Ghepan Lake Trek

✨ Hidden Turquoise Jewel of Lahaul

About Ghepan Lake:
Tucked away in the remote folds of Lahaul, Ghepan Lake (Ghepan Ghat) sits at an altitude of 4,140 meters (13,580 ft)near the village of Sissu. The lake is named after Lord Ghepan, the protector deity of Lahaul. With its vivid turquoise waters, dramatic glacial backdrop, and untouched serenity, the trail is ideal for trekkers seeking a raw Himalayan experience without the crowds of Spiti or Manali.

Ghepan Lake in Summer (June-July)

Day time: Between 18 °C and 20 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 10 °C and 5 °C.

Presence of snow: Despite it being summer, expect snow patches on the ground.

No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers

In Summer, although you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Monsoon, when there won’t be any snow on the trek.

Even the air is different. While Summer is dry and crisp, Monsoon is moist. It’s that time of the year when winter has left the slopes. But, you will still find snow patches on the ground above 10,000 feet.

The frozen Ghepan Lake has also started melting in small concentric circles. Parts of it are still icy, but the ice is thinning. Meadows around the lake also start emerging as you pass mid-July.

Now, the monsoon is also at its peak. Rains become frequent and clouds usually glide in unannounced shrouding the lake and the trail.

Ghepan Lake in Monsoon (August - September)

Day time: Between 15 °C and 18 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 5 °C and 0 °C.

Presence of snow: The snow is gone, and the terrain is replaced with lush greenery.

No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers

Like a climax, the last leg of the season is set up on a grand stage with lush meadows.

The snow is gone. Ghepan Lake flaunts a deep royal blue colour with green grass around it. It is a sight to behold.

Monsoon is slightly like winter. Colder than Summer, although you won’t find patches of snow.

Nights in Mons

🔍 Quick Facts: Soon get chilly. In September the temperature dips to 0° C.

During the day, you will experience temperatures around 15° C. But any rain or slight drizzle brings down the temperature by a few degrees. So keep a jacket handy with you always

🛖 Base Village: Sissu (3,120 m)

Best months: Mid-June to September

Day 1: Sissu → Bhujling Meadow (Camp 1)

• Trek Distance: ~7 km
• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Altitude Gain: ~500 m
• Stay: Tent stay in alpine meadow

Trail Overview:

• Begin trek from Sissu village after breakfast.
• The route winds through lush meadows, rocky terrain, and small glacier-fed streams.
• Gradual ascent through Bhujling Nallah, with epic views of the Chandra-Bhaga range.
• Set up camp in the open pastures near the last shepherd hut.

Day 2: Camp 1 → Ghepan Lake → Camp 1

• Trek Distance: ~12 km round-trip
• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Altitude: ~4,140 m (Ghepan Lake)
• Stay: Return to same camp

Trail Overview:

• Early morning starts for a challenging but rewarding trek.
• Steep climb on a boulder-strewn path with glacial moraines and patches of ice.
• As you ascend, the first glimpse of the turquoise Ghepan Lake takes your breath away.
• Spend time soaking in the surreal landscape and optionally perform a small offering at the lake.
• Return to base camp before sunset.

Day 3: Camp 1 → Sissu

• Trek Distance: ~7 km
• Duration: 3 hours
• Descend back to Sissu via the same route.

The trip ends by afternoon — option to head back to Manali, Keylong, or Jispa.

• Trekking shoes, warm clothing (including thermals)
• Rain jacket/windcheater
• Headlamp, reusable water bottle, trail snacks
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, power bank