Bhrigu Lake: The prettiest grassland trek in Himachal
A lot of trekkers do the Bhrigu Lake trek for the lake steeped in mythology. It is, after all, known as the place where the famous saint Maharishi Bhrigu sat in deep meditation. However, we believe the lake is not the only thing the trek has to offer. You must do the Bhrigu Lake trek for its grasslands.
To enter an alpine meadow in our country, one has to often spend at least a day or two trekking within the treeline. We are talking of two or three days of hard ascent. This is because most alpine meadows start at around 11, 000 ft, above the treeline. However, on this trek, you are in the meadows within the first 10 minutes of this trek! Imagine having meadows such as these right here in your backyard. No wonder we go gaga over landscapes are seen in places like Switzerland.
The meadows on Bhrigu lake trek stretch far and wide – almost like an endless carpet. Wild horses gallop around you. The grazing sheep look up when you come out of the treeline, almost as if to greet you. From these grassy knolls, you will see the mountains of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar dominating the skyline. This is your garden in the sky. In the months of July to September, you’ll see the meadows at their lushest green. You’ll spot wildflowers everywhere.
The meadows change texture, shape and colour but stay with you all along the trek – right until Bhrigu lake. This is what makes the trek special. Getting a chance to be in such alpine meadows all along a trek is a rare opportunity.
This four-day trek gives you a good idea of what Himalayan treks offer – meadows, glacial lake, mountain views. Even though it is a short trek, it climbs to the daunting altitude of 14,000 ft. so you experience the thrill of a climb as well. With its easy access from Manali, it is a great trek to do for beginners or families looking to explore the wilderness
What to Watch Out For
A Rewarding Climb To The Lake
The Bhrigu lake rests between two high altitude ridges. Given its location, the lake takes on several forms, changing with every season. You never know what to expect. Sometimes it is royal blue, sometimes it is emerald green, sometimes it has chunks of ice floating on its light blue surface, and sometimes it is completely frozen. Early in the season, it surrounded by snow. After the monsoon season, you will see fresh grass and alpine flowers surrounding the lake. Just to see many forms this lake would take, it is worth doing the trek many times over.
Views of Manali’s Biggest Mountains
Right when you step onto meadows, you are greeted with views of major peaks of Manali. You see Ladakhi, Shitidhar and Hanuman Tibba when you are walking on the grasslands. And, on the tabletop that is Bhrigu Lake, you will see Indrasen and Deo Tibba as well. However, since the large chunk of the trekking season of Bhrigu Lake is during monsoon, you see the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal only during bouts of clear weather.
Easy Access From Manali
This trek is geographically right above Manali. The base camp, Gulaba, is just an hour’s drive away en route Rohtang Pass. Now, on most Himalayan treks, you have to deal with long drives on winding roads to reach the basecamp. This is after you’ve had over a day of travel by train, bus or flight. So this short journey is a blessing! Added to that, you reach your first campsite within 90 minutes of trekking! Right from your first campsite, you are in a more secluded world. Away from the teeming hub of tourists and travellers that is Manali.
SHORT ITINERARY
Day 1: Pick up from Rambagh circle on Mall Road, near Manali bus stand, at 12.30 pm. The exact location at Rambagh circle is the auditorium near the Nehru Statue. Drive from Manali to Gulaba. 1 hour trek to the campsite (Jonker Thatch).
Day 2: Jonker Thatch (10,370 ft) to Rola Khuli (12,566 ft); 3-4 hours, 5 km
Day 3: Rola Khuli (12,566 ft) to Bhrigu Lake (14,009 ft) and back to Rola Khuli; 5-6 hours, 10 km
Day 4: Rola Khuli (12,566 ft) to Gulaba (10,370 ft); 3-4 hours, 5 km. Drive to Manali. You are expected to reach Manali by 3:30 pm.
Please note that stay on all days of the trek will be in tents (3 per tent).
It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
If you wish to offload your backpack, make sure you pay for it online before starting from your home town. Offline backpack offloading is available from the base camp, however we do not recommending doing as we might be unable to arrange for it at the last moment.
Interactive Map:
You can also download the KML file here.
The Trek
Day 1: Reach Gulaba
The Bhrigu Lake trek begins at Gulaba. The 24 km route to Gulaba takes you on the Manali-Rohtang Pass road, past Kolang, Palchan and Kothi. You get fabulous views of pine forests and mountains as soon as you cross Kothi. Once a quiet hamlet, Gulaba is now buzzing with tourists in transit to Rohtang Pass.
- Altitude: 10,370 ft (3,161 m)
- Time taken: 1 hour drive + 1 hour 15 minutes trek. Pick up from Manali at 12.30 PM
Vehicles drop you off at the road head near Gulaba checkpost.
Trek steadily underneath forest cover, passing through open grasslands every now and then. You will reach the Jonkar Thatch campsite in about an hour and fifteen minutes.
Day 2: Jonker Thatch to Rola Khuli
- Altitude: 10,370 ft (3,161 m) to 12,566 ft (3,830 m)
- Time taken: 3-4 hours, 5 km
- Trek gradient: Moderate; Steep ascent throughout followed by an undulating walk for the last 30 minutes.
- Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water from Gulaba. The first water source is 15 minutes before Rola Khuli campsite and the second one is 10 minutes before – both at stream crossings. The first one is a better place for filling your water bottles since it has a steady flow of water. This saves you time.
The trail begins with a steep ascent. Make note of brown oak, cedar and birch trees on the trail here. These are few of the most prominent trees in the Himalayas. After around 20 minutes, the trail enters an open meadow where shepherds camp.
Observe Mt. Hanuman Tibba towering over the meadow in the background. Below Hanuman Tibba are the Seven Sister peaks seated in the Beas Kund Valley. Turn right from the upper ridge of the meadow and head south. The second forested cover begins here.
Rola Khuli is a scenic grazing ground used by local shepherds. Located at the base of Bhrigu Lake, it makes for an ideal camping spot. You water source here is Chor Nallah, which flows across the camping ground.
Day 3: Rola Khuli to Bhrigu Lake and back to Rola Khuli
- Altitude: 12,565 ft (3,830 m) to 14,009 ft (4,270 m); back to 12,565 ft (3,830 m)
- Time taken: 6-7 hours, 10 km
- Trek gradient: Moderate; Starts on a stony trail. Initial steep ascent for 2 hours followed by a 10 minutes descent. Level walk for 15 minutes followed by an hour’s steep ascent to the lake.
- Water sources: Bhrigu lake, streams along the way
Start early as you have a lot of distance to cover today. You have to trek a height of around 1,348 ft to reach Bhrigu Lake.
Bhrigu Lake rests between two high-altitude ridges. You begin with hiking to the first ridge, which is an hour away. In June, the trail is usually covered in snow. In July, as the snow melts on the lower reaches, you see the trail slowly turning from green to brown and white. As you reach the ridge, look for an oval glacial lake in the distance. Depending on the season, the lake is either surrounded by snow or fresh grass, along with alpine flowers.
On a clear day, you can catch a stunning panoramic view of Pir Pinjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Also, major peaks such as Indrasen, Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba stand majestically before you. The lake is normally enveloped in fog which can make finding the route tricky. It is always advisable to hire a local guide.
After spending time at the lake, retrace your way to Rola Khuli.
Day 4: Rola Khuli to Gulaba
- Altitude: 12,565 ft (3,830 m) to 10,370 ft (3,161 m)
- Time taken: 3-4 hours, 5 km
- Trek gradient: Easy. Mostly descending.
- Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water from Rola Khuli
Today’s trek is an easy one. You get back to Gulaba through the meadows you came up from. The descent can be a bit steep but is good on your legs given you are always in the meadows. It takes 3-4 hours to reach Gulaba. Gulaba at around 10,370 ft is a better exit for your knees and feet as compared to Vasisht at 7,000 ft.
Banner image by Braham Ghairola
How to reach the basecamp – Gulaba
Delhi → Manali → Gulaba
The Bhrigu lake starts from Gulaba, which is 24 km from Manali. Indiahikes organizes transport for trekkers from Manali to Gulaba on Day 1 of the trek. The cab fare is Rs.2,200 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. The pick up is at 12.30 pm sharp from Rambagh Circle in Manali. This is on Mall road, close to Manali Bus Stand. The exact location at Rambagh circle in the auditorium near the Nehru Statue.
Manali is well connected to Delhi. If you take an overnight bus from Delhi, it will take you 12-14 hours to reach Manali. Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in. Choose government buses such as HPTDC and HRTC as they usually run on schedule.
Note: Since Delhi-Manali is a long journey, most private buses leave Delhi between 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm. The last government bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Getting back
Gulaba→ Manali → Delhi
The Bhrigu Lake trek ends at Gulaba, around 1.30 pm on Day 4. We start the 1 hour long drive back to Manali immediately. Indiahikes arranges transport from Gulaba to Manali. The cab fare is Rs. 2,200 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Buses leave from Manali for Delhi between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm. They reach Delhi early in the morning. If you are traveling further on from Delhi immediately, do keep enough buffer time while booking your tickets.
Network connectivity
BSNL and Vodafone sim connectivity available. There is signal at Manali. After this you will find network only at Rola Khuli.
How to get fit for the Bhrigu Lake trek
The Bhrigu Lake trek is classified as a trek of moderate difficulty. You start from an altitude of 8,530 ft at Gulaba and you reach the highest point of the trek at 14,009 ft. This means you gain around 5,480 ft over just two days of trekking. This can make the trek quite demanding. Here are the 3 areas that you must work on. Scroll below to see a chart that will help you to get fit in 4 weeks.
Cardiovascular endurance
This trek requires a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. You can begin by jogging every day. Start jogging at a slow pace and then keep increasing your pace day by day. In order to be prepared for high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets.
Here’s a fitness routine that works:
- Target completing 5 km in 45 minutes when you begin.
- Gradually increase your pace by running 4 times a week and bring it down to 5 km in less than 40 mins.
- If you are 45 years old and above and are comfortable with long distance walking than jogging, then before you go on the trek, you should be able to walk at least 10 km at a stretch. Target completing this in 90 minutes.
If jogging is fine for you, your target should be completing 5 km in 50 minutes initially, and 5 km in less than 45 minutes before you go on the trek.- If you are somebody who prefers cycling over running, your target must be to cover 22 km in 60 minutes.
Here is a guide to help you get fit for the Bhrigu Lake trek (or any other moderate treks we run)
Working out indoors
If you can’t go out and jog because of time and space constraints, here’s a video you can use to work out indoors.
What to take on the Bhrigu Lake trek
Click here to buy trek equipment.
Bare necessities
- Trekking shoes: There will be several slippery patches on the Bhrigu Lake trail, and you will need trekking shoes with good grip. Sports shoes will not be comfortable. You can watch this video to learn to choose the right trekking shoes.
- Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.
The Bhrigu Lake trek is organised in the months of June, July and September. Expect rain during these months. Carrying a poncho will be extremely helpful.
Clothes
On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.
- Two warm layers: At the campsites, especially the higher ones – Rola Kholi and Bhrigu Base camp – the temperature after sundown will drop to around 2-6 degrees. You will need at least three warm layers (one layer such as fleece and woollen and one padded jacket – carry an extra fleece layer if you are very sensitive to cold weather) for this trek.
- Two trek pants: One pair of pants should suffice for this trek. But you can carry one spare pair in case the first one gets wet. Wear one pair and carry the other. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
- Two collared t-shirts: Carry light, full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Again, wear one and carry one. Let one of these be a dri-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day. A common mistake that trekkers make is not changing their tshirts often enough. Regardless of how cold it is, the body tends to sweat a lot. Trekkers who don’t change to fresh clothes after reaching the campsite fall ill due to wet clothes and are often unable to complete their trek.
- Thermals (Optional): Those who are more susceptible to cold can carry thermals to wear at night.
Accessories
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. There might be snow closer to the lake, so carry a pair of sunglasses.
- Suncap: The sun feels stronger while walking on the mountain slopes. Carry a suncap to protect your head and neck from the heat, especially if you’re trekking later in the day.
- Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof/resistant, wind proof gloves.
- Balaclava: You may use woolen scarves instead as well.
- Socks (2 pairs): Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woolen socks for the night.
- Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
- Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole.
Others
- Daypack (20 litres): If you are offloading your backpack, you will need a smaller backpack to carry water, medical kit and some light snacks.
- Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.
- Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose sanitary napkins in the mountains.
- Cutlery:Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their own cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.
- Two water bottles: 1 litre each
- Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalise things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
Mandatory Personal Medical Kit
- Diamox – 1 Strip
- Crocin- 10 tablets
- Avomine (optional, in case of motion sickness)- 1 Strip
- Combiflam- Half Strip
- Muscle relaxant – Half Strip
- Digene- Half Strip
- Avil- 1 strip
- ORS- 6 packs
- Knee Cap (If you are prone to knee injury)
Mandatory Documents
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)
- Medical Certificate (first part to be filled by a doctor and second part by the trekker) – Download PDF
- Disclaimer form (to be filled by the trekker) – Download PDF
If you’re shopping or packing for the trek, you can download this quick and simple checklist for offline use.
You can rent a lot of trekking gear instead of buying. Click here to know more
Here’s a guide to help you pack for the trek –
The Bhrigu Lake is marked as a moderate trek. It is moderate because of the altitude gained over just 2 days – 6,500 ft at Manali to 14,000 ft at Bhrigu lake. This is called a forced ascent, where your body does not have enough time to acclimatise. So there is a chance that you might get affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. In order to have a safe trek,here is some information that you must know if you have registered for this trek. At Indiahikes, we believe that as long as you are well-informed and well-prepared, you can survive easily at high altitudes.
What Indiahikes does to ensure your safety
Our philosophy is simple. We ingrain safety aspects in the people we work with, in the processes that we follow, and in the equipment we carry. All our trek leaders are trained repeatedly on safety issues and protocols. Most issues are resolved with their intervention.
Right from the time you decide to register for the trek till the last day of the trek, these safety procedures will be running in the background. We have listed a few of them below:
1. Fitness criteria before registration
Over years of organising high altitude treks, we have found that safety issues thrive amongst those who are unfit and unprepared for the trek. So we have introduced an eligibility criteria for the Bhrigu lake trek. Anyone who wants to register for this trek has to meet the fitness requirements, with the ideal BMI. The BMI and fitness regime will require proof. A high altitude trek is not to be taken casually.
2. Monitoring health on a trek
Any abnormal reading will be paid special attention to and action will be taken immediately
On the Bhrigu lake trek, your Trek Leader will be monitoring two aspects thrice a day.
- Oxygen Level
- Pulse Rate
Your Blood Pressure levels will be checked once a day.
This will help us ensure that your body is acclimatising as required.
Every trekker will be given a Health Card at the beginning of the trek. The Health Card is issued to monitor the trekker’s daily health, wherein they will be entering details about their health everyday. It also contains details of what symptoms one should look out for and what action should be taken during emergencies. These Health Cards will be collected back at the end of the trek.
3. High Altitude Medical Kit
Your trek leader will be carrying a full-fledged high altitude medical kit. This will include basic medicines and specific medicines catering to altitude sickness – Diamox, Dexamethasone (tablets and injections) and Nifedipine. Your Trek Leader will also be carrying a portable oxygen cylinder throughout the trek. In addition to that, there are oxygen cylinders installed at all high altitude campsites for any emergency situations.
4. High Altitude Trek Equipment
To ensure safe trekking on snowy terrain, Indiahikes will provide you with micro-spikes to attach to your shoes. This will give you good traction on hard snow. To avoid snow from entering your shoes, Indiahikes will provide you with gaiters that you can put on over your shoes. You will have qualified technical guides with you, who will lead the way on difficult terrain.
All our sleeping bags and tents are custom-made for high altitude. If it is cold outside, it will be around 10 degrees warmer inside the tent. The sleeping bags can withstand temperatures up to -10 degree Celsius.
5. Being hydrated and well nourished on the trek
You need to drink a minimum of 4 litres of water every day during the trek to ensure that you’re well hydrated. De-hydration on a trek can make you lose energy very quickly and intensify the effects of AMS. Your trek leader will brief you about the amount of water that you need to carry with you at the start of each day as well as water sources on the trail.
We provide trekkers with nutritious meals to ensure that they are energized to complete the trail each day. Apart from this, snacks or packed lunch is provided wherever the trail before a meal break is likely to be long. Make sure that you do not skip any meal as this can lead to serious health emergencies on high altitudes.
With all these processes and equipment in place, you can be rest assured that you will have a safe trek with Indiahikes.
Nevertheless, you will need to be cautious and report the slightest of symptoms to your trek leader as soon as you feel them.
What you compulsorily need to know if you’re going on the Bhrigu Lake trek
Acute Mountain Sickness:
At altitudes above 10,000 ft the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness cannot be ruled out. This risk can be avoided by going on a course of Diamox. Even while on Diamox, the risk of AMS still prevails. While AMS can be treated with rest and medicines for the most part, the symptoms must be recognised before it can go to advanced stages – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
HAPE and HACE are critical conditions that can be fatal within hours. And they can occur without AMS preceding them. So it’s doubly important to recognise any symptoms and nip them in the bud.
About Diamox:
Diamox is a tablet that is available off the counter. You can start your course one day before the trek. Take half a tablet once in the morning and once at night (after your meal). It reduces chances of AMS by 80%. There are almost no side effects of Diamox, except a tingly feeling at your finger tips. You might also feel the need to urinate more often, which is normal as Diamox makes you drink more water. You can learn more about AMS, its symptoms and treatment here.
Note: Diamox is a sulfa-based tablet. If you are allergic to sulfa-based drugs, don’t take the tablet. If you do not know whether you are allergic to sulfa-based drugs, take a Diamox around ten days before your trek and look out for any reactions, If there are none, you can safety take the tablet on the trek.
Take this specific precaution – Go on a preventive course of Diamox
We strongly advise you to go on a preventive course of Diamox. Diamox is a blood thinner and helps you acclimatise much faster and reduces the chance of AMS by around 80%. Take half a tablet twice a day from one day before your trek.
What to do if you have symptoms of AMS?
If you feel any symptoms of AMS on the trek, you must report to the Trek Leader immediately. Do not wait till the end of the day’s trek. Do not try to handle it yourself either. Our Trek Leaders are well-trained and experienced to handle any cases and they will be the decision makers in any such cases.
Watch the below video to understand the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. In this video, Arjun Majumdar, the founder of Indiahikes will also tell you the protocol to follow when you see someone showing symptoms of AMS.
Exit on the Bhrigu Lake trek is easy as the closest road head is Gulaba, which can be reached in around 8 hours latest. Medical expenses, if required, at the medical centre are to be borne by the participant. Closest hospital is in Manali.
Why you should personally know about the risks and precautions of high altitude treks
If ever you find yourself alone at high altitude, either while trekking independently or with another organisation, there are some life -saving steps you can take. Firstly, you should be able to recognise symptoms of altitude sickness. So acquaint yourself with the symptoms.
Secondly, there might be instances when you have to administer medicines to yourself or to a fellow trekker. There are three life-saving medicines that we suggest you always carry on you – Diamox, Dexamethasone and Nifedipine.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, do not administer these to anyone without consulting your Trek Leader. If you are trekking independently then you need to know when exactly to administer these medicines and in what dosage.
Also ensure that you are well hydrated throughout the trek and do not skip any meal.
You can watch the video below to learn about HAPE and HACE and how to tackle them. In the video, Sandhya UC, partner at Indiahikes, explains in detail about High Altitude Pulmonary and Cerebral Edema, what the symptoms are and how to tackle them.
Acute Mountain Sickness
Click here to read about Sandhya’s first hand experience of suffering from AMS on her 28th high altitude trek.
If you’re of the opinion that fit people don’t get AMS, please get rid of that notion right away. AMS can affect anyone without paying heed to their fitness and prior experience at high altitude! Altitude sickness does not distinguish between a first timer and an experienced trekker.
For more detailed information about Acute Mountain Sickness, you can download and study the manual below.
Trek Cancellation Policy
In case, you wish to cancel your trek, please login to your account and cancel. Cancellation requests will not be taken over phone or email. The cancellation charges are as under: Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — full refund. Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund. Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund. Please note: In case of refund, there will be a deduction of 4% (cancellation charges) from the total fee you have paid. Also, if you have opted for a trek insurance, the amount will not be refunded. In the unlikely case of a trek being called off by us at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc), Indiahikes will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.Your trek includes -
- Accommodation – Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 3 (Gulaba to Rola Khuli). You camp on all days. (3 per tent).
- Transport – We arrange pick up from Manali on Day 1 and drop back to Manali on Day 4 in shared cabs.
- Meals – All meals from dinner at Gulaba to lunch on Day 4 are included. Meals are nutritious and vegetarian.
- Camping charges – All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
- Trekking equipment – We provide high quality tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, roped, micro spikes, gaiters etc. as required.
- Safety equipment – First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretchers etc.
Your trek fee does not include -
- Food during transit to and from the base camp –
- Backpack offloading charges – Rs 750 for the full trek + 5% GST. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kg. Suitcases/strolleys/duffel bags will not be allowed. Please note that last minute offloading - when you decide to offload your bag after reaching Gulaba is not possible on this trek.
- Stay at Manali on the last day
- Anything apart from inclusions
Cancellation Policy
In case, you wish to cancel your trek, please login to your account and cancel.
Cancellation requests will not be taken over phone or email.
The cancellation charges are as under.
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — full refund.
Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund.
Please note: In case of refund, there will be a deduction of 4% (cancellation charges) from the total fee you have paid. Also, if you have opted for a trek insurance, the amount will not be refunded.
If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc), Indiahikes will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.
Fitness
A high altitude trek in the Himalayas requires considerable fitness. Your body needs to train itself to process more work with lower levels of oxygen. Therefore, on treks, cardiovascular training is critically important. The trek has gradual climbs and steep descents on the summit day. As a measure of your fitness, we require you to be able to run at least 5 km in 40 minutes by the time your trek starts. If you are 45 years or above, try to cover 5 km in 45 minutes. This is a minimum requirement.
If you prefer cycling over running, then try to cover 22 km in 60 minutes.
Unable to do so can make your trek difficult.
In addition, preparation of trek needs to include strength and flexibility training. Registering for the trek is an understanding that you will undertake the mandated fitness training and upload the fitness screenshots on your dashboard. Trekkers who have not adequately prepared may be asked to discontinue the trek at any point.
Indiahikes has the right to reject trekkers who do not meet our eligibility requirement at the base camp.
Backpack Offloading
Indiahikes expects all trekkers to carry their own backpacks. All common gear will be carried by the support team. If for some reason a trekker is unable to carry his or her backpack, he/she can offload the same by paying an additional charge.
Backpack offloading charges – Rs 250 per day plus GST of 5%. Charges for last minute offloading during the trek will be Rs. 375 per day inclusive of tax. You can opt for offloading directly your dashboard after your payment is done for the trek.
Partial offloading is not allowed. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kg. No suitcases/trolleys/duffel bags will be allowed.
Online offloading in advance is possible up to three days prior to the trek start date.
Transport
All trekkers will be picked up at the Manali Rambagh circle at 12.30 pm on the first day of the trek. You need to finish your lunch and come for the pickup. All costs of the trek including pick up to and fro Manali are included in the trek fee.
Indiahikes only arranges the vehicle pick up and is not responsible for any issues during transport.
Repeat Trekker Policy
At Indiahikes, we believe that the mountains hold all the aces. The weather could play spoilsport, the altitude could mess with a trekker, the unpredictability of nature itself could turn against him. Whatever the reason might be, it is never nice to turn away from a trek midway.
In the event that a trekker has to come down without completing your trek, they can always head back to the mountain and do the same trek again. If this happens, trekkers don’t have to pay the trek fee. They have to just make the optional payment for the insurance amount.
On another note, it could also happen that you love a trek so much that you want to go back time and again. Trekkers don’t have to pay the trek fee for repeating a trek.
Note – The Repeat Trekker Policy holds good only for Indian Treks.
It is not valid for treks we run in Nepal.
Discount Policy
If there is a group size of 10 trekkers and above, then we will waive off the trek fee charges for one person.
Note - There is no discount available if the group size is 9 or less than that.
You can register the entire group and send us an email. If the group is registering individually, then the primary participant needs to send an email to the Trek Coordinator with the list of trekkers from the same group.
If you want to make the payment individually, then individual registrations have to be done.
This will be the case for a group of 10 trekkers. So if you have a group of 20 trekkers, then we will waive off the charges for 2 trekkers.
I am a first timer. Is Bhrigu lake an easy trek, a good trek for me?
Bhrigu lake is not an easy trek, it is considered a moderate trek. Also the trek starts at an altitude of 6725 feet and climbs up rapidly to 14,000 feet in a matter of 4 days. This makes the ascents on the trek strenuous especially on the day you climb up to the lake.. It is a good trek for fit first timers.
You will need at least 4 weeks of solid preparation for this trek. You can begin preparation by going for brisk walks and then do brisk jogs to improve your cardio. Your target should be to cover 5 km in 35 minutes comfortably by the start of the trek.
What is the pick up location for the trek?
All trekkers will be picked up at Manali Rambagh circle at 2 pm on the first day of the trek. You need to finish your lunch and come for the pick up.
All costs of the trek including pick up to and fro Manali are included in the trek fee.
How can I reach Manali, the pick up point?
The best way to reach Manali is by an overnight bus from Chandigarh or Delhi. The travel time from Delhi to Manali is around 12 to 14 hours and the travel time from Chandigarh to Manali is around 8-10 hours. You can book the Himachal Government Volvo buses. They are reliable and usually on schedule. Ensure you leave at around 6 pm the previous evening, so that you are well on time for the pick up in case of unexpected delays in reaching Manali.
Flying to Kullu airport is not recommended, as the flights commonly get delayed and cancelled in case of unexpected changes in weather.
At the end of the trek, what time will I reach back to Manali? Can I travel back on the same day?
You are expected to reach Manali by around 4 pm on the last day of the trek. It is advised to stay back at Manali on the last day and book your onward journey the next day. If you are keen on leaving the same day, book your transport anytime after 6 pm.
Can i bring luggage i do not require on the trek and leave them somewhere before the trek begins?
Yes we have an option of leaving behind extra luggage you do not need on the trek, at Manali. Ensure you leave no valuables (laptops, cash, electronics) in this luggage. There is no extra charge to leaving this luggage at the base camp, and you do not have to pre book it anywhere.
What networks work on the trek?
Manali would be the last place where you will find electricity and charging points on the trek. BSNL, Vodafone and Airtel networks are available up to Rola Khuli.
Here is what trekkers have to say about their experience at Bhrigu Lake Trek
भृगु झील: एक दिव्य स्थान की पदयात्रा
This beautiful blog about the Bhrigu Lake trek, written in Hindi, will make you feel like you are on the trek. This is a must-read.
Read full blog
Video by Captain Walker
Available dates
Click on available dates to Register
- What the colours mean
- Available:Registration is on.
- Waitlist:The group is full, but cancellations are likely to happen. We have 5 waitlist slots for every group. You may register for the group. Waitlist slots confirmation chances are high if booked more than 30 days in advance.
- Last 'x' slots:Indicates the number of slots available in a batch.
- Full:Indicates the group is full. No further slots are likely. A full group has 18 members.
Dates not suiting you? Click here to see other similar treks.
Upto 12,772 ft
6,850
4 days
Easy-Moderate
6 thoughts on “Bhrigu Lake Trek” Click to read