Bhrigu Lake Trek – A Walk into the Snowy Abyss

After the chaotic journey from Delhi to Manali and our initial climb, the second day of the Bhrigu Lake trek felt like stepping into an entirely different world. If the first day was about managing the logistical mess of travel, the second day was about the raw, unfiltered beauty—and brutality—of the Himalayas.

Day 2: Into the Ocean of Snow

The Morning Delight

Any morning in the Himalayas is special, but the sunrise from our campsite felt truly extraordinary. The first rays of sunlight slowly touched the peaks of Hanuman Tibba and the Seven Sisters, painting them in vibrant shades of gold. Standing there with a cup of warm tea in hand, watching that spectacle unfold, felt almost unreal. 

Moments like these are exactly why people keep returning to the mountains. Unfortunately, we couldn’t sit there forever; a long day of trekking awaited us, and the golden peaks were a silent reminder that we had a lot of ground to cover.

From Green Meadows to a White World

By the time we started hiking, it was already past 7 AM. The trail initially consisted of a confusing mixture of snow patches and grass sections, where one step would land on muddy grass and the next on slippery snow. 

This made the climb slower than usual because every step required careful footing. Gradually, as we climbed higher, the snow began to dominate the landscape. Within 45 minutes, our trek leaders asked us to put on our crampons. 

From that point onwards, the trail ahead was completely covered in snow, and that’s when the real challenge began.

Surrounded by the Abyss

Beyond that point, the landscape transformed completely. Everywhere we looked, there was nothing but a vast, white blanket of snow reflecting the sharp sunlight, making everything appear blindingly bright. 

As we continued climbing, both the altitude and the terrain began to take a toll. Breathing became heavier, and our steps slowed significantly. Soon, the group naturally split into two sections; I moved ahead with Bharat, Avnish, Utkarsh, Kshitij, Chetramji, and Abhishek, while Shailender stayed behind to assist the rest of the group.

After nearly one and a half hours of trudging through the powder, we finally reached Rola Kholi.

The Brutal Climb After Rola Kholi

We took a short break at Rola Kholi to refill water bottles and catch our breath, but the real test was still ahead. The climb beyond Rola Kholi led towards a massive ridge, and I soon realized my previous struggles were nothing compared to this. 

The ascent was the toughest I had ever done, with every step feeling heavier than the last due to the steep incline and deep snow. Despite the freezing environment, we were sweating continuously under the sun. 

Removing sunglasses was impossible due to the blinding glare, and with no shade in sight, the only strategy was to walk for a few minutes, stop for a brief breather, and push forward again.

Running Out of Breath

By this time, exhaustion was visible on everyone’s faces. Strangely enough, Utkarsh and Kshitij were still running around filming everything, and Avnish was managing the climb fairly well despite slowing down. 

It was Bharat and I who were struggling the most, but having each other for company helped us push through the fatigue. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, we finally reached the top of the ridge.

The Difficult Decision

Once everyone regrouped, we ate our packed lunch, which ironically made us feel even more exhausted and sleepy rather than energized. By then it was already 1 PM, and we still had another 3 km to go, including two steep ascents, before reaching Bhrigu Lake. 

The snow was also becoming softer and more treacherous as the day warmed up. After discussing the situation, we made the difficult but sensible decision to turn back. Reaching the lake simply wasn’t realistic given the time and conditions.

Sliding Back to Camp

The return journey turned out to be far more enjoyable. Instead of walking down every section, we began sliding down the snow slopes, saving both time and energy. We soon reunited with the rest of the group at Rola Kholi, took a few photos, and continued our descent. 

However, the afternoon snow was slippery; during one slide, I headed straight for Bharat. To avoid hitting him with my crampons, I tried to brake with my trekking pole. The pole bent completely and slipped under my leg, nearly causing a disaster, but luckily I managed to stop without injury.

A Well-Earned Rest

Back at camp, the Bikat team welcomed us with hot tea and delicious pasta, the perfect reward for an exhausting day. We spent the afternoon relaxing and listening to music as clouds slowly rolled in, hiding the peaks. After a quiet dinner, everyone crawled into their tents, completely spent.

Day 3: The Final Day

The last morning started on a relaxed note. Since the descent to Gulaba was short, Shailender even organized a brief yoga session before breakfast. After clicking the final group photos, we descended to the Gulaba Toll Gate in just 45 minutes, where our cabs were waiting to take us back to Manali.

A Taste of Tradition

The drive was smooth until we hit a massive traffic jam near Vashisht. Frustrated, we decided to walk the rest of the way into town. Once there, Utkarsh and Kshitij introduced me to Siddu—a traditional Himachali dish—served with lemon honey ginger tea. It was love at first bite, and even today, it remains the best Siddu I’ve ever had.

Goodbye from Old Manali

I checked into Zostel in Old Manali and later met the whole crew at a café. Even though we hadn’t conquered the lake, we celebrated the incredible journey we shared. Between the breathtaking views and the friendships formed, the trek had given us more than enough memories. 

The evening ended with laughter, snacks, and beer before we finally said goodbye. My chaotic Bhrigu Lake Trek had come to an end, and while the lake remained for another time, the experience of the snowy abyss was something I would never forget.

What do I take back from Bhrigu Lake Trek?

In the end, a trek isn’t defined by a coordinate on a map or a trophy photo at the summit. It’s defined by the grit it takes to keep walking when your legs feel like lead, the laughter shared over a steaming cup of tea, and the wisdom to know when to turn back. 

The lake is still there, tucked away in its snowy cradle, waiting. And perhaps that’s the greatest gift of all: a reason to return, a reason to keep climbing, and a reminder that the most beautiful journeys are the ones that leave us wanting just a little bit more.