Beas Kund Trek - Welcoming the 'First Time Trekker'

This is a very popular trek in the Manali region and provides possibly the best introduction to alpine mountainscape, for the first time trekker. This easy - moderate trek to the enchanting Beas Kund, which is a glacial tarn and is the source of the river Beas, takes one along the beautiful upper Solang valley, through forests of spruce and silver oak to alpine meadows where the nomadic Gaddi folk graze their sheep and finally to the foot of high summits such as the majestic Hanuman Tibba (5,930 Mts.), Friendship, Shitidhar and Manali peak.

The trek offers a great degree of contrast during the journey. One can spend hours during the walk, interacting with the local folks, exploring Alpine Flowers or walking on the moraine. The trek also provides magnificent views of the lofty Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar range of mountains

SEASON: May - November

MAX. ALTITUDE:   3690 Mtrs (Beas Kund)

NUMBER OF DAYS: 5 days

TREK GRADIENT: Easy – Moderate.

TREK ITINERARY:

Day – 01 (21st October, 2011):  Ludhiana - Manali (2050 M), by surface. 10 hrs (approximately)

Early morning transfer from Ludhiana to Manali by car. Reach Manali by early evening. You’ll be met by a Mystic Himalayan Trails representative, who’ll assist you with hotel check in. morning. Trek briefing before dinner. (Overnight in your hotel)

Day – 02 (22nd October, 2011): Manali - Solang - Dhundhi (2928 Mtrs) – Bakarthatch (3200 M), Trek duration 3 -4 hrs.

After an early breakfast, transfer by jeep to the Solang Valley ski resort & onwards to the Dhundhi roadhead to begin the first leg of your trek. At Dhundhi, if the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with your first view of the beautiful Hanuman Tibba peak. 

(The picturesque Solang valley, with the snow-clad Peer Panjal Mountains at its head)

From Dhundhi, we commence our walk towards the pastures of Bakarthach. Trek through an enchanting mountain valley, along grassy knolls covered with an amazing variety of alpine flora to the lush meadows of Bakarthatch. These meadows are very popular pastures for the Gaddis; a hardy nomadic tribe of sheepherders and you may find huge flocks of sheep grazing peacefully in this pastoral idyll. With luck you may also spot some of native birds and animals of this region, such as Himalayan Choughs, Griffons, Dippers, Red-vented Robbins and the rare Himalayan Green Finch as well as Himalayan Black Bear, weasels, jackals or the shy Himalayan fox. Set camp on reaching Bakar Thach.          

Day – 03 (23rd October, 2011) Bakarthatch - Beas Kund (3600 Mtrs) – Bakarthach.

After an early start and a somewhat initial steep slog, cross over the moraine to reach the glacial tarn of Beas Kund. This is a small alpine lake, which is also the source of the river Beas, one of the major rivers of north India. This spot is also hallowed in Hindu Legends as the meditation spot of the Great sage Rishi Ved – A –Vyas (The author of The Mahabharata )

(The small alpine lake, which is the glacial source of River Beas)

From here the nearby glacial moraine is easily accessible spend some time at the tarn and take in the majestic mountain vistas all around. This spot provides unmatched views of the lofty Hanuman Tibba peak towering at 5,930 Mts. (19455 Ft.).

Day – 04 (24th October, 2011): Bakarthach – Dhundhi – Manali (2050 Mtrs)

After a leisurely breakfast, walk down from Bakarthach to the roadhead at Dhundhi. One can also walk down all the way to Solang along the Solang – Dhundhi link road. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you from either Dhundhi or Solang to Manali.

Day – 05 (25th October, 2011): Manali – Chandigarh (By Surface)

Early morning departure from Manali for Chandigarh. The drive by usually takes around 9 – 10 hrs. Reach Chandigarh by early evening. You can take the 6 o’clock Shatabdi train for New Delhi. Arrive in New Delhi by 10 PM.

Day – 06 (26th October, 2011): Departure from New Delhi.

P.S : For detailed itinerary, Essentials and Trek Costing, please click on this link :  

http://www.terrainspotter.com/uploads/article/BeasKundTrekOctober2011.pdf