The Astounding and Adventurous Beas Kund Trek

One of the most popular treks from Manali, the Beas Kund trek has its own religious as well as beatific significance. The bliss of the mountains, the tranquillity of the meadows, the pristine air and the sweet hush of waters rushing against the rocks, such is the beauty of the Beas Kund trek.

As the name suggests, the trek is to the Beas Kund, the trek to the inception of the river Beas. This in itself makes it far more interesting than any other trek, because you get to witness an alpine glacier melting away into a little stream which then takes the form of a river of an enormity as that of Beas.

But it is not the simple view of the glacier and the lake that makes this trek as astounding as it is, but it is the well-trodden path of the trek which takes you through the most spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.

Another fact that adds a feather to this trek is the limited time in which it can be completed. Perfectly suited for beginners too, a venture on this trek can be completed within 3 days or in other words a long weekend. So, to help you get the time you require to prepare for the trip, a simple compilation of all the essential trek details is given below.

Trek details of the Beas Kund trek

Quick Facts about the Beas Kund Trek

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Type: Well-Trodden throughout
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Basecamp: Manali
• Maximum altitude:12,500 feet
• Temperature: Between 13c (55f) in July to -7c (19f) in winters
• Trekking distance: 47 kilometres

How to Reach There

You can take a bus or cab from ISBT Delhi to Manali, the distance from the Delhi to Manali is 570 km. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar and is at a distance of 52 km from Manali.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to venture into this trek is from Mid-May to Mid- October as it is during these months the temperatures in the region are moderate enough for trekking and ideal enough to get the best views of the spectacular display of nature.

Food and Water: Beas Kund Trek

It is advised to carry your own water for the trek as there is a less possibility of getting a continuous water supply. Also try to refill water for future use, whenever you get an access to fresh clean water on the trek.

The food that is mostly available is vegetarian and that too on the few campsites along the trek. At most eggs might be available but there is very less probability of the same. If not trekking with a group, it is suggested that you carry your own food as there are no eating outlets on the way.

Shelter Options

As far as the stay is concerned, you can find several campsites along the way which offer shared tent accommodation for trekkers. It is best to carry your own camping tents as no other means of stay are available along this route.

Highlights of the Trek

• The experience of the trekking along a placid high altitude alpine glacial lake.
• Camping in an ambience circumferenced with the snow-capped mountains and beautiful meadows.
• Enjoy the commendable views of Deo Tibba, Indrasan Peak And Hanuman Tibba
• Witness the beauty of the star-studded sky, which seems lost in the hustle bustle of the city.
• Meet the locals, get to know them and their life in the mountains.
• Capture some of the most scenic views you might ever come across, through a good quality camera to cherish the memories later.

Things to Carry

• A good pair of trekking shoes is a must.
• Your own trekking gear and camping equipment.
• Be stocked with warm clothes, irrespective of the weather you are hiking in.
• It is indispensable to carry your own personal medical and first aid kit.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Since the sun shines so much brighter in high altitudes, make sure you have your sunscreen, sunglasses and caps or hats.
• To capture the panoramic views of the pace, make sure to carry along your camera, again with extra batteries, as you will not get to recharge it along the trek.
• Personal toiletries.
• Water bottles, energy bars and the backpack are the other essential which are a must-have when you venture on this trek.

Tips and Tricks for the Trek

• When you reach a higher altitude, take some time to acclimatize to the temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the area before embarking on the trek.
• Do not consume any alcohol or other intoxicants when on the trek.
• Do not roam about in the mountains during the night.
• Do not litter in the area, since it is an eco-friendly zone and try to avoid the same at the campsites also.

Itinerary

Day 1

Manali, Solang, Dhundi and Bakerthach

Distance: 12kms drive, 11km trek; duration: 8-9 hours

Once in Manali, it is best to drive up to a base camp in Solang at a distance of 12kms. This is the point from where the trek officially initiates. From Solang, get on foot and walk along the banks of the river Beas for 8kms to reach Dhundi. This first leg of the trek is gradual and long.

Comparatively easy the trek makes you come across the spectacular views of Deo Tibba, Indrasan Peak and Hanuman Tibba.  Once in Dhundi, you trek further to come across a small bridge along the trek route. After crossing the bridge you will reach Bakerthach. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore in Bakethach.

Day 2

Bakerthach, Beas Kund, Bakerthach

Distance: 6kms; duration: 6-7 hours

The second leg of the trek from Bakerthach is comparatively tougher and more blessed in terms of the natural beauty. As you start your climb from Bakerthach you will come across a tiny lake a little while from Dhundi. This small lake is the Beas Kund, and is considered to be the origin of the river Beas. The melting of the alpine glacier along the way to the kund is the reason of inception of this little kund or lake.

Among one of the most scenic views of the Dhauladhar range, you can witness majestic summits around the lake like Shitidhar, Makerbeh, and Shikhar Beh. Relax a little at this panoramic place the head back on the same route to Bakerthach. Try to reach in time to be able to receive proper rest and a good night’s sleep.

Day 3

Bakerthach, Solang, Manali

Back to the initial stage of the trek, you delve into the gradual descent towards Dhundi from Bakerthach along the same route. Once in Solang, experience the different activities in the region and explore the nature in this blessed valley. Then drive back or ride back to Manali.

Everything in place, get ready to for an adventure of life when you embark on the Beas Kund trek.  The perfection of it is best realised first hand. Do share your experiences and suggestions with us in the comments sections below.