Day 0: Arriving in Manali – The Calm Before the Climb
Reaching Manali a day before the Bhrigu Lake Trek Itinerary: My 3-Day Journey to the Alpine Lake was probably one of the smartest moves I made. The altitude (about 2,050 meters) gives your body a chance to settle before you climb higher. I stayed in Old Manali—laid-back cafes, mountain views, and just the right vibe to get into trek mode.
I booked my trek through a local company that I’d heard about from a friend—The Searching Souls. They handle small groups, and everything feels super personal and organized. No over-the-top stuff, just solid groundwork and local knowledge that showed from day one. Their guide, Arjun, was a gem—more on him later.
Day 1: Manali to Gulaba (Drive) | Gulaba to Jonker Thatch (Trek)
Altitude: 2,600 m to 3,200 m
Trek Distance: ~3 km
Time Taken: 2-3 hours
We started early from Manali, driving up to Gulaba, which is about 22 km away. The drive itself felt like a preview of what’s to come—pine forests, hairpin bends, and bursts of snowy peaks in the distance.
From Gulaba, the trek begins.
The initial climb through dense forests and green meadows was refreshing. It’s a gentle ascent, which made it easier to adjust to the altitude. You could hear the sound of distant streams and the wind brushing through the Deodars. By the time we reached Jonker Thatch, I was already in love with this place.
Our campsite was set in a vast alpine meadow surrounded by rolling hills. The view at sunset was unreal—like watching the clouds pour gold over the peaks.
The team from The Searching Souls had already set up our tents. Warm chai and snacks were waiting. That’s the kind of seamless experience I appreciated. The evening went by with some light stretching, getting to know fellow trekkers, and soaking in the silence of the mountains.
Day 2: Jonker Thatch to Bhrigu Lake and Back to Rola Kholi
Altitude: 3,200 m to 4,300 m and down to 3,800 m
Trek Distance: ~10 km
Time Taken: 7-8 hours
This was the main day—the push to Bhrigu Lake.
We left around 7:30 AM. It’s a long hike, so pacing yourself is crucial. The trail got steeper, and the air thinner. Every step became deliberate. But then the meadows opened up.
You know those dramatic Alpine landscapes you see in wallpapers? That was this—vast stretches of green, wildflowers scattered like confetti, and snow patches still lingering on the slopes.
As we climbed higher, snow took over the trail in parts. Trekking poles helped here. Around noon, we reached Bhrigu Lake.
It’s surreal.
At 4,300 meters, surrounded by snow-capped ridges, the lake just sits there quietly. Still, cold, and completely mesmerizing. Locals consider it sacred, and you can feel that silence hanging in the air like a prayer. We didn’t stay too long—just enough to sit, breathe it in, take photos, and eat a quick lunch.
On the way back, we descended to Rola Kholi for our second night’s camp. The walk downhill was easier but tiring. Reaching camp, I felt that pleasant ache in my legs—that kind of tired you feel proud of.
Again, everything was taken care of. Hot soup, dinner, and warm sleeping bags were ready. The guide shared some local stories over dinner—tales of shepherds, forgotten routes, and mountain spirits.
Day 3: Rola Kholi to Gulaba | Drive back to Manali
Altitude: 3,800 m to 2,600 m
Trek Distance: ~6 km
Time Taken: 3-4 hours
The last day. The descent back to Gulaba was quick, but it gave time to reflect.
You realize how much you’ve done in just three days. From forest trails to snowy ridges, from campfire chats to quiet moments by a glacial lake—it’s all packed in so tightly that it almost feels unreal.
We reached Gulaba before noon. The drive back to Manali was silent—partly because everyone was tired, but mostly because we were already missing the mountains.
Why I’d Recommend This Trek (and Who Helped Me Do It Right)
This trek doesn’t need weeks of training or a long break from work. Just three days. That’s it. But what you get in return is unmatched.
And honestly, going with on Bhrigu Lake Trek with a team like The Searching Souls made the difference. They didn’t just “run” the trek. They shared it. From trail insights to food that felt homemade—even when it was freezing—they took care of things without ever being overbearing.
There’s something about trekking in a small group, led by someone who knows the trail like the back of his hand. Arjun, our guide, knew where to stop for the best views, when to slow down, and what shortcuts to avoid. That kind of leadership made the whole thing feel more secure and enjoyable.
If you’re planning this trek—do it with people who understand the trail, the altitude, and the weather. That peace of mind is priceless when you’re out there, 4,000 meters above sea level.
Final Thoughts
Bhrigu Lake Trek was more than just another weekend getaway. It gave me a slice of solitude, a challenge to test myself, and a reason to keep coming back to the Himalayas.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about this one—take the leap. Prepare well, book with the right folks, and just go. It’s only three days. But it’ll leave a mark far bigger than its timeline.
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