Introduction 

Our routine in the cities is often so monotonous that waking up everyday with renewed energy seems like a Herculean task. Seldom do we get an opportunity to escape from the drudgery and demands of our urban lifestyle. In such cases, the transition from the insipid cityscape to the vibrant landscape of the Himalayan region is what every person desperately needs. To add to that, if you get an opportunity to camp on the banks of an azure alpine lake then things cannot get better than this. The Bhrigu Lake Trek is one of the most scenic treks in North India and is definitely worth a visit.

How to Reach?

Located at an altitude of 4300 meters, the Bhrigu Lake is nestled in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, roughly 24 kilometres away from the popular hill station of Manali. To arrive at Manali you will have to board a flight to the nearest domestic airport,  the Kullu-Manali/ Bhuntar Airport. For train passengers, the arrival location is the Joginder Nagar Railway station. Buses provided by the Himachal Road Tourism Corporation are available which will take you to your final destination either from these two locations or from Delhi itself. The entire journey is interspersed with alpine woodlands and majestic hills which  will soothe your soul.

What You Need to Know

The best time to visit this alpine waterbody is anytime between the summer months of April to mid May, autumn season between September to Mid November and the ending winter months of End January to March. Although you can visit this place during the peak winter period to experience snowfall, if you have any issue adjusting to frigid temperatures then it is better to avoid. The monsoon months witness landslides and slippery terrains so it may result in fatal accidents. Thus, it is better to travel when the skies are clear and the mountainous trails visible. 

Carry all essentials such as first aid kits, medicines, torches and battery backup for your devices, warm clothes and water. Invest in good hiking boots and a sturdy trekking pole to maintain your grip on the ground. Also, since these places are unknown to you, do hire an experienced travel guide if you are participating in a trek for the first time. Speaking of first time treks, your body may not be accustomed to the high-altitude conditions so spend some time in Manali or Solang Valley before embarking on this journey.

Bhrigu Lake Trek: Experience the Thrill of Camping Outdoors.

The trek starts from the picturesque meadows of Mori Thach in Himachal Pradesh. To reach this location one needs to travel from Manali by bus to Kolang village, a quaint spot about 45 minutes away from the former. After taking some rest in this scenic village, head towards Mori Thach. En route to the verdant meadows, you will be crossing glistening streams of Chor Nallah and Kohli Nallah, alpine woodlands adorned by Rhododendrons, Pine and Deodar trees and catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba and Indrasan as well as the Pir  Panjal Ranges when you cross the Rohtang Pass. These breathtaking panoramic views are worth the uphill climb for 3-4 hours. Once you reach the lush grasslands, you will be amazed by the serenity of the place. During the spring season, the place comes alive with the freshly bloomed wildflowers and you can hear the distinct chirping of birds such as Himalayan Monal. At night, settle in your campsite and create new memories around the bonfire as you go to sleep under the starlit sky.

The next day, the ascent towards Bhrigu Lake commences. You will come across the Rola Kohli Campsite and from here, the stretch becomes a little rocky but not too difficult. As you reach the Bhrigu Lake, you will be captivated by the crystal clear waters of this alpine wonder. The most interesting part about this lake is that even if you visit this place during winters, the lake is never frozen completely and the locals have attached mythological bearings to this phenomenon. The visuals of the turquoise waters against the colossal Himalayan ranges is picture worthy and a treat for your eyes. When you retire for the night to your campsite beside the lake, bask in the warmth of the bonfire and let the whispers of the mountain put you to sleep.

Places to Visit

After descending from the alpine lake, head back to Manali and spend a day or two exploring the changing streets of this popular tourist attraction and nearby areas. Try the local delicacies such as Dham, Sidhu, Babru etc and ship for souvenirs at the shops along Mall Road. Offer prayers at the sacred Hamdiba Devi Temple and learn more about the Tibetan Culture by visiting their monasteries such as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. Other than that, you could visit the art gallery in Naggar Castle or unwind at the hot springs near the Vashisht Temple.

Conclusion 

All things considered, camping beside Bhrigu Lake comes with a thrill of its own as we spend time amidst nature, away from the comforts of our own homes. Waking up to the glorious sunrise, traversing rough mountain patches and the mesmerizing vistas- together these create memories for a lifetime.