Overview
Nestled high up in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh lies the serene and spiritual Beas Kund Trek – the sacred lake that is the source of the Beas river. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, Beas Kund is considered to be one of the most beautiful high-altitude alpine lakes in the Himalayas.
The journey to Beas Kund is in itself a thrilling and adventurous trek that passes through some of the most stunning landscapes. The starting point of the trek is Solang Valley near Manali from where you begin the steady ascent along flower-strewn meadows and pine forests. As you gain height, the views become more dramatic with mountains seeming to touch the sky. The atmosphere is charged with divinity and tranquility.
After an arduous but rewarding 8 km uphill trek, you finally arrive at the shores of the glacial Beas Kund. The sight is simply breathtaking. The emerald waters of the lake perfectly reflect the surrounding mountainscape. During summer, wildflowers in vivid shades of purple, pink and white dot the landscape. You may even find small chunks of ice floating in the cold waters of the lake.
Beas Kund: Where Mythology Meets Adventure in the Himalayas
According to Hindu mythology, Beas Kund is the place where Sage Vyas meditated and scripted the epic Mahabharata. It was also the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated and emerged as a learned spiritual leader. A gurudwara located here commemorates his enlightenment. Every year during June, Sikh pilgrims trek to Beas Kund to celebrate the Guru’s anniversary.
While the cultural and spiritual significance of Beas Kund makes it a major attraction, there are also several adventurous activities you can try here. Trekking further upwards takes you to glaciers like Bara Shigri which can be crossed to reach the Chandra Tal lake. The snowy terrain is suitable for skiing too. Camping on the meadows under a blanket of stars is an unforgettable experience.
However, high altitude trekking does require acclimatization and proper preparation. It is advised to carry warm layered clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen and hiking poles for the trek. Stay hydrated and do not overexert yourself. Travel with an experienced guide if possible. Avoid the monsoon season when the route can get slippery and dangerous.
Beas Kund: Where Adventure and Spirituality Converge in the Himalayas
The Beas Kund trek culminates with a spiritual high that remains etched in your memories. The sheer beauty and calm of this Himalayan lake has a therapeutic effect on the mind and body. Trekking to Beas Kund takes you on a journey that is as much mystical and inner, as it is adventurous and outer. Allow the majestic aura of the sacred lake to envelope you in its divine grace.
While trekking to Beas Kund is suitable for fit beginners, there are some more challenging routes in the area for seasoned trekkers. The route from Bakarthach to Beas Kund is a longer and more difficult 16 km uphill trek that takes you through moraine ridges and glacial crossings. The rewarding views of the Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks are simply breathtaking along this trail.
For a moderate 8 km hike, you can start from Dhundi or Solang and pass through the pretty Bakarthach meadows surrounded by towering peaks. Stopping by the gushing Bakarthach river and spending a night camping under the stars at Ali Bedni Bugyal makes for a rejuvenating experience. Do not miss the famous arched tree framing the magnificent view of the Friendship Peak.
Beas Kund to Chandratal: From Serenity to Sapphire Adventure in the Himalayas
The experienced and adventurous can extend the Beas Kund trek further to the Chandratal Lake at an altitude of 4300 m. Crossing over the Beas Kund glacier, the 14 km uphill trek offers stunning views before culminating at the stunning sapphire blue waters of Chandratal. Camping a night here and watching the lake’s color change during sunrise and sunset is an exclusive reward for the challenging hike.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, a spiritual seeker or an adventure junkie, the Beas Kund trek has something for everyone. The raw beauty of the Himalayas, the calm of Beas Kund, and the demanding yet rewarding hikes make this an unforgettable experience. Follow the footsteps of sages and gurus, find your inner peace or challenge your endurance – immerse yourself fully in the mystical aura of this sacred Himalayan lake.
Conclusion
The Beas Kund trek exemplifies the beauty and spirituality that permeates the Himalayas. As you make your way through alpine meadows and glacial valleys to the emerald waters of the sacred lake, you cannot help but feel a deep connection with nature. Allow the serenity of the mountains to still your mind and refresh your soul. This is a journey that stays with you long after you leave the heights of Beas Kund behind.
