The Bhrigu Lake walk is one of the Himachal treks that has always held a special place in my heart. Tucked away near Manali, this high-altitude alpine lake has something magical about it. In summer, when most trails open up, the journey feels like walking into a painter’s dream—lush meadows, wildflowers, distant snow-capped peaks, and a crystal-clear lake that reflects the sky like a giant mirror.
This guide is everything I’ve learned from my own experience, shared directly with you so you can plan your trek without wasting time on fluff.
Where is Bhrigu Lake?
Bhrigu Lake is located in Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of roughly 14,000 feet (4,270 meters). It’s located east of the famous Rohtang Pass and around 20 km from Manali. On the Manali–Rohtang path, the journey often begins in the little town of Gulaba.
What makes it special? Unlike many Himalayan treks that take days to reach alpine meadows, here you walk into wide open grasslands right from the beginning. It feels like someone just rolled out a green carpet for trekkers.
Why Summer is the Best Time to Visit
I’ve trekked in different seasons, but summer is unbeatable for Bhrigu Lake. From mid-May to late September, the snow begins to melt, revealing lush meadows sprinkled with flowers. By June, the lake is usually clear of ice, though sometimes you may still find floating patches of snow, which only adds to the charm.
The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C during the day, but nights can dip close to freezing. Pack wisely—summer in the mountains doesn’t mean you’ll be warm all the time.
What I love most about summer here is the sheer contrast: one moment you’re walking through rolling meadows, the next you’re surrounded by snow peaks. It’s like nature couldn’t decide between spring and winter, so it gave us both.
How to Reach the Starting Point
The trek begins near Gulaba, about a 45-minute drive from Manali. To reach Manali:
- By Bus: The most well-liked and reasonably priced Volvo buses are those that run overnight between Delhi and Chandigarh.
- By Car/Taxi: A bit pricier but flexible.
- By Flight: About 50 km from Manali is the closest airport, located in Kullu (Bhuntar).
From Manali, shared taxis and private cabs take you to Gulaba. Some trekking companies also arrange pickups, which saves the hassle of bargaining with local drivers.
The Trek Route: What to Expect
The Bhrigu Lake trek is usually done in 3–4 days. Here’s how it unfolds:
Day 1: Manali to Gulaba to Rola Kholi
- Drive from Manali to Gulaba (about 22 km).
- Trek to Rola Kholi, your first campsite. The trail is mostly through meadows and forests.
- Walking time: 4–5 hours.
This first stretch already feels rewarding—open grasslands, grazing sheep, and a backdrop of tall deodars.
Day 2: Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake and Back
- The highlight day! A steep climb brings you to the lake.
- The altitude jump is real here, so pace yourself.
- At the top, Bhrigu Lake appears like a calm jewel tucked between ridges.
Honestly, no photograph can prepare you for the sight. On a clear day, the reflections are unreal—like the sky itself has melted into water.
Trekkers often return to Rola Kholi for the night after spending time at the lake.
Day 3: Rola Kholi to Gulaba and Back to Manali
- A gentle descent through meadows and forests.
- By afternoon, you’re back in Gulaba.
- From there, it’s a short drive to Manali.
Some people extend it to 4 days to make the pace slower, but I found 3 days comfortable enough if you’re reasonably fit.
Fitness and Preparation
Don’t underestimate this trek just because it’s short. At 14,000 feet, the oxygen level is much lower than in the plains. I recommend:
- Cardio prep: Running, cycling, or brisk walking for at least a month before.
- Leg strength: Squats and stair climbs help with steep sections.
- Acclimatization: Spend a day in Manali before starting. It makes a big difference.
When I first did this trek, I saw a couple of people struggle with altitude sickness because they rushed. Trust me—take it slow, hydrate, and listen to your body.
What to Pack
Packing light yet smart is the key. Here’s my quick checklist:
- Backpack (40–50L)
- Layered clothing (thermal innerwear, fleece, down jacket, windproof shell)
- Trekking shoes (good ankle support)
- Rain gear (poncho or jacket)
- Trekking poles (a lifesaver on descents)
- Personal meds + altitude tablets
- Reusable water bottle + purification tablets
If you’re trekking with a company, they usually provide tents, sleeping bags, and meals, so you don’t have to carry camping gear.
Food and Water on the Trek
On my trek, meals were simple but hearty—dal, rice, chapati, vegetables, sometimes noodles. Carry a few energy bars or dry fruits for quick snacks.
Water sources are plenty, but always purify before drinking. Purification tablets, which I kept on hand, were ideal.
Choosing the Right Trekking Company
Now, you could attempt this trek solo with local guides, but I’d recommend going with an organized trekking group if it’s your first time in the Himalayas. Not only does it take care of logistics (permits, tents, food, guides), but it also ensures safety in case of altitude-related issues.
I went with The Searching Souls for Bhrigu Lake Trekking, one of the well-known trekking organizations in India. What I appreciated was not just the management but also how they emphasize eco-friendly trekking—carrying back waste, minimizing camp impact, and teaching trekkers about mountain sustainability.
Of course, there are other operators too, but I found their structured approach and experienced trek leaders reassuring. For a trek like Bhrigu, where the weather can turn suddenly, having that support is priceless.
Budget Breakdown
Here’s roughly what you’ll spend:
- Travel to Manali (from Delhi/Chandigarh): ₹1,200–2,000 (bus), ₹5,000+ (flight to Kullu)
- Trek package (3–4 days): Between ₹6,000 and ₹9,000 per person (with food, tents, and guides)
- Miscellaneous (gear rental, snacks, tips): ₹1,000–2,000
So overall, expect around ₹8,000–12,000 depending on your choices.
Tips That Made My Trek Smoother
- Start early every day. Weather in the mountains turns cloudy by noon.
- Carry cash—ATMs are unreliable in Manali, and Gulaba has none.
- Don’t rush at the lake. Spend at least half an hour just sitting there—it’s one of those rare places where silence feels alive.
- Stay respectful. Locals consider Bhrigu Lake sacred. Avoid littering or stepping into the lake.
Final Thoughts
The Bhrigu Lake trek in summer is one of those rare adventures that pack big rewards in a short span of time. Just three days, and you come back with memories of meadows, peaks, and a lake that looks like it belongs in a myth.
For me, it wasn’t just a trek—it was a reminder of how simple and beautiful life can feel when you’re walking through wild grasslands at 12,000 feet with nothing but the mountains around you.
If you’ve been thinking about starting your Himalayan trekking journey, I’d say Bhrigu Lake is the perfect introduction. Short, scenic, and soul-filling. And once you’ve done it, chances are you’ll already be planning your next one.
FAQs
1. Do I need prior trekking experience for Bhrigu Lake?
Not really. It’s a beginner-friendly trek, but you should have basic fitness and stamina.
2. Can I do this trek solo?
Yes, but it’s safer with a trekking company or at least a local guide, especially due to altitude and sudden weather changes.
3. Is it safe for children?
Kids above 12 who are fit can usually manage, but be mindful of altitude sickness.
4. Will there be snow in summer?
In early June, yes—you may still see patches of snow. By July–August, it’s mostly lush meadows.
5. Is network available on the trek?
Mostly no. You may get patchy signals near Gulaba, but higher up, it’s all about disconnecting.
