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Town in Himachal Pradesh, India
Photo: Doron, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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. Due to this incident, Rewalsar became an important sacred site for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism, and there are many Buddhist monasteries and retreat centers around the lake.
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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.
Another part of the Tibetan monasteries here.
The Sikh temple in Rewalsar.
The Hindu temple in Rewalsar.
Tsopema Nyingmapa Monastery
A Tibetan retreat center founded by Dudjom Rinpoche. It is the oldest monastery at the lake.
Roam around the lake, stand at the water or sit in one of the many pavilions and enjoy the quietness. According to Buddhist legend, the lake was miraculously created from a funeral pyre that had been built by the King of Zahor for the purpose of burning Guru Rinpoche and Princess Mandarava alive. The depth of the lake has never been established and remains a mystery. A park surrounds the lake, which serves as an area to circumambulate the sacred site. Before India was engulfed in Covid with many deaths, the locals reported that the lake turned a deep yellow, and then returned to normal colour as the pandemic died down.
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.
Takes place every 12 years. Last occurrence was in 2004. It falls on the auspicious 10th day of the 1st month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and it is celebrated as the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava ("The Lotus Born" Guru) who was supposedly born in the monkey year.
Padmasabhava 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. The path is steep in parts, but well paved. The cave is inside of the houses, so you have to go through one of the doors of the houses there.
A 2-hr walk, passing some Buddhist caves (see above) and lakes (if you go via Sar) en route from Rewalsar.
A simple restaurant in a clean environment. Inexpensive.
Coffee, cakes, simple meals. Terrace seating with views over the lake. Very touristy.
Emaho Guesthouse
They host pilgrims and non pilgrims. It might get busy during Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist holidays. They have two types of rooms. The simple ones are on the ground floor, in front of the café (WiFi accessible), next to the street and with shared bathrooms. The others seems to be upstairs, bathroom en suite and more calm.
The Sikh temple provides very simple accommodation with shared or private bathroom, and food for pilgrims and foreigners.
Another Tibetan monastery guesthouse to the one below.
Himachal Pradesh Tourist Development Corporation
Run by the Himachal Pradesh tourist authority. The guesthouse is clean and simple.
As most of the attractions are near the lake, walking is the best, and in many places, the only way to get around.
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