Bhrigu Lake | Kullu | Himachal Pradesh Trek | Trailaider

Bhrigu lake trek is an easy one in the upper region of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh en-route the scenic Rohtang Pass; around 6 km from Gulaba village. Gulaba lies in the Pir Panjal mountain range. The trail offers stunning views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range; peaks such as Hanuman Tibba, Ladhaki, Shetidhar, Friendship, Makar Bay, Shakar Bay and Chandrabhaga range can be seen in one stretch. Bhrigu Lake is a high altitude glacial lake at an elevation of 14,100ft.
Most people come to this lake for their interest in mythology; the lake is named after Maharishi Bhrigu (a saint of Saptarishi fame). It is believed that Maharishi Bhrigu meditated near the pristine Bhrigu Lake and due to this reason the lake never freezes completely; locals believe it to sacred.

The lake is also famous for its accessibility. It is only a couple of hours drive from Manali which is the base for many treks in the region.

What to watch out for

Bhrigu Lake

This pristine lake remains frozen for 6 months a year. In season it keeps changing its attire; showing all its forms. It is sheltered from two sides by high mountain ridges and offers stunning views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range from the other sides. It changes its form with every change in season; early in the season you may find a large chunk of ice floating on it in a spiral shape, after monsoon you will find a lot of green and wild alpine flowers near the lake showing its true blue color.

Its meadows

Apart from the lake, the views this trek is to be done for its meadows. In almost every trek you have to trek for days to reach a meadow but not this trek; since the beginning of this trek you are in the meadows and it never ends, they stretch far and wide. After the monsoons, the meadows are a delight to see and walk through. You see the meadows at their lush green form with wild flowers blooming everywhere. This is what makes this trek special and sets apart from other treks.

Important features about the trek

• Altitude: 4,300m or 14,100ft
• Duration: 4 days
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Total Distance Covered: 24 km
• Best Time to visit: May to October
• How to Reach:
• By Air: One can reach Manali by Air. Bhuntar is the nearest airport, 52kms away from Manali.
• By Road: Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi. Last bus leaves at around 8:30pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Tickets can be booked online on respective state transport websites or from any booking website.
• Base Camp: Manali
• Minimum Age for the trek: 10 yr

Brief Description of the Itinerary

• Day 1: Drive from Manali (6,700ft) to Gulaba (9,800ft) and trek to Jonker Thach (10,380ft) campsite
• Day 2: Jonker Thach (10,380ft) to Rola Kholi (12,500ft)
• Day 3: Rola Kholi (12,500ft) to Bhrigu Lake (14,100ft) and back
• Day 4: Trek from Rola Kholi (12,500ft) to Gulaba (9,800ft) and then drive to Manali (6,700ft).

Detailed Description of the Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Manali to Gulaba and trek to Jonker Thach campsite

• Altitude: Gulaba (9,800ft) to Jonker Thach (10,380ft)
• Distance: 24 km drive to Gulaba. 1.5km trek to Jonker Thach
• Time: 1 hour drive and 1 hour trek
• Water Sources: Enough water sources on the trail.

We start our drive to Gulaba on the Manali-Rohtang pass road which is where we start the trek. The valley is very beautiful and scenic especially after Kothi; you get stunning views of the pine forests and the surrounding ranges. There was no settlement in Gulaba once but now it is buzzing with tourists to Rohtang pass, Bhrigu Lake, Spiti Valley and Leh.

The trail to Jonker Thach is a gradual ascent beginning with a steep ascent under the forest cover passing a few grasslands. We reach Jonker Thach in an hour and a half.

Landmarks:

• A local dhaba near the Jonker Thach campsite.

Day 2: Jonker Thach to Rola Kholi

• Altitude: Jonker Thach (10,380ft) to Rola Kholi (12,500ft)
• Distance: 5km
• Time: 3-5 hours
• Water Sources: Carry 2l water from the campsite. A few streams on the way.

The trail begins with a steep ascent followed by a couple more steep ascents and then gradual ascent. It can be tiring but once in a while look around you; the view is enough for you to keep going and the excitement of the things to come. You will find brown oak, cedar and birch trees on the way. The last part of the trail is gradual ascents all the way to Rola Kholi campsite. You will find brown oak, cedar and birch trees on the way.

Witness Mt. Hanuman Tibba looking above the meadow in the background; the Seven Sister peaks below it and the magnificent views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range.

Rola Kholi is an amazing place; you see shepherds with their flocks of sheep and goats in the meadow grazing. This campsite is perfect for the next day climb to Bhrigu Lake; it is a huge ground, you can explore the valley, relax near the stream in the evening.

Landmarks:

• 20 minutes into the trek, the meadow opens up where you can see shepherds camps.
• Stay in the middle; between the mountains on the left and the river on your right.

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

• Altitude: Rola Kholi (12,500ft) to Bhrigu Lake (14,100ft) and back to Rola Kholi (12,500ft)
• Distance: 10 km
• Time: 5-7 hours
• Water Sources: Plenty of streams on the way

Today’s trek is a moderately difficult one. We start as early as possible as we have a lot of distance and height to cover today.
We cross the stream first known as Chorh Nallah and then a steep ascent to the first ridge taking approximately 2 hours followed by a 15 minute descent. Take a break after the descent and prepare for the next ascent. Depending on the season we will have to trek on snow or scree zone. It is easier to climb on snow than on scree or boulders and less tiring. Observe the panoramic view of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range; also major peaks such as Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba and Indrasen.
We take the same route to come back to Rola Kholi.

Landmarks:

• Continue on the steep ascent after crossing Chorh Nallah for about 2 hours.
• After some gradual descents and flat walk, about an hour of steep ascent to the lake.

NOTE: The route to the lake is generally engulfed in fog making it difficult to find it. Always hire a local guide or a tour operator for better safety. There are a few ridges on the route that are difficult to spot which are dangerous.

Day 4: Trek from Rola Kholi to Gulaba and then drive to Manali

• Altitude: Rola Kholi (12,500ft) to Gulaba (9,800ft). Drive to Manali (6,700ft)
• Distance: 5km trek. 24km drive.
• Time: 2-3 hours trek and an hour drive.
• Water Sources: Enough water sources on the way.

The trail today is mostly gradual descents and a few steep descents. We take the same route we took to reach Rola Kholi; after reaching Gulaba drive to Manali which is where our trek ends.

Fitness Requirements

Bhrigu Lake is an easy trek but it does require a level of fitness to complete the trek without much difficulty.
You can start by HIT (high intensity training) a couple of months prior to the trek. You can go swimming, cycling, dancing etc. Start lifting weights if you like, climb stairs instead of lifts and elevators. Start slowly with a steady increase in pace and intensity.

Practice Yoga and Asana. It helps you in regulating your breath on ascents and descents. It’ll also help you in keep calm under difficult situations.

What to take

In order to successfully complete the trek, make sure you have all the necessary clothing, equipment, protective gear, medical kit and permission(s) from the respective forest department(s).

Basic Gear:

• Back pack and rain cover (50-60l with good back support and overall balanced structure)
• Day Pack + rain cover
• 2 Trek Pole (1 is better, 2 are awesome)
• Head Torch
• 2 Water Bottles/Hydration Pack

Medical Kit: One Strip of each

• Paracetamol, Ibuprofen
• Diamox, Dexamethasone and Nifidipine (High Altitude must have meds)
• Pain Relief Spray
• Cough and Cold Tablets
• Antibiotics (Azithromycine, levocitrizine etc)
• Crepe bandage, Bandages, gauze, band-aids, alcohol prep band (to clean your hands in case you operate on a wound)
• Wound closure strips

Stay Comfortable:

• 2 T-Shirts (full sleeves, preferably quick dry)
• 2 Trek Pants
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Down/Hollow fill Jacket
• Wind and Waterproof (jacket and pants)
• Thermal Inners (upper and lower)
• Poncho
• Waterproof and Warm Gloves

Steps are a must:

• Trekking Shoes (waterproof, high ankle)
• Floaters/Flip-Flops (optional)
• 2 pair of cotton socks
• 1 pair of woolen socks
• Anti-fungal powder

Cover your Head:

• Sun Cap
• Woolen Cap
• Neck-Gaiters
• Sunglasses: U/V protected. If you wear spectacles- either use contact lenses or photo chromatic glasses.

Personal Utilities:

• Sunscreen cream (SPF 50+ or more)
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and paper soap
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, soap and shampoo
• Lip Balm
• Quick dry towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Moisturizer

Permission:

If going with an Organization: Organization will handle all the permits and vehicle permission on their own.
If going solo or with friends: In this case, you’ll have to take the permission from Forest Department Kullu.
Kullu Forest Office Contact Info: 01902-222490

NOTE: You can also choose an alternate route for this trek which starts from Vashist and ends in Kothi; is less traversed and more scenic than the usual route. Here is a brief itinerary for that route:

• Day 1: Reach Manali and drive to Vashist (4km from Manali)
• Day 2: Drive to Kulang village (about 30 min) and then trek to Moridugh (7km, 4-5 hours)
• Day 3: Moridugh to Tenta via Pandurupaa (6km, 3-5 hours)
• Day 4: Tenta to Bhrigu Lake and descent to camping ground above Gulaba (12km, 7-8 hours)
• Day 5: Trek to Kothi (8km, 4 hours) and then drive to Manali (about 20km, 1 hour)