It is rightly said that “When everything feels like an uphill struggle, think about the view from the top”- Anonymous
As per an old saying, Maharishi Bhrigu, one of the seven great sages of ancient India meditated near a lake in the pristine hills of Himachal Pradesh. That lake is now known as BHRIGU LAKE. Located in a picturesque valley northeast of Manali at a height of 14,100 ft in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, the Bhrigu lake on a sunny day is a sight to behold. The locals from the village Gulaba and other Pahadi people encourage trekkers to ascend the heights to witness the full glory of the snow-laden peaks. The long and arduous trek is an enthralling experience and the incredible reward at the top makes the trek worthwhile. It is believed by the locals that the holy Bhrigu Lake never ever freezes completely as the water is so pure and sacred that even with temperatures dropping to below zero degrees, water in the lake never freezes. Just WOW!!!
With this, I welcome all Nirmayans to this blog! Hello All!
Our very own Nirma University organised the Manali-Bhrigu Lake trek from June 10-18, 2022. 41 of us took part in this trek and trust me it was a very rewarding adventure. The trek was a memorable experience for each one of us.
Two days were spent in Manali. Manali has a little bit of everything for everyone. You will find the explorers, the thrill-seekers, the bikers, the laid-back crowd and the vacationers. The camp stay at Panchan village was a unique experience. We students took part in adventure activities such as river rafting on the Beas River, paragliding, zip line, and river crossing followed by a short trek to Jogini Mata Waterfall and Vashisht temple, as a part of sightseeing and also for acclimatisation. Also, we visited the Hidimba temple followed by a visit to the famous Mall Road where we students shopped till we dropped. Some of us sampled the local cuisine, different types of momos, apricots and other snacks. We also took a lot of selfies here.
Now comes the main part of the trip – the trek to the summit of Bhrigu Lake, located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The trekking activities were divided into two levels; the first stage was 9500 ft. The base camp was also known as “Silver Oak Camp” or “Morari Dug”. What a place and what a stunning view. Two days were spent at the base camp, where we had fun walking the exquisite trails during the day and sleeping in tents and bonding around bonfires at night. The second checkpoint was the defining point of our trip. Trekking to Bhrigu Lake situated at 14, 100 ft. Only 23 students could make it to the summit.
Two days in the mountains was an experience worth a lifetime. Chilling winds slapped our faces, typical mountain rainfall, fogging out all that we could experience. The gorgeous valleys, the snow-clad peaks, the mesmerising flowers, everything we see in Instagram reels was there to be seen and photographed.
What made this trip so rewarding? One of the major reasons is that the entire experience unfolded, gradually, organically, as we explored every possibility. As a collective (not limited to me but to each and every individual) we were empowered by multiple perspectives, approaches whether it was the yoga sessions, tips and tricks for mountain climbing, and how to build a fire with wood from the jungle, exploring and living out each and every possibility! Lastly, new friendships/relations were created during the trip.
Finally ending on a happy note, my narrative would be incomplete without, not then but now, the New Nirma Anthem: HAR HAR SHAMBHU..!!!
Author : Saumitra Gajjar (21ptphdp132)