Exploring Rewalsar: The Sacred Site of Buddhist and Hindu Harmony

Rewalsar is a hidden gem situated in the tranquil hills of Himachal Pradesh. It is an enchanting yet humble town of spiritual harmony. The peaceful environment of Rewalsar is due to Rewalsar Lake, a calm and holy lake rich with greenery and historical temples, monasteries, and gurudwaras. What makes Rewalsar unique is the coexistence of three religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. The lake is associated with many legends from the story of Padmasambhava, the esteemed Buddhist master, to that of the sage from Hinduism, Lomas. Many pilgrims and travelers to Rewalsar usually travel for the beauty and calmness of the land as well as its religious importance. In this travel guide, we will explore everything that you need to know about Rewalsar, including how to reach Rewalsar, when the best time to visit is, and more.

History of Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh

Rewalsar, also known as Tsopema in Tibetan, is a peaceful town situated at an elevation of 1,360 meters in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated around the peaceful Rewalsar Lake, a completely holy site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. According to Tibetan Buddhist beliefs, this is the location where the King of Zahor placed Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) on a funeral fuel. These fuel flames transformed into a lake and, therefore, established the location as a holy site.  

Today, there are Buddhist monasteries and centers of meditation around the lake where the ceremony occurred. For Hindus, Rewalsar is holy as Rishi Lomas performed penance to Lord Shiva, and for Sikhs, it is holy as Guru Gobind Singh passed through this area, and a Gurudwara is overlooking the town. The climate in Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh, is good in winters and pleasant in summers, which makes it both spiritually guiding as well as peaceful.

The Best Time to Visit Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh

The best time of year to visit Rewalsar Lake is from March to October. Commonly, weather conditions are comfortable and offer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is a comfortable time to engage in leisure activities, including sightseeing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Spring (March to May) has a lot of charm and blooming flowers. Moreover, the Losar festival is an additional attraction. The monsoon season (June to August) brings a lot of greenery and fewer tourists, but rain can affect travel plans and can bring inconsistency in route conditions. Winter (November to February) is traditionally a cold month, with temperatures around 5°C. The wintertime will have fewer tourists, which might be to the tourists’ benefit.

Best Places to Visit Near Rewalsar Lake for a Peaceful Getaway

If you plan to relax and explore the lovely sites around Rewalsar Lake in Himachal Pradesh, check out the lovely attractions close to this small town. The following is a comprehensive guide to the Best Places to Visit Rewalsar Lake .

1. Rewalsar Monastery (Tso Pema)

This peaceful monastery is a sacred site, which is only a short walk from the Rewalsar Lake. Among local Tibetan Buddhists, this place holds deep significance, as it is believed to be the place where Guru Padmasambhava meditated and performed miracles. Everything about this monastery, from colorful prayer flags to traditional Tibetan architecture and intricate artwork, captures the attention of every visitor. The calming chants of Buddhist monks make the experience of visiting this monastery more beautiful. 

2. Padmasambhava Statue

This impressive 123-foot statue of the revered Tibetan monk, Guru Padmasambhava, is located on a hill that offers alluring views of Rewalsar Lake. Even though it appears close to the lake, the short trek to the statue is uphill. This majestic statue can be seen from almost every corner of the lake and is one of the tallest statues of Padmasambhava in India. 

3. Gurdwara Rewalsar Sahib

Overlooking the lake, the beautiful white Gurudwara Rewalsar Sahib is another peaceful spot with a welcoming ambiance. This place has high importance for the Sikh community, as it is believed that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, stayed here during his travels. You can enjoy free langar here and calm prayers with a lovely view of the lake in the background. 

4. Naina Devi Temple (Rewalsar)

You can make your visit to Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh, more special by visiting the small Naina Devi Temple located very close to the beautiful lake. Even though the temple is not as grand as the Naina Devi Shakti Peetha in Bilaspur, its peaceful ambiance and spiritual feel make it a must-visit. Many locals and pilgrims visit this small temple surrounded by calm vibes. The temple complex is not big, and you can stop here for a few moments of prayer while walking around the lake.

5. Emaho Cafe

If you are a foodie visiting Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh, make sure you check out Emaho Cafe. This cafe, located near Rewalsar Lake, boasts an array of authentic Tibetan food. Emaho Cafe offers foods such as Tingmo, Kothey, Shapta, and Shabaley. Guests are served Emaho Cafe’s famed black tea, which is brought out before meals to boost the appetite and warm the body. The cafe also serves a range of Chinese food.

6. Kunt Bhayog Lake

Kunt Bhayog Lake is an undiscovered treasure among the smaller lakes near Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh. This lake provides water for the villages that lie nearby. The lake is situated at an altitude of 1700 meters and is out of the mainstream of tourists. There is also a Hanuman Temple by the lake where devotees come to pray and remove their troubles and sins. Local mythology says that Arjuna created the lake for his mother, and Bheema helped to clean it. Bheema and Arjuna took all the materials that contaminated Kunt Bhayog Lake to create a nearby lake called Kalasar Lake. Kalasar Lake is known for its dark and black waters.

7. Rewalsar Zoo Park

This small and peaceful zoo is located near the lake, and is a nice place to visit, especially if you are traveling with your kids. Even though it’s not a large zoo, it gives visitors a chance to see some local wildlife, like deer, Himalayan birds, and porcupines. This park is surrounded by trees and small walking paths, and is perfect for a slow stroll with family. 

8. Pandoh Dam

The Pandoh Dam, which is built on the Beas River, is just about 20 km from Mandi and is fairly close to Rewalsar Lake. The dam is surrounded by lush hills and picturesque skies, and is absolutely beautiful and cinematic. For nature lovers, this is a great place to unwind and relish the beauty and tranquillity of Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach Rewalsar Lake?

Rewaslar Lake can be reached easily from significant towns and cities, which creates an excellent opportunity for tourists.

• By Air: The closest airport is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, India. It is located about 85 km from the lake. There will be taxis waiting there to take you to the lake, and it is also possible to get a bus there.

• By Train: The next closest place will be the railway station at Joginder Nagar, which is located about 55 km from Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh. Once at the station, a taxi cab can be hired, or a bus may be available that can take you to Rewalsar.

• By Road: Rewalsar is accessible by road and has regular bus services from Mandi town (24 km), Dharamshala town (120 km), Shimla (200 km), and Jelap (56 km). The trip is a scenic ride along winding roads, so don’t be in too much of a hurry. There are truly breathtaking views to be seen from the top of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Conclusion

Rewalsar Lake is more than just a tourist destination; it is an adventure in spirituality, culture, and nature. The calm beauty of the lake combines with its abundant religious significance to ensure this is one of those destinations that everyone must stop at when traveling through Himachal Pradesh. From the religious significance of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism to temples, monasteries, and gurudwaras living harmoniously, Rewalsar Lake is the epitome of unity in diversity that is India’s spiritual landscape. So, with Rewalsar Lake, you will take with you memories and experiences to last a lifetime.

Also Read – Best Places to Visit in Auli Himachal Pradesh