Beas Kund Trek

Beas Kund is the source of the River Beas, although the main rivulet rising from the Beas kund is called Solang Nallah, till it joins the stream flowing down from Rohtang Pass. The trek to Beas Kund is along the Solang Nallah.

Beas Kund trek starts from Palchan, near the confluence of the Rohtang and Solang streams where a road branches off to the left (west) to cross the Beas (a little downstream from the confluence). It heads up the Solang Nallah to where the Mountaineering and Allied Sports’ Ski Centre (2,480 m /7 km) is located. Along the motor road, it is a leisurely walk through a forest with the Solang Nallah flowing down on one’s right. On both sides of the road, a large number of hotels have mushroomed in the last decade.

From the car parking area (near the ski centre) a well-trodden path heads north-west to Dhundi (2,800 m / 8 km). The trek passes through a mixed forest of blue pine, deodar, spruce, fir and wild walnut trees. The path ascends gradually over a stone strewn trail before descending to cross to the Solang Nallah left bank over a temporary wooden bridge. Thereafter, the track climbs up still heading north-west to reach Dhundi camping ground.

The Hanuman Tibba Peak dominates the horizon to the west during this climb. A jeep road also goes up to Dhundi where the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Manali, has a study unit.

One can camp anywhere near the abandoned Border Roads Organisation camp or SASE’s study unit. Enough water is available nearby.

The trek from Dhundi starts along the left bank (north side) of Solang Nallah. It climbs up, turns right, or north, and descends to ford a side stream. The Solang Valley narrows down in this stretch. The trail ascends due west to a ridge, turns right and climbs steeply for about 2 km before crossing a log bridge to reach Bakkar Thatch pastures, surrounded by birch trees. Splendid views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges can be seen from here.

After Bakkar Thatch, the trail continues on the right (south side) of Solang Nallah, and winding up, turns round a ridge to the north before dropping down to Beas Kund (3,540 m), a small lake at the edge of a ground. The terrain around Beas Kund suggests that the area was once filled with glaciers that have receded over the years.

Throughout the Beas Kund trek, Hanuman Tibba (5,930 m) has a towering presence on the west. From Beas Kund, apart from Hanuman Tibba, one can see Ladakhi Peak, Shiti Dhar and Manali Peak.

Trekking Options

A difficult 10 hour trek to the south west can enable a trip to the base camp established by climbers attempting to scale Hanuman Tibba.

Return by the same route. Take a taxi from Solang Nallah to Manali.