TRIP FACTS
Region: Kullu Valley.
Duration: 3 Days.
Season: May to October
Grade: Moderate.
Group Size: 15 Persons.
Maximum Altitude: 4300M.
Accommodations: 2 Nights In Camp.
Activities: 3 Days Hiking.
Meals: 2 Breakfasts / 3 Pack-Lunch / 2 Dinners.
Trip Begin: Manali.
Trip End: Manali.
INTRODUCTION
Bhrigu is one of the most picturesque alpine lake in the Kullu valley. Like most Himalayan lakes this lake too is considered sacred. It appears magically before you as you ascend the trail and takes you by surprise. You walk across one of the most magnificent meadows of Gulaba to get here. This trek also offers some of the best campsites. The terrain above the tree line from 2900m up to the 4500m constitutes of the widely extended alpine meadows with the high snow clad summits dominating the background. These meadows houses numerous sacred mountain lakes, which according to the local legends are abode to the mountain Gods and holds a great religious and cultural significance among the local traditional mountain folks.
HOW TO REACH MANALI
The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 60 from Manali.
The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
- Panoramic & 360 Degree View of the Snow Capped Mountains.
- Bhrigu Lake trail consists of the most beautiful stretch of grassland in Himachal accompanied by an endless carpet of lush green meadows.
- Lake is held sacred to the sage, Rishi Brighu, a great saint of Indian history.
DAY 01 - DRIVE FROM MANALI (2050M) TO GULABA 1 HOUR (2600M) TREK TO RAOLI KHOI (GULABA MEADOWS) (3780M) 4- 5 HOURS.
After breakfast we will drive to Gulaba. From here begins our walk to the Gulaba Meadows. We try to keep the first day less demanding thus we will complete a walk of 4 to 5 hours and set camp in the meadows. You can enjoy the evening by just taking in the vistas that nature has to offer.
: Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp
DAY 02 - RAOLI KHOI (3780M) (GULABA MEADOWS) TO PANDU ROPA (3450) VIA BHRIGU LAKE (4300M) 7HOURS.
We will set off again after breakfast. It would be a climb upto the lake. Depending on the time of year there might still be snow up here, so be prepared to walk on snow. The lake is an amazing sight and well worth the efforts. 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 breathtaking view of two famous summits of Manali (Deo Tibba and Indrasan). Further to the east lie the desolate ranges of Spiti and Kinnaur.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp.
DAY 03 - PANDU ROPA (3450) TO MANALI (2050) 5- 6 HOURS.
Today is a fairly easy day; we go downhill from the meadows and enter thick forests. Some parts of the walk are a steep downhill, which can be quite strenuous on the knees. We conclude the trek in Vashisht. Walk involves steep descend through the Himalayan deciduous forest to the Village of Vashisht.Here if you like you can go and relax in the hot sulphur spring.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch.
: No.
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to Manali, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers and insulation. Flip Flops/ Crocs.
Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwears (top and bottem) that wicks away moisture, insulates well and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
Down feather jacket: - Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
Hat, Gloves and Accessories.
Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
COTTON SCARF good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn ,WATER BOTTLE, HYDRATION BAG.
Head Lamp & spare batteries.
CAMERA dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card, GOPRO IS JUST GREAT.
MONEY BELT or secure portion of bag.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen and TOWEL.
PENKNIFE , JOURNAL, SKETCH PAD, PLAYING CARDS, BOOK, READING LIGHT, SEWING KIT, etc.
Small PADLOCK for stored bag.
Trekking Day Bag upto 65 to 85 Ltr.