Hiking in the Himalayas: Beas Kund attempt foiled by snow

The Beas River flows from the upper reaches of the Indian Himalayas, traversing northern India and Pakistan before flowing into the Arabian Sea. Aside from being an important source of hydroelectric power and irrigation, the Beas river also holds historical significance; it appears throughout Hindu mythology and was the ultimate obstacle that marked the end of Alexander the Great’s conquest in the east.

The mighty source of the Beas River is a small, unassuming high alpine lake called Beas Kund. It may not be much to look at, but its location in an amphitheater of gigantic Himalayan peaks and glaciers gives it a stunning backdrop that makes it a popular hiking destination.

At an altitude of about 12,000 feet, I knew that Beas Kund would be a tall task with the late autumn snowfall, but I decided to give it a go anyway. Ultimately snow thwarted my progress, but nonetheless, the scenery was well worth the hike.