Bhrigu Lake Trek Guide: Difficulty, Best Time, Cost & How to Prepare
Everything you need to know before the Bhrigu Lake Trek in Himachal Pradesh: how hard it is, when to go, how to train, what to pack and what it costs — from the team that runs it.
Why do the Bhrigu Lake Trek?
- A high lake at about 4,300 m, reached in just two days of climbing
- Some of Himachal's widest meadows at Rola Kholi
- Views of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba and the Seven Sisters
- Up via Gulaba, down to Vashisht's hot springs — no retracing
How difficult is the Bhrigu Lake Trek?
The Bhrigu Lake Trek is graded moderate, covering about 26 km on foot and reaching about 4,300 m. Expect long, steep days and real altitude — it's best for trekkers with some experience and solid fitness.
Best time for the Bhrigu Lake Trek
Best season: May to October. See what each month is like on our treks in May page.
How to prepare for the Bhrigu Lake Trek
Start training 6–8 weeks before the trek. By departure you should be able to jog 5 km in under 30 minutes comfortably.
- Jog 5–7 km, four or five days a week
- Stair climbs or hill walks with an 8 kg backpack, twice a week
- Leg and core strength — squats, lunges, step-ups, planks — three days a week
- Two weekend hikes of 5–6 hours with a loaded backpack
- Break in your trekking shoes on at least three long walks before the trip
Altitude: above 3,000 m the air has noticeably less oxygen. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your trek leader early about a headache, nausea or breathlessness. Read our altitude sickness guide.
Bhrigu Lake Trek itinerary, day by day
- Day 1Manali to Gulaba, trek to Jonker Thach — Meet at Manali bus stand; about 22 km and 1 hour up the Rohtang road to Gulaba (about 2,900 m).
- Day 2Jonker Thach to Rola Kholi — About 4 km and 3–4 hours up rolling grassland — some of the widest meadows in Himachal.
- Day 3Bhrigu Lake, down to Pandu Ropa — About 3 km and 3 hours up to Bhrigu Lake (about 4,300 m), named after the sage Bhrigu.
- Day 4Pandu Ropa to Vashisht — About 6 km and 4 hours down through forest to Vashisht village.
Bhrigu Lake Trek packing list
- ✓Trekking shoes with ankle support and a deep grip, broken in before the trip
- ✓40–60 L backpack with a rain cover, plus a small daypack if you offload
- ✓Three warm layers (fleece + padded/down jacket) — nights drop near or below 0 °C
- ✓Waterproof jacket or poncho and quick-dry trek pants (no jeans)
- ✓Thermal inner wear for the nights
- ✓Woollen cap, fleece gloves and 3 pairs of socks (1 woollen)
- ✓UV sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm
- ✓Two 1 L water bottles (no single-use plastic on the trail)
- ✓Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✓Trekking pole (recommended; can be hired)
- ✓Personal medicines, plus Diamox only if your doctor advises it
- ✓Government photo ID — original and one photocopy (needed for forest permits)
- ✓Medical fitness certificate signed by a doctor (we send the format)
The full checklist: Himalayan trek packing list.
How to reach the Bhrigu Lake Trek
Our trip starts and ends at Manali bus stand, or Bhuntar Airport with a pickup charge. Bhuntar (Kullu) airport is about 50 km away with limited flights; most travellers come by overnight bus or car from Delhi and Chandigarh (12–14 hrs and 8–9 hrs).
Bhrigu Lake Trek cost
Our 4-day Bhrigu Lake Trek costs ₹7,099 per person (usually ₹9,900).
Included
- Shared transport from Manali to the trailhead and back
- 3 nights in tents
- All meals on the trek, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Certified trek leader trained in wilderness first aid, plus a local guide, cook and support staff
- Forest-department and trek permits, camping charges
- Tents, sleeping bags, mats, dining and toilet tents
- First-aid kit, oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter — everyone is checked every morning and evening
Not included
- Travel to the pickup point and back home
- Backpack offloading (available as an add-on)
- Personal trekking gear — shoes, jackets, poles (can be hired as an add-on)
- Meals on the drive days before and after the trek, unless listed
- Travel insurance
- Anything personal: tips, snacks, bottled drinks, phone charging at tea shops
- Costs from weather, landslides or road closures that force a change of plan
Bhrigu Lake Trek: questions trekkers ask
How difficult is the Bhrigu Lake Trek?
It's graded moderate, with about 26 km on foot over 4 days and a highest point of about 4,300 m. It needs good fitness, and some earlier trekking experience helps.
What is the best time for the Bhrigu Lake Trek?
May to October.
How much does the Bhrigu Lake Trek cost?
Our 4-day trip starts at ₹7,099 per person, including shared transport from manali to the trailhead and back; 3 nights in tents; all meals on the trek, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day.
What is the maximum altitude of the Bhrigu Lake Trek?
About 4,300 m above sea level. Acclimatise slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your trek leader about any headache or nausea.
Can beginners do the Bhrigu Lake Trek?
It's not ideal as a first trek. Train for 6–8 weeks (aim to jog 5 km in under 30 minutes) and ideally do an easier trek first.
Where does the Bhrigu Lake Trek start?
Our trip starts and ends at Manali bus stand, or Bhuntar Airport with a pickup charge. Bhuntar (Kullu) airport is about 50 km away with limited flights; most travellers come by overnight bus or car from Delhi and Chandigarh (12–14 hrs and 8–9 hrs).
Ready for the Bhrigu Lake Trek?
Trek leader, permits, camps and meals handled — one enquiry, no payment until you confirm.