The Beas Kund Trek is a popular trekking route located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The trek takes its name from the Beas Kund, which is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters in the Kullu Valley. The Beas Kund Trek is a perfect blend of adventure and nature, and it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, lush green valleys, and pristine rivers. On this trek, one can experience the stunning beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the charm of local culture and hospitality.
The Beas Kund Trek is a relatively easy trek and can be completed by anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The trek covers a distance of around 16 kilometers, and it takes approximately four to five days to complete the trek. The best time to do the Beas Kund Trek is from mid-May to mid-October when the weather is pleasant and the trail is not covered with snow.
The Beas Kund Trek is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without undertaking a difficult or strenuous trek. It offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, as well as the opportunity to camp at high altitudes and experience the beauty of the night sky. The trek is also a great way to experience the local culture and way of life, as you pass through several villages and interact with the locals.
Overall, the Beas Kund Trek is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas in a short span of time. It is a relatively easy trek that can be completed by anyone with a basic level of fitness and experience. So, pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
Beas Kund
Beas Kund is a high-altitude glacial lake situated in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an elevation of 3,700 meters above sea level and is the source of the Beas River. The lake is surrounded by towering snow-clad mountains and is a popular destination for trekking and camping.
The name "Beas Kund" is derived from the name of the river Beas, which originates from the lake. The lake is considered to be sacred by the locals and is believed to be the place where the sage Vyas, who is known for writing the Mahabharata, meditated.
The Beas Kund trek is a popular trekking route in Himachal Pradesh and is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The trek takes you through scenic landscapes, lush green meadows, and dense forests, and offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains.
The trek starts from the village of Solang Nala, which is about 14 kilometers from the town of Manali. The trek to Beas Kund is a 12-kilometer trek and takes about 6-7 hours to complete. The trek is moderate in difficulty and is suitable for people with basic trekking experience.
The trail to Beas Kund passes through a dense forest of oak, deodar, and pine trees. As you move further up the trail, you will pass through lush green meadows and rocky terrain. The last stretch of the trek is a steep climb, which leads you to the glacial lake of Beas Kund.
The lake is surrounded by towering snow-clad mountains, and the view from the lake is truly mesmerizing. The lake is crystal clear, and the water is icy cold. The lake is also considered to be a popular spot for camping, and many trekkers choose to spend a night or two at the lake.
Overall, the Beas Kund trek is a wonderful experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The trek offers stunning views of the mountains and takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, the Beas Kund trek is definitely worth a visit.
How to reach Beas Kund?
Beas Kund is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The nearest town to the trek starting point is Manali, which is well-connected to major cities in India by road, rail, and air.
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, located about 50 km away. Regular flights operate to this airport from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar railway station, located about 160 km away. However, it is not well-connected to other cities. The best option is to take a train to Chandigarh railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali.
By Road: Manali is well-connected to major cities in North India like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dehradun by road. You can either take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Manali. Once in Manali, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the trek starting point at Solang Nallah.
From Solang Nallah, the trek to Beas Kund begins, and it takes around 3-4 hours to cover the distance of 7 km.
Itinerary of Beas Kund Trek
Day 1: Drive from Manali to Solang Nallah (13 km / 30 minutes), Trek from Solang Nallah to Bakartach (5 km / 4-5 hours)
On day 1 of the Beas Kund trek, you will start from Manali and drive to Solang Nallah, which is located 13 km away and takes about 30 minutes to reach by road. Solang Nallah is a popular tourist destination and adventure hub known for its paragliding, zorbing, and skiing activities.
From Solang Nallah, the trek starts with a gradual ascent through lush green forests of oak, fir, and deodar trees. The trail passes through a small meadow before reaching Dhundi, which is a popular picnic spot. From Dhundi, you will trek along the Beas River to reach Bakartach, which is a beautiful campsite located at an altitude of 3,500 meters. The trek from Solang Nallah to Bakartach is around 5 km long and takes about 4-5 hours to complete.
Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and Indrasan. The campsite at Bakartach is surrounded by towering mountains and offers a perfect opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of the region. You can spend the evening exploring the surroundings, taking photographs, or simply relaxing in the peaceful ambiance of the mountains.
Day 2: Trek from Bakartach to Beas Kund (6 km / 3-4 hours)
On day 2, the trek continues from Bakartach to Beas Kund. The trail goes through beautiful meadows and rocky terrain. The altitude gain is moderate, and the trek is not very strenuous. The trail passes through several streams and waterfalls, making it a scenic walk.
The trek starts with a gradual ascent through a beautiful meadow and then goes through a few rocky patches. After a couple of hours of trekking, you will reach the Beas Kund glacier. The glacier is the origin of the river Beas, and the sight of it is breathtaking. You can spend some time exploring the area and taking pictures.
From here, you can see some of the prominent peaks of the region, including Friendship Peak, Shitidhar Peak, and Hanuman Tibba. After spending some time at Beas Kund, you can head back to Bakartach, where you will spend the night.
The trail from Bakartach to Beas Kund and back is a total distance of 12 km and can take around 6-7 hours, including breaks.
Day 3: Trek from Beas Kund to Solang Nallah (11 km / 4-5 hours)
On day 3, after an early breakfast at the Beas Kund campsite, we start our descent towards Solang Nallah. The trail is mostly downhill, and we walk through lush forests of oak, deodar, and pine trees. The descent is gradual, and we pass through scenic meadows and small streams.
After walking for about 4-5 hours, we reach the Solang Nallah, where our trek comes to an end. From there, we drive back to Manali and reach in the evening. Overnight stay will be in a hotel in Manali.
Overall, the Beas Kund Trek is a moderate trek that can be completed in 2-3 days. The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and a glacial lake that is considered sacred by Hindus.
Things to know before doing Beas Kund Trek
Before embarking on the Beas Kund Trek, there are a few things you should know to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience:
1. Physical fitness: The Beas Kund Trek is a moderate-level trek that requires a certain level of physical fitness. You will be trekking for several hours each day, so it is important to be physically prepared.
2. Altitude sickness: As you climb higher in altitude, the air becomes thinner, and you may experience altitude sickness. It is important to acclimatize properly before continuing with the trek. Stay hydrated and avoid smoking and alcohol.
3. Weather conditions: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and it is important to be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Carry warm clothes, rain gear, and a good-quality sleeping bag.
4. Trekking gear: Make sure you have the necessary trekking gear such as trekking boots, a backpack, a trekking pole, and a headlamp. It is also a good idea to carry a first aid kit.
5. Permits: You will need to obtain permits from the local authorities before starting the trek. Make sure you have all the necessary permits in place.
6. Environmental awareness: The Beas Kund Trek takes place in a pristine environment, and it is important to leave the area as you found it. Avoid littering and respect the local flora and fauna.
By keeping these things in mind, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience on the Beas Kund Trek.
Q&A on Beas Kund Trek
1. What is the difficulty level of the Beas Kund Trek?
The Beas Kund trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. It involves trekking through steep ascents, rocky terrain, and narrow paths at high altitudes, which can be challenging for inexperienced trekkers. However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, most people with average fitness levels can complete the trek.
2. What is the best time to go for the Beas Kund Trek?
The best time to go on the Beas Kund trek is during the summer months, from mid-May to mid-October, when the weather is generally clear and dry. The monsoon season in the region begins in July and lasts till August, and it is not recommended to trek during this period due to heavy rainfall, which can make the trail slippery and dangerous. Additionally, during the winter months, the trail is covered in snow, and it becomes difficult to trek. Therefore, the ideal time to go on the Beas Kund trek is during the summer months.
3. What is the altitude of the Beas Kund Lake?
The altitude of the Beas Kund Lake is approximately 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) above sea level.
4. What are the highlights of the Beas Kund Trek?
The highlights of the Beas Kund Trek are:
1. Scenic Beauty: The Beas Kund trek offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal range, meandering streams, waterfalls, and lush green meadows.
2. Beas Kund Lake: The trek takes you to the source of the Beas River, the Beas Kund Lake, which is a glacial lake nestled in the lap of the mountains.
3. Solang Valley: The trek starts from the famous Solang Valley, which is a popular destination for adventure activities like paragliding, skiing, and zorbing.
4. Serene Landscape: The trek offers a chance to experience the peaceful and serene environment of the Himalayas, away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
5. Adventure: The trek involves walking on rough terrain, crossing streams, and ascending steep slopes, which offers a thrilling adventure to trekkers.
6. Cultural Experience: The trek passes through several small villages, offering trekkers a chance to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the people living in the region.
5. What is the total trekking distance of the Beas Kund Trek?
The total trekking distance of the Beas Kund Trek is around 22 km (13.6 miles), which is covered over a period of 2-3 days.
6. What is the duration of the Beas Kund Trek?
The duration of the Beas Kund Trek can vary depending on the itinerary chosen by the trekker. Typically, the trek can be completed in 2-3 days, with each day consisting of 4-5 hours of trekking. However, some trekkers may choose to extend the trek and spend more time exploring the surrounding areas.
7. What is the starting point of the Beas Kund Trek?
The starting point of the Beas Kund Trek is Solang Nallah, which is located about 13 km away from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India.
8. What is the maximum altitude of the Beas Kund Trek?
The maximum altitude of the Beas Kund Trek is 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), which is reached at the Beas Kund Lake.
9. Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Beas Kund Trek?
While it is not strictly necessary to hire a guide for the Beas Kund Trek, it is highly recommended. A guide can help you navigate the trail, provide valuable insights about the local flora and fauna, and ensure your safety on the trek. Additionally, a guide can also help arrange for accommodation and meals along the way. If you are an experienced trekker and familiar with the trail, you may be able to complete the trek without a guide, but for most people, it is recommended to hire one.
10. What is the accommodation like on the Beas Kund Trek?
The Beas Kund Trek is a short trek and is mostly done as a day trek, so there are no accommodations available on the trail. However, if you plan to stay in Solang Valley or Manali before or after the trek, there are plenty of accommodation options available ranging from budget to luxury. You can find guesthouses, homestays, hotels, and resorts in Solang Valley and Manali that offer comfortable stays. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance during the peak season to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Comments