History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
The surreal mountains and trails that surround Manali make up an excellent place for trekking and camping opportunities. It also houses religiously important locations that serve the purpose of pilgrimage as well as tourism. Steeped deeply in Hindu mythology, the Bhrigu Lake sits at an altitude of 4,268 metres. It is visited for its quiet beauty and exciting trails. Magnificent snow-clad peaks like Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and Hanuman Tibba encompass the immaculate lake.
The Lake holds immense historical and religious value to the natives as well as believers of Hindu tradition all over the country. The breath-taking visuals of the site act as a great attraction both for devotees and trekkers. Famous as the "Pool of Gods", the lake is visited for its penultimate beauty and spiritual aura that attracts a lot of tourists as well as sadhus alike to meditate in wilderness for enlightenment. The trek to Bhrigu Lake starts from Gulaba near Manali, from the Vashishth temple, which is famous for its hot water springs. Since there is no settlement in the town of Gulaba as it is an area of the Pir Panjal mountain range, it sees tourists flocking here to experience a serene atmosphere. It is named after Maharishi Bhrigu, one of the great saints of ancient Indian history, known as the Saptarshis (Seven great sages).
Popular legend behind Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali
Legend has it that Maharishi Bhrigu had meditated around the Bhrigu Lake and the natives believe that the Lake never freezes. It is also believed that the local deities of Kullu visit the lake for a holy dip annually.
The great sage, after whom the lake is named, is credited to write an important book on astrology, Bhrigu Samhita, and is since then regarded as a man of high intellect. His followers worship the lake on a regular basis to enlighten themselves and achieve highest notion of spirituality.
The Bhrigu Trek Manali
The prettiest grassland trek in Himachal
A lot of trekkers do the Bhrigu Lake trek as the lake is mentioned in ancient Indian mythology. The lake is not the only thing the trek has to offer as the grasslands of the area are a treat to nature lovers. One can enter the meadows within the first 10 minutes of this trek! These meadows on the Bhrigu Lake trek stretch far and wide, almost like an endless carpet. The mountains of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar dominate the skyline throughout. This four-day trek gives you a good idea of what Himalayan treks offer like the meadows, glacial lakes and mountain views. Even though the trek is a short one, it climbs to the daunting altitude of 14,000 ft so you experience the thrill of a climb as well.
Festivals celebrated at Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali
An annual festival is celebrated in which locals brings the statue of Sage Vashistha from Vashishtha temple to the Bhrigu Lake and dip it according to the belief that Gods of the Kullu valley have dipped in the holy waters of the lake which makes it sacred for the pilgrims.
Timings of Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali
The Lake can be visited anytime of the day. However, since it is an open mountainous area it is preferred that the Lake must be visited between 8 AM in the morning and 1PM in the afternoon.
Best time to visit Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali
The best time to visit the lake is from July to September, as other than worshipping and dipping for a holy bath, you’ll also be able to see the meadows at their lushest vibrancy. The meadows change texture, shape, and colour and still stay with all along the trek right until Bhrigu Lake. Since there are possibilities of rainfall in the disaster prone area, monsoon treks to the Lake must be avoided.
How to Reach Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali, Major Tourist Destination of Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali being one of the major tourist center along with important town of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Millions of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Manali more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar airport which is located just at a distance of around 50 km from the city. Joginder nagar railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 140 km from city. Manali is located at 40 km from Kullu, 300 km from Chandigarh, 238 km from Shimla, 537 km from Delhi, 450 km from Vaishnodevi, 182 km from Palampur, 123 km from Mandi and 135 km from Joginder nagar.
