Bhrigu Lake

The Prettiest Grassland Trek in Himachal

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TREK DIFFICULTY

Moderate

TREK DURATION

4 days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

14,009 ft

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 tree line. 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. In July, you'll see the meadows covered with a blanket of snow, from August to September, they will be 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.

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.

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.

Bhrigu Lake - Complete Trek Information

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.

Bhrigu Lake Trek Videos

Watch these videos to prepare for your Bhrigu Lake trek.

Trekkers' 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.

Expert Speak

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Bhrigu Lake trek. Arjun is an entrepreneur by profession and a trekker by passion, Arjun started Indiahikes in 2008 with a vision to explore and document new trails, solve problems in the mountains and implement sustainable ways of trekking.

What I Like and Don't Like About the Bhrigu Lake Trek

What I Like About the Bhirgu Lake Trek

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Bhrigu Lake trek. Arjun is an entrepreneur by profession and a trekker by passion, Arjun started Indiahikes in 2008 with a vision to explore and document new trails, solve problems in the mountains and implement sustainable ways of trekking.

1. The rolling, textured grasslands of Bhrigu Lake

Here, the grasslands stretched in lovely undulating green dunes as far as the eye could see; perhaps even beyond. It was special.

I hadn’t seen something like this: the meadows changed texture and colour with every altitude gained. What started as a short, bright, but coarse carpet turned a rich, succulent green as we climbed.

At one point we stopped for a short snack break. I took off my shoes and felt the velvet touch of the immaculate lushness under my feet. The moist softness and the deeply aromatic smell still stay with me.

Vast open grasslands on the Bhrigu Lake trek. Photo by Avinash

2. The commanding views from Rola Kholi

I loved walking through the cauldron that is called Rola Kholi. We did not stop there and pitched our tent on a ledge jutting out from the walls of the cauldron. I could not have asked for a more commanding view of the mountains of the Pir Panjal range.

Early in the morning, I walked up the gently sloping banks around Rola Kholi. The sun lit up the grassland in bright yellowish streaks and cotton wool clouds hung in the air below me.

In front of Mt Hanuman Tibba, Ladaki Peak, and Friendship Peak, the summits of Lahaul stretched out. It was just us and the abundance of a teeming, flourishing grassland. I had underrated the trek.

View of Mt Hanuman Tibba, Ladaki Peak and Friendship Peak from Rola Kholi campsite. Picture by Jothiranjan

3. Reflection of mountains in Bhrigu Lake from a high point

When I climbed a bit higher over the banks of the Bhrigu lake, I saw the mountain ranges reflected on the waters of the lake. Clouds hung below us and we were almost looking at the lake as it hung out of the air. We were at 14,000 feet. I couldn’t believe we were that high!

Bhrigu Lake reflecting the scenic beauty around it. Photo by Subhashis Pal

4. Stunning green valley on the other side

We were early to the lake, so we went beyond, towards Pandurupa. It is not too far, perhaps half an hour on the other side. 

I had fallen in love with the trek, but I should have waited. 

The other side was equally stunning. A wide green valley stretched below us. Green grassy mountainsides rise out of the valley and a line of forest way down below. I wish we could trek this side too. But I knew the trail was long and winding. We couldn’t camp in between. Reluctantly, we made our way back to the lake.  

I had not expected much out of the Bhrigu lake trek. I didn’t think a trek right out of Manali could be so grand. I wish I was not so full of my image set. Bhrigu Lake is one of the best grassland treks that I have done in my life.

Lush green meadows on the Bhrigu Lake trek. Picture by the Indiahikes Team

What I Don't Like About the Bhirgu Lake Trek

1. Bhrigu Lake is less appealing

The lake didn’t appeal to me much. It was a bit of a downer after the exhilaration of the climb and the stunning scenery around.

I expected the lake to be larger, with a grassy bank around it. There wasn’t. It had a muddy bank. A few local folks were even taking a dip in its water. That killed the setting. Perhaps my overfed imagination expected too much.

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

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

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.

Leaving Mountains Better

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

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.

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers of treks in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

Get expert guidance even before you start the trek

Get personalised support from our expert Experience Coordinators. From registration to departure, they'll prepare you every step of the way.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Meet like-minded trekkers

Indiahikes carries with it a strong spirit of trekking, one that comes with fitness, minimalism, mindfulness and a deep love for nature.

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