Region: Manali
Total Duration – 2 Nights / 3 Days
Maximum Altitude – 4240 m/ 14000 ft.
Grade – Moderate to strenuous
Best Season – May to October
Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse in Manali ; Organized Campsite
Food – On trek – All meals included
Distance – 35 KM.
Brighu Lake Trek
The Bhrigu lake a magical place in the lap of Mighty Himalayas, located at 4240m. lies in the east of the Rohtang pass. It is one of the most frequented treks of Manali. It is decent route for those with less or without experience of trekking. This trek takes you through forests to high pastures and offers ultimate scenes of the Kullu Manali Valley. The lake is also meant to be spiritual and holy to the locals and is worshipped by the pilgrims on special occasions. The lake is named after Maharishi Bhrigu. It is an ancient saying that the sage used to mediate near the lake for years. Hence it has been rendered sacred due to the locals believe that this lake never freezes completely.
The trek starts from Gulaba about 15 kms far from Manali. It is located around 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) far from Gulaba village. It can be reached by trekking either from the Vashishth temple, which is famous for its hot water springs, close to the town of Manali or from Gulaba village. Actually there is no settlement in Gulaba and is an area of the Pir Panjal mountain range. The trail to the lake takes one through dense forests of Deodar Oak and is truly fulfilling. As climbing higher the landscape changes into vast and the great valley of Kullu Manali is in front. Ascending the mountain could be a challenge yet the reward of being at camp is promising. Snow capped mountains all around with stunning natural atmosphere is always eye catching. Reaching up to the camp takes some pleasant hours. The camp at Raoli Kholi offers best evening colours and the magical nights with stars glazing better than any place. The next day commence towards our prime destination Bhrigu Lake. The trail is not so demanding but long enough to tire someone. Climbing over mountain ridges brings again the spectacular scenic beauties that one cannot escape by looking at it. The lake is situated at such height that most of the mighty peaks of the valley are visible. The peaks such as Hanuman Tibba, Manali Peak, Friendship Peak, Ladhakhi Peak and Priyadarshini Range with Pir Panjal range. The Lake is not so big in dimensions but deep and alluring in the lap of huge rocky mountains. Spending some of the quality time at this place would bring tranquility and pleasure to someone came from the busy urban life. Returning back from downhill is always a challenge however being careful and conscious about the situation will help someone descend fine. The trail should be walked and enjoyed well, only then one will feel satisfied by himself being at the mountains. The camp would be reached by the evening. Enjoy the sunset painting colors in the sky while having a hot cup of tea. Next morning capture the beauty around on the way and head back to the roadhead by the same route. Drive back to Manali and depart to your destinations.
Tariff:
Fix Departure tariff 4,750/- + G.S.T of 5%
Things To Pack :-
- Trekking Shoes: You need good trekking shoes with good grip & ankle support. Do not carry sport shoes.
- Clothing: You need to have warm clothes with three-layer jackets, fleece or down feather jacket. Carry 1 or 2 full sleeves t-shirt. For lowers carry cotton pants suitable for trek. Do no carry jeans or shorts for trekking.
- Thermals: Carry top and bottom thermals.
- Socks: Carry 2 - 3 pair of sports socks along with woolen socks to be worn at night.
- Headlamp/Led Torch are mandatory
- Sunglasses: To protect from sunlight in snow you require UV rays protected sunglasses.
- Woolen Cap and Gloves are also necessary as the climate will be cold. Carry waterproof gloves as they get wet in snow.
- Lunchbox & Water bottle: Every participant should carry lunch box and water bottle of their own.
- Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that one doesn’t get wet.
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Mandatory Documents:
a)Registration Form
b)Medical Certificate (signed by a registered MBBS doctor)
c)NOC form (by trekker)
Short Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive from Manali to Dhundi and Trek to Bakarthach/Palchani Thach:
Day 02: Bakarthach/Palchani Thach to Beas Kund and Back:
Day 03: Bakarthach/Palchani Thach to Dhundi then Drive Back to Manali:
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Manali to Solang Valley to Dhundi and begin your trek to Bakarthach/Palchani Thach
Altitude: 2050m/6730 ft. to 3270m/10,720 ft.
Drive: Manali to Dhundi: 22 km (1-1.5 hours)
Trek distance: 4.5 km.
Trek time: 3-4 hours
Trail type: rocky, well marked by yellow arrows.
Difficulty: easy
Water source: fewer water sources, so it is recommended to carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
GAIN IN ALTITUDE: Manali is located at an altitude of 2050m/6730 ft, which will be our starting point from where we drive along the scenic Beas river to Dhundi, covering a distance of 22kms and reaching an altitude of 2840m/9320 ft. This is where the trek begins to Bakarthach, situated at an altitude of 3270m/10,720 ft. Therefore, the altitude gained on the first day will be approximately 1220m (3990ft).
Today we start from Manali after breakfast and drive to Dhundi. The trek begins here. On reaching the hydro project after hiking on the newly constructed dusty road for about 400m, we cross the Beas River over a bridge or the glacier in case the bridge hasn't been set up yet, depending on which time of the year the trek takes place. On the other side of the river is a small (10 min) climb through the shrubs that leads us to Palchani Thach, which is a flat area often used for camping. The ascent from Palchani thach is gradual and takes one through grasslands and shrubs. The walking trail is easy and wide enough for another half an hour to 45 minutes.
Now the trail gets slightly steep and rocky until one reaches the top of the ridge in the north direction. After reaching the top of the ridge, the view gets very picturesque with a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, gushing through the moraine-covered glacier as well as overhanging glaciers on the peaks in the southwest direction. We are now almost over the tree line, where only scanty shrubs and grasslands can be seen. Bakarthach camps, which is our home for tonight, can be seen from a distance. From here, the trail is more or less flat, crossing over 2 small streams until we reach the first base camp in about 25-30 mins.
Reach basecamp, enjoy tea and snacks, and take short hike through the evening, Collecting dry woods for campfire, This base camp is also the It is also the base camp for the Friendship Peak Expedition, you should definitely join this expedition after gaining some good trekking experience.
Enjoy a delicious dinner in base camp under the cover of a million stars, where one can even spot the Milky Way and shooting stars if it's a clear night.
Day 02: Bakarthach/Palchani Thach to Beas Kund and back to Base Camp
Altitude: 3270m/10,720 ft to 3690m/12772 ft.
Trek distance: 12 km fro.
Trek time: 7 to 8 hours
Trail type: moraine with a steep ascent
Difficulty: Moderate
Water source: 4-5 water sources spread evenly throughout the trek, so carrying 1 liter of water per person would be enough.
The trek begins post breakfast. Each person must carry their water bottles and rain cover along with refreshments and packed lunch (chapati sabji) provided at the camp in a small daypack (small bag).
The initial 30 mins is an easy hike through a mix of boulders and flat ground until the base of the hill where a small stream intersects with the trail, after which the climb gets steep and narrow for the next 45 mins-1 hour until we reach the ridge. At the ridge, we enter the moraine area (a moraine is a deposition of loosely packed rocks and boulders that are carried by the glacier underneath and left back as the glacier melts). One needs to be very careful and alert while crossing this area as the rocks might be a bit unstable. This continues for about 600-700 mts, after which we are led to a narrow mountain path leading to a huge flat plateau facing two magnificent waterfalls. The one on the right falls into the Beas Kund, while the one on the left joins Beas later in its course. We continue hiking through the flat ground directed straight toward the small waterfall on the right and reach Beas Kund in another hour.
Enjoy the serenity while maintaining the sanctity of the place. We return through the same trail that was taken while ascending.
Reach the base camp to enjoy a cup of hot, refreshing tea and snacks. Rest and relax through the evening, followed by dinner and sleep at the base camp.
Day 03: Bakarthach/Palchani Thach to Dhundi and Drive back to Manali via Solang Valley
Altitude: 3270m/10,720ft to 2050m/6730ft
Drive: Dhundi to Manali: 22 km (1-1.5 hours)
Trek distance: 4.5 km.
Trek time: 2–2.5 hours
Trail type: rocky, well-marked by yellow arrows.
Difficulty: easy
Water source: there are 2 water sources in the first stretch of the descent, so carry at least a 1-liter water bottle.
We started our descent back after breakfast. Since we follow the same route that was taken to reach Bakarthach, it makes it even more familiar and easier. Descending takes less time and is easier as compared to ascending. However, one should be careful enough to not slip/slide down.
After reaching Dhundi, board the cabs and drive back to Manali.
Farewell, our journey ends here. With full of lifetime sweet memories of the Beas Kund trek with team Himalaya Destination.
Please note: - as we mentioned our reporting time in Manali is 10:00 in Ram Bagh near Mall Road, so we prefer all participants to reach Manali one day before starting the trek So that there is no delay in the trek and there is no inconvenience to other participants.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation on sharing basis. Separate for male and female. For twin sharing extra charges will be applicable.
- Transport required in the trek.
- Highly advanced & certified mountaineering guide from Himalaya Destination
- Skilled Guide who has ample knowledge of the route.
- Cloak room to keep extra luggage.
- Vegetarian meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner). Vegetarian meals only., jain food will be provided.
- Meals included from Lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3.
- High quality tents and sleeping bags in all the camps. Sleeping bags can withstand temperature as low as -10 ºC.
- First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, medicines etc. will be with guide/trek leader and at camp site as well to deal with emergencies
- All trekking, Forest Permits and camping charges are included.
What is NOT included in the tour
- GST 5%
- Personal Porters for carrying trekker’s backpacks
- Personal insurance or cost of emergency evacuation
- Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc.)
- Food to/from the trail head and at the 1st base camp.