Dashaur Lake

Dashaur Lake

Dashaur Lake, is located close to Rohtang pass in Manali-Kullu area on Himachal Pradesh. The Rohtang Pass is at an altitude of 13500 feet and it divides Kullu and Lahoul valley. As soon as you cross Rohtang pass, you are on your way to Keylong, the District Headquarters of Lahoul valley. You encounter a very different vegetation and and landscape with towering hills and a deep valley with Chandra-Bhaga river (Chenab) flowing dangerously down below.

Dip in the Dashaur Lake

The lake has a depth of 3 to 4 meters. It is thought that waters of Dashaur Lake have therapeutic abilities and a dip will heal you of numerous ailments. The lake attracts scores of local pilgrims throughout the weeks of August and September. The area is also great for a base camp to explore the lovely and enchanting mountains/regions nearby.

Other Names of Dashaur Lake

Dashaur lake is also known by many different names viz Dashir, Sarkund and Sheela Sar. It’s located at an altitude of 15000 ft approx and stays covered in a sheet of ice the majority of the time throughout the year except for just a couple months . The lake gives a panoramic view of the snow clad peaks of Hanuman Tibba (5960 meters), the majestic Ghepan Goh and the Pir Panjals ranges like Deo Tibba (6001 meters) and Indrasan (6221 meters) to the east of the Dashaur Lake.

How to Reach Dashaur Lake

To reach the lake, one can take a bus/taxi from Manali to Marhi, which will be one and half hour travel, passing on the road through several mesmerizing villages and landscapes. From Marhi the distance to the lake is approx 7 km trek. From Rohtang Pass lake Dashaur is situated nearly 6 km westwards from Rohtang. There are primarily two paths, one which offshoots straight from the very top of the Rohtang Pass, which though brief is very strenuous. Another one from Rani Nallah two km before Rohtang Pass is simple and it begins right from the Rahni Nallah turn. There is another route which is to trek from Beas Kund, which is somewhat longer. Dashaur forms a part of the “3 Lakes Trek”, covering Beas Kund, Dashaur Lake and Brighu Lake.

Best Time to Visit the Dashaur Lake

During winters, Rohtang Pass remains cut off from outside world as it is inaccessible. Dashaur Lake also remains covered under a thick sheet of snow and inaccessible and therefore during winters this trek is not possible. However, during summers ie from May onward (except during rains) till November end, one can easily do this trek .

It rains during August and September and therefore advisable to keep off Dashaur Lake Trek. Brighu Lake, the Beas Kund lake, Dashaur Lake and Rani Sui Lake treks are among the popular treks in Manali. You can stay in Manali and from there do these treks.