Himachal Highlights Shimla Manali And Kullu

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.

Himachal situated in the heart of the western Himalaya, identified as "Dev Bhumi" and is believed to be the abode of Gods and Goddesses. The entire State is punctuated with stone as well as wood temples. The rich culture and traditions have made Himachal unique in itself.