Bhrigu Lake Trek

Manali, the bustling Himalayan town, serves as the starting point for several iconic treks in Himachal Pradesh, including Beas Kund, Hampta Pass, and Bhrigu Lake. 

The drive from Manali to Gulaba is short but incredibly scenic. As we leave behind the busy town, the road gradually ascends along the Rohtang Pass highway. For the first stretch, the road passes through traditional Himachali settlements, apple orchards, and cedar forests. You’ll notice the Beas River flowing beside the road.

As we gain altitude, the forests grow denser, dominated by pine, oak, and Himalayan birch. The air becomes cooler and thinner. On clear days, glimpses of snow-clad peaks begin appearing between the trees.

After approximately 21 km, we arrive at Gulaba, the starting point of our trek. Gulaba serves as the gateway to the high-altitude meadows that eventually lead to Bhrigu Lake.

Today’s trek is intentionally short. This allows your body to begin acclimatising to the altitude gradually.

The trail begins just above the roadside and ascends gently through alpine grasslands. Within minutes, the landscape opens into vast rolling meadows, locally known as “Bugyals.” These high-altitude pastures stretch endlessly in every direction.

Gulaba Meadows offers expansive views of the surrounding Pir Panjal range. Peaks like Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sister Peaks can often be seen from here.

We set up our campsite here for the night.

Today marks the first substantial trekking day of the expedition.

We begin our trek after breakfast, gradually ascending through vast alpine meadows. The trail climbs steadily, without any technical sections, allowing you to maintain a comfortable rhythm.

The landscape is dominated by rolling grasslands interspersed with occasional rocky patches. During summer and monsoon months, these meadows are covered with wildflowers, creating a colourful carpet beneath your feet.

As we gain altitude, the views expand dramatically. Behind us, the Solang Valley and Beas Kund Valley become visible, while ahead, the Pir Panjal peaks dominate the skyline.

Small mountain streams appear along the route, providing opportunities to refill water bottles.

The final stretch of the day involves a gradual ascent towards Rola Kholi, a wide-open campsite located beside a mountain stream.

Rola Kholi is one of the most scenic campsites on this trek. From here, you get uninterrupted views of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Seven Sister Peaks, and the surrounding alpine basin.

We set up camp here and spend the evening resting and acclimatising for the summit push the next day.

Overnight stay in tents at Rola Kholi.

Today is the most important and rewarding day of the trek.

We begin early after breakfast, carrying a packed lunch. The trail ascends steadily from Rola Kholi towards Bhrigu Lake.

Initially, the trail passes through open grasslands, but as we gain altitude, the terrain becomes more rugged with rocky patches and gradual inclines.

As we climb higher, the vegetation thins out, and the landscape becomes more barren and alpine. The air feels thinner, and the surroundings grow quieter.

After several hours of steady ascent, the trail finally reveals Bhrigu Lake.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,200 metres, Bhrigu Lake is a glacial lake of great cultural and geographical significance. The lake is believed to be associated with Maharishi Bhrigu and is considered sacred by locals.

Depending on the season, the lake changes its appearance. During the summer, it reflects shades of green and blue. In early season or late autumn, parts of it may remain frozen.

The lake sits in a high-altitude basin surrounded by vast open slopes, offering panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range.

We spend some time here resting, eating lunch, and taking in the surroundings before beginning our descent back to Rola Kholi.

The descent follows the same route and is faster but requires careful footing.

We reach Rola Kholi by evening.

Overnight stay in tents at Rola Kholi.

After breakfast, we begin our descent towards Gulaba.

The descent is gradual and easier compared to the ascent. As we lose altitude, the air becomes denser and warmer.

The vast alpine meadows surround us once again as we make our way down. The views remain spectacular, but there is also a quiet sense of completion after reaching the lake.

We reach Gulaba by late morning, where our vehicle will be waiting.

From Gulaba, we drive back to Manali, retracing the same scenic mountain road.

We expect to reach Manali by early afternoon.

If you are travelling onward, it is advisable to plan your departure for the next day to account for possible traffic delays.