Overview
The Beas Kund Trek in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular and beautiful treks in the Himalayas. Set at an altitude of 3,700 meters, Beas Kund is a high altitude glacial lake that is fed by the melting snow of surrounding peaks. The trek takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, rocky moraines, gurgling streams, and offers stunning views of peaks like Shitidhar, Friendship Peak, Ladakhi, Hanuman Tibba, and Deo Tibba.
The Trek
The Beas Kund trek starts from Solang Nala which is around 8 km from the popular hill station Manali. Solang Nala is the beginning point for many popular treks like Hampta Pass and Pin Parvati Pass. From Solang, the trail gradually ascends through dense forests of deodar, fir, pine, and rhododendron. After hiking for around 4 hours, you will reach Dhundi which is the last point where you will find any shops or accommodation options. From Dhundi, the trail gets steeper and enters the high altitude zone. The next campsite is Bakarthach at a height of 3,800 meters which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. From Bakarthach, you hike to Beas Kund which is around 3 km away. The final stretch involves walking over boulder fields and moraines.
Beas Kund is a stunning high altitude lake situated at 3,700 meters. The emerald green waters with the mighty peaks of Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, and Shitidhar reflecting on its surface is a sight to behold. After spending some time soaking in the views at Beas Kund, you can optionally hike to the summit of Shitidhar peak if you are up for it. From the top of Shitidhar, you get a bird’s eye view of the entire Solang Valley and Beas river flowing through it. After exploring Beas Kund, you retrace your steps back to Dhundi and then drive back to Manali. The trek usually takes 3-4 days to complete.
Highlights of the Trek
– Breathtaking high altitude Himalayan scenery – snow-capped peaks, glaciers, moraines
– Blue-green waters of Beas Kund with majestic mountain reflections
– Blooming rhododendron forests during spring
– Crossing multiple streams over rustic wooden bridges
– Standard Himalayan trekking experience involving natural campsites
– Summit views from Shitidhar Peak (optional)
Beas Kund Trek Permits
The Beas Kund trek requires a permit from the forest department of Manali. The permit costs around INR 550 per person. You can get the permit from the forest check post at Solang Nala or the forest office at Manali town. Carry a valid ID proof like Aadhaar card. Permits are issued on the spot after a quick registration process.
Best Time for Beas Kund Trek
The ideal time to go for the Beas Kund trek is May to June and September to mid-October. During these months, the weather is pleasant with sunny days and moderate temperatures. The summer months have lush greenery while September-October brings clear blue skies and colorful wildflowers. Winters can be extremely cold with the route covered in snow making it inaccessible. Monsoons should be avoided due to landslides and slippery trails.
The Beas Kund trek is open from May to October. These are the most pleasant months to undertake the trek when the climate is mild and the views are clear.
– May-June – Chance to see blooming rhododendron flowers
– July-August – Steady monsoons, greenery all around
– September-October – Clear skies, relatively less crowded
The post-monsoon months of September and October are ideal for the trek as the skies stay sunny and clear. Summers can get a bit windy while monsoons are prone to occasional landslides in the region. Winters tend to be extremely cold with the lakes and peaks covered in snow.
Ascending Through Meadows
From Dhundi, the climb gets steeper as you ascend towards Bakarthach at 11,500 feet. This section of the trek passes through gorgeous meadows bursting with wildflowers. During spring and summer, the meadows are carpeted in flowers like blue poppies, daisies, buttercups and iris. The chirping of mountain birds and the gurgling sound of streams make it a rejuvenating experience. Bakarthach has plenty of flat grassy patches perfect for camping. Trekkers usually spend a night here acclimatizing before heading higher up.
The summer months have lush greenery while September-October brings clear blue skies and colorful wildflowers. Winters can be extremely cold with the route covered in snow making it inaccessible. Monsoons should be avoided due to landslides and slippery trails.
The next segment of the trek includes the steepest part as you make your way to Beas Kund via Dhundhi and Beas Kund Nallah. The high altitude terrain can be challenging but trekking poles come in handy. The gradient levels out as you approach the Beas Kund Nallah, a gushing stream that flows down from the glacial lake of Beas Kund. Following the river upstream, you finally arrive at Beas Kund after 6-7 hours of trekking from Solang Nala.
Travel Tips
– Book tickets well in advance for buses or taxis from Delhi or Chandigarh to Manali
– Hire trekking gear like good hiking shoes, poles, UV protected sunglasses etc if you don’t have your own
– Pack light and carry essentials only in your backpack
– Keep snacks like dry fruits, energy bars and chocolates for instant energy
– Carry adequate warm and waterproof clothing
– Keep your camera batteries and phones well charged for outdoor use
– Budget at least 4-5k per day for the trek including guide, porter charges, food, and tents
– Obtain permits before starting the trek from Manali SDM office
– Carry your fitness certificate and ID proof for permit verification
– Hire an experienced guide who can arrange camping logistics
– Walk slow, steady and avoid over-exertion at high altitude
– Stay hydrated by sipping water frequently
– Prepare for unreliable phone networks at high altitudes
-Get acclimatized to the high altitude by spending a day in Manali before the trek
Conclusion
Beas Kund is the ultimate destination for trekkers who want to experience the majestic Himalayan peaks up close. The trek provides a perfect blend of nature walks through rhododendron forests and mountain trails offering terrific views. So pack your bags and embark on this adventurous journey to behold the Himalayan beauty at Beas Kund. The untouched meadows and snowy peaks will leave you spellbound and wanting more!
