Overview
Bhrigu Lake is located at the East of Rohtang pass and above the Gulaba slopes. Situated at Pir Panjal eastern end mountain range and at an altitude of 4170 m / 13681 feet above sea level. With a panoramic view of Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Great Himalayan range, and numbers of peaks rising above 6000m.The closest 6000m peak nearby are Deo Tibba, Indrasan, Maker Beh, and Shikhar Beh. And most mesmerizing peaks that remain insights are Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters peaks. Bhrigu lake opens up to mesmerizing natural vistas that showcase an endless alpine carpet of meadows, streams that carry crystal clear water along the winding paths, and sweeping vistas of magnificent snow-capped mountains. This tiny lake is known to locals as “Bhrigu”. The lake is named after Maharishi Bhrigu and it has a great religious significance to locals, especially of Vashisht and nearby villages.
Our classic 3 days Bhrigu lake trek sets out at Gulaba 23 km from Manali and ends at Vashisht village. With many trails to Bhrigu, our trekking route changes based on snow conditions. May until mid-June either one can start from Gulaba – Rola khoi – Bhrigu lake and back to Gulaba. The other route which involves more ascending starts from Kulang – Mori dugh – Bhrigu lake – back to Mori dugh and Kulang. In our classic Bhrigu lake trek, you will have the opportunity to spend two nights at different camps, which will give undoubtedly more natural views of Manali.
For those who are speed trekkers, we offer you a Bhrigu lake trek in one day. The route for Bhrigu lake in one day is Gulaba – Raoli khoi – Bhrigu lake – back to Gulaba 10 to 12 hours.
Bhrigu lake trek is one of the favorite short treks in Manali. An ideal weekend trekking in Manali for both beginners as well as experienced hikers.
Bhrigu Lake Classic – Main Itinerary
Day 1: Manali (1950m) – Gulaba (3000 m / 9842 ft), drive 26 km, 1 hr. Trek to Raoli Khoi (3820 m / 12532 ft) 7 km, 4-5 hrs, camp.
Day 2: Trek to Bhrigu (4170 m / 13681 ft) – Panduropa (3600 m / 11811 ft) 12 km, 7-8 hrs, camp.
Day 3: Trek to Vashisht (2070 m / 6791 ft), 9 km, 6 hrs. Drive to Manali.
Trip Dossier
Day 1: Manali (1950m) – Gulaba (3000 m / 9842 ft), drive 26 km, 1 hr. Trek to Raoli Khoi (3820 m / 12532 ft) 7 km, 4-5 hrs, camp.
Today an early departure to Gulaba which is at a distance of 26 km from Manali and would take us 1 hour. The road goes along the Beas river until Palchan and Kothi village. The tiny village of Kothi and its surroundings are famous for Bollywood movies. The drive continues to Gulaba’s the last curve where we start our trek. We trek through the dense forest of Deodar, and Fir. Gradually walking through the forest we cross Thach ( pasture ) of Khanora. Overlooking at Solang, Kothi below and Hanuman Tibba plus numbers of birds can be spotted, out of all spectacular is Monal pheasant. Finally, we arrive at Siyander Thach or Raoli Khoi. Which is also a nice campsite.
(Raoli Khoi camp)
Day 2: Trek to Bhrigu (4170 m / 13681 ft) – Panduropa (3600 m / 11811 ft) 12 km, 7-8 hrs, camp.
We start early in the morning as the trail today is a long and steep one. Leaving Raoli Khoi behind we climb steeply to the small col and make way through the rocks and boulders for an hour, a final and steep ascent to Bhrigu lake. The Lake remains frozen from winter until Mid June. Arriving at the lake we walk along the ridge which presents a spectacular and panoramic view of the Manali mountains. The best view of Mount Deo Tibba and Indrasan peak comes from this day’s ridgeline trail, continuing along the ridge and short descent to the campsite of Panduropa. From Bhrigu to Panduropa there is an endless carpet of meadows. During summer covered with a number of wildflowers.
Panduropa name is derived from a legend that the Pandavas of Mahabharata cultivated rice fields here. Pandu refers to Pandava of Mahabharata and Ropa locally means for agriculture field. This means that Pandavas has cultivated rice at Panduropa during their exile.
Day 3: Trek to Vashisht (2070 m / 6791 ft), 9 km, 6 hrs. Drive to Manali.
Leaving Panduropa, today we slowly descend inside Deodar forest. As we walk through the forest, the small meadows open up suddenly, which provides refreshing views of snow-clad mountains to the North and West. The last patch of the trail goes along the Apple orchards fields and small traditional Kulluvi houses can be seen. Arriving at Vashisht explore the hot spring water and finally drive to Manali.
Bhrigu Lake from Kulang
Day 1: Manali, drive to Kulang (2,040 m) 30 minutes, Trek to Moridugh (2,900 m), 5-6 hrs
Day 2: Trek to Bhrigu lake (4,160 m) – Back to Moridugh, 8-9 hrs.
Day 3: Descend to Kulang, 5 hrs, drive to Manali.
Bhrigu Lake from Raoli Khoi
Day 1: Manali (1950m) – Gulaba (3000 m / 9842 ft), drive 26 km, 1 hr. Trek to Raoli Khoi (3820 m / 12532 ft) 7 km, 4-5 hrs, camp.
Day 2: Trek to Bhrigu (4170 m / 13681 ft) – back to Raoli Khoi, 10 km, 7-8 hrs, camp.
Day 3: Back to Gulaba, 7 km, 4 hrs. Drive to Manali.
