Bhrigu Lake, Manali | Trek, Weather, Best Time to Visit

Bhrigu Lake, Manali Overview

Bhrigu Lake is a high altitude lake located in the district of Kullu, about 40 kilometres away from Manali. The route to the lake passes through entrancing meadows which are also called the Bhrigu Lake Meadows. Not many tourists know about the beautiful meadows that can be compared with the alpine meadows found at high altitude locations like Switzerland.

As one walks through the expansive stretch of grasslands amidst snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, they are bound to feel like they have entered a different world altogether. Those who constantly search for locations to escape the city life, traffic and pollution, Bhrigu Lake is the place for them.

It takes about 6 hours to reach the enrapturing Bhrigu Lake from Gulaba Village. The name Bhrigu is derived from the name of Maharishi Bhrigu. A salient characteristic of the lake is that it never freezes entirely during winters. According to a legend, the lake never freezes completely because Maharishi Bhrigu meditated near it. Campers can set a camp near Bhrigu Lake and spend some leisure time with friends and family while trekking to the lake. Most of the tourist season, the region has clear blue skies during the day. The gentle warmth of the sun during a clear day makes the walk a pleasant one. Night skies are a special treat for campers and night gazers.

Must Know Before You Visit Bhrigu Lake

Essential Tips : 1. Wear appropriate trekking gear and carry material essential for camping.
2. Although some trek solo for the thrill, it is advisable that tourists trek or camp in groups preferably with a trekking/adventure company.
3. June to August is monsoon season in Manali. Tourists are advised to avoid the monsoons as the region is susceptible to landslides.
4. If trekking with a trekking/adventure company, the company charges will apply.

Bhrigu Lake Highlights

1. Bhrigu Lake Trek

Day 1: Gulaba Village to Jonker Thatch
Day 2: Jonker Thatch to Rola Khuli
Day 3: Rola Khuli to Bhrigu Lake and back to Rola Khuli
Day 4: Rola Khuli to Gulaba

Read More on Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu Lake Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bhrigu Lake is between October and May which is the winter season in Manali. A significant portion of the lake is frozen during this time, and the surrounding is covered with snow. Between March and May is summer time which is also an excellent season to visit the lake for an adventurous/recreational activity as the weather stays clear and pleasant throughout the day.

How To Reach Bhrigu Lake

From Manali, tourists have to drive to Gulaba Village which is about 24 kilometres away and is very well connected by road. Shared or private taxis are the best and the most affordable modes of local transport to reach Gulaba Village. From the village, tourists need to walk or trek through the alpine meadows to reach Bhrigu Lake.

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Day 1: Gulaba Village to Jonker Thatch
Stretched at a distance of 24 km, the entire trek to Bhrigu Lake takes about 4 days. The trek to Bhrigu Lake starts at Gulaba. In order to reach Gulaba, one has to take the Manali- Rohtang Pass Road, past Kolang, Palchan and Kothi via a taxi or car which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes approximately. On the way, people get an opportunity to witness an amazing view of the pine forests and mountains.
People have to get off at Gula Checkpost and there, the entire route to the lake is to be covered on foot. The first campsite is a 3 km trek to Jonker Thatch which takes an hour to reach the campsite. On the way people to witness an amazing view of the pine forests and mountains making the journey really fun.

Day 2: Jonker Thatch to Rola Khuli
The trek starts with a steep ascent to Rola Khuli. Located at a distance of 5 km from Jonker Thatch, it takes 3-4 hours to reach Rola Khuli. On the way, one observes Brown Oak, Cedar and Birch Trees during the trail. One also gets a scintillating view of prominent trees in the Himalayas along with a view of Mt. Hanuman Tibba towering over an open meadow where shepherd camps. Once Rola Khuli is reached, one observes that is a scenic grazing ground with local shepherds. Located at the base of Bhrigu Lake, it makes an ideal spot for camping.

Day 3: Rola Khuli to Bhrigu Lake and back to Rola Khuli
The trek to Bhrigu Lake is 10 km long which has to be started at the rise of dawn. On the way, one gets stunning panoramic view 0f Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges. Major peaks such as Indrasen, Deo Tibba stand majestically in front of the trekkers. However, the route to the lake is enveloped by fog due to the weather and is quite tricky. The entire journey takes 6-7 hours and after reaching the lake, people spend some time near the lake which is located between Two-High Altitude ranges and is surrounded by snow and fresh alpine flowers.
After spending time near the lake, one retraces his/her way back to Rola Khuli.

Day 4: Rola Khuli to Gulaba
The final day of the trek is a 5 km trek back to Gulaba and it takes 3-4 hours to reach the Gulaba Village. Even though the trek can be a little steep since people have to pass through meadows, but people reach the checkpost in due time and they cherish the 4-day trek to Bhrigu Lake with fond memories.