Bhrigu Lake Trek​

The Loveliest Meadows Landscape

Himachal
3N/4D

Trek Grade

Easy - Moderate

Highest Altitude

14,000 ft

Base Camp

Manali

Best Time

May, June, July & Sept

Bhrigu Lake Trek

The Bhrigu Lake Trek is an excellent option for beginners who wish to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. This trek takes you to a beautiful valley in the Kullu region, where you can discover some of the most stunning campsites and breathtaking views.

The trail stretches for approximately 10km, winds through slick and scree boulders towards an alpine lake named Sage Bhrigu. The lake’s altitude is around 14000 feet, surrounded by lush grass and alpine plants, offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty. However, it is not recommended to camp near the lake.

The trek’s highest point is 14,009 feet, and it is open all year round. However, the best time to trek is in the middle of May or June when the weather is excellent and the mountainside changes to brown, green, and white. The ridge is steep, but the descent is easy, making it a perfect trek for beginners.

The panoramic views from Seven Sister Peaks or Hanuman Tibba are fantastic. You can witness Deo Tibba, the outstretched Pir Panjal ranges, the lush lines of cedar and oak forests, stunning meadows with lush greenery, the enthralling carpeted alpine floors, and the rivers that flow through the trails. The region’s scenic views are breathtaking, making the trekking experience awe-inspiring. If you’re lucky, you may spot Himalayan Monal, Snow Cocks, and gorgeous birds of prey.

The views from Rola Kholi camp are stunning, and the entire trek is a fantastic journey. Therefore, if you want to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayan landscape, the Bhrigu Lake Trek is a perfect choice.

Bhrigu Lake Trek​ Videos

Videos by experts watch these videos to prepare well for a Successful Trek

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Want To Trek Like Pro?

Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.

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Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.

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Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Bhrigu Lake Trek​

Day 1: The drive starts To Gulaba from Manali And Trek to Jonker Thatch From Gulaba

  • Gulaba is a region situated in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh
  • It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts
  • The altitude of this region ranges from 10,370 feet (3,161 meters)
  • The total trek time taken to reach here is 1.2 hours of driving and 1 hour and 30 minutes of trekking

The journey from Manali to Gulaba is a scenic route, offering breathtaking views of thick pine forests and apple orchards. During winter, the entire landscape is covered in snow, creating a magical and surreal atmosphere. The area is also renowned for its art galleries and studios, making it a popular destination for art enthusiasts.

To reach Gulaba from Manali, you need to take the road leading to the Gulaba Tourist spot in Kullu. The road may be steep and winding, taking around 1.2 hours of driving. It is advisable to begin your journey early in the day to avoid traffic.

The distance between Manali and Gulaba is approximately 12.5 km. Depending on the weather and traffic conditions, the journey may take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The hike from Gulaba to Jonker Thatch is an incredible opportunity to explore the mesmerizing Himachal Pradesh mountains. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, starting with a steep climb and continuing along the trail until Jonker Thatch, where you can set up your first camp. The trail winds through open grasslands for around 1.5 hours before reaching Jonker Thatch, where you can relish breathtaking views of the mountain range.

To reach Jonker Thatch, you need to start your journey from the village of Gulaba, located 24 km from Manali. You will walk through the clear waters of Bhrigu Lake, then through apple and pine orchards, experiencing stunning panoramic views of the mountain ranges and vast meadows. You may also encounter wild horses and grazing sheep in the nearby fields.

Day 2: Trek From Jonker Thatch to Rola Kholi

  • The trek to Jonker Thatch Rola Kholi covers an altitude range of 12,566 feet and takes 2.5 to 4 hours to cover a distance of 5.1 km.
  • On the second day of the trek, you will cover five kilometres in 3-to-4 hours, which includes some steep ascents.
  • The final part of the trek is an undulating path that offers a great opportunity to rest your legs and take some photographs.
  • Once you arrive at Rola Khuli, you will be able to view Mount Hanuman Tibba and its nearby mountain ranges.

The trek starts at the Gulaba checkpoint thick forest and passes through open grasslands and dense forests before reaching the highest point of the trail at Rola Kholi. The hike begins at an altitude of 12,500 feet and covers a distance of 6 km within 3-4 hours.

The trek route is going to be steep and strenuous, so it is advisable to carry 2 litres of water and a few snacks to help you relax between the demanding laps. For the first couple of miles, you will walk through a forest, taking a bath under the shade of rustling conifers. You can spot cedar, oaks, and birches, and it is stunning to see a glimpse of blue through the leaves.

After walking for 20 minutes on the trail, the woods will be drained, revealing rolling green meadows. The shepherds’ area is where cattle grazers are gathered from villages in the summer. You can find some mud huts and camp poles dotted around. Leaving the meadow in place, you move towards the south, and the summit in the form of Hanuman Tibba is rising in sharp focus right now, and a bit below it, you will see the Seven Sisters Peaks. Below, you will find the green area in the Beas Kund Valley.

The next step is a small vegetation cover before the path drops down to the rocky meadows. The adrenaline peaks when the trail becomes narrower and steeper before entering the fields that make up Rola Kholi. Around 15 or 20 minutes away from our campsite, we travel through two nallahs or small streams that serve as one of our water sources. Our camp is situated close to Chor Nallah, located at the Rola Kholi campsite.

Day 3: Trek From Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake and back to Rola Kholi

  • The trek from Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake is undoubtedly a difficult one, covering a distance of over ten kilometers and taking anywhere from 5.3 to 7 hours to complete.
  • The altitude reaches a staggering 14,000 feet, so it is not for the faint of heart.
  • However, those who make the journey are rewarded with some of the most stunning views and breathtaking landscapes in the world.

The trail is steep and rocky, and it can be quite challenging to navigate. However, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the snow-covered summit of Indrasen, Deo Tibba, and Hanuman Tibba, make it well worth the effort. It is best to start the trek early in the morning since it is a long distance to cover, and you’ll want to have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

To reach Bhrigu Lake, you’ll need to climb about 1,348 feet, starting with trekking up the first ridge, which is about an hour’s walk away. If you’re lucky enough to visit in June, the trail is typically covered with snow, which can be quite a challenge to navigate. However, as the snow melts, the landscape gradually changes from green to white and brown.

As you climb the ridge, you’ll see an oval-shaped glacial lake on your left. Depending on the time of year, the lake can be completely covered by snow or surrounded by grass and alpine plants. If you’re fortunate enough to have a clear day, you’ll be treated to an excellent panoramic view of Pir Pinjal and the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. You’ll also be able to see majestic peaks like Indrasen, Deo Tibba, and Hanuman Tibba.

However, the lake is often covered by fog, which can make it challenging to find the right route. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to hire an experienced local guide who can help you navigate the trail safely. After spending time at the lake, you can retrace your steps back towards Rola Kholi, taking in the stunning scenery one last time before you return home.

Day 4: Trek From Rola Kholi to Gulaba And Drive back to Manali

  • The trekking path we will follow today will take us through a wide range of altitudes, beginning from 10,370 feet (3,161 m) and gradually descending to lower elevations.
  • Our total trek time will be approximately 3-4 hours.
  • During the trek, we will cover a distance of 5 km.

Today’s trek will see us retracing our steps back on the same route that we took earlier, through the picturesque green meadows that we passed on the way to Gulaba. This stretch of the trek will be a long one, taking us approximately 2-3 hours to complete. 

Once we reach Gulaba, we will travel back to Manali by car. Our expected arrival time in Manali is between 3 to 4 pm. This trek is sure to be a memorable experience, offering breathtaking views of the stunning Himalayan landscape along the way.

Bhrigu Lake Trek​ Route Map

We’ve prepared a comprehensive Trek Route Map for your upcoming adventure to Bhrigu Lake Trek, which outlines the entire journey including all stops and trails. This map provides detailed information on the terrain, distance between points of interest, and estimated travel time to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. We’ve carefully curated the map to ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Please take a moment to review it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Bhrigu Lake Trek​ Altitude Chart

The Trek Altitude Chart is a useful tool for Trekkers to monitor their altitude changes during their rides, allowing them to plan their routes more efficiently and track their progress over time. This Bhrigu Lake Trek chart is beneficial for both casual and experienced Trekkers, helping them make the most out of their Trek experience.

Trek Cost Inclusions

  1. Stay: 3 Nights of tented accommodation at individual campsites of Trekup India on twin sharing.
  2. Meals: Trekup India will provide freshly cooked meals during the trek starting with Lunch on Day 1 to  tea, coffee & breakfast on day 4 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian) 
  3. Transport : From Manali to Manali.
  4. Trek Insurance Mandatory: (Trekup India recommends each trekker to get insurance) you can read more about What Is Trek Insurance, Why It Is Mandatory On Treks And What It Covers .
  5. Trek Equipment:  Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
  6. Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.    
  7. Health & Safety:  First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
  8. Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee 
  9. Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
  10. Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.

Trek Cost Exclusions

  1. GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
  2. Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
  3. Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point 
  4. Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication. 
  5. Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
  6. Any still / video camera fee 
  7. Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot. 
  8. Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 400 per day, per bag if paid online (at base camp 1,600). Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
  9. Any emergency evacuation charges
  10. Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.

What should you pack for the Bhrigu Lake Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek is a high-altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus, read this whole segment. There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below, we have provided the details on everything you should take; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.

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Head Gears

When trekking it's important to carry headgear to protect your head and face.

Heading out for a Bhrigu Lake Trek? Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your beautiful face and head from the sun, wind, and dust! It’s an essential accessory that keeps you safe and comfortable throughout your adventurous journey. So, make sure you pack it before you step out into nature!

  1. Head Lamps are essential for the night, and most importantly, headtorchs keep your hands free while trekking.
  2. Hats or Cap– Cap will protect you from winds and sometimes freezing temperatures for the night. Hats protect you from the sun during the day and also ensure they have a strap so the hat doesn’t blow from the wind.
  3. Sunglasses– you will need specific sunglasses for trekking. The glasses should protect from UV rays, fit your face perfectly so it doesn’t fall while you climb, jump, or cross an obstacle, and be according to the weather conditions of the place; the glass should be made to fit different weather conditions.
  4. Buff / Balaclava– You must carry this to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep it warm.

Clothes

When trekking in high altitudes, prepare for cold weather by wearing layers. Layering traps heat, keeps you warm, and allows you to easily adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate.

Layering is important for different seasons when trekking. When planning a high-altitude trek, it is important to prepare for the cold weather. Wearing layers is the best approach as it provides both protection and flexibility when the weather changes frequently in the mountains. Layering helps to trap heat and keep your body warm, while at the same time allowing you to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates. By wearing layers, you can enjoy your trek comfortably and stay safe in the unpredictable mountain weather

  1. For spring, summer, and monsoon treks, consider wearing three layers: a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket.
  2. For autumn treks, add one more fleece layer to make it four layers.
  3. For winter treks, you may need five layers with thermals, a woollen sweater, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
  4. T-shirt/sleeve shirt– Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants, wearing one and carrying the others. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays. We recommend synthetic T-shirts as they get dry quickly when they get wet.
  5. Hiking / Trekking Jacket– down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or two-three-layer jackets.
  6. Thermals– at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
  7. Undergarments– you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
  8. Gloves– 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
  9. Trek Pants– Bring 2 to 3 comfortable trekking pants. Trekking pants play a significant role, as they are designed for comfort and mobility, making trekking easier. It should be Synthetic so that it gets dry quickly when wet.
  10. Rain Wear– you can carry a raincoat or Poncho. During long rains and snowfalls, the waterproof jackets start leaking. Still, the Poncho and raincoats keep you dry, so choose accordingly.

Tip: If you choose a raincoat on your trek, carry a small waterproof cover so things inside your backpack can’t get wet. If you carry a Poncho, you don’t need to worry. It protects both you and your backpack.

Foot Gears

When it comes to planning a trek, one of the most important aspects is to ensure that you have the right kind of foot gear.

  1. Trekking shoes whichare waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours when you reach the campsite, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your shoes. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
  2. Socks– you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
  3. Microspikes & Gaitorswill be provided by Trekup India when required. You don’t have to carry them.