Are you looking for a trek that combines adventure, beauty, and history? Do you want to explore the pristine Himalayan landscapes and witness the origin of one of the most sacred rivers in India? If yes, then the Beas Kund Trek is the perfect choice for you.
The Beas Kund Trek is a short and easy trek that takes you to the source of the river Beas, a glacial lake called Beas Kund. The trek starts from Solang Valley, a popular tourist destination near Manali, and passes through lush meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. The trek offers stunning views of the Pir Panjal range, including the peaks of Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, Ladakhi, and Friendship. The trek also takes you to the legendary site where the sage Vyas, the author of the Mahabharata, is said to have meditated.
The Beas Kund Trek is suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, as it does not involve any technical climbing or steep ascents. The trek can be completed in 2-3 days, depending on your pace and preference.
If you are interested in experiencing the beauty and mystery of the Beas Kund Trek, then read on to find out everything you need to know about this amazing trek.
History and Legend of Beas Kund
The Beas Kund Trek is not only a scenic and adventurous trek, but also a trek that is steeped in history and legend. The region has been inhabited since ancient times, and has witnessed the rise and fall of many kingdoms and empires. The name Beas is derived from the Sanskrit word Vipasha, which means “free from bondage”. The river Beas is considered to be one of the five holy rivers of India, and is mentioned in many scriptures and epics.
The most famous legend associated with the Beas Kund Trek is that of the sage Vyas, who is believed to have written the epic Mahabharata at this place. According to the legend, Vyas was the son of the sage Parashara and the fisherwoman Satyavati. He was born on an island in the river Yamuna, and was gifted with extraordinary intelligence and wisdom. He became the teacher of the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the protagonists and antagonists of the Mahabharata, respectively. He also divided the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, into four parts, and taught them to his four disciples.
Vyas is said to have meditated at the Beas Kund, where he composed the Mahabharata, the longest epic poem in the world. He also dictated the epic to his scribe, Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. The Beas Kund is therefore considered to be a sacred and auspicious place, where one can attain spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
Beas Kund Trek Route
The Beas Kund Trek route is a simple and straightforward one, that can be easily followed by anyone. The trek starts from Solang Valley, which is about 14 km from Manali. Solang Valley is a popular destination for adventure sports, such as skiing, paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding. You can reach Solang Valley by road or by local transport from Manali.
From Solang Valley, you have to follow a well-marked trail that leads to Dhundi, the first campsite of the trek. The trail passes through a beautiful forest of pine, oak, and deodar trees, and crosses a few streams and bridges. The distance from Solang Valley to Dhundi is about 8 km, and the altitude is about 9,800 ft. Dhundi is a small hamlet, where you can see the confluence of the Beas and the Rani Nallah. You can also catch a glimpse of the Hanuman Tibba peak from here.
From Dhundi, you have to continue on the trail that leads to Bakarthach, the second campsite of the trek. The trail ascends gradually, and takes you through lush meadows, where you can see a variety of flowers and herbs. The distance from Dhundi to Bakarthach is about 5 km, and the altitude is about 10,800 ft. Bakarthach is a flat and open area, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
From Bakarthach, you have to trek for another 3 km to reach the final destination of the trek, the Beas Kund. The trail becomes steeper and rockier, and passes through a moraine zone, where you can see the glacial deposits and boulders. The altitude of the Beas Kund is about 12,000 ft. The Beas Kund is a small and serene lake, where you can see the clear water and the reflection of the peaks. The lake is surrounded by snow and ice, and is the source of the river Beas. You can also see the small temple dedicated to the sage Vyas near the lake.
Beas Kund Trek Itinerary
The Beas Kund Trek itinerary can vary depending on your preference and availability. However, a typical itinerary of the trek is as follows:
Day 1: Manali to Solang Valley (14 km by road) and Solang Valley to Dhundi (8 km by trek). Overnight stay at Dhundi.
Day 2: Dhundi to Bakarthach (5 km by trek) and Bakarthach to Beas Kund (3 km by trek) and back to Bakarthach. Overnight stay at Bakarthach.
Day 3: Bakarthach to Dhundi (5 km by trek) and Dhundi to Solang Valley (8 km by trek or vehicle) and Solang Valley to Manali (14 km by road).
The total distance of the trek is about 34 km, and the total duration is about 2-3 days. The trek can be extended or shortened according to your convenience and comfort.
Beas Kund Trek Best Time to Visit
The Beas Kund Trek best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C during the day, and from 0°C to 10°C during the night. The sky is clear and blue, and the views are spectacular. The trek is also less crowded and more peaceful during this time.
Beas Kund Trek Cost and Inclusions
The Beas Kund Trek cost and inclusions depend on the type and duration of the trek package you choose. However, a typical package for the Beas Kund Trek would cost around Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 per person, depending on the season and the service. The package would include the following inclusions:
Meals: The package would include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for the duration of the trek. The meals would be vegetarian and nutritious, and would be cooked by the local staff or the guide. The meals would also include tea, coffee, soup, etc.
Activities: The package would include the trekking and camping activities for the duration of the trek. The activities would be guided and supervised by an experienced and certified guide or leader. The activities would also include sightseeing, photography, etc.
Guide: The package would include a guide or a leader who would accompany you throughout the trek. The guide would be knowledgeable and friendly, and would provide you with information and assistance during the trek. The guide would also ensure your safety and comfort during the trek.
Accommodation: The package would include accommodation for the duration of the trek. The accommodation would be in tents or homestays, depending on the availability and the location. The tents would be spacious and comfortable, and would be equipped with sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, etc. The homestays would be cozy and clean, and would provide you with a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle.
Equipment: The package would include the equipment and gear required for the trek, such as tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, etc. The equipment would be of good quality and condition, and would be provided by the tour operator or the agency.
Transport: The package would include transport from Manali to Solang Valley and back, by road or by local transport. The transport would be comfortable and safe, and would be arranged by the tour operator or the agency. The transport would also include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or guesthouse in Manali.
How to Reach Beas Kund Trek
The Beas Kund Trek is easily accessible and reachable from Manali, which is a well-known hill station and tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. Manali is well-connected by air, rail, and road from different cities in India, such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, etc.
By air: The easiest and fastest way to reach Manali is by air, as there is an airport in Bhuntar, which is about 50 km from Manali. You can take a flight from your city to Bhuntar, and then take a taxi or a bus to Manali.
By train: The cheapest and most convenient way to reach Manali is by rail, as there is a railway station in Joginder Nagar, which is about 165 km from Manali.
By road: The most scenic and adventurous way to reach Manali is by road, as there are many highways and roads that connect Manali to different cities in India, such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, etc.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your Beas Kund Trek package today, and get ready for an amazing and adventurous trek. The Beas Kund Trek is a trek that will make you fall in love with the Himalayas, and with yourself.
