Beas Kund

A Trek to the Source of River Beas with Terrific Mountain Views

TREK DIFFICULTY

Moderate

TREK DURATION

4 days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

12,772 ft

A Trek to the Sourfce of River Beas with Terrific Mountain Views

Beas Kund has always been a famous trek around Manali.  After all, it takes you right to the source of the river that flows through the town. (You might have followed the very same river upstream while getting into Manali!)

But one of the reasons trekkers loves this trek is the setting. Picture this: Lush green grasslands flourish below the summits of the three biggest mountains around Manali. And hidden in these grasslands is the emerald lake out of which the river Beas emerges.

The contrasting sight of this serene water body nestled in between jagged mountain peaks of the Pir Panjal range adds to the beauty of his setting.

Standing here, there is also a keen sense of being near the source of the raging river you see in the valley below. This emerald kund branches off into streams, tumbling waterfalls right until it converges into the boiling Beas river.

As is the case with every river that feeds a civilisation or settlements surrounding it, the Beas Kund is also associated with a legend.

It is believed that Rishi Vyas, who wrote the Mahabharata took his daily bath in this lake. The term Beas Kund may have been derived from Vyas, the sage; and Kund, a lake.

This combination of big snowy summits towering above you, the greenery of the grasslands, and the lake draw everyone to this trek.

While this trek can be done by beginners, we would advise preparation. The climb from around 8000 ft at the beginning of the trek to over 12,000 ft is no mean feat.

Beas Kund has always been a famous trek around Manali.  After all, it takes you right to the source of the river that flows through the town. (You might have followed the very same river upstream while getting into Manali!)

But one of the reasons trekkers loves this trek is the setting. Picture this: Lush green grasslands flourish below the summits of the three biggest mountains around Manali. And hidden in these grasslands is the emerald lake out of which the river Beas emerges.

Beas Kund - Complete Trek Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Beas Kund trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Beas Kund Trek Videos

Watch these videos to prepare for your Beas Kund trek.

Expert Speak

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Beas Kund trek.

What I Like About the Beas Kund Trek

What I Like About Beas Kund Trek

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Beas Kund trek.

1. An Amphitheatre of Big Mountains

The Beas Kund trail offers you close, base-to-summit views of big mountains of Manali like Friendship Peak, Shitidhar, Ladakhi and Hanuman Tibba. This is just within four days of trekking! These kinds of views of a mountain are usually gifts given to mountaineers and hardcore trekkers –  after days of rigorous trekking. 

No wonder mountaineering institutes establish their base camp on this trail to train aspiring mountaineers in snow and ice craft.  On a clear day, you’ll also be able to spot Mt Indrasen, Deo Tibba and more peaks from the Pir Panjal range.

Mt. Hanuman Tibba as seen from Beas Kund trek. Photo by Akhil Menon

2. The grasslands of Bakarthach and Dhundhi

Just below these tall mountains are the big grasslands of Bakarthach and Dhundhi. Bakarthach is a shepherd’s field, filled with grazing sheep and bovine. Tiny streams spread around this lush meadow. It is a marvellous expanse of greenery! Dhundhi, on the other hand, is the grassland you camp on at the beginning of your trek. At this campsite, you see the Beas River tumbling noisily on one side and a plethora of blooming flowers on the other.

Flowers are blowing in meadows at Lohali campsite. Picture by Jothiranjan

3. Trekking In Ancient Deodar Forests

Just five minutes into the trail, ancient deodar trees rise, creating a dense coniferous forest. They are so tall that you’ll not be able to see the treetops even if you crane your neck. You can also spot pine and maple trees. It’s hard to believe that this place is just 15 km from the bustling town of Manali.

The trail towards forests of Deodhar. Picture by Jothiranjan

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers of treks in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Fresh, nutritious food at every camp

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

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