the Mandi, Prashar Lake and Rewalsar trip?+
A sedan for two travellers, an Innova for up to four and a Tempo Traveller for six, with the same driver for the whole trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
Price and route sources: Wikipedia: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh · Wikipedia: Prashar Lake · Wikipedia: Rewalsar Lake · Wikipedia: Barot, Himachal Pradesh
