“Where the ice melts into sapphire, and the silence echoes off snow walls.”
📖 Overview
Perched at an altitude of 4,140 meters (13,580 ft) above Sissu, Ghepan Ghat Lake is a glacial-fed alpine lake that remains largely unknown—even to locals. The trek to the lake is a moderate 28 km round trip, weaving through wildflower meadows, glacial streams, and panoramic ridgelines. The lake’s vivid turquoise hue, caused by glacial silt and sunlight refraction, makes it one of the most photogenic and pristine water bodies in Himachal Pradesh.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Sissu village (via Manali–Leh Highway)
Lake Altitude
4,140 m (13,580 ft)
Trek Distance
~28 km round trip
Trek Duration
3–4 days
Grade
Moderate
Best Season
June to October
Permit Required
No (but register locally for safety)
🥾 Trail Highlights
Sissu to Trailhead: A short drive (~9 km) from Sissu to the trek start point, followed by a gradual ascent along a thundering glacial river.
Gorduk & Aliyas Campsites: Camp in flower-filled meadows with views of snow-capped peaks and Ghepan Peak looming above.
Ghepan Ghat Lake: A neon-blue glacial lake with floating icebergs, surrounded by rocky cliffs and snowfields—a surreal sight at sunrise.
Wildlife & Flora: Spot Himalayan marmots, blue poppies, and brahma kamal along the trail.
🛕 Cultural & Mythological Touchpoints
Ghepan Peak: Named after the local deity Ghepan, protector of Lahaul. The lake is considered sacred, and locals often avoid camping too close.
Sissu Village: A charming Lahauli hamlet with traditional homes, barley fields, and Buddhist prayer flags—ideal for cultural immersion.
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
Trekking shoes with ankle support
Clothing
Sub-zero layers, windproof jacket, gloves
Gear
Trekking poles, headlamp, rain cover
Camping
No shelters—carry tents and cooking gear
Food & Water
Stock up in Sissu; water from streams (purify)
Safety
Trail is unmarked—local guide strongly recommended
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Manali ➝ Atal Tunnel ➝ Sissu: ~40 km
Sissu ➝ Trailhead: ~9 km by jeep
By Train: Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): ~90 km from Sissu
⚠️ Trek Notes
Weather: Expect cold nights (2–5°C) and pleasant days (5–10°C) in season
Trail Conditions: Unmarked and rugged, with river crossings and exposed ridgelines—not recommended during monsoon
Eco-Etiquette: No littering, no drone use, and respect the sanctity of the lake
