How Difficult is the Bhrigu Lake Trek?

It’s easy to fall for the beauty of the Bhrigu Lake trek. When you first hear about it — alpine meadows, a high-altitude glacial lake, views of snow-peaked ridges — it sounds almost too good to be true. Many trekkers arrive expecting an easy walk in the meadows. But on the trail, they realise that the trek demands a lot more than it lets on.

That’s where the trouble begins — not with the trail, but with the assumptions.

Watch this quick video to get a good overview of the difficulty of the trek. But don’t stop there — the article dives much deeper. I’d definitely recommend giving it a read. Towards the end, you’ll also find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the trek

A Moderate Trek with a Steep Ascent

At Indiahikes, we classify Bhrigu Lake trek as a moderate trek. And there’s a good reason behind that. The terrain isn’t overly tricky. There’s no snow wall to climb or exposed ridge to crawl across. But what makes Bhrigu Lake stand out is the steep ascent and rapid altitude gain — two things most trekkers don’t prepare for.

The Bhrigu Lake trek route starts near Manali, which sits at around 6,500 ft. From there, in just two days, you ascend to nearly 14,000 ft. That’s a gain of about 7,500 ft — and you feel every bit of it. From the Bhrigu Lake base camp at Gulaba, the trail climbs relentlessly. Day two brings you up to 12,500 ft, and by the next day, you’re standing at the lake.

It’s rare to find treks in India that climb this fast. And your body takes a hit.

Altitude: Not the Biggest Concern — But Still a Factor

The risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is very real on any high-altitude trek. But here’s what’s different about trekking on the Bhrigu Lake— if you do show symptoms, the exit is relatively easy. In less than a day, you can descend to safer altitudes. That’s a major safety advantage.

Still, don’t let that lull you into complacency. Just because you can exit easily doesn’t mean you should take the trek lightly. The real challenge on this trail is muscular — your quads, calves, glutes, and lungs are constantly tested. If you haven’t built endurance, this trek will feel harder than it should.

How to Prepare: Start at Least 6 Weeks Before

To trek to Bhrigu Lake comfortably, your preparation needs to start well before you arrive in Himachal. At least a month and a half in advance, start working on your cardiovascular fitness. Running is ideal — it works the same muscle groups you’ll use on the trail.

Don’t just run short distances. Build stamina. Train your heart and lungs to last. Focus on strength training too — squats, lunges, calf raises, and step-ups are excellent. A strong lower body makes the difference between enjoying the trek and dragging yourself uphill.

The Bhrigu Lake trek is beautiful. The meadows stretch endlessly, and when you finally reach the lake, it sits like a jewel tucked into the mountains. You want to be in a state where you can truly soak it in, not just survive the climb.

Weather on the Trail: Snow, Rain, and Sunshine

If you’re worried about snow, here’s what you need to know: snow remains on the trail until around mid-July. After that, the route clears up. The trail is very exposed, meaning sunlight reaches it directly, melting snow faster than on shaded trails.

You might still find patches near the lake in early July, but it won’t hinder your trek much.

Rain, however, is a constant companion. Bhrigu Lake sits in Himachal’s monsoon belt. You will get rain, especially if you’re trekking between July and August. So carry proper rain gear — a poncho or rain jacket — and be prepared to trek through light showers.

The views after the rain? Crisp, clear, and unforgettable.

In Conclusion

The Bhrigu Lake trek is not difficult in the way that risky Himalayan expeditions are. It’s not technically demanding. But it tests your fitness and your mindset. If you prepare well, it rewards you with some of the best grassland walks and high-altitude scenery in the country.

So don’t come in underprepared. Respect the altitude. Build strength. And you’ll walk away from Bhrigu not just with pictures, but with the quiet pride of having earned them.

If you have any doubts, feel free to write them in the comments section.

FAQs About the Bhrigu Lake Trek

1. What is the Bhrigu Lake trek distance?
Starting from Gulaba (24 km from Manali), the Bhrigu Lake treks is approximately 22 km which you may cover over 4 days.

2. What is the Bhrigu Lake altitude?
Bhrigu Lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 14,009 ft (4,267 m) above sea level.

3. Is Bhrigu Lake trek in May a good idea?
Yes, but expect to encounter snow. Bhrigu Lake trek in May offers snow-laden meadows and beautiful views, but the trail can be challenging.

4. What is the best time to do the Bhrigu Lake trek in March?
Bhrigu Lake in March is still under deep snow and not recommended unless you are experienced and with a technical team.

5. Where is the Bhrigu Lake base camp?
The usual Bhrigu Lake base camp is at Gulaba, around 24 km from Manali.

6. Is there a Bhrigu Lake trek map I can refer to?
Yes, you can find a detailed Bhrigu Lake trek map on the Indiahikes website with the full Bhrigu Lake trek itinerary and trail breakdown.