Beas Kund Trek

The Beas Kund Trek, ascending to a sacred high altitude alpine glacial lake at an elevation of 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) in the Pir Panjal range north of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, is one of Himachal's most iconic, scenic, and spiritually revered Himalayan trekking adventures.

Revered in Vedic lore as the holy birthplace and glacial source of the mighty River Beas (ancient Vipasha) where Maharishi Vyasa meditated while composing the Mahabharata, this exhilarating 16 km alpine trail rewards trekkers with close up views of colossal jagged mountain summits and wildflower strewn meadows.

It's the home of the emerald turquoise glacial tarn of Beas Kund, dramatic amphitheaters of towering Himalayan peaks including Hanuman Tibba (5,982 m), Friendship Peak (5,289 m), and Shitidhar (5,290 m), the lush shepherd camping plateau of Bakarthach, and raging mountain streams cutting through glacial moraines.

It represents a rich Himalayan expedition where sacred sage mythology, pristine high altitude glaciology, crisp pine scented alpine air, and rewarding mountain climbs unite above the Kullu Valley.

Beginning from the trailhead at Dhundi just beyond Solang Valley, it sits 21 km north of Manali town, 70 km from Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar, KUU), and 310 km from Chandigarh, easily reached by private taxi, 4x4 jeep, or organized trekking agency transfers from Manali.

The Sacred Source of River Beas & Sage Vyasa

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Maharishi Vyasa performed intense penance on the shores of this high altitude glacial pond before writing the epic Mahabharata.

The pristine glacial meltwater collecting in this natural stone basin flows southward to form the roaring Beas River, nourishing the entire Kullu Valley, Mandi, and the fertile plains of Punjab.

Truth is, standing beside the crystal clear waters of the Kund and listening to the thunderous echo of distant hanging glaciers is an unforgettable spiritual experience.

The Trail from Dhundi to Bakarthach Meadows

Dhundi Trailhead: The trek kicks off from the road head at Dhundi along the banks of the roaring river, passing through dense forests of silver birch, weeping willow, and Himalayan fir.

Bakarthach Campsite (3,270 m): After a steady 4 hour climb, the valley opens into the expansive shepherd meadow of Bakarthach. Trekkers pitch their tents here on lush green carpets framed by grazing mountain horses and sheer granite cliffs.

Glacial Moraine Climb & The Amphitheater of Peaks

The Summit Push: From Bakarthach, a steep 3 hour trek across rocky boulder fields and lateral moraines leads to the ridge concealing Beas Kund at 3,810 meters.

The Grand Amphitheater: The circular glacial lake is cupped inside a colossal natural amphitheater, encircled by the towering snowy pyramid of Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Ladakhi Peak, and the glaciated ramparts of the Seven Sisters.

After completing the Beas Kund Trek, unwind at the adventure hub of Solang Valley, drive through the engineering marvel of Atal Tunnel to Lahaul, or visit the historic timber and-stone Hidimba Devi Temple in Old Manali.