Difficulty
Moderate | Level 2
Duration
4 Days
Highest Altitude
14,009 ft
Age
8 to 62 years
Duration
4 Days
Age
8 to 62 years
Difficulty
Moderate | Level 2
Highest Altitude
14,009 ft
Bhrigu Lake Trek
The Prettiest Grassland Trek in Himachal
A lot of trekkers do the Bhrigu Lake trek for the lake is steeped in mythology. This trek lies in Himachal Pradesh, around 20 km north of Manali and can be accessed from Gulaba.
It is known as the place where the famous saint Maharishi Bhrigu sat in deep meditation. However, we believe the lake is not the only thing the trek has to offer. You must do the Bhrigu Lake trek for its grasslands.
To enter an alpine meadow in our country, one has to often spend at least a day or two trekking within the treeline. We are talking about two or three days of hard ascent. This is because most alpine meadows start at around 11,000 ft above the treeline.
However, on this trek, you are in the meadows within the first 10 minutes of this trek! Imagine having meadows such as these right in your backyard. No wonder we go gaga over landscapes that are seen in places like Switzerland.
The meadows on the Bhrigu Lake trek stretch far and wide – almost like an endless carpet. Wild horses gallop around you. The grazing sheep look up when you come out of the treeline, almost as if to greet you.
From these grassy knolls, you will see the mountains of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar dominating the skyline.
This is your garden in the sky. From July to September, you’ll see the meadows at their lushest green. You’ll spot wildflowers everywhere.
The meadows change texture, shape, and colour but stay with you all along the trek – right until Bhrigu Lake. This is what makes the trek special. Getting a chance to be in such alpine meadows all along a trek is a rare opportunity.
(Read: A Photostory of the Surreal Bhrigu Lake Trek)
This four-day trek gives you a good idea of what Himalayan treks offer – meadows, glacial lakes and mountain views. Even though it is a short trek, it climbs to the daunting altitude of 14,000 ft so you experience the thrill of a climb as well.
With its easy access from Manali, it is a great trek to do for beginners or families looking to explore the wilderness.
Bhrigu Lake Trek Videos
Watch these videos to prepare for your Bhrigu Lake trek.
Quick Itinerary
Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Brighu Lake trek.
Day 1
Arrive at Manali. Drive from Manali to Gulaba Roadhead, and Trek to Jonker Thatch
Drive Distance: 24 km | Drive Duration: 1 hour | Transport Cost: Rs 3,300 per vehicle to be shared by trekkers
Trek Distance: 1.5 km | Trek Duration: 1.5 hours | Altitude Gain: 6,725 ft to 10,285 ft
Leave from Shuru Homestay, Manali at 11.30 AM to Gulaba. En route, drop your cloakroom bag and collect your rentals. You reach your first campsite by 3.00 PM. (Note: Finish your lunch before reaching Gulaba on this day.)
Day 2
Trek from Jonker Thatch to Rola Kholi
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Altitude Gain: 10,285 ft to 12,590 ft
Moderate. Steep ascent throughout followed by an undulating walk for the last 30 minutes.
Day 3
Trek from Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake, and back to Rola Kholi
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 12,590 ft to 14,009 ft and back
Moderate. Starts on a stony trail. Initial ascent for 2 hours followed by 10 minutes descent. Level walk for 15 minutes followed by an hour’s steep ascent to the lake.
Day 4
Trek from Rola Kholi to Gulaba. Drive back to Manali
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,590 ft to 9,875 ft
Drive back cost: Rs 2,800 per vehicle to be shared by trekkers
Easy. Mostly descending. You are expected to reach Manali by 3.30 PM.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- On the trek, you will be staying 3 in a tent on all days.
- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.
Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June, July and August. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.
Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Brighu Lake trek.
PRO-TIPS
Onward Travel
Reach Chandigarh or Delhi a day before Day 1 on the itinerary. Book a bus/taxi to Manali that is likely to reach before or by 9 am on Day 1. We will pick you up from Shuru Homestay, Manali at 11.30 AM. The transport cost will be Rs. 3300 to be shared by trekkers.
Return Travel
You will be back in Manali by 1 PM. Book a return flight/train ticket from Chandigarh or Delhi. Do not book plane tickets to your hometown from Delhi on Day 4. Plan your travel out of Delhi the next day.
Latest Photos
Trekking in monsoon does not mean trekking in rains. To drive the point home, here are some photos from the latest Bhrigu Lake trek. These are shared by trekker Jignesh Chauhan. The group had lovely sunshine, blue skies as they trekked to the highest campsite Rola Kholi (12,590 ft). As you browse through the photos, notice how clouds are settled on the jagged Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. You see these mountains right in front of your camp!
Clouds settled on the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Notice the conical shape of Mt. Hanuman Tibba as it stands out.
The trail to Rola Kholi climbs relentlessly. But it's a refreshing trek, through lush green meadows, under the blue skies with soft cotton clouds.
As you gain altitude, notice how the meadows change its colour, texture.
What I Like and Don't Like About the Bhrigu Lake Trek
What I Like About the Bhirgu Lake Trek
Bhrigu Lake Trek is Best Discovered Through Pictures
Walking on lush green meadows and seeing snow-capped mountains are a daily affair on the Bhrigu Lake trek.
Picture by: Gatreddi Avinash
En Route Bhrigu lake
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Bhrigu Lake trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
PRO TIPS
Campsites at a Glance
At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Bhrigu Lake trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.
Jonker Thatch campsite gives you the best sunrise views, along with Seven Sister Peaks and Mt Hanuman Tibba. Picture by Jothiranjan
Wildflowers bloom everywhere in the latter half of July and at the beginning of August near Jonker Thatch. Picture by Jothiranjan
Rola Kholi Campsite is situated just below Bhrigu Lake, which gives excellent views of the mountains to one side, and snow-covered meadows on the other. Picture by Avinash
Why fitness matters on the Bhrigu Lake Trek
On a trek like Bhrigu Lake treks, you walk for about 6-8 km each day. The ascents and descents could get steep. The maximum altitude will range between 13,000 ft to 14,000 ft. You’ll come across tricky patches frequently (like snow or scree), which require you to navigate with a certain amount of caution. There might also be small stream/river crossings.
To prepare well, you should be able to run comfortably for 5 km within 35 minutes.
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration.
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Bhrigu Lake
The Story of Bhrigu Lake
Maharishi Bhrigu, who was one of the famous Saptarishis, sat and meditated beside the Bhrigu Lake.
The setting of the lake, resting between two high-altitude ridges, does seem perfect for silence and inward reflection. Moreover, from here you can see the grand Himalayan ranges too. Right in front of you, there are Pir Pinjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Also, major peaks such as Indrasen, Deo Tibba, and Hanuman Tibba stand majestically before you.
It is believed that the sacred meditations of Maharishi Bhrigu have purified the lake and the space around it. This is a holy lake for the locals, and to protect its sanctity, camping close to the lake is prohibited.
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
What Safety Means To Us At Indiahikes
Ever since Indiahikes entered the trekking scenario, we have been extremely conscious about bringing in big safety changes to Indian trekking. We have been focusing on three aspects -- the people, the processes and the equipment that help increase safety in the trekking industry.
For instance, we brought micro-spikes into the Indian trekking scene when most people were walking on snow with canvas shoes. We brought to use pulse oximeters to monitor one’s oxygen saturation. We introduced health data tracking on our treks to keep track of daily vitals and study them -- oxygen, pulse and blood pressure.
This film, made by Dhaval Jajal, Head of Film Making at Indiahikes, gives you a glimpse at what safety truly means to us at Indiahikes.
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