“Where wildflowers bloom above the clouds, and legends rest in glacial silence.”
📖 Overview
The Bhrigu Lake Trek is a 3–4 day high-altitude hike that begins from Gulaba, just 20 km from Manali, and ascends to the sacred Bhrigu Lake (4,300 m / 14,100 ft). Named after Maharishi Bhrigu, who is believed to have meditated here, the lake is surrounded by rolling alpine meadows, snowfields, and panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. What sets this trek apart is the instant access to vast grasslands—you reach open meadows on Day 1, a rarity in Himalayan treks.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Gulaba (via Manali)
Lake Altitude
4,300 m (14,100 ft)
Trek Distance
~21–24 km round trip
Trek Duration
3–4 days
Grade
Moderate
Best Season
May–June & September–October
Permit Required
Forest entry fee (₹100–200)
🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Manali ➝ Gulaba ➝ Jonker Thatch
Drive to Gulaba (2,600 m)
Trek ~3–4 km to Jonker Thatch, a sloping meadow with views of Kullu Valley
Day 2: Jonker ➝ Rola Kholi (~3,800 m)
Trek through alpine grasslands, stream crossings, and wildflower fields
Camp at Rola Kholi, a scenic grazing ground beneath snow ridges
Day 3: Rola Kholi ➝ Bhrigu Lake ➝ Return to Rola Kholi
Steep ascent to Bhrigu Lake, nestled in a glacial basin
Return to Rola Kholi for overnight stay
Day 4: Rola Kholi ➝ Gulaba ➝ Manali
Descend through meadows and drive back to Manali
🌄 Trail Highlights
Bhrigu Lake: A sacred glacial lake that changes color with the seasons—emerald in summer, frozen in spring, and mirror-like in autumn
Alpine Meadows: Vast grasslands from Day 1—rare in Himalayan treks. In monsoon, they burst with wildflowers; in autumn, they turn golden
Mountain Views: Panoramas of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Seven Sisters, and Pir Panjal peaks
Night Skies: Campsites like Rola Kholi offer crystal-clear stargazing, ideal for astrophotography
🛕 Cultural & Mythological Significance
Maharishi Bhrigu: The lake is named after the sage who meditated here. Locals believe the waters are spiritually purifying
Sacred Geography: The lake is considered a tirtha (pilgrimage site), and many trekkers offer prayers at its edge
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
Trekking shoes with ankle support
Clothing
Layered (cold mornings, warm afternoons)
Gear
Rain poncho, walking stick, headlamp
Camping
Tents at Jonker Thatch & Rola Kholi (rental or guided)
Food
Carry snacks; meals via trek operators or self-cooked
Safety
Mild AMS risk above 3,500 m—acclimatize in Manali
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Manali ➝ Gulaba: ~20 km (shared taxis or private vehicle)
By Train: Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): ~50 km from Manali
🏞️ Add-On Adventures
Solang Valley: Paragliding, ATV rides, and ropeway access
Vashisht Hot Springs & Hadimba Temple: Cultural and spiritual stops in Manali
Friendship Peak Base Camp: For those seeking a mountaineering extension
