Bhrigu Lake Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Time, How to Reach and Itinerary

You would cherish this bumpy gratifying hike to this lovely place forever. This hike provides varying colors of nature depending on the season.

You can never get over the majestic beauty, whether it’s the lush green flora in the springtime to snowbound peaks and frozen lakes in the winter, and vast meadows and magnificent brown hues of the autumn.

The Bhrigu Lake trek is a three-day journey from Manali and is a horseshoe-shaped high-altitude alpine lake. The novelty of the Bhrigu Lake Trek is that you can reach a lofty elevation of 14,000 feet in just three days, which is normally only possible on the fourth or fifth day of most Himalayan treks, and that you can do so with such ease.

The dramatic trail meanders through pristine forests and gorgeous green valleys before arriving at Rola Khuli’s wonderful campsite. Take in the views of Hanuman Tibba and the Seven Sisters peaks all along the way. Upon the following day, hike up the hill to a horseshoe-shaped lake that shifts its hues as per the seasons.

One may give everything to be able to appreciate the tranquility of the lake’s surroundings. To top things off, the cloud would be hovering around you due to the altitude. In the return, stretch and admire the picturesque villages and fruit orchards.

History of Bhrigu Lake Trek

The Bhrigu Lake is holy to Hindus since it is interwoven with their mythology. Sage Bhrigu, one of the Saptarishis, is said to have traveled to the Himalayan region and moved near the elliptical lake to meditate. The people believe that the lake would never totally freeze because Bhrigu meditated there. Bhrigu attempted suicide in the river and was stopped by the Mother River. This legend is widely associated with the creation of emerald green and blue ice patterns upon the lake.

Other than Sage Bhrigu, several Himalayan ancient sages and devas are also said to have bathed at this wonderful site. As a result, it is commonly referred to as the ‘pool of Gods.’

Highlights of Bhrigu Lake Trek

Location of Bhrigu Lake Trek

The Bhrigu Lake is situated east of Rohtang Pass in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, in the Pir-Panjal mountains of the Garhwal Himalayas. The lake is 6 kilometers from Gulaba, a lovely hamlet which is 22 kilometers from Manali and is a brief way from Rohtang Pass.

According to mythology, Bhrigh Rishi used to meditate by the shore of Bhrigu Lake. Numerous deities of the Kullu Valley are said to have taken a dip in the holy water, that is why Hindus and many worshippers regard the lake as divine. 

Best Time to go Bhrigu Lake Trek

The Bhrigu Lake Trek is open throughout the summer and autumn months, but it is closed during the winter due to the extreme temperature and pressure conditions. People typically choose to explore the lake from May to October, which is indeed regarded as the best period to undertake the trek.

People are likely to witness snow nearly all year, and that in the summer, they would be capable of seeing the recently bloomed flowers just next to the lake. Skip the months of July and August since they have high rainfall, often causing landslides. So try to do the Bhrigu Lake walk in May or June to obtain the finest experience. 

How to Reach Bhrigu Lake Trek

Gulaba, on the road to Rohtang Pass, serves as the starting point for the Bhrigu Lake trip. The best method to go to Gulaba from Manali is to take a split jeep or taxi. Manali is easily accessible by road and air from Delhi. However, no trains are running directly from Delhi.

By Air: The closest station is Bhuntar, which is 50 kilometers from Manali. There are taxis available from the airport that will get you to Manali. You can either take the local buses that go from Bhuntar to Manali on a routine basis. Buses are reasonable and inexpensive when in comparison to taxis, which can range from INR 2000 to 2500 based on the season.

By Rail:  Delhi to Pathankot route is served by trains such as the Delhi-Pathankot Express, the Jammu Tawi Express, and the Delhi-Dhauladhar Express. From there you can board a bus from Pathankot to Manali. Otherwise,  take a connecting train from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar, the closest station to Manali. Buses are available frequently between Joginder Nagar and Manali.

By Road: The driving distance between Delhi and Manali is 536 kilometers. Overnight HRTC Volvo buses run from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Manali. Private Volvo buses, which can be booked in advance, too are available. Unfortunately, their services are notoriously unstable, particularly during weekends and holidays.

By bus, the journey takes 14 hours. You can purchase bus tickets at hrtchp.com or other bus operators. From Delhi, you can also hire a private taxi or even an outstation cab.

Itinerary for Bhrigu Lake Trek

Day 1: Arrive in Manali.

Drive to Gulaba (22Kms). Trek to Rola Kholi (12,500 feet approx.), – 7 km, 4 to 5-hour trek

Manali, a lovely Himachal Pradesh town, is located at an elevation of 6730 feet. Manali is a known tourist destination since it serves as a starting point for many different treks. Drive for around 2 hours to Gulaba from here. The distance between Manali and Gulaba is 22 kilometers. Weekend unfortunately, makes the road to Gulaba congested as the same road is used by travelers going to Rohtang Pass. Hike Mt.

Hanuman Tibba and the Seven Sister summits in Beas Kund Valley which are among the significant peaks visible. After arriving at the Kolang Nallah, cross the improvised wooden bridge on this nallah. Hike after crossing the bridge.

Day 2: Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake

Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake (14,000 ft) and back to Rola Kholi – 10 km

Since today’s trail is quite a long and steep one so try to begin as early as possible. Try to be extra cautious today because the path is through boulders and scree. Once you reach the lake, the view is breathtaking because of the frozen lake (frozen almost in all months). If the time of your visit is during the summer, Grass and tiny alpine flowers can be found surrounding the lake. After spending some time at the lake, retrace your steps back to Rola Kholi.

Read more: Roopkund Trek

Day 3: Rola Kholi to Gulaba

Drive back to Manali – 8 km, 4 hour trek.

Today, trek back to the trailhead at Gulaba and drive to Manali. There is usually heavy traffic in the peak summer months, so book your return from Manali late at night. The trip ends in Manali.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Bhrigu Lake Trek