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.

Classic Route 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.

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.

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.
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.

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, 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. Meaning once Pandavas has cultivated rice at Panduropa during their exile.

Bhrigu lake

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 at sudden, 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.

Trip Highlights

Bashisht Ridge line trail & panoramic view
Alpine meadows of Manali
White meadows
Snow clad mountain peaks view
Pir Panjal eastern end trek

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.

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.

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, 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. Meaning once 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 at sudden, 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.

WHAT HAPPY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY AFTER COMPLETING BHRIGU LAKE TREK
Hi Prem, “We had a great time on the trek and enjoyed the entire experience. Although there were clouds in the latter half of the trip it failed to dampen our spirits. Thank you for your wishes, it was a really wonderful feeling to have accomplished the challenging climb till the summit of Lake Bhrigu.
Tenzing, Ravinder and the rest of the team were great and took good care of us during the entire trip. They helped us cross the paths on the mountains whenever it became treacherous and made sure that we enjoyed the trip all along the way.
Food, in general, was good too. Your cook, whose name I forget, whetted up our appetite with some delicious dishes. Whenever we arrived all tired from the trek, he had hot delicious coffee/tea and snacks ready for us which was rejuvenating.
All the staff were very cordial and genial and behaved very nicely with us, I liked this very much personally. They even enjoyed with us during campfire and livened up the atmosphere.
The camps were great and we were impressed by the overall arrangements made by your team and also the scenic camping sites chosen by your team.
Will I recommend you to my friends and family interested in going for trekking? A Big Yes! Regards”
Mr. S. Atif (New Delhi) on account of 10 pax 21 June – 25 June

“Had an amazing time and one of the most memorable & cherishable memory. Great hospitality at the camps and cozy accommodation. When it comes to the food, this is the best & the most luxurious food we ever ate on any trek. Kudos to the kitchen staff, Had a great leader, friend and guide with an ever positive, satirical and comical attitude. Overall a great experience, thanks to Potala Adventures for this well organized a trek. ”
“One of the best experience of my life. I found the trek to be a little tough and I couldn’t make it to Bhrigu Lake, but the people in charge were extremely fun and caring. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide, whose sense of humor kept us laughing and energizing. Special thanks to the kitchen staff for the memorable food. Looking forward to going on a trek with all of them soon. ”
“Loved the whole adventure and I am glad we got time to spend with such an incredible personality, inspiring period.
This has been the toughest trek so far. The guide made this trek look easy by motivating throughout the way. Looking forward to more such treks (easier ones though). Kudos!
Thank you for such an amazing & enriching experience. A special shout to our kitchen staff and guide for being so helpful, kind & caring. I had the best food & time on this trip. Thumps up!!! ”
Mr. Priyank B, Miss Priyadharshini, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Dalmia, Miss Sanjana. – MUMBAI

“To, Potala Adventurers, Manali, I would begin by saying you guys played a major role in making this Bhrigu Lake trip possible for us. Despite people pulling out of our group till the last moment, you were surprisingly accommodating and supportive. For the three of us (Saurabh, Ashish & Aakash), the three-day trek in the winters of late November will forever be unforgettable. The constant motivation by our tour leader Mr. Prem Ji during the steep climbs of 4200m, the hospitality & great food service at all camps by the porters and all the arrangements made by Tenzin at Potala’s office in Manali were fabulous. We are thankful for the well – planned & organized a trip to you guys at Potala Adventurers and will surely come back for more. Hopefully Chadar Trek, Zanskar in January 2015. K. Saurabh ”
Kumar S & group – NEW DELHI – 25 Nov

“We had a very good time on our trek. The guide and staff were all fantastic. Knowledgeable guide and the food/facilities were top notch. Would recommend to anyone visiting Manali and wanting a great experience with some spectacular views of the mountains.”
Duncan, Kelly, Ray, and Kenny – LONDON – 30 Oct – 1 Nov

“Hi Prem, Me and my wife had a wonderful trek of Bhrigu with your team. My wife was the first time trekker and new to the North of India. We did come with a lot of apprehensions. But then your team made it easy for us and we had a great time with lifetime memories…Food was awesome and hospitality by your team was really nice…The Guide took some really awesome pics for us too.
Overall we have a great time and awesome experience in the mountains. Also looking forward to having another trekking with you guys to Ladakh in a couple of years.”
Mr. Jobin Mathew & Elizabeth – TRIVANDRUM – KERALA – 30 Sept – 2 Oct

“Had a great trip to Bhrigu Lake with Potala, Manoj our guide was fantastic and so was the Tibetan cook .”
Romjan Ali – LONDON – 30 Sept – 2 Oct

“This was my first experience on trekking (+living with nature) and it was amazingly exceptional. The guide was very friendly and helpful and the best part was the food, very diversified and good quality. The whole team was co-operative. I enjoyed the trip very much. Love from Bangladesh.”
Mr. Adeeb , Mr Shriful, Mr Faizan, Mr Hasan, Mr Sultan, Mr Siddiqui – DELHI – BANGLADESH – 21 Aug – 23 Aug

“We had an excellent trek with Potala Adventures! They were very knowledgeable, flexible and helpful. The food on the trek was only eclipsed by the beautiful views of the mountains. We would recommend Potala Adventures to anyone. They helped with our logistics for coming and going and shared their rich knowledge of the area. The tents and bedding were excellent. Prem Singh was wonderful. We had an amazing experience.”
Mrs. Katherine & Mr. Juan Carlos – KANSAS CITY- US and BOGOTA – COLOMBIA – 1 Nov – 3 Nov

Prem/Tenzin/Potala Adventures, ” I cannot thank you enough, I had such a wonderful time in Manali and all thanks to you.
I moved to the hotel above your offices Hotel Valley View from one of the more expensive hotels where I was just bored. I found it to be very comfortable and better still it is right by the main high street (town center) Opposite Himachal tour office. Very reasonably priced indeed I would recommend it for convenience to all amenities, your offices and front town and valley view out on the balcony. The friendliness and helpful local knowledge of the hotel staff (Prem) and you guys were very handy getting around from here is perfect and nearby Hidimba temple is about 15 mins up the road. As far as the trekking I could not have asked for a more professional and knowledgeable team. It had snowed considerably I dreaded thinking my trek would be canceled, but we soldiered on through the deep snow and made camp on the first day in slightly snowy conditions knowing the weather was better forecast for the next day. The camp was so amazing I could not believe it. A kitchen tent doubling as sleeping quarters for the Guide Ravinder, the chef Yeshu and Kully Dai, (Oh dai tu durda que) I had my own windproof tent. I cannot believe the food Yeshu was cooking us they bought the whole 9 yards with them AMAZING. We built a campfire and sat our Dukaans (bums) down and watched the Billions of stars in the clearing Himachal skies above, what a sight the milky way lighting up the snow, tried to take a long exposure pic, it seems that sight is only for us. What an amazing sight in the morning waking up to a view of the Dhauladhar range in front of us. Spicy cinnamon tea in the morning, and of higher to some awesome views (correct use of the word awesome) the best experience of my life, and i have raced formula 1 hovercraft, swam with dolphins and much more. I will be coming back at some point and will definitely book with you guys. Ravinder Yeshu Dai, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so so much for the memories I will never forget you. ”
By Mr. Ajay Raj, Windsor, ENGLAND. 9 – 11 Nov