The prettiest grassland trek in Himachal

A lot of trekkers do the Bhrigu Lake trek for the lake steeped in mythology. It is, after all, known as the place where the famous saint Maharishi Bhrigu sat in deep meditation. However, we believe the lake is not the only thing the trek has to offer. You must do the Bhrigu Lake trek for its grasslands.

To enter an alpine meadow in our country, one has to often spend at least a day or two trekking within the treeline. We are talking of two or three days of hard ascent. This is because most alpine meadows start at around 11, 000 ft, above the treeline. However, on this trek, you are in the meadows within the first 10 minutes of this trek! Imagine having meadows such as these right here in your backyard. No wonder we go gaga over landscapes are seen in places like Switzerland.

The meadows on Bhrigu lake trek stretch far and wide – almost like an endless carpet. Wild horses gallop around you. The grazing sheep look up when you come out of the treeline, almost as if to greet you. From these grassy knolls, you will see the mountains of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar dominating the skyline. This is your garden in the sky. In the months of July to September, you’ll see the meadows at their lushest green. You’ll spot wildflowers everywhere.

The meadows change texture, shape and colour but stay with you all along the trek – right until Bhrigu lake. This is what makes the trek special. Getting a chance to be in such alpine meadows all along a trek is a rare opportunity.

This four-day trek gives you a good idea of what Himalayan treks offer – meadows, glacial lake, mountain views. Even though it is a short trek, it climbs to the daunting altitude of 14,000 ft. so you experience the thrill of a climb as well. With its easy access from Manali, it is a great trek to do for beginners or families looking to explore the wilderness

What to Watch Out For....

A Snow Experience in June

One of the things trekkers love the most about this trek is that its completely covered in snow in the month of June, making for a wonderful alpine experience! The grasslands turn into vast snowfields and the Bhrigu Lake becomes a magnificent frozen lake. It’s a sight to see.

Rewarding Climb To The Lake

The Bhrigu lake rests between two high altitude ridges. Given its location, the lake takes on several forms, changing with every season. You never know what to expect. Sometimes it is royal blue, sometimes it is emerald green, sometimes it has chunks of ice floating on its light blue surface, and sometimes it is completely frozen. Early in the season, it surrounded by snow. After the monsoon season, you will see fresh grass and alpine flowers surrounding the lake. Just to see many forms this lake would take, it is worth doing the trek many times over.

Views of Manali’s Biggest Mountains

Right when you step onto meadows, you are greeted with views of major peaks of Manali. You see Ladakhi, Shitidhar and Hanuman Tibba when you are walking on the grasslands. And, on the tabletop that is Bhrigu Lake, you will see Indrasen and Deo Tibba as well. However, since the large chunk of the trekking season of Bhrigu Lake is during monsoon, you see the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal only during bouts of clear weather.

Easy Access From Manali

This trek is geographically right above Manali. The base camp, Gulaba, is just an hour’s drive away en route Rohtang Pass. Now, on most Himalayan treks, you have to deal with long drives on winding roads to reach the basecamp. This is after you’ve had over a day of travel by train, bus or flight. So this short journey is a blessing! Added to that, you reach your first campsite within 90 minutes of trekking! Right from your first campsite, you are in a more secluded world. Away from the teeming hub of tourists and travellers that is Manali.

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Short Itenary

Day 1: Pick up from Rambagh circle on Mall Road, near Manali bus stand, at 12.30 pm. The exact location at Rambagh circle is the auditorium near the Nehru Statue. Drive from Manali to Gulaba. 1 hour trek to the campsite (Jonker Thatch).

Day 2:Jonker Thatch (10,370 ft) to Rola Khuli (12,566 ft); 3-4 hours, 5 km

Day 3:Rola Khuli (12,566 ft) to Bhrigu Lake (14,009 ft) and back to Rola Khuli; 5-6 hours, 10 km

Day 4:Rola Khuli (12,566 ft) to Gulaba (10,370 ft); 3-4 hours, 5 km. Drive to Manali. You are expected to reach Manali by 3:30 pm.

Please note that stay on all days of the trek will be in tents (3 per tent).

It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

If you wish to offload your backpack, make sure you pay for it online before starting from your home town. Offline backpack offloading is available from the base camp, however we do not recommending doing as we might be unable to arrange for it at the last moment.