Walks Along River Beas
The view from the South river bank in end April 2019. Dehra town is on the North bank. Dehra bridge on river Beas is visible at the far end of the river.
Beas river is about 3-400 m down-hill from Vayu Kutir along a road through the forest. Riverside walks along the river are a highly recommended activity for guests.
Vayu Kutir as seen from the bank of Beas river
The months of April and May, when river Beas is fed largely by melting snow, are perhaps the best for river walks for Vayu Kutir guests. The current is moderate, water levels low, and the river water blue and pristine.
During rainy season, strong flow and catchment area floods cause silt several meters in depth to be deposited along the river banks. By March end, eroded by wind, the layered silt recedes away from the river bank clearing an area for walking on sand & river stones.
By the end of the monsoon rains, Pong reservoir is full to the brim and the water is muddy. As the silt settles, the water starts to turn blue.
A full to the brim Pong reservoir on October 2, 2018
Walks along the river still remain a joy during the above time period though you have to keep around 100 m away from the flowing river avoiding slush and soft ground. On days when there is no active rain or storm system, it is best to walk during the cool hours of morning and evening.
From October onward Pong reservoir level begins to recede exposing the silt underneath. You have to avoid stepping on the silt till it's completely dry, a process that can take several months. The good part is ambient temperature drop makes walking a pleasure anytime of the day.
