Trek to the Blue Glacial Lake in Lahaul
We wanted to explore the much talked about blue glacial lake in Lahaul for a long time. So naturally, when we found a small window in our schedule, our senior team members excitedly set sail to explore the blue Ghephan lake trek. They came back totally awestruck.
"When I first witnessed the lake, I could not imagine the sight. The colour was mind-blowingly blue. I was left speechless. I was expecting it to be a pretty sight, but in a second, it turned into one of my favourites!" exclaimed Ravi Ranjan, who led the exploration of this trek.
As you trek to Ghepan Lake at about 14000 feet, you witness a long inky blue lake closed on all sides by mountains — like an open cave. Right in the middle of the lake, you see a tiny island full of flowers.
You see big snow patches nestling on the mountainsides feeding the lake. You also see a massive glacier in its complete form — from the origin to the end, depositing itself in the lake. Then, when the beauty bowls us over, tiny icebergs float on the lake's surface.
The trek to the lake is a treat — barren mountains of Lahaul with snow-covered peaks surrounding you, glacial waterfalls coming down from these mountains, contrasting lush green valleys and ridges — the scenery is stunning.
We wanted to explore the much talked about blue glacial lake in Lahaul for a long time. So naturally, when we found a small window in our schedule, our senior team members excitedly set sail to explore the blue Ghephan lake trek. They came back totally awestruck.
"When I first witnessed the lake, I could not imagine the sight. The colour was mind-blowingly blue. I was left speechless. I was expecting it to be a pretty sight, but in a second, it turned into one of my favourites!" exclaimed Ravi Ranjan, who led the exploration of this trek.
Ghepan Lake Videos
Watch these videos to prepare well for your trek
Campsites at a Glance
At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Ghepan Lake trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.
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, they have impacted significantly. 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, economies and 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 I Like About the Ghepan Lake Trek
What I Like About the Ghepan Lake Trek
Ghepan Lake Is Best Discovered Through Pictures
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 surficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Ghepan 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. Don’t miss the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section at the end. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Why fitness matters on the Ghepan Lake Trek
On Moderate 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.
Your goal is to 5 km to finish within 35 minutes.
Note: If you are above the age of 58 years, you'll also need to submit your Treadmill Test within 7 days of registration.
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude
Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.
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.
Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food
Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas.
Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets
We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.
Fresh, nutritious food at every camp
We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!
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