Himachal Pradesh trek
Bhrigu Lake Trek
A high alpine lake four days from Manali
Bhrigu Lake is a moderate 4 day trek from Gulaba near Manali to a glacial lake at about 14,000 ft. It is one of the quickest ways to reach real high-altitude meadows from Manali, best between June and October.
- Max altitude
- About 14,000 ft (4,270 m)
- Duration
- 4 days from Manali
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best time
- June to October, the lake is often frozen earlier in the season
- Base
- Gulaba, about an hour from Manali
- Getting there
- Manali, reached by overnight bus from Delhi or via Bhuntar airport
Bhrigu Lake trek: Solang valley mountain view
Photo 1 of 2
Why people pick Bhrigu Lake
- Wide alpine meadows within a day of the road
- Views across to the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges
- Short enough to add to a Manali holiday
Route, day by day
The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.
Short drive, then a steep climb through forest to the meadows.
Gain height across open grassland to the camp below the lake.
Climb to Bhrigu Lake and descend to a lower camp.
Descend and drive back the same day.
Fitness
Moderate. Height gain is quick for a short trek, so acclimatising a day in Manali first is wise.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
- Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Two water bottles
- Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
- Original photo ID
Safety and altitude
- Climbing too fast is the main cause of altitude sickness. Keep the acclimatisation day the route plan includes.
- A headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual breathlessness above about 2,500 m are warning signs. Stop going higher, and descend if they get worse.
- Summit timings depend on the weather. Turning back on a bad day is a normal mountain decision, not a failed trek.
- Mention asthma, blood pressure, heart conditions or recent illness in your brief, and check with a doctor before a high-altitude trek.
- Ask your written quote who leads the group, what first aid and oxygen is carried, and what happens if someone cannot continue.
Bhrigu Lake questions
Often partly frozen in early June and fully open by July, but it depends on that year's snowfall.
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