Rewalsar is a small town on the banks of Lake Rewalsar and is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was from here that the great Indian teacher and `Tantric` Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche, the Precious Master, it was under Padmasambahava`s influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.
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Located on a mountain spur, an hour's drive from Mandi brings you to this jewel like lake. With water, woodland and high hills, it presents a variety of natural beauty and the spot is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was here that the great Indian teacher and tantric, Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche - the Precious Master. It was under Padmasambahava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar Lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.
Air
The closest airport from Manali is Bhuntar, which is around 63 km from the town of Mandi.
Rail
The closest railhead is in Kiratpur which 125 km away from the town of Mandi.
Road
Rewalsar is 24 km by road from Mandi. Taxis and buses are available at Mandi.
The HPTDC Rewalsar Inn has quiet good accommodation facilities. Even Drikung Kagyud Gompa and Nyinggmapa Gompa also offer some good basic rooms for staying.
Sisu fair
The Sisu Fair is an annual fair held in February/March at Rewalsar.
Tsechu Fair
The Tsechu Fair is held in Rewalsar to commemorate the birthday of Padmasambhava. In 2004, this fair was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, the religious guru of the Tibetans and was attended by Urgyen Trinley Dorje Karmapa along with 50,000 other Buddhist pilgrims.
The fair is being celebrated for centuries by Buddhist devotees to commemorate the birthday of their guru, Padama Sambhava, on the 10th of the first month of every new year, according to the Tibetan Calendar (10th of Dawa Thangpo).