“Where the river is born beneath the gaze of giants.”
📖 Overview
The Beas Kund Trek is a 3-day alpine adventure that begins from Solang Valley, just 14 km from Manali, and culminates at Beas Kund (3,700 m)—a serene glacial lake believed to be the meditation site of Rishi Vyas, author of the Mahabharata. The trail offers a stunning contrast of lush meadows, snow-fed streams, and towering peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, and Friendship Peak. It’s a perfect trek for beginners, families, and spiritual seekers alike.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Solang Valley (via Manali)
Endpoint
Beas Kund (3,700 m / 12,139 ft)
Trek Distance
~16–18 km round trip
Trek Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Grade
Easy to Moderate
Best Season
May–June & September–October
Permit Required
Forest entry fee (₹100–200)
🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Manali ➝ Solang ➝ Dhundi ➝ Bakarthach
Drive to Solang Valley (2,500 m)
Trek ~6 km via Dhundi to Bakarthach (3,300 m)
Camp in alpine meadows with views of Hanuman Tibba
Day 2: Bakarthach ➝ Beas Kund ➝ Return to Bakarthach
Trek ~8 km round trip
Cross glacial moraines, snow bridges, and boulder fields
Reach Beas Kund, a sacred emerald lake beneath Shitidhar Peak
Day 3: Bakarthach ➝ Solang ➝ Manali
Descend to Solang and drive back to Manali
🌄 Trail Highlights
Beas Kund Lake: A glacial-fed lake believed to be the origin of the Beas River, surrounded by snowfields and granite cliffs
Bakarthach Meadows: A traditional shepherding ground with views of Friendship Peak and Lady Leg Ridge
Mountain Views: Panoramas of Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, Ladakhi, and Deo Tibba dominate the skyline
Flora & Fauna: Spot blue poppies, rhododendrons, Himalayan griffons, and marmots
🛕 Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Rishi Vyas Legend: Locals believe Rishi Vyas meditated at Beas Kund, giving the river its name
Sacred Geography: The lake is considered a tirtha (pilgrimage site), and many trekkers offer prayers before returning
Gaddi Shepherds: The trail overlaps with Gaddi migration routes, offering glimpses into their semi-nomadic lifestyle
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
Trekking shoes with good grip
Clothing
Layered (cold mornings, warm afternoons)
Gear
Rain poncho, walking stick, headlamp
Camping
Tents at Bakarthach (rental or guided)
Food
Carry snacks; meals provided by trek operators or self-cooked
Safety
Acclimatize in Manali; mild AMS risk at lake
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Manali ➝ Solang Valley: ~14 km
Taxis or shared jeeps available
By Train: Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): ~50 km from Manali
🏞️ Add-On Adventures
Friendship Peak Base Camp: Extend your trek to the mountaineering base for snow training
Solang Activities: Paragliding, ATV rides, and ropeways for post-trek fun
Vashisht Hot Springs & Hadimba Temple: Cultural and spiritual stops in Manali
