Brighu Lake
Terrain: Forests and expansive meadows
Highest Elevation: 4, 270 m (Bhrigu Lake)
Duration: 04 Days
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: April - June, September and October (July and August are the best months to explore rare Himalayan flora, but there may be monsoon rains during these months)
Climate: Pleasant daytime temperatures when the sun is up, but the nights are cold and windy.
The Beas Valley is surrounded by the mighty Himalayan Ranges of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar. The terrain above the tree line, from 2900 meters up to 4500 meters, consists of widely extended alpine meadows with high snow-clad summits dominating the background. These meadows house numerous sacred mountain lakes, which, according to local legends, are abodes to the mountain Gods and hold great religious and cultural significance among the local traditional mountain folks. The Brighu Lake trek provides an opportunity to visit one such lake.
Day 01: Drive from Manali to Gulaba (2590 m) (1 hour) Trek to the meadow camp (3,500 m) (3 hours)
After leaving the town of Manali, we drive up to Gulaba. The road climbs like a serpent through the valley, offering a nice drive through the forests with a panoramic view of the valley surrounded by the mountain ranges. We leave the vehicle at Gulaba and continue to trek through the meadow to the first camp. Situated at an elevated place, the camp offers a magnificent view of the Dhauladhar Range.
Day 02: Trek to Brighu Lake (4,270 m) (5 – 6 hours)
The trek to Brighu Lake starts with a gradual incline but becomes steep in the last stretch. This lake holds great religious significance for the local community. Once you reach this spot, you'll be treated to a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, Chandra Bhaga Range, and the distant Spiti Range. We will descend to the camp by late afternoon.
Day 03 Bhrigu lake – Pandu Ropa (3,700 m - 3,900 m) (4 hours)
Further gradual ascent to the Pandu Ropa. The name is derived from a legend that the Pandavas of Mahabharata cultivated rice fields here. From here, one can enjoy a breathtaking view of two famous summits of Manali (Deo Tibba and Inderasan). Further to the east lie the desolate ranges of Spiti and Kinnaur.
Day 04 Pandu Ropa to Manali via Vashisht (5 hours)
Steep descent through the Himalayan deciduous forest to the village of Vashisht, famous for its sulfur hot springs. Drive from Vashisht to Manali (1 hour).
During the trek, we provide accommodation in high-altitude alpine tents, meals, experienced guides, camping equipment, ponies or porters, a medical kit, and transportation.
Note: It is also possible that a route change may become necessary due to weather, inaccessibility through the mountain passes due to heavy snow, the condition of the trail, or the clients' physical fitness.