TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
4 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,772 ft
A Trek to the Source of River Beas with Terrific Mountain Views
Beas Kund has always been a famous trek around Manali. After all, it takes you right to the source of the river that flows through the town. (You might have followed the very same river upstream while getting into Manali!)
But one of the reasons trekkers loves this trek is the setting. Picture this: Lush green grasslands flourish below the summits of the three biggest mountains around Manali. And hidden in these grasslands is the emerald lake out of which the river Beas emerges.
The contrasting sight of this serene water body nestled in between jagged mountain peaks of the Pir Panjal range adds to the beauty of his setting.
Standing here, there is also a keen sense of being near the source of the raging river you see in the valley below. This emerald kund branches off into streams, tumbling waterfalls right until it converges into the boiling Beas river.
As is the case with every river that feeds a civilisation or settlements surrounding it, the Beas Kund is also associated with a legend.
It is believed that Rishi Vyas, who wrote the Mahabharata took his daily bath in this lake. The term Beas Kund may have been derived from Vyas, the sage; and Kund, a lake.
This combination of big snowy summits towering above you, the greenery of the grasslands, and the lake draw everyone to this trek.
While this trek can be done by beginners, we would advise preparation. The climb from around 8000 ft at the beginning of the trek to over 12,000 ft is no mean feat.
Beas Kund has always been a famous trek around Manali. After all, it takes you right to the source of the river that flows through the town. (You might have followed the very same river upstream while getting into Manali!)
But one of the reasons trekkers loves this trek is the setting. Picture this: Lush green grasslands flourish below the summits of the three biggest mountains around Manali. And hidden in these grasslands is the emerald lake out of which the river Beas emerges.
Beas Kund - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Beas Kund trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
A route map of the Beas Kund trek
Day 1
Drive from Manali to Dhundi via Palchan. Trek from Dhundi to Palchhani Thatch
Drive Distance: 14 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours | Transport Cost: Rs 3,600 per vehicle to be shared by trekkers (non-AC vehicle)
Trek Distance: 1.5 km | Trek Duration: 1 hour
Altitude Gain: 9,317 ft to 10,134 ft
Leave from Beas Bridge, Manali, Manali at 8.30 am. Ensure you have had your breakfast before reaching the pickup point. En route, drop off your cloakroom bag, collect your rentals, and offload if you have opted for it, at Palchan. You will meet your trek leader here. Then you reach your first campsite by 2.30 pm and have lunch there.
Day 2
Palchhani Thatch to Lohali
Trek distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 10,134 ft to 11,050 ft
Day 3
Lohali to Beas Kund and Lady Leg and back to Lohali
Trek distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude gain: 11050 ft to 12,772 ft and back
Day 4
Lohali to Dhundi. Drive back to Manali
Trek distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Altitude loss: 11050 ft to 9,317 ft | Drive back cost: Rs 3,600 per vehicle to be shared by trekkers
You will be back in Manali by 2 pm.. Book a return flight/train ticket from Chandigarh or Delhi. Do not book plane tickets to your hometown from Delhi on Day 4.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
A route map of the Beas Kund trek
IMPORTANT POINTS
- Please note that you will be staying in tents on all days of the trek.
- Trekkers must carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- Unforeseen Changes: In case of heavy rains and the route gets closed, we will reroute to other trails. Please ensure you're mentally prepared in case such situations arise.
Day 1
Drive from Manali to Dhundi via Palchan. Trek from Dhundi to Palchhani Thatch
Drive Distance: 14 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours | Transport Cost: Rs 3,600 per vehicle to be shared by trekkers (non-AC vehicle)
Trek Distance: 1.5 km | Trek Duration: 1 hour
Altitude Gain: 9,317 ft to 10,134 ft
Leave from Beas Bridge, Manali, Manali at 8.30 am. Ensure you have had your breakfast before reaching the pickup point. En route, drop off your cloakroom bag, collect your rentals, and offload if you have opted for it, at Palchan. You will meet your trek leader here. Then you reach your first campsite by 2.30 pm and have lunch there.
Day 2
Palchhani Thatch to Lohali
Trek distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 10,134 ft to 11,050 ft
Day 3
Lohali to Beas Kund and Lady Leg and back to Lohali
Trek distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude gain: 11050 ft to 12,772 ft and back
Day 4
Lohali to Dhundi. Drive back to Manali
Trek distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Altitude loss: 11050 ft to 9,317 ft | Drive back cost: Rs 3,600 per vehicle to be shared by trekkers
You will be back in Manali by 2 pm.. Book a return flight/train ticket from Chandigarh or Delhi. Do not book plane tickets to your hometown from Delhi on Day 4.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
Please note that you will be staying in tents on all days of the trek.
Trekkers must carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
Unforeseen Changes: In case of heavy rains and the route gets closed, we will reroute to other trails. Please ensure you're mentally prepared in case such situations arise.
Day 1: Drive from Manali to Dhundi. Trek from Dhundi to Palchhani Thatch
Drive Distance: 14 km | Duration: 1.5 hours | Cost: Rs 3,600 per vehicle to be shared by trekkers
Trek Distance: 1.5 km | Duration: 1 hour
9,317 ft to 10134 ft
Moderate ascent. Well-marked road followed by forest trails.
Leave from Beas Bridge Manali, at 8.30 am.
You will be driving along the Beas river to Solang and then to Dhundi. At Solang, you can witness the famous ski resort of Manali, which comes alive every winter. En route, drop your cloakroom bag and collect your rentals at Palchan. You will be walking along the roaring beas river on your left. After about 45 minutes of walking you will cross a stream. You will need help from the trek lead to cross this stream during peak monsoons. As soon as you cross the stream, take a right turn on the mountain. A few minutes of steep climbing will take you to your first campsite.
You reach your first campsite by 2.30 pm and have lunch there.
Leave from Beas Bridge Manali, at 8.30 am.
You will be driving along the Beas river to Solang and then to Dhundi. At Solang, you can witness the famous ski resort of Manali, which comes alive every winter. En route, drop your cloakroom bag and collect your rentals at Palchan. You will be walking along the roaring beas river on your left. After about 45 minutes of walking you will cross a stream. You will need help from the trek lead to cross this stream during peak monsoons. As soon as you cross the stream, take a right turn on the mountain. A few minutes of steep climbing will take you to your first campsite.
You reach your first campsite by 2.30 pm and have lunch there.
Day 2: Palchhani Thatch to Lohali
Trek distance: 4 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
10,134 ft to 11,050 ft
Moderate to steep ascent throughout the trek
Carry 2 liters of water from Dhundhi. The first water source is 0.7 km from Dhundi. It is a stream that you will be crossing. Fill your water bottles here as there is no water source available till you reach the next campsite.
The trail begins with a steep ascent as you head deeper into the valley. You'll find pine, birch and even some walnut trees.
Around an hour into the trail, there's a stream that you have to cross. This also serves as a good water source.
After crossing the stream the ascent continues followed by a steep descent. The trail is well marked with blue arrows painted on the boulders. So there's no possibility of getting lost.
Further, from here, around 10-15 minutes into the trail, spot a log bridge that connects to the
other side of the valley (i.e. Bakarthach campsite). This is just to get your bearings right. You will not be crossing the river at this point. Just stay on the same side of the river, on the right-hand side of the valley beside the Beas River.
As you go further you will observe that the tree line has ended and subalpine bushes start. Around 1.6 km into the trek, the entire valley opens up and you can see the boulder sections from where the Beas River flows. You will also be able to see an Ice Wall above the Boulder Sections.
Soon, the trail bends towards the right, into the valley. Once you're in the valley, you will see a stream flowing from the valley. Cross the stream and you have reached the next campsite Lohali.
Lohali is a scenic campsite surrounded by mountains, it makes an ideal camping spot. Your water source here is the stream which flows beside the campsites.
The trail begins with a steep ascent as you head deeper into the valley. You'll find pine, birch and even some walnut trees.
Around an hour into the trail, there's a stream that you have to cross. This also serves as a good water source.
After crossing the stream the ascent continues followed by a steep descent. The trail is well marked with blue arrows painted on the boulders. So there's no possibility of getting lost.
Further, from here, around 10-15 minutes into the trail, spot a log bridge that connects to the
other side of the valley (i.e. Bakarthach campsite). This is just to get your bearings right. You will not be crossing the river at this point. Just stay on the same side of the river, on the right-hand side of the valley beside the Beas River.
As you go further you will observe that the tree line has ended and subalpine bushes start. Around 1.6 km into the trek, the entire valley opens up and you can see the boulder sections from where the Beas River flows. You will also be able to see an Ice Wall above the Boulder Sections.
Soon, the trail bends towards the right, into the valley. Once you're in the valley, you will see a stream flowing from the valley. Cross the stream and you have reached the next campsite Lohali.
Lohali is a scenic campsite surrounded by mountains, it makes an ideal camping spot. Your water source here is the stream which flows beside the campsites.
Day 3: Lohali to Lady Leg to Beas Kund and back to Lohali
Trek distance: 5 km | Duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude gain: 11,050 ft to 12,772 ft and back
Steep ascent all the way to the summit
Carry 2 liters of water from Lohali as there is no water source on the trail.
Start early as you have to trek a height of around 1798 feet. With the distance being just around 1.6 km it’s a steep ascent to Beas Kund.
The trail is well-marked and quite relentless. But the view of the mountains and forests around keeps you company.
After around three hours of ascent, you will reach a meadow at an altitude of 12542 ft (3823m), this place is called Lady Leg, which also happens to be the summit camp of Friendship Peak. Rest here for a while and take some pictures. If the weather is clear, you'll get good pictures of Friendship Peak too.
As you reach the Lady Leg campsite you will see a trail going to the left side of the meadow which goes all the way up to the highest point, which is on a ridge. It is a 15-20 minute climb from the Lady Leg Campsite.
As you reach the ridge look for the lake in the distance.
Note that, you won't be trekking to the banks of the lake but you can enjoy the views of it from the ridgeline
On a clear day, you can catch a stunning view of Pir Panjal Range and Dhauladhar Range up close. Also major peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, Ladakhi and Friendship Peak stand majestically before you. On a really clear day, you can also see peaks like Deo Tibba and Indrasen down the valley.
After spending some time at the summit, retrace your way to Lohali.
Start early as you have to trek a height of around 1798 feet. With the distance being just around 1.6 km it’s a steep ascent to Beas Kund.
The trail is well-marked and quite relentless. But the view of the mountains and forests around keeps you company.
After around three hours of ascent, you will reach a meadow at an altitude of 12542 ft (3823m), this place is called Lady Leg, which also happens to be the summit camp of Friendship Peak. Rest here for a while and take some pictures. If the weather is clear, you'll get good pictures of Friendship Peak too.
As you reach the Lady Leg campsite you will see a trail going to the left side of the meadow which goes all the way up to the highest point, which is on a ridge. It is a 15-20 minute climb from the Lady Leg Campsite.
As you reach the ridge look for the lake in the distance.
Note that, you won't be trekking to the banks of the lake but you can enjoy the views of it from the ridgeline
On a clear day, you can catch a stunning view of Pir Panjal Range and Dhauladhar Range up close. Also major peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, Ladakhi and Friendship Peak stand majestically before you. On a really clear day, you can also see peaks like Deo Tibba and Indrasen down the valley.
After spending some time at the summit, retrace your way to Lohali.
Day 4: Lohali to Dhundi
Trek distance: 4 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude loss: 11,050 ft to 9,317 ft
Easy. Mostly descending.
Today’s trek is an easy one, you get back to Dhundi through the route you came up from. It takes 5-6 hours to reach Dhundi.
Today’s trek is an easy one, you get back to Dhundi through the route you came up from. It takes 5-6 hours to reach Dhundi.
Moderate
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, we consider several factors while rating the difficulty of a trek. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. We rate a trek as easy, difficult or somewhere in between.
The Beas Kund trek is classified as a moderate trek. You start from an altitude of 9,317 ft at Solang Valley and you reach the highest point of 12,772 ft at the lake at Beas Kund.
This means you gain around 3,455 ft over just three days of trekking.
This can make the trek quite demanding. Before you get on the trail, we'll ensure you're fit enough to do the trek by checking your fitness level. We need your help with this.
Safety on the Beas Kund Trek
Beas Kund is a safe trek to do. Provided you have done your research, prepared well and are well-equipped and carrying the necessary trekking gear.
Indiahikes stands for safety. One of the big reasons why thousands of people choose to trek with Indiahikes every year is because of the safety that Indiahikes bring in. We have pioneered safety systems in India. And we are known across the trekking world as the safest organisation to trek with.
Most modern safety processes that you see on treks today have been brought in by Indiahikes. You will notice how these systems, processes, and people keep you extremely safe on the Beas Kund trek. You will notice our concern for safety in every small interaction with you -- in our WhatsApp messages, in our emails, and even in our phone conversations.
We do not take safety lightly. Neither must you.
Spend time reading this page in great detail. It contains information that will keep you safe on the Beas Kund trek.
Being mentally prepared for the trek is as important as being physically prepared to stay safe. For this, it is crucial to have a clear mental picture of the trek.
1. While walking on the snow-bound trail in June, ensure your microspikes are worn before you step on snow. Hard snow is extremely prone to slips. A small slip can result in injuries like a ligament tear, a sprained ankle or even a fracture. Always put your foot on footholds made by earlier trekkers. Look out for deep footholds. Do not try to make new paths of your own.
If you're trekking with Indiahikes, your Trek Leader will let you know when to wear the microspikes. Indiahikes technical team will lead you in this section. A technical team will make the footholds required for trekkers to step on. This section does not require ropes.
However, if the snow is feeble, the technical team will use ropes to take the team forward. The technical team will also be assisted by the Indiahikes Trek Leader.
2. When it rains a lot in the months of July-August, the trail becomes muddy and slushy, be careful of the slushy sections which are very slippery. Use shoes that have a good grip on slippery terrain. A slip on these sections will result in a fall and you will injure yourself badly, especially on the narrow sections of the meadow with a deep valley down below. Here's a complete guide to choosing the best trekking shoes.
3. Probability of getting lost: The trail disappears in the meadows on many occasions. So, it is risky to trek solo to Beas Kund if you are not well versed in the region.
| Safety Advice: Hire a competent guide or sign up with a responsible trekking organisation for this one. You must also download the GPX for the Beas Kund trek before venturing on this trail.
Weather plays a big role in whether you are safe on a trek or not, especially because the Beas Kund trek happens in monsoon months. Here are some of the weather-related issues that can play an important role in your Beas Kund trek.
It can rain abruptly at any time on your trek. Usually, low pressures over a region can cause rain, even though the next valley may be bone dry! Rain at the lower slope can mean a dusting of snow on the upper slope.
However, rain that lasts more than four hours can change your trek plans. It can flood the trails or make them too slushy to walk safely on. Some normal sections can become very slippery.
| Safety Advice: Always carry a rain jacket or poncho on your trek. Think of investing in the waterproof socks at the Always carry a rain jacket or poncho on your trek. Think of investing in the waterproof socks at the Indiahikes store. This keeps your feet dry at all times. On a trek, a dry foot is a difference between a happy and a miserable trek.
If the rain becomes heavy with winds, stop where you are. Take shelter under a tree. Ensure the tree is within a forest and not a lone tree. Wait for the rain to ease before venturing again. Do not wait for the rain to completely stop. A drizzle is safe enough for walking.
You start from an altitude of 9,317 ft at Solang Valley and you reach the highest point of 12,772 ft at the lake at Beas Kund.
This means you gain around 4,616 ft over just three days of trekking.
This can make the trek quite demanding. Before you get on the trail, we'll ensure you're fit enough to do the trek by checking your fitness level. We need your help with this.
If you are trying to do this trek within a day, pay close attention to your body. Stay alert for any signs of altitude sickness.
Attend to your uneasiness and take curative measures. Check oxygen levels, go on a curative course of Diamox, drink water and rest. If you do not feel normal after a few hours or overnight, do not proceed further on the trek.
Here’s a Complete guide to Acute Mountains Sickness, HAPE and HACE:
In case of an AMS emergency before or after reaching Beas Kund, you will need to return to Dhundi. If a medical emergency occurs before or after the lake, then Manali is where you would need to go to get to a hospital. Manali is an hour’s drive from Dhundi.
Mission Hospital in Manali is the closest one to Beas Kund, in case of a medical emergency during the trek.
Address: Model Town, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh – 175131
Phone: +911902252379
Manu Diagnostics Center and Hospital is another option.
Address: Snowdrop Hotel building, Gompa Road, opposite Buddhist Monastery, Manali, Himachal Pradesh – 175131
Phone: +919418083587
| Note: As India’s safest trekking organisation, we ingrain safety aspects in the people we work with, in the processes that we follow and in the equipment we carry. Here’s how we at Indiahikes are ensuring that we make you trek the safest
Beas Kund from mid-June to mid-July
Temperature in Summer: Day time: Between 15 °C and 20 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 1 °C and 5 °C.
Snow / Rain in Summer: Despite it being summer, expect snow patches on the ground.
Number of warm layers recommended in Summer: 4 layers (cold is subject to wind, moisture and other factors.)
At the beginning of the season, around mid-June, you will find a lot of snow at Palchhani Thatch. The trek is just starting to emerge from the snow. During this time, you will find many traces of winter lingering on the trek.
The most prominent being a frozen Beas Kund, surrounded by snow. The ice begins to thaw only as July descends.
Even though the meadows are a highlight of this trek, they emerge only as the monsoon season deepens.
Beas Kund from mid-July to mid-August
Day time: Between 13 °C and 18 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 1 °C and 5 °C.
Presence of Snow / Rain: Snow has melted by mid-July. Expect heavy rain in the afternoon. Carrying a poncho is compulsory.
Number of warm layers recommended: 4 warm layers
As the season progresses into July, the blanket of snow starts lifting. You still find some snow on your final ascend to Beas Kund, especially in early July, but most snow on the trek has melted.
The frozen Beas Kund has also started melting in small concentric circles. Parts of it are still icy, but the ice is thinning. Meadows around the lake also start emerging as you pass mid-July.
Now, the monsoon is also at its peak. Rains become frequent and clouds usually glide in unannounced shrouding the lake and the trail.
Beas Kund from mid-August to September
Day time: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 0 °C and 3 °C.
Presence of snow: The snow is gone, and the terrain is replaced with lush greenery.
Number of warm layers recommended in Autumn: 4 warm layers
Like a climax, the last leg of the season is set up on a grand stage with lush meadows.
The snow is gone. Beas Kund flaunts a deep royal blue colour with green grass and flowers blooming around it. It is a sight to behold.
Monsoon is receding now and blue skies have started peeping out. It’s a great time to catch the arresting views of the underrated mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
When you camp at Lohali, you see the Dhauladhar range rising tall with the seven sisters, Hanuman Tibba, Mt Manali, and Shitidhar among many others. These views sparkle under the brilliant blue sky as autumn emerges in September.
Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary.
Example: If your trek start day is 25 September, then book your air tickets for 24 September to either Chandigarh or Delhi.
There are two options for your flight tickets.
Option 1: Fly directly to Chandigarh
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Manali. It also makes your travel timeless. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Chandigarh is too high, book to Delhi and travel to Manali by bus.
Tip: Land at the Chandigarh airport and directly head to Sector 43 (which is the main Interstate bus terminal of Chandigarh). You get AC airport buses to Sector 43, from just outside the arrivals. It is about 10 km and the buses run every half hour or so. A ticket costs Rs 60 for these buses.
Always target to reach Chandigarh by around 7.30 pm. It takes an hour or so to get out of the airport and get to ISBT in Sector 43. Getting a bus connection to Manali may take about half an hour or so. It is usually a 9-10 hour bus journey to Manali (294 km on mountain roads).
Avoid reaching Chandigarh post 7.30 pm, unless pushed to it. We recommend travelling by bus with Lakshmi Holidays. They are clean, affordable and usually run on time.
Pro Tip: If you are in a group of 3-4, then it may make sense to take a taxi from Chandigarh airport to Manali directly. A taxi charges about Rs 3,200 for the trip. You can book a taxi from Goibibo or Ola in advance. We use this system often.
Option 2: Flying to Delhi
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Chandigarh. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 4.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Minus One and not on Day 1.
Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Chandigarh is less than Rs 1,000 then book directly to Chandigarh. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
Bus to Manali: Take the bus before 6 pm from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to the Manali Bus Stand. It is a 13-14 hour bus journey from Delhi to Manali. Take a bus that leaves Delhi at around 5.30 pm. We recommend travelling by bus with Lakshmi Holidays. They are clean, affordable and usually run on time.
Option 3: Flying to Bhuntar
Flying to the Kullu Airport is a risky and expensive option as it is a small airport and flights can get cancelled easily if the weather is bad. Make sure to book a flight that reaches before 9.00 am. You must arrive in Delhi/Chandigarh on Day Minus One and not on Day 1.
Cab to Manali: There are cabs available right outside the airport. They will charge around Rs. 2500 from Bhutar to Prini (Manali).
Planning your return flight/train booking
Booking your return tickets requires some thought. First, always book your return ticket keeping in mind the monsoons. It generally causes delays on the mountain roads with slower-moving traffic.
Option 1: Flying out from Chandigarh
Assuming you have stayed at Manali the day before, take a bus to Chandigarh. Book a flight that flies out of Chandigarh post 8 pm. It takes about 10 hours to travel from Manali to Chandigarh by bus. And a further one hour from Chandigarh ISBT at Sector 43 to Airport by bus.
You get buses at the Manali bus stand from 8.30 am onward.
Tip: You can also choose to share a cab with 3-to 4 fellow trekkers from Manali to Chandigarh.
Option 2: Flying out of Delhi
Assuming you are not staying overnight at Manali, you get buses to Delhi starting at 5 pm from the Manali Bus stand. The travel time to reach Delhi ISBT is around 14-15 hrs. If you are booking a flight from Delhi and taking a bus, then book a late morning flight post 9 am.
Tip: Experience the different cafes in Manali and take a night bus after 9 pm to Delhi. Then onward flight to your cities on the evening from Delhi.
Option 3: Flying from Bhuntar
Book a return flight from here on Day 7. Again, this is an expensive and risky option due to the monsoon season. Flights can get delayed or cancelled.
Cab to Bhuntar: Pre-book your cab to the airport. They will charge around Rs. 2500 from Prini (Manali) to Bhuntar. Your hotel can help you arrange for the cab.
Planning your hotel/stay
Booking stays in Manali is fairly easy. There are quite a few hotel options available.
Tip: Book a hotel nearby the pick-up point.
Important note
Ensure you leave at around 6 pm the previous evening so that you are well on time for the pick up in case of unexpected delays in reaching Manali.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
1. Trekking Shoes:
Beas Kund Trek requires sturdy trekking shoes, has good grip, has ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
| Rental: We have the Trek series and the MH series are available for rent from the Crosstrek Rental store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean. Rent here - MH 100 and Trek 100.
2. Backpack:
For a trek like Beas Kund, you need a 30-40 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
| Rental: The 55-litre backpack is available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack. Rent here.
3. Clothes:
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required.
Base layer:
3 T-shirts:
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them.
3 insulation layers:
The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 12,772 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 3 insulation layers for this trek.
You will need 2 light fleece layers and 1 full-sleeve light sweater. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
1 Outer layer:
A padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
| Rental: Padded jackets are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. They are custom-made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter. Rent here.
Two trek pants:
Two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry two just in case it rains. Trek pants with zippered cut off at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon in case of small stream crossings/rain.
| Buying tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.
| Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trekking pants -- so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Beas Kund without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses:
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. On a trek like Beas Kund, you are in a permafrost region (there’s snow all around the year). Expect to walk on long stretches of snow. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
| Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
| Rental: The polarised hiking sunglasses are available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a pair of sunglasses. Rent here.
Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens.
2. Suncap:
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Buying Tip: The Crosstrek suncap is available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. It is custom-made for our Himalayan treks with UV Protection and an adjustable strap. Buy here.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic hand gloves:
On a trek like Beas Kund, you are going to be handling snow quite a bit. You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.
| Buying tip: The Crosstrek Waterproof gloves are available at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Buy here.
4. Woollen cap or Balaclava:
Ensure these cover your ears. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. Do not get a woollen cap that only covers your head.
| Buying Tip: The Crosstrek Fleece cap and the Crosstrek neck warmer are available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. Buy here - Crosstrek Fleece Cap and Crosstrek Neck Warmer.
5. Socks (3 pairs):
Apart from two sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry. As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
| Buying Tip: Waterproof socks are available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Buy here.
6. Headlamp:
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Beas Kund trek, you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents and hold your trek poles.
| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
| Rental: Headlamps are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
7. Trekking pole (a pair):
Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Beas Kund trek, there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
8. Rainwear:
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
| Rental: High-grade ponchos are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
9. Rain cover for your backpack:
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain-covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Rental Tip: Rain covers are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Pro tip: It's good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
10. Daypack (20-30 ltrs, optional):
In your daypack, you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, a headlamp, some snacks and a warm layer. Your main backpack that carries most of your equipment is accessible only at the campsites.
A daypack is a smaller backpack that is usually of 20-30 ltr capacity. Laptop bags are not daypacks. Do not get them.
Other mandatory requirements
1. A toilet kit:
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics -- toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
| Pro tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Beas Kund.
| For women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery:
Carry a lunch box, a coffee mug and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest. Watch this video on why steel cutlery is better than plastic.
| Rental Tip 1: Tiffin boxes can be rented at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Buying Tip: The 'Trekker for Life - All purpose mug' is available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. Buy here.
| Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack: Beas Kund has many hours of trekking every day. You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one of the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.
| Rental Tip 2: You could rent lightweight thermos flasks from the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Rental Tip 3: Water bottles can be rented at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
3. Plastic covers:
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
Useful videos to help you with your gear:
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to the base. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Beas Kund trek.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
| Pro tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
We do have ponchos, backpacks, shoes, and trekking poles available for rent. You can order them online here. You receive your rental gear after you set off from Manali to start the trek.
May to July and September to October are the best months for the Beas Kund trek.
Beas Kund climbs up to around 12,700 ft. Expect it to be very cold even in summer.
In May, June, and July, the temperatures could drop to around 1-2 degrees at night and lower if there is snow.
In September and October, there won’t be snow, but the temperatures could drop to 3-4 degrees post sundown.
If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings. When it rains at the campsite, we usually get together in the dining tent and play games. The tents that you will be staying in, the dining tent, kitchen, and toilet tents are all waterproof, so you will stay dry inside.
You are likely to find snow on this trek in June. However, this depends on the amount of snowfall that happens in the preceding winter.
Manali would be the last place where you will find electricity and charging points on the trek. There might be an intermittent network a little after Solang Valley, but don’t bank on it. Make all your important calls beforehand.
Beas Kund is a 4-day trek. Accommodation will be in tents on all the days – each tent will be shared by two trekkers. The tents will be provided by Indiahikes. We will also put up toilet tents – the number will vary according to the size of the group.
Yes you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
Having too many mules on a trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack.
The total cost of offloading on the Beas Kund trek is Rs 1,680 including tax.
Beas Kund Videos
Photo Gallery
Expert Speak
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Beas Kund trek.
What I Like About the Beas Kund Trek
What I Like About Beas Kund Trek
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Beas Kund trek.
1. An Amphitheatre of Big Mountains
The Beas Kund trail offers you close, base-to-summit views of big mountains of Manali like Friendship Peak, Shitidhar, Ladakhi and Hanuman Tibba. This is just within four days of trekking! These kinds of views of a mountain are usually gifts given to mountaineers and hardcore trekkers – after days of rigorous trekking.
No wonder mountaineering institutes establish their base camp on this trail to train aspiring mountaineers in snow and ice craft. On a clear day, you’ll also be able to spot Mt Indrasen, Deo Tibba and more peaks from the Pir Panjal range.
Mt. Hanuman Tibba as seen from Beas Kund trek. Photo by Akhil Menon
2. The grasslands of Bakarthach and Dhundhi
Just below these tall mountains are the big grasslands of Bakarthach and Dhundhi. Bakarthach is a shepherd’s field, filled with grazing sheep and bovine. Tiny streams spread around this lush meadow. It is a marvellous expanse of greenery! Dhundhi, on the other hand, is the grassland you camp on at the beginning of your trek. At this campsite, you see the Beas River tumbling noisily on one side and a plethora of blooming flowers on the other.
Flowers are blowing in meadows at Lohali campsite. Picture by Jothiranjan
3. Trekking In Ancient Deodar Forests
Just five minutes into the trail, ancient deodar trees rise, creating a dense coniferous forest. They are so tall that you’ll not be able to see the treetops even if you crane your neck. You can also spot pine and maple trees. It’s hard to believe that this place is just 15 km from the bustling town of Manali.
The trail towards forests of Deodhar. Picture by Jothiranjan
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