The Mountain of The Broken Lakes Trek 2024

The Phuta Saur trek, famously known as the "Mountain of Lakes" - is one of the lesser-known treks in the region. Locals claim that there are as many as 12 lakes scattered on this particular mountain.

Highlights

• High altitude trek reaching up to 14,290 feet.
• Company of experienced mountain guides.
• A total trekking distance of 36 kilometers.
• A trek with a difficulty ranging from easy to moderate.

Detailed overview

There are as many as 12 lakes scattered on this particular mountain. There are not very many people who would claim to have witnessed the mystique of these lakes, so far no living person has claimed to have seen all the lakes. Partly thanks for the snow, the trail is packed with snow all year round. The lakes are normally covered in mist but those who've seen the lakes have been left mesmerized. 

Key Information 

• Max. Altitude: 14,290 feet
• The starting point of trek: Haripur, Manali
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
• Total Trekking Distance: 36 km
• Average Daily Trekking: 6-7 hours
• Best Trekking Time: June to October

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Basecamp - Camp 1 | 8,410 ft. - 30 minutes Drive - 5 hours Trek

• You will have to report at 7:30 am, please take the earliest bus from Delhi/Chandigarh.
• After your arrival in Manali and we will be happy to pick you up from Patlikulh bus stop (14-16 km before Manali bus station) to bring you to the base camp.
• The climbers who have not stayed overnight with us at the base camp, are welcome to join us for breakfast.
• A chat session with the team and the fellow climbers.
• Soon after you'll proceed to Soil, the oldest village in the Kullu Valley. A charming village in itself, the hike to Soil is easy and refreshing, good start to the day.
• After spending a little while in the village, you will proceed to Mindua. 
• It's an easy hike to Guhad, the trail opens up to a vast expanse of meadows surrounded by forests of Kharshu, Walnut, Chestnut, Bhojpatra trees.
• Another 4 to 5 hours will lead you to Mindua.
• You will be pitching your tents here and camp overnight with some bonfire and dinner.

Day 2: Camp-1 to Camp-2 | 10,850 ft. - 5 hours Trek

• On the second day after a hearty breakfast, you'll start your ascent to camp-2.
• The trail runs through thick Oak forests and the pure oxygen almost hurts the lungs.
• The trail will lead you to Chowkigarh Nalla, a small stream. You'll cross the stream to enter the lush green meadow amidst a thick Oak forest.
• You will be camping here for the night.

Day 3: Camp-2 to Camp-3 | 12,580 ft. - 7 hours Trek

• On the third day after the dose of energy packed breakfast, you leave for camp-3.
• The trail meanders through thick forests of Birch, Rhododendron, and Juniper.
• This region is known for it it's various rare plants and herbs like Karu, Chora, Patish, Gugal, wild Garlic etc., which are known to have some high medicinal value.

Day 4: Camp-3 - Hike to the lakes and back to Camp-3 | 14,290 ft., 8 hours Trek

• After breakfast, you will trek for about 45 minutes to reach the first lake ‘Batarunaag Saur’. A short walk will bring us to one of the most ethereal lakes; ‘Vasukinaag Saur’.
• A short distance from here basks the elusive lake ‘Phuta Saur’ and ‘Mata Kotli Saur’.
• We have chosen to call them “Elusive” as they are almost always hidden in mist and give the illusion that they are just a stone’s throw away.
• The terrain here is a bit rocky and not very suitable for camping. So, your tents will remain pitched at Parkuni while we will trek to the lakes and back well in time for dinner and bonfire (if conditions permit).
• Turn into your sleeping bags and slide into a blissful sleep while atop the Mountain of Lakes.

Day 5: Camp-3 to Camp-1| 9,900 ft. - 6 hours

• On the third day unwind and chill with some breakfast at camp-3.
• From here, you retrace our step backward to reach the camp-1, you will be pitching your tent here for the night. The challenging part of the trek is over.

Day 6: Camp-1 to Base Camp in Haripur | 9,900 ft. - 6 hours

• On the final day, after breakfast, we will leave from camp-1 for the basecamp at Haripur.
• Upon reaching the Base Camp, unwind and celebrate with some hot lunch.
• You may relax at the Base Camp before we part ways here to meet soon for our next adventure.
• Take the bus back to Delhi from Manali at 5:00 pm to wrap up your tour.