Manali, Kullu · Himachal
Bhrigu Lake
A steep, short climb to a high alpine lake above Manali.
Bhrigu Lake is a moderate trek in Manali, Kullu, Himachal, reaching 4,235 m. The best time to go is June and September and October. Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground from Bhuntar (Kullu) and about ₹3,000 per person per day.
What to do in Bhrigu Lake
The one thing not to miss
Bhrigu Lake
A high lake above the tree line, often ringed with snow into early summer.
- 2Rola KholiThe meadow camp below the lake.
- 3VashishtMany groups walk down this way; the village has hot springs.
A sample plan: 3 days
Day 1
Manali to Gulaba by road, then walk to Rola Kholi
A steady climb to the meadow camp.
Day 2
Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake and back
A long day above the tree line.
Day 3
Rola Kholi to Gulaba or Vashisht, and Manali
Walk down and drive back.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- ❄︎May
- ❄︎Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
High-altitude meadow and lake in only four days from Manali.
Why not
It gains height fast — a real altitude test, not a stroll.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest permit via operator.
- Guide
- Recommended.
- Safety
- Rapid altitude gain — acclimatise a day in Manali first.
- Phone & internet
- Patchy after Gulaba.
Altitude
Bhrigu Lake reaches 4,235 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- You arrive already high. Rest for the first two days: no long walks and no drives over high passes.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Himachal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: District emergency operation centre, Kullu, Kullu.
All emergency contacts for Himachal →What to pack for Bhrigu Lake
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 26 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
10 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 4,235 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest permit via operator.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works therePatchy after Gulaba.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Himachal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Bhuntar (Kullu).
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
Manali
- Distance
- about 22 km
- Drive time
- about 1 hour
- Manali
- Palchan
- Kothi
- Gulaba
The walk starts near Gulaba.
Live directions from ManaliFrom
Chandigarh
- Distance
- about 290 km to Manali
- Drive time
- 7–8 hours
- Chandigarh
- Bilaspur
- Mandi
- Kullu
- Manali
Buses and shared taxis. Overnight Volvo and state buses run from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali; operators and local taxis cover the drive to the trailhead.
Pickups & drivers
From Bhuntar (Kullu). Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Bhrigu Lake yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Bhrigu Lake: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Bhrigu Lake?
The best months for Bhrigu Lake are June and September and October. May and July and August are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in May and June.
How difficult is Bhrigu Lake?
Bhrigu Lake is rated moderate. The trek is about 26 km in total, starting at 3,200 m and reaching 4,235 m.
How many days do you need for Bhrigu Lake?
Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground, counted from Bhuntar (Kullu). Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Bhrigu Lake cost?
Expect about ₹3,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹15,000 for 5 days, before the cost of getting to Bhuntar (Kullu).
How do you reach Bhrigu Lake?
By road: from Manali it is about 22 km, about 1 hour (Manali → Palchan → Kothi → Gulaba); from Chandigarh it is about 290 km to Manali, 7–8 hours (Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali). Overnight Volvo and state buses run from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali; operators and local taxis cover the drive to the trailhead. The nearest gateway is Bhuntar (Kullu).
Do you need a permit or a guide for Bhrigu Lake?
Permits: Forest permit via operator. Guide: Recommended.
Is Bhrigu Lake suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is moderately busy in season. Rapid altitude gain — acclimatise a day in Manali first.
What should you pack for Bhrigu Lake?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Bhrigu Lake?
Patchy after Gulaba.
Will I get altitude sickness at Bhrigu Lake?
Bhrigu Lake reaches 4,235 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. You arrive already high. Rest for the first two days: no long walks and no drives over high passes. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Bhrigu Lake?
Bhrigu Lake is not a good choice for first-time trekkers who are not reasonably fit, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 4,235 m. Also keep in mind: It gains height fast — a real altitude test, not a stroll.
Close to Bhrigu Lake
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Beas Kundabout 4 km
- Sissu & Lahaulabout 12 km
- Deo Tibba Base Campabout 13 km
- Manali & Solangabout 16 km
- Hampta Passabout 17 km
- Chandrakhani Passabout 25 km
More in Kullu, Manali & Lahaul
- Beas Kund3,690 mcompare
- Chandrakhani Pass3,660 mcompare
- Deo Tibba Base Camp4,480 mcompare
- Hampta Pass4,270 mcompare
- Manali & Solang3,978 mcompare
- Sissu & Lahaul3,200 mcompare