An overnight bus from Delhi, unpredictable mountain weather, frozen lake views, bonfire dinners and a lot of sliding down snowy slopes. This was our Bhrigu Lake trek experience from Manali.
Arrival in Manali and Acclimatization Day
We took an overnight bus from Delhi and reached Manali around 10 AM, welcomed by heavy rainfall as we made our way to Molly's in Burwa. The first day on the 22nd May was kept entirely for acclimatization.
We were a group of 5 people, with our local guide joining us the next morning, making us a team of 6.
Lunch and banter on acclimatization day in Manali
After freshening up, we headed out to rent gaiters but had no luck finding them initially. We then stopped for lunch at Kyaroo House and later met a friend in the evening who helped us arrange the gaiters.
Back at Molly's, the evening was dedicated to trek preparation. We had our trek briefing, distributed food rations and gear, and repacked everything for the days ahead. The night ended with dinner, some content creation, plenty of banter and an early sleep before our 5 AM start.
Day 1 | Gulaba to Raoli Kholi
The day started early. We woke up at 5 AM, packed our bags and met our local guide Raju, who arrived with our transport to Gulaba.
Before heading to the trail, we stopped at Tenzin's Cafe in Kothi, run by a trail runner, for breakfast. Paranthas with omelette powered us up, and we packed some extra for lunch.
We reached Gulaba, our starting point, around 7:30 AM and began the climb. Everyone was carrying roughly 12 to 15 kgs.
Setting off from Gulaba — full packs, big smiles
The climb was steady, with short water and energy breaks along the way, while snow covered mountain views kept opening up around us. A group of school kids from Ahmedabad happened to be trekking along the same route, adding some unexpected company to the trail.
By around 1:30 PM, after navigating through mud and snow, we reached Raoli Kholi at approximately 3,800 meters.
Our campsite was set up near a stream, right where the steep snow covered slopes towards Bhrigu Lake begin.
Taking a well-deserved break on the ascent to Raoli Kholi
After pitching 3 tents, Rohan prepared coffee and tea for everyone. Soon, the weather turned and a light drizzle forced all of us into a 3 man tent, somehow fitting in together. Cards came out, conversations flowed, and tired bodies slowly relaxed until it was time for soup and dinner prep.
A Change in Plan
Our original plan was to begin from Gulaba and exit through Vashisht. However, the next day's climb was going to be significantly harder, and carrying full rucksack weight could have been difficult for one of our teammates.
After discussing it, we decided to change the plan.
One member would stay back at camp while the rest of us would attempt the Bhrigu Rishi Lake summit, leaving our heavier bags behind. The idea was simple. Summit, return to camp, have lunch, pack up and descend back to Gulaba.
Bonfire, Mountain Food and a Freezing Night
As dinner preparations began, our guide headed out searching for wood for a bonfire.
Dinner was a mix of ready to eat kadhi pakoda, rajma and dal makhani along with freshly cooked chawal. We spent some time around the bonfire before finally retreating into our tents and sleeping bags after a long day on the trail.
The night was extremely windy and freezing cold, but thankfully the sleeping bags held up perfectly.
Our tent through the freezing mountain night
Summit Day | Frozen Bhrigu Lake
We woke up around 5 AM to an incredible Himalayan sunrise, sunlight reflecting off half covered mountain faces.
Breakfast was simple, masala oats, followed by gearing up properly for the snowy terrain ahead. Gaiters, microspikes and twin poles on, we began our summit push around 6:30 AM.
Pushing up the icy slopes towards Bhrigu Lake
The route involved crossing a stream and climbing steep icy slopes. After roughly 2 hours of hiking, we reached Rishi Bhrigu Lake and were welcomed by the sight of a mesmerizing frozen lake surrounded by the Himalayas.
The group with the stunning Himalayan panorama
Bhrigu Lake, still largely frozen in late May
We spent some quiet moments there, offered prayers with incense sticks, touched the water, clicked pictures and climbed up to the ridge for the full panoramic view.
At the summit with Bhrigu Lake behind us
Summit selfie at Bhrigu Lake
Garmin clocking 4,187m at the summit
The descent turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trek. Our guide showed us how to slide down sections of the snowy trail, turning the descent into a mix of controlled panic, rolling, sliding and pure fun. Fortunately, everyone made it down with wet butts & without injuries.
Back at camp in around 1.5 hours, we quickly prepared lunch. Chicken, rajma, dal fry and rice never tasted better.
After lunch, we packed our bags and started descending back to Gulaba around 2 PM. Once down, we stopped again at Tenzin's Cafe in Kothi for coffee and chai before heading back to Molly's.
One More Night in Manali
Two members of our group were returning to Delhi the same day, but the rest of us decided to stay back for the night since our buses were booked for the following day.
We checked into Ara Homestay near Molly's, freshened up, rested for a while and later joined Kush, owner of Molly's and a friend of Rohan, for dinner.
It was the perfect slower ending after two intense days in the mountains.
Until the next one — the crew after an unforgettable trek
Last Day in Manali
Our final morning in Manali started slow. We woke up around 8 AM, stretched, had breakfast and checked out by 10 AM. Since our bus was scheduled for the evening, we spent some time at the cafe downstairs at Ara's.
The day became less about rushing and more about unwinding. We met runners and trekkers, had lunch, spent more time at Molly's with Kush, and stretched the final few hours over conversations and mint chai.
Meanwhile, Santosh decided to stay back in Himachal and headed off for rock climbing at a friend's place.
By evening, we finally left for the bus stand. Peak season Manali traffic gave us one last adventure before we reached Mall Road around 7 PM, walked to the bus stand, caught our bus and headed back to Delhi.
Trek Guide Contact
Raju Chatak
+91 7580005850