On most high altitude treks in India you’ll stumble upon meadows from a thick forest, usually of oak. The sudden change in views are startling and beautiful. While most of these meadows are a delight to behold, some are more special than others. The ones on the Bhrigu lake trek are among these. A lot of trekkers do the Bhrigu Lake trek to get to the famous lake. While the Bhrigu lake is definitely worth getting to, this is only one of the reasons for you to do this trek.
The trek is an out and out grassland trek. You step into the meadows within ten minutes of starting out of the fabulous Gulaba base camp. Considering Gulaba is just an hour’s drive from Manali, it makes accessing Bhrigu Lake meadows very easy.
Here’s a short itinerary of Bhrigu Lake Trek:
Things To Take
BARE NECESSITIES:
Trekking shoes: You will need trekking shoes with good grip. Sports shoes will not be comfortable enough.
Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.
A common mistake that trekkers make is not changing their t shirts often enough. Regardless of how cold it is, the body tends to sweat a lot. Trekkers who don’t change to fresh clothes fall ill due to wet clothes and are often unable to complete their trek.
CLOTHES
Three warm layers: On the pass crossing day, you will need at least three warm layers (two lights layers such as fleece and woolen and one padded jacket) for this trek.
Two trek pants: Wear one pair and carry one pair.
Two collared t-shirts: Carry light, full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Again, wear one and carry one.
Thermals (Optional): Those who are more susceptible to cold can carry thermals to wear at night.
ACCESSORIES
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. These are more important in June. There might be snow at the upper campsites regardless of the season. So carry a pair of sunglasses.
Suncap: The sun is intense at higher altitudes and a sun cap is absolutely essential to keep your face and neck safe from sun burns.
Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof gloves.
Balaclava: You may use woolen scarves instead as well.
Socks (2 pairs): Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woolen socks for the night.
Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
Detailed Itinerary
The Bhrigu Lake trek begins at Gulaba. The 24 km route to Gulaba takes you on the Manali-Rohtang Pass road, past Kolang, Palchan and Kothi. You get fabulous views of pine forests and mountains as soon as you cross Kothi. Once a quiet hamlet, Gulaba is now buzzing with tourists in transit to Rohtang Pass.
The trail begins with a steep ascent. Make note of silver oak, cedar and birch trees on the trail here. These are few of the most prominent trees in the Himalayas. After around 20 minutes, the trail enters an open meadow where shepherds camp.
Observe Mt. Hanuman Tibba towering over the meadow in the background. Below Hanuman Tibba are the Seven Sister peaks seated in the Beas Kund Valley. Turn right from the upper ridge of the meadow and head south. The second forested cover begins here.
Rola Khuli is a scenic grazing ground used by local shepherds. Located at the base of Bhrigu Lake, it makes for an ideal camping spot. You water source here is Chor Nallah, which flows across the camping ground.
Start early as you have a lot of distance to cover today. You have to trek a height of around 1,348 ft to reach Bhrigu Lake.
Bhrigu Lake rests between two high-altitude ridges. You begin with hiking to the first ridge, which is an hour away. In June, the trail is usually covered in snow. In July, as the snow melts on the lower reaches, you see the trail slowly turning from green to brown and white. As you reach the ridge, look for an oval glacial lake in the distance. Depending on the season, the lake is either surrounded by snow or fresh grass, along with alpine flowers.
On a clear day, you can catch a stunning panoramic view of Pir Pinjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Also, major peaks such as Indrasen, Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba stand majestically before you. The lake is normally enveloped in fog which can make finding the route tricky. It is always advisable to hire a local guide.
After spending time at the lake, retrace your way to Rola Khuli.
You get back to Gulaba through the meadows you came up from. The descent can be a bit steep but is good on your legs given you are always in the meadows. It takes 3-4 hours to reach Gulaba. Gulaba at around 10,370 ft is a better exit for your knees and feet as compared to Vasisht at 7,000 ft.
Price Information
4 Days Trek Price: On Request
Map & Getting There
FAQs & Safety
What is the style of accommodation in this trek?
Brighu Lake is a 4 day trek. Accommodation will be in tents on all the days – each tent will be shared by 3 trekkers. Will you provide us with sleeping bags?
Yes. we will provide each trekker with a sleeping bag. The sleeping bags we provide can withstand temperatures up to -10° C on high altitude treks. What is the best time to do this trek?
June to September are the best months for the Bhrigu Lake trek. Â When will there be snow on this trek?
You are likely to find snow on this trek in June. However, this depends on the amount of snowfall that happens in the preceding winter. Is this a good trek for a first timer?
Yes. Bhrigu Lake trek is a Moderate level trek. Fit first timers can go for it. However, irrespective of your past trekking experience, mandatory fitness preparation is required before every high altitude trek. If not the Bhrigu Lake trek, what is a good alternative trek to do?
An alternate trek for the Bhrigu Lake trek would be the Hampta Pass Trek. This trek offers dynamic Himalayan trek experience, all in one. Â What kind of food do you serve on treks?
we serves Indian vegetarian food, fruits and desserts. We use a well planned menu suitable for high altitude treks.
WHAT WE DO
