If you’re eyeing the Bhrigu Lake Trek and wondering about how far you’ll actually be walking each day—you’re in the right place. I recently did this trek and let me walk you through the actual daily breakdown. No fluff, just straight facts and helpful details.
Overview of the Bhrigu Lake Trek
Let me start by saying, this trek is short but high on experience. It’s around 22 kilometers in total, spread across 3-4 days depending on your pace. The altitude hits a max of about 14,100 feet, and trust me, the views make every step worth it.
Now, let’s get into the day-wise distance and what to expect.
Day 1: Manali to Gulaba (Drive) – Gulaba to Rola Kholi (Trek)
Trek Distance: ~6 km
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Your journey kicks off from Manali, but don’t worry—you’re not trekking from there. You’ll first drive to Gulaba, which takes about 1.5 hours (roughly 22 km). Gulaba is a small settlement and marks the start of the actual trail.
The trek from Gulaba to Rola Kholi is about 6 km. The climb begins almost immediately but it’s gradual enough for beginners. The trail passes through beautiful open meadows and occasional patches of oak and cedar. You’ll cross a couple of small streams too, so waterproof shoes help.
Altitude starts to change pretty quickly on this day, so go slow and hydrate. We camped at Rola Kholi, which sits at around 12,500 feet. It’s a stunning site with panoramic views of snow-covered mountains all around.
Quick Tip: I went with The Searching Souls For Bhrigu Lake Trek, and they kept the pace slow and easy. What I appreciated was how they managed acclimatization so well without making it feel like a lecture on altitude sickness.
Day 2: Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake and Back
Trek Distance: ~10 km (5 km each way)
Duration: 7 to 8 hours total
This is the big day—and probably the most rewarding one too. You’ll wake up early because you need to reach the lake before clouds take over (and they do, trust me).
The trail starts to get a bit steeper today. You’ll gain around 1,600 feet in elevation as you approach Bhrigu Lake, which sits at a whopping 14,100 feet. Even in June, there’s snow around. Sometimes the lake is frozen, sometimes partially thawed—it all depends on the weather.
The last hour to the lake feels long, especially due to the thin air. But the moment you see the lake surrounded by snow fields and peaks—it hits differently. This is why I chose this trek in the first place.
After spending some time at the lake (and taking photos like crazy), you retrace your steps back to Rola Kholi. The descent is easier, but your knees might feel the burn.
Food note: Again, I’ll say The Searching Souls had the best food arrangements. Hot soup and dal-chawal hit different after a long day in the snow.
Day 3: Rola Kholi to Gulaba – Drive to Manali
Trek Distance: ~6 km
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
This one’s the wrap-up. You walk back to Gulaba along the same route you came in. Since it’s a downhill trek, it’s way faster and easier. Your body will be a bit tired by now, but this stretch almost feels meditative.
Once you hit Gulaba, your transport will be waiting. From there, it’s another 1.5-hour drive back to Manali.
You’ll feel that familiar mix of pride and relief when you finally take off your hiking boots.
Day 4 (Optional): Buffer Day or Local Exploration
Distance: Varies – local walks around Manali or rest
Most trekkers (me included) keep a buffer day in case weather delays the summit day. If you’re lucky and everything goes on time, you can use this day to explore Manali—maybe check out Old Manali cafés, hot springs in Vashisht, or just sleep in late.
It’s not part of the trek per se, but worth considering when planning your itinerary.
Bhrigu Lake Trek Distance Summary Table
| Day | Route | Distance | Trekking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gulaba to Rola Kholi | ~6 km | 3–4 hours |
| Day 2 | Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake & back | ~10 km | 7–8 hours |
| Day 3 | Rola Kholi to Gulaba | ~6 km | 2.5–3 hours |
| Total Trek Distance | ~22 km | 12–15 hours |
Final Thoughts: Is the Trek Worth the Distance?
Absolutely. The Bhrigu Lake Trek packs a lot into just 22 km. From high alpine meadows and glacial lakes to camping under the stars, it delivers more than what you’d expect from a short trek.
If you’re planning to go, I’d suggest checking dates early. The Searching Souls (the team I went with) runs small groups and fills up fast during the peak season (May to October). They handled the logistics quietly and professionally, which honestly made all the difference.
The trek isn’t the easiest if you’re totally new to the outdoors—but it’s very doable with some basic prep. Stretch before you start, hydrate throughout, and carry a pair of good trekking shoes. That’s it.
