Beas Kund Trek: My Journey to the Source of River Beas

Completing the Beas Kund trek as part of my Basic Mountaineering Course at ABVIMAS Manali in May 2010 remains one of my most cherished Himalayan experiences. This journey took me through the magnificent landscape where the Beas River separates the Pir-Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, offering me a perfect blend of training, adventure, and natural beauty that I’ll never forget.

My Trek Highlights

What made this trek truly special for me was the diversity of experiences packed into just four days. I walked through charming villages like Barua and Bahang on my way to Solang, crossed countless mountain streams while trekking to Bakar-Thach in pouring rain, and navigated the challenging moraine of Beas Glacier using cairn markers as my guide. The evenings at camp brought their own joy—playing volleyball with my batch mates and capturing the stunning mountain vistas on camera. Standing at Beas Kund early in the morning, surrounded by snow-clad peaks, I felt a deep connection with the raw power and serenity of the Himalayas.

Solang Valley offered me a fascinating contrast between seasons—famous for winter sports and national and international competitions during snowfall, while in summer it transforms into a hub for paragliding and zorbing activities that attract tourists from everywhere.

My Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Trek to Solang (13 km)

• Start time: 8:30 AM from Manali

• Route: Old Manali → Barua village → Bahang village → Solang

• Arrival: 2:00 PM

• Distance: 13 km total

• Accommodation: ABVIMAS building (hotels also available nearby)

I began my journey from Manali, making my way through old Manali before passing through the quaint villages of Barua and Bahang. The trail had shops along the way where I could buy namkeen and other snacks, which came in handy. After about five and a half hours of steady walking, I reached Solang by early afternoon and settled into the ABVIMAS building for the night.

Day 2: Trek to Bakar-Thach (11 km total: 7 km road + 4 km trek)

• Distance: 11 km (7 km road + 4 km trek)

• Key point: Dhundhi at 10:00 AM

• Duration: 3 hours for the 4 km trek section

• Camp: Bakar-Thach

• Distance from Beas Kund: 4 km

With my rucksack ready, I set out in the morning knowing I had an interesting day ahead. The first 7 km involved walking along the road until I reached Dhundhi around 10 o’clock. From there, the actual trekking began, and I found myself crossing small streams repeatedly. Just when I’d covered about half the trekking distance, the skies opened up and it started raining heavily. The weather slowed me down considerably, and what should have been a shorter walk turned into a 3-hour trek to cover just 4 km. By the time I reached our campsite at Bakar-Thach, I was thoroughly soaked but relieved. The evening brought some respite—I spent it playing volleyball with my fellow trekkers and clicking photographs of the stunning surroundings.

Day 3: Trek to Beas Kund and Return to Solang

• Departure time: Early morning (reached Beas Kund at 7:30 AM)

• Route: Bakar-Thach → Beas Kund (via Moraine of Beas Glacier)

• Navigation: Using cairn (stone structures) through the moraine

• Time at Beas Kund: 2 hours

• Option: Direct return to Solang possible (I stayed in Bakar-Thach for next 10 days)

This was the day I’d been waiting for. I trekked to Beas Kund early in the morning, navigating my way through the moraine of Beas Glacier. Finding the right path through the rocky, uneven terrain required careful attention to the cairns—those carefully stacked stone structures that marked the way. I reached the glacial lake by 7:30 AM and spent a glorious 2 hours there, taking in the pristine beauty and the sense of accomplishment. The view from the top was breathtaking. After this memorable experience, I headed back. While trekkers can leave directly for Solang from here, I had the privilege of staying in Bakar-Thach for the next 10 days as part of my mountaineering course training.

Day 4: Trek Back to Manali (13 km)

• Route: Solang → Manali

• Evening activity: Roaming around Manali or visiting Vashisht Temple

• Special attraction: Natural hot water geyser at Vashisht Temple

I used this day to trek back to Manali, retracing my steps through the beautiful villages I’d passed on Day 1. The 13 km walk felt easier now that I was more accustomed to the terrain and altitude. Once I reached Manali, I had the evening free to explore the town or visit the famous Vashisht Temple, where nature has blessed the place with a natural hot water geyser—a perfect way to relax tired muscles after days of trekking.

Tips from My Experience

Navigation through moraine: When you reach the Beas Glacier moraine, pay close attention to the cairns. These stone markers are your lifeline for finding the correct path through what can otherwise be a confusing maze of rocks and boulders.

Weather preparedness: My Day 2 experience taught me that mountain weather is unpredictable. The rain slowed me down significantly, turning a 4 km trek into a 3-hour challenge. Always carry rain gear and waterproof covers for your belongings.

Shops and supplies: There are shops along the route on Day 1 where you can purchase namkeen and other edible items. Take advantage of these to stock up on snacks for the days ahead.

Accommodation options: While I stayed at the ABVIMAS building in Solang, hotels are available nearby for trekkers who prefer more comfortable lodging.

Extended stay option: If you’re doing a mountaineering course like I did, you might get the opportunity to stay longer at Bakar-Thach, which is just 4 km from Beas Kund. This extended time allows for deeper exploration and acclimatization.

Evening in Manali: Don’t miss visiting Vashisht Temple with its natural hot water geyser. It’s a wonderful cultural experience and the warm water is incredibly soothing after days of trekking.

Come Experience This Journey

The Beas Kund trek offers an incredible combination of accessible trekking, stunning mountain scenery, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re doing it as part of a mountaineering course like I did or as a standalone adventure, this trail through the Pir-Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges will reward you with memories that last a lifetime. The journey from Manali through charming villages, across streams, through challenging moraines, and finally to the pristine glacial lake is an experience every Himalayan enthusiast should have. Pack your rucksack, lace up your boots, and head to the source of the Beas River—you won’t regret it.