Where Eagles Dare: Trek to Lake Brighu and Paraglide to Manali

It is not every day that an opportunity to trek and explore one of the most exotic locations in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalaya, Lake Bhrighu, and then to fly back from there to the Solang valley will present itself. As any new adventure has its life cycle, so does para-trekking. Being a fairly new concept in India, it is gradually but sure footedly gaining popularity. Just 3 days and 2 nights are so overloaded with adrenaline and packed with action and different textures of adventure ranging from trekking to hiking to flying to camping to lush green locales to the most exotic flora and fauna, you can safely say that para-trekking has it all.

Doing justice to its name, “Valley of the Gods”, Kullu valley offers the adventure seekers and nature lovers in us, an awe inspiring trek to the holy “Lake Bhrighu” at an altitude of 4,235 mts. Legend has it, Rishi Bhrighu meditated at Bhrighu Lake and wrote “Bhrighu Samhita” and hence, the lake was so named. Natives believe that the Gods of the Kullu valley take a dip in this holy lake, most significant of them being Rishi Vashisht who traverses to the sacred lake at least once in 2 to3 year. Hence, it is so revered by all.

Lake Bhrighu is situated to the east of Rohtang Pass and is around 6 km from the beautiful Gulaba. It is a beautiful, lush green meadow in the Pir Panjal mountain range. Gulaba, which has forests of Fir, Oak and high altitude White Oak trees, is where the adventure begins.

Close to habitation, yet at a secluded, lush green dale, Lake Brighu boasts of crystal clear waters and is a trek worth embarking on. What tops the adventure is the adrenaline rush you get when you paraglide over the beautiful expanses and meadows and land in Solang valley near Manali.

Here is where truly, “The Eagles Dare”.

Day 1: Manali – Gulaba – Rola Kholi (3830 m), Time taken: 2 hour drive 5 hour trek

The drive to the meadows of Gulaba from our base will take about 2 hours. The trek commences from Gulaba. The meandering forest trails from Gulaba to Rola Kholi will leave you with an unforgettable sweet intoxication of open meadows, orchards and sights and sounds one will never forget. The view of the Kullu Valley from this trail is something which keeps surprising one with its beauty.

Feast your eyes at the majestic Mt. Hanuman Tibba towering over the meadow in the background. Below Hanuman Tibba are the Seven Sister peaks seated in Beas Kund Valley.

Rola Kholi is a scenic grazing ground used by local shepherds. Located at the base of Bhrigu Lake, it makes for an ideal camping spot. You water source here is Chor Nallah, which flows across the camping ground. .

Day 2: Rola Kholi to Bhrigu Lake (4270 m) and then to camp site/ take-off site, Time taken: 7- 8 hours, 14 km

The trek from Rola Kholi to Bhrighu Lake is embedded with diamonds of snow. The camp site at Rola Kholi is a sight to remember. And then comes the reward: “God’s art work” at best: The mesmerizing Lake Bhrigu, which is beyond a ridge and at the foot of a snow covered mountain. On a sunny day, the lake reflects psychedelic hues of blue and when covered in snow, the sights are anyways unforgettable. Spend the day here and take in the sights and sounds and textures of Lake Bhrigu. We trek back to our camp site/take-off site and chill with a bone warming bon fire and heart warming meal.

Day 3: Paraglide back to Solang valley, Flight Time: 1 hour

Wake up and gear up for the thrill of a life time. Depending on the weather condition (the Mountain Gods can be a bit unpredictable J), we paraglide back to Solang valley flying across the lush green expanses. The time spent high up in the air about 1 hour and words do not do justice to the view from up there. You have to be up there to experience flying at almost 15000 feet with mind blowing views of the Dhauladhar, The Great Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges.  

So, I will leave it for you to paint your own picture. :)

Once we land in Solang, cabs will take us back to dA Base to unwind for the rest of the day.

**Guests who are travelling the next day are welcome to stay the night at no extra cost. Relax at the base camp or go angling (some nice spots near our base) the next day, before we part ways here to meet soon for our next adventure.

Live like there is no tomorrow.

Explore.Evolve