Himachal Pradesh, our land of gods, is blessed with countless natural and mystical marvels. From the eternal flame at Maa Jawala Ji Temple to the treasure-filled waters of Dev Kamru Nag Lake, our divine land never ceases to amaze. Today, I want to share the enchanting tale of a remarkable lake in Himachal Pradesh, where your deepest desires come true.
As a resident of Polling village, I can guarantee that you won’t need to search elsewhere for information on Dehnasar Lake.
Dehnasar Lake
Dehnasar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the Dhauladhar mountain range, sitting at an elevation of 4280 meters. The locals hold immense reverence for this lake, as they believe that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take a sacred dip in its waters every year at 4 am on the 20th day of the Bhado month. This special occasion attracts numerous devotees who gather at the lake for a holy bath, considering it a profoundly auspicious experience.
Legend has it that Dehnasar Lake possesses a remarkable purity and divinity. According to local beliefs, if you were to toss a straw into the lake, a bird would swiftly appear and whisk it away. Interestingly, the lake’s present location is relatively new, as it was previously situated on the opposite side of Ghora Lotnu peak. Many years ago, the lake seemingly relocated itself to its current site, leaving people in awe of its miraculous transformation.
Dehnasar Lake fulfills Wishes
Dehnasar Lake possesses the incredible power to grant wishes, particularly for those yearning to have a child. If you approach the lake with a pure heart and fervent prayer, it is believed that your deepest desire will be fulfilled. On the 20th day of the Bhado month, women who are without children visit this sacred lake, take a holy dip, and offer a fruit to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati while making their wish. As a token of respect and gratitude, they are forbidden from ever consuming that fruit again in their lifetime.
In our locality, there are numerous heartfelt stories associated with Dehnasar Lake. One such remarkable tale revolves around my mother, who, after giving birth to three girls, visited this sacred lake with a heartfelt desire for a son. She offered an orange as a symbol of her wish. Miraculously, her wish was granted, and I came into this world as the son she had longed for. As a mark of gratitude and remembrance, my mother has refrained from eating oranges ever since. These heartfelt accounts of fulfilled wishes continue to inspire and amaze the people in our community.
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Dehnasar Lake and the cunning Shepherd.
Let me recount a fascinating tale about a cunning shepherd who possessed everything in life except for children. Filled with longing, he embarked on a journey to the sacred Dehnasar Lake and offered his precious gold earrings, hoping for the gift of a child. Several months later, his wish seemingly came true when his wife gave birth to twin boys. However, the shepherd, considering it a mere coincidence, believed that he had wasted his gold earrings at the lake.
One day, while tending to his flock and feeling parched, he quenched his thirst from a nearby stream. To his astonishment, he found his long-lost gold earrings in his hands as he cupped the water. Rushing back home, his heart sank as he discovered his twin babies lifeless. Overwhelmed with regret, the shepherd realized the power of Dehnasar Lake was indeed real, but it was too late to rectify his disbelief.
This tragic event deepened the locals’ faith in the divine power of Dehnasar Lake, reinforcing their belief in its miraculous ability to grant wishes and teach valuable lessons about faith and gratitude.
Mysteries of Dehnasar Lake
Who takes a bath in the lake at 4 am?
There are stories and beliefs among the locals that on the auspicious day of the 20th of the Bhado month, at 4 am, they have heard the sounds of someone taking a bath in Dehnasar Lake. Curiously, when they investigate to find the source, they find no one present. It is firmly believed by many that these sounds are none other than the bathing ritual of Maa Parvati herself, who is said to grace the Dehnasar Lake with her divine presence on that special day.
Sari Nala
Sari Nala is a water stream located near Andarli Mallah Village, seemingly appearing out of nowhere in the mountains. According to local beliefs, it is said that the water from Dehnasar Lake flows underground and emerges through this stream. Interestingly, this is the very stream where the cunning shepherd retrieved his lost gold earrings. The connection between Dehnasar Lake and Sari Nala adds to the mystique and intrigue surrounding these natural wonders.
Decreasing size of the lake
Local beliefs suggest that Dehnasar Lake has undergone a fascinating shift in its position over time. Previously, the lake was located at a shorter distance from its current location. Additionally, the size of the lake has gradually decreased over the years. According to local beliefs, there is a belief that the lake will eventually disappear when the era of Ghor Kalyug (the age of darkness) begins. These intriguing aspects contribute to the captivating nature of Dehnasar Lake and the mysteries that surround it.
Dehnasar Lake Trek
Dehnasar lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in himachal. Dehnasar Lake is not just a destination for devotees; it also attracts adventure enthusiasts who love trekking. It offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the Chota Bhangal area. This trek remains one of Himachal’s best-kept secrets, known only to a few.
During this trek, you will be treated with breathtaking sights. You’ll pass through picturesque villages, encounter gushing rivers, traverse dense alpine forests, witness colorful Himalayan flowers and rare herbs, stroll across open green meadows, and finally arrive at the glacial lake itself. The trail is adorned with lush vegetation and notable wildlife, enhancing the overall experience.
From the lake, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bhara Bhangal peaks, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the valley below. The lake itself is mesmerizing, captivating your gaze with its crystal-clear freshwater surrounded by massive boulders from every side. Prepare to be amazed by the divine beauty of nature found in this pristine location.
Distance of Dehnasar Lake
The distance of dehnasar lake trek is 14 kms one side. First 5 kilometer is gentle path and the remaining 9 kms is steep elevation. Height of the lake is 14280 meters.
Where is Dehnasar Lake
Dehnasar lake is in Barot Valley Barot is 40 kms from Jogindernagar and 70 kms from Mandi. At 9 kms distance Polling village is situated you can drive your car till polling village, The trek begins from Poilling village.
Difficulty of Dehnasar lake trek
The Dehnasar Lake trek is considered moderate to difficult and not suitable for beginners. One of the main challenges of this trek is the lack of available resources along the way. You must be self-reliant and prepared to tackle the trek on your own. For approximately 7 kilometers, there is no water source, so it is crucial to carry an ample supply of water from the river below.
Another challenge on this trek is the presence of Himalayan herbs, which can sometimes cause hallucinations and add to the difficulty. Additionally, the high altitude poses a challenge with less oxygen available. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the trek and take necessary precautions to acclimatize to the altitude.
Best Time to visit Dehnasar Lake
The ideal time to embark on the Dehnasar Lake trek is from June to October. However, September is considered the best month to experience the trek’s beauty, as the valley reaches its peak magnificence during this time. The entire area becomes adorned with a vibrant array of flowers, transforming it into a heavenly sight. Moreover, the weather conditions in September are most favorable, with a pleasant temperature that avoids extreme cold or troublesome rains.
How to do Dehnasar lake trek
If you have a desire to go trekking in Himachal, undertaking the Dehnasar Lake trek is an experience you won’t regret. However, it’s important to note that you must be self-reliant throughout the trek. This means carrying all your camping gear and provisions to sustain yourself for three days. If you’re prepared to bring your own equipment, you can follow the following itinerary for the trek.
Day 1
Upon reaching Polling village, begin your trek around 12 noon. Walk for approximately 2 hours until you reach Marhad, which is located just 5 kilometers away from Polling. Take your time to acclimatize to the surroundings and spend the night at Marhad. Use this opportunity to rest and recharge before continuing your journey.
Day 2
Begin your expedition from Marhad in the early morning, as the day’s elevation is expected to be challenging. It is crucial to carry an ample water supply, with a minimum of 2 liters per person. Over the course of the next 7-8 hours, you will make your way to the top of the lake, where breathtaking views await you. Take in the stunning scenery and spend the night under the twinkling starry sky, creating unforgettable memories.
Day 3
Wake up early to witness the magnificent sunrise and take in the beauty around you. If you wish, you can also take a dip in the sacred lake. Climb the nearby peaks and enjoy the panoramic views of the Lug Valley and Kullu in the distance. After spending some time in this serene environment, begin your journey back to Polling. The return journey typically takes around 6-7 hours.
Alternatively, some people choose to complete the Dehnasar Lake trek in two days. They start their journey early in the morning, reach the lake by evening, and return the next day.
I have personally completed this trek twice in just two days, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can complete the trek in three days.
Alternate routes to Dehnasar Lake ?
There are two alternative routes to reach Dehnasar Lake. The first route starts from Thaltukhod, which takes you through Sari Pass and covers a distance of 25 kilometers. The second route passes through Tiun village in the Lug Valley. However, the most commonly taken and shortest route is the one through Lohardi and Polling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to reach Dehnasar lake ?
To reach Dehnasar Lake, you will first need to reach Barot, which is approximately 70 kilometers away from Mandi and 40 kilometers away from Jogindernagar. The starting point of Dehnasar lake trek is Polling village, situated 9 kilometers from Barot. From Polling, the trek distance to Dehnasar Lake is 14 kilometers, If you prefer, there is a bus service available that takes you to Lohardi village, which is just 2 kilometers before reaching Polling.
In which District Dehnasar Lake situated?
Dehnasar lake is situated in Kangra District of himachal Pradesh.
Is dehnasar the highest fresh water lake of Dhauladhar range ?
Yes, Dehnsar lake is highest fresh water lake that is situated in dhauladhar range.
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