Bhrigu Lake: the most offbeat yet exotic location in Manali

If you are looking to beat the heat and enjoy a cool summer then you must go through this and plan a thrilling and fun-filled journey to Manali, Himachal Pradesh. As we all know, Manali is one of the top summer vacation destinations in India, and it offers great adventures to its visitors. And if you wish to embark on such adventures, plan a trip with Himachal Pradesh tour packages. We will get you all covered!

So, what is the adventure that I am talking about? Any ideas? Well, that is Bhrigu Lake in Manali. This place is a gift for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Commonly known as the “pool of god”, Bhrigu Lake in Manali is one of the most popular offbeat places in Manali.

History of Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu Lake Manali Himachal Pradesh is located at a height of 4,235 m above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. According to legends, the Hindu sage Rishi Bhrigu meditated at this site for a long time. It is also believed that many gods from the Kullu valley have taken a holy dip in this lake, making it sacred to Hindus and devotees. A salient feature of the lake is that it never freezes entirely during winter.

Best Time To Visit Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu Lake Manali Himachal Pradesh is best visited between October and May, when most of the lake is still frozen, and the meadows and valleys at higher altitudes are also covered in snow.

An excellent time for the Bhrigu Lake trek is during the summer months between March and May when the weather is clear and pleasant throughout the day. It is not advisable to attempt this trek during the winter months as the entire region is covered in thick snow, and the upper region of the lake is inaccessible. Additionally, the temperatures dip to sub-zero levels, which is not suitable for many people.

How to Reach Bhrigu Lake

Tourists visiting Bhrigu Lake from Manali can easily reach Gulaba Village via a 20-km drive on a well-connected road. To get to the village, visitors can hire a shared or private taxi, which are both affordable and convenient options for local transportation. Once at Gulaba Village, visitors will need to walk or trek through alpine meadows to reach Bhrigu Lake.

Trekking Activities to do in Bhrigu Lake

The Bhrigu Lake trek is a four-day journey and is one of the best treks in Manali. The trek takes you through scenic meadows, glacial lakes, and valleys surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s a beginner-level trek and it’s quite exciting to experience the altitude gain. The base camp for the trek is in Manali as it’s easily accessible from there. 

First-time trekkers should take some time to adjust to the high altitude. You can spend a day walking around Manali before starting the actual trek. The trek is approximately 24 km long, and it takes four days to complete. Here’s the route for the four-day trek:

Route for Bhrigu Lake Trek

The trek route includes Manali – Gulaba – Jonker Thatch – Rola Kholi – Bhrigu Lake – Rola Kholi – Gulaba – Manali / Vashisht.

This four-day trek gives you a good idea of what Himalayan treks offer – meadows, glacial lakes and mountain views. Even though it is a short trek, it climbs to the altitude of 14,000 ft so you experience the thrill of a climb as well. The trek will give you opportunities for other activities to do in Bhrigu Lake like:

• Photography
• Camping
• Birdwatching and nature walks

Places to visit near Bhrigu Lake, Manali

As there are no dearth of places in Manali to be visited, here’s a list of places to visit near Bhrigu Lake at a distance of 35 kms. Check them out:

1. Gulaba – Gulaba, one of the unique places to visit in Manali in oneday, is a picturesque village and the starting point of trek to Bhrigu Lake. Whether you want to indulge in snow activities or simply enjoy the serenity of the snowy landscapes, Gulaba is a must-visit off-beat location near Manali.
2. Nehru Kund – Nehru Kund is a special place in Manali where you can find a unique water spring that is not like your regular tap water. It’s cool, refreshing, and has a story behind it. Visiting Nehru Kund is like stepping into a natural refrigerator on a hot summer day. 
3. Jogini waterfalls – Jogini Waterfalls is a must-visit destination and the most famous photography spot in Manali for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The trek to Jogini Waterfalls is an adventure in itself, with beautiful landscapes and picturesque views along the way.
4. Vashisht Hot Springs – The Vashisht Hot Water Spring is a popular destination in the region, known for its medicinal properties. 
5. Rahala Waterfalls – Rahala Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Manali located 29 kilometres away from Manali Bus Stand. Trekkers can go to Rahala Waterfall from Gulaba. From here, they can proceed further to Rohtang Pass or take the same route back to Gulaba. 
6. Siyali Mahadev Temple – Siyali Mahadev Temple is a very old temple situated in Manali that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is well-known for its beautiful architecture and is visited by many devotees of Lord Shiva.
7. Hadimba Temple – The Manali Hidimba Devi temple is located in the snow-covered hills of Manali and is dedicated to Hidimba Devi. Hidimba Devi temple is unique and surrounded by beautiful cedar forests. It is built on a rock which is believed to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself.
8. Manu Temple – Manu temple, one of the best places to visit in Manali, is located in the Old Manali region of Himachal Pradesh, India.  The temple is on the banks of the Beas River and is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests.

Hotels near Bhrigu Lake

There are not too many hotels and resorts near Bhrigu Lake, since it’s a very remote and isolated place. But you will find hotels, homestays and airbnbs of Manali in Gulaba and Vashisht. Some of them are:

1. Echor Himalayan Aurum Manali 
2. Palchan Hotel & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats
3. Allure Grand Resort Manali
4. The Katoch Grand Resort

Some of the restaurants in Bhrigu Lake where you will find best local food of Manali are:

1. The Johnson’s Cafe
2. Whispering Valley Resort
3. Rainbow Cafe
4. Oven in the Garden