Himachal Pradesh ·
Rewalsar
Rewalsar (Tibetan: Tsopema, sometimes Tshopema. Meaning: Tso - lake, Pema - lotus) is a small town on the banks of Lake Rewalsar in Himachal Pradesh.
Rewalsar at a Glance
Why Rewalsar?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Rewalsar Lake
- Tso-Pema Ogyen Heru-kai Nyingmapa Gompa
- Rewalsar Zoo
- Drikung Kadyud Gompa
Rewalsar at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Rewalsar before planning your visit.
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Explore Rewalsar
Places to Visit
- Rewalsar Lake: Rewalsar Lake, also known as Tso Pema, is a mid-altitude lake located in the mountains of the Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, India.
- Tso-Pema Ogyen Heru-kai Nyingmapa Gompa: A Tibetan retreat center founded by Dudjom Rinpoche. It is the oldest monastery at the lake.
- Rewalsar Zoo: At the other extremity of the lake, there is a small zoo where local animals can be seen. It is located under the trees and the walk is quite enjoyable.
- Drikung Kadyud Gompa: Another part of the Tibetan monasteries here.
Things to Do
- Rewalsar Lake: Roam around the lake, stand at the water or sit in one of the many pavilions and enjoy the quietness.
- Statue of Padmasambhāva: Hike up to the statue and enjoy a pleasant view over the town. There is also a nice café up there for a coffee or chai.
- Tsopema festival: Takes place every 12 years. Last occurrence was in 2004.
- Guru Rinpoche Cave: A cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, contains a number of shrines and a large statue on the guru. En route will pass a small nunnery and meditation caves.
- Naina Devi Temple: A 2-hr walk, passing some Buddhist caves (see above) and lakes (if you go via Sar) en route from Rewalsar.
- Rewalsar Zoo: At the other extremity of the lake, there is a small zoo where local animals can be seen. It is located under the trees and the walk is quite enjoyable.
Sightseeing Places
- Rewalsar Lake: Rewalsar Lake, also known as Tso Pema, is a mid-altitude lake located in the mountains of the Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, India.
- Tso-Pema Ogyen Heru-kai Nyingmapa Gompa: A Tibetan retreat center founded by Dudjom Rinpoche. It is the oldest monastery at the lake.
- Rewalsar Zoo: At the other extremity of the lake, there is a small zoo where local animals can be seen. It is located under the trees and the walk is quite enjoyable.
- Drikung Kadyud Gompa: Another part of the Tibetan monasteries here.
Places That Define Rewalsar
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Rewalsar Lake
Rewalsar Lake, also known as Tso Pema, is a mid-altitude lake located in the mountains of the Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, India.
Tso-Pema Ogyen Heru-kai Nyingmapa Gompa
A Tibetan retreat center founded by Dudjom Rinpoche. It is the oldest monastery at the lake.
Rewalsar Zoo
At the other extremity of the lake, there is a small zoo where local animals can be seen. It is located under the trees and the walk is quite enjoyable.
Drikung Kadyud Gompa
Another part of the Tibetan monasteries here.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Rewalsar on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Rewalsar Your Way
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport (KUU), about 41 km from Rewalsar.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station, about 40 km from central Rewalsar.
- By Road: There are direct buses from: Mandi – ₹35, not via Nerchowk Nerchowk Sundarnagar – ₹60, not via Nerchowk. Buses go from Sundarnagar at around 7AM and 2PM, and take 1¾ hr.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Rewalsar (Apr, May, Jun) averages 12–27°C with about 73 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Rewalsar (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 18–26°C with about 225 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Rewalsar (Oct, Nov) averages 5–21°C with about 30 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Rewalsar (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 0–16°C with about 42 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: There are many stray dogs in Rewalsar, and so it is advisable not to stroll around after dark. You may also consider bringing earplugs as the canines often bark throughout the night.
- Getting around: As most of the attractions are near the lake, walking is the best, and in many places, the only way to get around. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available from the bus station to outlying districts or up the hill to the cave and Devi temple.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 29°C in June; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are March, June, July, August and September; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Rewalsar trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Planning Guide
- Overview: Rewalsar (Tibetan: Tsopema, sometimes Tshopema. Meaning: Tso - lake, Pema - lotus) is a small town on the banks of Lake Rewalsar in Himachal Pradesh. The lake at Rewalsar is believed to be the place where Guru Rinpoche was placed on a burning funeral pyre by the king of Zahor, but instead of being consumed by the flames he transformed the fire into a lake.
- Accommodation: There are many guesthouses in town, just walk around and you will find them. Otherwise, Sar up the hill has a few inexpensive guesthouses. Listed options include Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Monastery's Guesthouse, Gurudwara Guesthouse and Nyingmapa Monastery Guesthouse.
- Best Way To Explore: As most of the attractions are near the lake, walking is the best, and in many places, the only way to get around. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available from the bus station to outlying districts or up the hill to the cave and Devi temple.
The Sacred Heart of Rewalsar
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Rewalsar is equally sacred to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. It was at Rewalsar that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is said to have transformed a burning funeral pyre upon which he was placed into a lake, which is the focal point of the town and the main attraction for pilgrims.
Spiritual Significance
Rewalsar is equally sacred to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. It was at Rewalsar that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is said to have transformed a burning funeral pyre upon which he was placed into a lake, which is the focal point of the town and the main attraction for pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rewalsar is most comfortable in January, February, April, May and October, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is June (average high 29°C) and the wettest months are March, June, July, August and September.
The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport (KUU), about 41 km away. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station, about 40 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Rewalsar Lake, Tso-Pema Ogyen Heru-kai Nyingmapa Gompa, Rewalsar Zoo and Drikung Kadyud Gompa.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 14°C to 29°C over the year, with about 1178 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Rewalsar
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