Want to visit a sacred Bhrigu Lake in Manali, which is not actually in the city? Yes, the Bhrigu Lake distance from Manali is around 20 km and is in the Kullu District. Still, many people consider this lake a part of Manali. You can explore it by booking your Himachal Pradesh tour packages. With WanderOn, whether you want to chill in the surroundings of serene beauty or wish to participate in one of the most famous treks of Himachal, you can do all!
Famously known as the “pool of god”, it is loved by both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located at a height of 4,300 metres also plays a religiously significant role among Hindus. By reaching here, you can get the mesmerising views of snow capped mountains of Himalayas. In this blog, we discuss everything related to Bhrigu Lake, Kullu district, in detail.
The history of Bhrigu Lake began from the time when Sage Bhrigu, who was one of the Sapatrishi used to meditate at this site for a long time. It is also believed that many gods from the Kullu valley have taken a holy dip in this lake, making it sacred to Hindus.
Did you know one of the unique things about this lake it never gets fully frozen even during the winters. Surrounded by the snow-capped mountains, exploring this lake is one of the best things to do in Kullu Manali.
Best Time To Visit Bhrigu Lake
The best time to visit Bhrigu Lake, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is between October and May, when most of the lake is still frozen, and the meadows and valleys at higher altitudes are also covered in snow.
If you are looking for the best time to visit Bhrigu Lake for trekking, then summer is the right season for you, from May to June. It is not advisable to attempt this trek during the winter months as the entire region is covered in thick snow, and the upper region of the lake is inaccessible. Additionally, the temperatures dip to sub-zero levels, which is not suitable for many people.
How to Reach Bhrigu Lake, Kullu
If you are wondering how to reach Bhrigu Lake, Kullu, you must feel excited to know that to witness this lake's beauty requires various modes of transport. Here’s everything you need to know to get there smoothly, from your city to the serene shores of this high-altitude Himalayan lake.
Step 1: Get to Manali
Your journey begins by reaching Manali, the nearest major town and the gateway to Bhrigu Lake.
By Air:
If you choose to fly, then Bhuntar Airport is the closest on,e which is located about 50–52 km from Manali. It requires around 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi or local bus from the airport to Manali.
By Train:
There are two nearest railway stations, Pathankot (broad-gauge, 300 km from Manali) and Joginder Nagar (narrow-gauge, 165 km from Manali). It takes around 8-10 hours by car or bus to reach Manali from Pathankot, whereas 5-6 hours from Joginder Nagar by car.
By Road:
Manali is well-connected to cities like Delhi (approx. 518 km), Chandigarh, and Shimla.
From Delhi, it’s a 12–14 hour journey by bus or car. You can take an overnight HRTC Volvo, hire a cab, or self-drive for a road trip with stunning views.
Step 2: Manali to Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake distance from Manali is 18.7 KM to be exact, which can be covered by different modes of transport. Once you're in Manali, the next stop is Gulaba Village, about 22 km away, which will take around 1–1.5 hours by taxi or local bus.
From Gulaba, Bhrigu Lake is not directly accessible by road. You’ll need to trek the rest of the way through beautiful meadows and forest trails as the ake sits at around 14,100 feet (4,300 m).
If you are wondering what to do, then one of the best things to do in Bhrigu Lake is trekking. It is a four-day journey and is one of the best treks in Manali. You travel through scenic meadows, glacial lakes, and valleys surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s a beginner-level trek, and it’s quite exciting to experience the altitude gain, which is one of the best activities to do in Bhrigu Lake. The base camp for the trek is in Manali as it’s easily accessible from there.
First-time trekkers should take some time to adjust to the high altitude. You can spend a day walking around Manali before starting the actual trek. The trek is approximately 24 km long, and it takes four days to complete. Here’s the route for the four-day trek:
Route for Bhrigu Lake Trek
The trek route includes Manali – Gulaba – Jonker Thatch – Rola Kholi – Bhrigu Lake – Rola Kholi – Gulaba – Manali / Vashisht.
This four-day trek gives you a good idea of what Himalayan treks offer – meadows, glacial lakes and mountain views. Even though it is a short trek, it climbs to the altitude of 14,000 ft so you experience the thrill of a climb as well. The trek will give you opportunities for other activities to do in Bhrigu Lake like:
- Photography
- Camping
- Birdwatching and nature walks
Places to visit near Bhrigu Lake
As there are no dearth of places in Manali to be visited, here’s a list of places to visit near Bhrigu Lake at a distance of 35 kms. Check them out:
- Gulaba – Gulaba, one of the unique places to visit in Manali in one day, is a picturesque village and the starting point of trek to Bhrigu Lake. Whether you want to indulge in snow activities or simply enjoy the serenity of the snowy landscapes, Gulaba is a must-visit off-beat location near Manali.
- Nehru Kund – Nehru Kund is a special place in Manali where you can find a unique water spring that is not like your regular tap water. It’s cool, refreshing, and has a story behind it. Visiting Nehru Kund is like stepping into a natural refrigerator on a hot summer day.
- Jogini waterfalls – Jogini Waterfalls is a must-visit destination and the most famous photography spot in Manali for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The trek to Jogini Waterfalls is an adventure in itself, with beautiful landscapes and picturesque views along the way.
- Vashisht Hot Springs – The Vashisht Hot Water Spring is a popular destination in the region, known for its medicinal properties, which is one of the best places to visit near Bhrigu Lake.
- Rahala Waterfalls – Rahala Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Manali located 29 kilometres away from Manali Bus Stand. Trekkers can go to Rahala Waterfall from Gulaba. From here, they can proceed further to Rohtang Pass or take the same route back to Gulaba.
- Siyali Mahadev Temple – Siyali Mahadev Temple is a very old temple situated in Manali that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is well-known for its beautiful architecture and is visited by many devotees of Lord Shiva.
- Hadimba Temple – The Manali Hidimba Devi temple is located in the snow-covered hills of Manali and is dedicated to Hidimba Devi. Hidimba Devi temple is unique and surrounded by beautiful cedar forests. It is built on a rock which is believed to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself.
- Manu Temple – Manu Temple, one of the best places to visit in Manali, is located in the Old Manali region of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is on the banks of the Beas River and is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests.
There are not too many hotels and resorts near Bhrigu Lake, since it’s a very remote and isolated place. But you will find many hotels near Bhrigu Lake, homestays and Airbnb in Manali in Gulaba and Vashisht. Some of them are:
- Echor Himalayan Aurum Manali
- Palchan Hotel & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats
- Allure Grand Resort Manali
- The Katoch Grand Resort
Some of the restaurants in Bhrigu Lake, where you will find best local food of Manali are:
- The Johnson’s Cafe
- Whispering Valley Resort
- Rainbow Cafe
- Oven in the Garden
