Tucked behind the bustling town of Manali lies a quiet trail that leads to the lap of the Beas Kund Trek. This brief but magical trip in Himachal Pradesh leads you to the River Beas’s exact source, which is hidden away at the base of majestic peaks like Friendship Peak and Shitidhar. It’s neither a difficult hike or an epic adventure, but the peace and beauty more than make up for the distance. The path leads to a glistening glacial lake located in the center of the Himalayas after passing through lush fields and mountain ranges. You get closer to snow, to solitude, to tales from a period when sages are believed to have meditated at this same lake with each step.
For beginners who want to experience high-altitude hiking for the first time, the Beas Kund Trek in Himachal Pradesh is ideal. It’s brief, easy to moderately difficult, and full of amazing scenery. You can sleep under the stars, cross streams, stroll through verdant valleys, and stand in front of an emerald-blue glacial lake in just three or four days. The best part is that it’s only a short drive from Manali, making it one of the most accessible Himalayan treks in Himachal Pradesh for people who are nature lovers but have little free time.
Trek Highlights
Dundi Valley
Start the trek in a peaceful green valley with the side by pine trees and crossed by icy rivers.
Bakarthach Meadows
A beautiful alpine grassland surrounded by snow peaks, ideal for camping and spotting sheep grazing freely.
Beas Kund
The glacier-fed lake is considered sacred and offers breathtaking reflections of Shitidhar and Ladakhi Peak.
Friendship Peak Views
As you walk toward Beas Kund, the trail opens up to close-up views of Friendship Peak and its surrounding glaciers.
River Crossings and Boulders
Gentle river crossings, moraines, and boulder patches give this trek it’s subtle variety and charm.
Day-wise Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Manali to Dhundi, Trek to Bakarthach
Drive about 12 km to Dhundi, the starting point. Begin trekking through pine forests and riverside trails. The campsite at Bakarthach is surrounded by towering peaks.
Day 2: Bakarthach to Beas Kund and Back
A gradual climb through moraines and glacier-fed paths takes you to Beas Kund. Spend time by the lake before heading back to Bakarthach.
Day 3: Trek Back to Dhundi, Drive to Manali
After an easy walk back to Dhundi, take a quick drive to Manali. Your thoughts will still be wandering by the lake when you return to society.
Optional Day 4: Acclimatization or Buffer
Use this day in case of weather delays or to explore Manali’s old-town charm.
Difficulty Level and Preparation
This trek is easy to moderate, perfect for first-timers or those trekking after a long break. The altitude gain is gradual and manageable, reaching a maximum of around 12,000 feet. Simple fitness prep is enough daily walks, basic cardio, and light stretching for 2–3 weeks before the trek. Carry a small backpack with you if possible.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to do the Beas Kund Trek are –
- May to mid-July – You can find melting snow, moderate weather, and snow-capped peaks all around.
- September to October – In the post-monsoon clear skies, vibrant greenery, and golden light for photography.
- Avoid the monsoon months (late July to August) due to slippery treks and unpredictable weather.
Accommodation and Essentials
Sleeping in tents with mats and sleeping bags during the hike, commonly in twin-sharing arrangements. While Manali provides a variety of places to stay both before and after the hike, Dhundi only offers the essentials.
The Beas Kund Trek may be short, but it stays with you. The sound of the river, the way the wind moves across the paths, and that first glimpse of the icy blue lake they all leave quiet imprints. In just a few days, you step away from everything noisy, and walk into a space that’s clear, cold, and oddly comforting. For those searching for a break that feels both simple and sacred, Beas Kund is the kind of place where your soul can pause, breathe, and gently begin again.
