The short answer
Beas Kund Trek: what visitors should know first
Go if you want a first taste of a Himalayan trek close to Manali. It takes about three days, with one long day to the lake and back over boulders. Gentle by trekking standards, but still high and rough underfoot; not for anyone with heart, lung or mobility problems.
History and context
The story behind Beas Kund Trek
Beas Kund is regarded as the source lake of the Beas. Legend says the sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata, created the river from it, and the river bears his name.
Useful facts
Beas Kund Trek facts at a glance
- Location
- Dhundi, above Solang Valley, Manali
- Altitude
- Beas Kund about 3,700 m (12,100 ft)
- Experience type
- Short lake trek
- Known for
- Source of the Beas; views of Hanuman Tibba and Friendship Peak
- Time or schedule
- About 3 days; mid-May to October
Why it matters
Why Beas Kund Trek is worth your time
Beas Kund is the traditional source of the Beas, the river that flows through Manali and the Kullu valley, so the walk follows the river almost to where it begins. Legend links the lake to the sage Vyasa.
It is one of the easiest high treks from Manali and is often used as a first trek or a warm-up before harder routes such as Hampta Pass.
Because the road reaches Dhundi, the camp at Bakarthach is only a few hours from Manali, which makes the trek easy to fit into a short stay.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Bakarthach meadow
A wide meadow camp beside the Beas, a short walk from the road.
- 02
Beas Kund
A small glacial lake regarded as the source of the Beas.
- 03
Peak views
Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shitidhar and Ladakhi peak around the lake basin.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Most groups drive about 21 km from Manali through Solang to Dhundi, where the road ends, then walk about 4 km along the young Beas through oak, fir and walnut forest to the meadow camp at Bakarthach (about 3,270 m). This is a short first day of three to four hours.
The second day is the main one: about 6 km each way, four to five hours up over boulders, rock and snow to Beas Kund at about 3,700 m (12,100 ft), and back to Bakarthach. The basin is ringed by Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shitidhar and Ladakhi peak. On the third day the group walks down to Dhundi and drives back to Manali.
In May and June there is significant snow on the trail; later in summer the meadows are green. Winter is not recommended because of heavy snow and cold.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book with an operator or registered guide who arranges permits
- Start the lake day early and turn back if cloud closes in
- Wear boots with good grip for the boulder sections
- Arrive in Manali a day early to acclimatise
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Dhundi, above Solang Valley, near Manali
- Time needed
- About 3 days from Manali
- Best time
- Mid-May to October; snow on the trail in May and June
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The lake day is six to seven hours over boulders, rock and often snow at around 3,700 m, so it is only for fit older travellers with medical clearance and a guide. Others can enjoy Solang Valley and the drive up to Dhundi, while fitter family members walk on to Bakarthach and the lake.
- Tickets and access
- Himachal forest and camping permits apply; operators and registered guides normally arrange them. Confirm current fees and rules locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Beas Kund Trek
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The lake day is six to seven hours over boulders, rock and often snow at around 3,700 m, so it is only for fit older travellers with medical clearance and a guide. Others can enjoy Solang Valley and the drive up to Dhundi, while fitter family members walk on to Bakarthach and the lake.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How hard is the Beas Kund trek?
Operators rate it easy for a Himalayan trek, but the lake day is long and rough, and the altitude still needs care.
Where does it start?
At Dhundi, the road end above Solang Valley, about 21 km from Manali.
Is there snow?
Usually in May and June. Later in summer the trail is mostly clear.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
