Bhrigu Lake
Reputed to be one of the prettiest grassland treks in Himachal, reaching a glacial lake said to change colour through the day.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Bhrigu Lake Trek Overview
Reputed to be one of the prettiest grassland treks in Himachal, reaching a glacial lake said to change colour through the day.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Gulaba, near Manali · Estimated trip duration: 4 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation by published trail milestone
Jonker Thatch → Rola Kholi → Bhrigu Lake → Rola Kholi → Gulaba
These are elevations reported for named stages on one particular route. Connecting lines show milestone order only; the horizontal spacing is not walking distance and changes between stages are not a measured terrain profile.
See altitude for each trail stage
| Milestone | Elevation |
|---|---|
| 1Jonker Thatch | 10,285 ft |
| 2Rola Kholi | 12,950 ft |
| 3Bhrigu Lake | 14,009 ft |
| 4Rola Kholi return | 12,950 ft |
| 5Gulaba | 9,875 ft |
Route variant: Jonker Thatch → Rola Kholi → Bhrigu Lake → Rola Kholi → Gulaba. Source also discusses an alternate Gulaba start at 8,530 ft; chart uses the published itinerary waypoint heights.
A measured GPS distance/elevation profile is not yet available for this route. This graphic is for comparing stage heights, not navigation.
Bhrigu Lake Trek Planning Guide
Bhrigu Lake is a easy-moderate trek in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh. Panth records the route as approximately 24 km over 4 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 14,009 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Bhrigu Lake
The Panth catalogue currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 3 planned days, including Gulaba to Rola Kholi and Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake and back to Khulli Ghat. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
No advance permit is recorded; local fees or permissions may still apply. The recorded base location is Gulaba, near Manali, and the nearest listed rail connection is Chandigarh, then a road journey to Manali. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A easy-moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Bhrigu Lake. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including The lake can still be snow-covered into June in a heavy-snow year — check current conditions and Exposed ridge walking near the lake; turn back if lightning risk builds in the afternoon. The current packing notes include Warm layer for the lake, which sits in near-permanent wind, Gaiters if trekking in May-June with residual snow. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Himachal Pradesh
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Bhrigu Lake with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Climb through forest onto the first open meadows above Manali.
Push to the lake itself, then descend partway for a lower, warmer camp.
Descend back to the roadhead.
Safety notes
- The lake can still be snow-covered into June in a heavy-snow year — check current conditions
- Exposed ridge walking near the lake; turn back if lightning risk builds in the afternoon
What to pack
- Warm layer for the lake, which sits in near-permanent wind
- Gaiters if trekking in May-June with residual snow
Frequently asked questions about Bhrigu Lake
Where is Bhrigu Lake located?
Bhrigu Lake is listed in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, within the Himachal Pradesh trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Bhrigu Lake trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Easy-Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Bhrigu Lake?
Panth currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Bhrigu Lake?
No advance permit is currently recorded, although local entry fees or rules may still apply.
How long is the Bhrigu Lake trek?
The catalogue records 4 days and approximately 24 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.