Overview

Bhrigu Lake trek offers stunning views of alpine meadows, alpine lake and dense forests, Bhrigu Lake trek is one the most popular  weekend trek of Manali, on this trek you will witness The beauty of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Discover the beauty of Bhrigu Lake, nestled at 4,300 meters, this trek is open from the beginning of March until the end of November, it's completely covered in snow during the winter, till May month, After that this lake starts opening with a round ice ring, One of the best things trekkers love the most about this trek is that This lake changes its form every month, The best time to visit is from the beginning of May to October, you can see e varieties of weather and views of many peaks like Friendship Peak,Hanuman Tibba etc all around three seasons.

Itinerary

Day1:Manali to Gulaba (drive) and Trek to Gulaba Meadows (camp)

• Altitude:
  • Manali: 2,050 m / 6,750 ft
  • Gulaba: 3,000 m / 9,900 ft
  • Gulaba Meadows: 3,200 m / 10,400 ft
• Drive Distance: 21 km | 1-2 hrs
• Trek Distance: 500 m | 20 minutes

Our journey starts at Manali, on the Rohtang pass road towards the beautiful mountain hamlet of Gulaba. Gulaba is located on the way to Rohtang Pass, on the Leh-Manali Highway. Please note Transportation from Manali to Gulaba and return is included. En route, we will pass three mountain hamlets, Kolang, Palchan, and Kothi, and the route becomes more and more picturesque as we drive ahead. The Gulaba village is nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, with the Beas River flowing by, adding more opulence to its beauty. It’s a short trek of about 1.5 hrs and a fairly easy trek through grasslands and forest lines. The natural landscape of this village attracts a lot of tourists every year and  Gulaba is also popular as an adventure sports destination with opportunities for large numbers of activities like skiing, paragliding, trekking, and snow scooter riding. The views from Gulaba are nothing short of magical and utterly peaceful. From our camps in the meadow, you can witness a beautiful sunset and stargaze under the scintillating sky at night, experiencing the serenity and tranquillity of the mountains.

Day2:Gulaba to Rola Kholi

• Altitude:
  • Gulaba: 3,000 m / 9,900 ft
  • Rola Kholi: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft
• Trek Distance: 6 km | 4 hrs

Today we will trek from Gulaba to Rola Kholi, our next campsite, situated at an altitude of 12,500 ft. The trek distance is approximately 6 km and it takes about 4-5 hrs to complete the trek. The climb is going to be a little steep, so we recommend carrying enough water and light snacks so that you can energize yourself while trekking through the trail. The trek makes its way up the mountains through covers of conifers. You will walk under the shade of Pine, Oak, Birches, and Cedar for the first few miles of the trek, some prominent trees of the Himalayan region, before you catch the sight of beautiful blue mountains through the forest and a rolling meadow in front of you as the forest slowly ebbs

Day3:Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake back to Rola Kholi

• Altitude:
  • Rola Kholi: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft
  • Bhrigu Lake: 4,200 m / 13,700 ft
• Trek Distance: 10 km | 8 hrs (Both Sides)

Today, we will trek to Bhrigu Lake and you will experience a great change in the landscape from the last two days. Starting early in the morning, we will have to cover a distance of 10 km in about 7 to 8 hours.  The trek is moderate and starts with a stony trail followed by a steep initial ascent followed by a slight descent, walk on levelled ground for a couple of minutes, and makes a final steep ascent to the lake. 

Day4:Rola Kholi to Gulaba trek & drive to Manali

• Altitude:
  • Rola Kholi: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft
  • Gulaba: 3,000 m / 9,900 ft
• Trek Distance: 6-7 km | 3 hrs
• Drive Distance (Gulaba to Manali): 21 km | 1-2 hrs

Today’s trek is an easy one, as we make our way back from Rola Kholi campsite to Gulaba, retracing the same meadows and forests that we came up from. The descent is steep but not very difficult as you are always on the meadows. The down trek is expected to take 2 to 3 hours as you descend to the Gulaba village once again. It is one of the best grassland treks taking you up close to the alpine meadows and will leave you speechless with its beauty.

Note: There is another return route to Manali via Vashist village and Pandu Ropa from Bhrigu lake, but we find this path more sustainable and relaxing and offers a more soothing scenery. Gulaba situated at an altitude of 10,370 ft is a much better exit and less tiring for your legs as compared to Vaishist at an elevation of 7,000 ft.

Things to Carry

Packing smart is key for a safe and comfortable Himalayan experience. Here’s your complete checklist:

Clothing (Layering is essential)

• 2 full-sleeve quick-dry t-shirts (one for trek, one spare)
• 1 light fleece jacket or pullover
• 1 heavy down or padded jacket (for high-altitude cold)
• 2 pairs of trekking pants (preferably quick-dry; avoid jeans)
• Thermal innerwear (top & bottom) – 1 pair
• 3 pairs of woolen/trekking socks + 2 regular socks
• 1 woolen cap + 1 sun cap or hat
• 1 pair of gloves (1 woolen, 1 waterproof if possible)
• Raincoat/poncho (a must for sudden showers)
• Buff or scarf (for neck/head protection)

Footwear

• Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support (already broken-in)
• 1 pair of slippers/sandals for campsites

Bags

• 1 backpack (50–60L) with rain cover
• 1 daypack (10–15L) for water, camera, and essentials (if you’re offloading main bag)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash
• Biodegradable soap or wipes
• Quick-dry towel
• Toilet paper & tissues
• Hand sanitizer, lip balm, moisturizer, and sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Menstrual hygiene products (if applicable)

Personal Medications & First Aid

• Personal medication (if any)
• Basic medicines: Crocin, Combiflam, Avomine (motion sickness), Digene, ORS, antiseptic cream
• Band-aids, crepe bandage, cotton, Dettol
• Diamox (only after consulting your doctor) for altitude sickness

Accessories

• Headlamp/torch with extra batteries
• Sunglasses (UV-protected, wraparound preferred)
• Water bottle (1L) or hydration pack
• Energy bars, dry fruits, ORS packets, glucose
• Trekking pole (optional but helpful for beginners)

Miscellaneous

• Power bank (mobile charging is not available on trail)
• Camera/GoPro (optional)
• Small notebook & pen (for journaling)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card or passport photocopy)

Optional Add-On Day (Pre-Trek Acclimatization – Day 0)

• Arrival in Manali (Day before trek begins)
• Use this day to rest, explore Manali, and acclimatize
• Visit Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, or the Beas River side walk and beautiful Goshal village
• Recommended especially for those arriving from low altitudes

Inclusions — What’s Included in Your Trek Package

At The Peak Freaks, we aim to provide a seamless, safe, and immersive trekking experience. Your trek fee includes:

Accommodation:

• Stay in high-quality Glamping tents on Four Persons sharing basis during the trek.
• Sleeping bags, foam mattresses, and pillows provided at each campsite.
• Separate kitchen and dining tents at campsites.

Meals:

• All meals during the trek – nutritious, freshly prepared vegetarian food (breakfast, lunch, evening tea/snacks, and dinner).
• Clean drinking water (boiled or filtered) available at all camps.
• Meals start with lunch on Day 1 and end with breakfast on Day 5.

Trek Team & Safety:

• Experienced and certified trek leaders and local guides for the entire route.
• Support staff including cook, helpers, and porters for logistics and camp setup.
• First Aid medical kit, oxygen cylinder, and pulse oximeter for altitude monitoring.
• Radio/walkie-talkie for communication where needed.

Logistics:

• Arrival: Trekkers are expected to reach Manali, the base camp, Arranged by company.
• Trek Start: The trek begins on foot from Manali, so no vehicle transfer is needed at the start.
• Return: On the final day, after descending to Gulaba, shared cabs will be arranged to drop trekkers back to Manali (approximately a 1-hour drive).
• Mule/porter support for carrying common equipment (tents, kitchen gear, etc.).
• Note: All internal transfers during the trek (Manali to Manali) are included in the trek cost. Travelers don't make their own arrangements to reach and depart from Manali

Other Perks:

• Pre-trek briefing and orientation in Manali.
• Basic hygiene kit at camps (toilet tents, wash basins, etc.).
• Access to emergency backup vehicle at Manali (subject to availability).
• Certificate of completion at the end of the trek.

Exclusions — What’s Not Included

While we cover most essentials, a few things are not included and need to be arranged by you:

Transport:

• Travel to and from Manali from your city/home (bus/train/flights).
• Any personal cab or private vehicle bookings for early return or side visits.

Personal Equipment:

• Trekking gear like shoes, jackets, poles, gloves, and backpack (can be rented).
• Personal medicines, sunscreen, lip balm, and toiletries.
• Power bank, headlamp/torch with extra batteries.

Other Costs:

• Tips/gratuity for guides, cooks, or staff (optional, but appreciated).

• Any costs arising due to delays, natural calamities, roadblocks, or medical emergencies.

• Snacks, bottled water, or beverages not included in group meals.

Frequently Asked Questions: