About Kugti Pass Trek
One of the most beautiful yet unexplored treks, the Kugti Pass trek
in Himachal Pradesh takes you to a daunting altitude of 16,600 ft.
Frequently used by the Gaddi tribes to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti
valleys to graze their flocks, Kugti Pass proves to be a perfect
gateway. A strenuous climb with difficult terrains and slippery paths,
makes this trek one of the most challenging treks in the Central
Himalayan ranges. An experience in high altitude trekking is a must
before venturing on this intimidating trek.
Area : Himachal Pradesh
Duration : 12 Days (6 days travel/6 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid June - Mid October
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 5090 mts/16700ft
Total Trekking : 60 K.M
Commencing from the bustling town of Bharmour near Chamba, the
winding trails of the trek navigate through dense forests of pine and
deodar, emerald green meadows, vast stretches of apple and peach
orchards, gushing waterfalls and shimmering water streams. You will
often come across shepherds with their flock of sheep moving through the
hilly terrains. Your first major stopover on the journey would be the
picturesque Kugti village from where the views of surrounding valleys
and the gurgling Budhil River with a backdrop of thick pines truly makes
for a picture postcard setting.
As you proceed further on the route, ever changing scenery with
wooden houses, striking fields and flowing streams keep you engaged with
their mesmerizing beauty. Do not miss to visit the Kartik and Mata
Marala temples on your way from Kugti village to Duggi; the residing
deities of these temples are considered to be highly sacred for the
Gaddi people who believe them to be the savour of their flocks and
cattle. As you enter the Duggi valley negotiating narrow trails, boulder
strewn moraines and crossing water streams, the sight of hanging
glaciers, lofty mountain peaks, cascading rivers and lush meadows take
your breath away for few moments. Further, as you move towards your
destination, vast meadows carpeted with colourful flowers, sparkling
rivulets and vast expanses of snow fields greet you on the way finally
leading to the Kugti Pass; a small shrine with numerous prayer flags,
bells and trishuls await you here.
From the pass, the breath-taking views of the arid and barren
mountains of the Lahaul valley, the Manimahesh Kailash peak and Grechu
Pass captivate your hearts and souls. After spending some time at the
pass, you start for your descent finally ending the trek at Manali.
If you are fascinated with high altitudes, nature's work of art and
nerve wrecking thrills and adventures, the Kugti Pass trek is just right
for you.
Kugti Pass Trekking Tour Highlights
- Trek goes through less explored and remote area
- Large verdant meadows
- Numerous Waterfalls in the way
- Campsites by the streams and lush green meadows
- Trail will pass through snow fields, glaciers and icefalls
- Explore the mesmerizing terrain at the high altitude
- A glimpse of Himalayan wildlife at the Kugti Sanctuary.
- Opportunity to get an insight into the lifestyle and culture of Gaddi shepherds.
Best Time to Visit Kugti Pass Trek
The best time to visit Kugti Pass Trek is from mid-June to
mid-October. Early part of the season is when one can witness lots of
snow at the high passes. By the time August comes, the snow cover starts
to decrease. As the season advances, one may be lucky to find rain in
Kullu-Manali Valley and a brightly shining sun at Spiti. Days are mostly
warm and sunny (12-20°C), while the nights are cold, especially at the
high campsites) with temperatures ranging from -2 to 6°C. In the final
phase of the season (Sept to mid-Oct), amount of snow around the trail
reduces, and the weather is pleasant with some probability of snowfall.
Days enjoy good sunshine with temperatures between 12 and 18°C and the
nights get colder with -6 to 4°C.
Where is the Kugti Pass Trek
Kugti Pass is placed at a height of 5,050 m near the picturesque and
remote village of Kugti. It comes under the Pir Panjal Range of Central
Himalayas. From this pass one can reach the Duggi Plain, a grassland
which is perfect for camping. The happiness of reaching the summit would
be awarded with the splendid views of Manimahesh Kailash Peak,
Dhauladhar ranges and also the snow-covered peaks situated outside the
Lahaul Valley. One can also explore the Leah Cave situated at the foot
of the Kugti Pass.
Trek begins from Bharmaur. After 13 km comes Hadsar, from where one
reaches Kugti Village after an ascending and descending trail. To go to
Kugti Village, one needs to go through the village, cross a side-stream
and ascend along the Budhil Gorge. The Keylong Temple and the temple of
Murkula Devi (goddess of Kugti Pass) will come along the route. Climb
towards the alpine meadows will start from the temple. The vast and
rocky Duggi Grassland is situated at the point of union of – Budhil
River and Duggi stream.
How to Reach Kugti Pass Trek?
The nearest town to McLeodganj is Dharamshala. You can reach Dharamshala from Delhi.
By Road: You can take a bus from Delhi. Himachal
Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation operates buses to Dharamshala
from Delhi via Chandigarh. Several private operators also ply buses on
this route.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at
Pathankot. Almost all trains on the route to Jammu Tavi make a stopover
at this station, from where cabs and buses can be hired to reach
Dharamshala/McLeodganj.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Gaggal airport
(21 km). Few carriers like Air India and Spice Jet operate flights that
take around one hour and fifteen minutes to half an hrs from Delhi. You
can take a cab from here.
Kugti Pass Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi - Pathankot (By Train)
By evening catch AC train for Pathankot from New Delhi railway station. Overnight journey.Day 02: Pathankot - Dalhousie (80 Kms)
On arrival at Pathankot train station meet our guide and then travel to Dalhousie. Upon arrival at Dalhousie check into the hotel and in the evening visit the wonderful local sightseeing and attractions of the startling hill station Dalhousie.Day 03: Dalhousie - Kalatop - Khajiyar - Bharmour (110 Kms)
After having Breakfast at Dalhousie we will move ahead to explore the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary, then head towards Khajiyar. Enjoy and explore the charming natural exquisite beauty of the Mini Switzerland and have the lunch. After finishing the lunch we will further move ahead to Bharmour through Chamba. After you reach at Bharmour check into the hotel and afterwards in the evening, be a part of the Aarti at the Chaurasi temples.Day 04: Bharmour - Bharmani Mata Temple & back (6 Kms acclimatization trek)
Having breakfast early in the morning and taking along the packed lunch, the trek to Bharmani Temple begins. Bharmani temple is located at the crest and is about 3 kilometres trek from Bharmour. In the evening we will return back to Bharmour and check into the hotel for the overnight stay.Day 05: Bharmour - Hadsar- Kugti (20 Kms by road and 6 Kms Trek)
After having breakfast in the early morning the troop will move to Hadsar through Taxi then further proceed through the arduous trek involving several inclines and declines on the way to the Kugti village and in a short duration of time we will reach at small station Dhanaul that is about 6 kilometre from Hadsar. After having small rest and relaxing at Dhanaul we will resume the trekking along the left bank of the Budhil River. The trek goes up & down for another ½ hour to reach the bed of Budhil River, covering the total distance of 5 kilometres from Dhanaul. After crossing the tiny stream by a wooden bridge, we ascend persistently for another 1 hour to reach the Kugti village. Kugti is a big village and consist of 2 villages lower Kugti and upper Kugti. Enjoy the exquisite beauty of the Kugti village and spend the left day relaxing and see the sights in the village. Lunch &dinner will be provided at Kugti.Day 06: Kugti - Dughi (3340m/8.5km trek/6 hours)
After having breakfast in the early morning the troop will pass through the village, cross a tiny stream over a wooden bridge, then mount for about ½ hour beside the banks of the Budhil stream. Going on an up and down pathway we will reach at a water point. Afterwards a straight short walk the trail ascends steeply for about ½ hour to reach the Kartik temple. This temple is devoted to the son of Lord Shiva 'Kartik'. The Lord Kartik is believed to be the saviour of cattle from disease and other jeopardy and was brought from the neighbouring Lahaul Valley. The Gaddi Shepherds offer the sheep to Lord Kartik to protect their flocks. After visiting the temple of Goddess Marali and the Kartik temple we will rest here for about 1 hour and then the troop will move forward towards the next destination Dughi. From the temple the trail hikes gradually for ½ hour through the alpine aromatic meadows; descend to the stream, fords it and reach at Dughi camping site. After, having lunch at the Dughi camping site and spend the left day enjoying and relaxing in the midst of natures beauty and after having dinner rest in the tents.Day 07: Dughi – Alyas Base Camp (4250 mts/9 km trek/5 hrs)
The base ground of the passes or the camp sites on the either sides of passes are called Alyas and locally called as 'Lahesh'. After having the breakfast we will move forward from Dughi to Alyas, 6 kilometres demanding, but a very adventurous and enjoyable stage of the trek. The main pathway continues with the stream, first steps forward to the Eastern side gradual hiking then to the North Eastern side, climbing steeply to reach the verdant plateau of Kuddy. As height increases the trees and bush line is left behind. So we will take the dry firewood of the bushes ahead 2 kilometres from Lahesh for the night since the night temperature goes down below zero degrees Celsius at Alyas. Here it turns toward North-East and follows the Kugti pass Alyas, with a gradually steep climb to the Alyas camp site. From this point the V-shaped pass between two high crests can be seen. It will take about 5 to 6 hour run to reach the Alyas camp site, lunch will be offered and you can enjoy the entire day and revitalize the body for the next day's tough voyage.Day 08: Alyas Base – Kugti Pass (5090 mts) - Alyas Base (12 kms Steep climb)
Alyas - Kugti Pass - Alyas is a 12 kilometres track that is totally depended upon the climatic conditions and physical condition of trekkers. Generally the touring guide will not take the danger or permit to cross the passes in bad climatic conditions and will wait for the till the sky clears up. If sunshine, then after having hot tea and light breakfast the we will move forward very in the early morning around 4:00 AM to make sure that the snow is absolutely frozen for a much easier hike and need to cross the pass before 12:00 PM otherwise will create major problems as rainfall, heavy snow, winds, and even snow fall can take place anytime. After a segment over the moraine, a usually noticeable trek in the snow, winds uphill, well trodden and with the way. Generally go after the hoof prints of the flocks as they perpetually select the safest route to pass through the crevasses patches. Just almost 1 kilometre before we reach the pass the pathway turns out to be very steep, over the loose rocks and snow. On reaching at the top of the Kugti Pass view the stunning surrounding mountain, peaks of the great and spectacular Himalayan Range and striking view of the Manimahesh Kailash, also see the wonderful view of the both side Alyases and Grechu pass to the North-West side. On the top of the pass there is a simple shrine temple of the Goddess Marali Devi, the goddess of the Kugti Pass, is symbolised by the some bells, iron trinkets, and colourful cloth pieces. After we reach the top, we will rest for some time and again move ahead towards downstream and aim to reach at Alyas as quickly as possible. From the top of the pass, it is a run for about 2 hours to reach at Alyas of Lauhal. On the other side begin with a steep part of the trail that is too perilous and required very alert mind. Lack of attention and negligence may create immense problem. The track is not really wide enough to place one foot in front of the other. The Alyas (Khodlu) camp site is located 6 kilometres away from the Kugti pass. Dry fruits, refreshments, etc. will be served as a small lunch, later you will be served with some energetic fast food for the dinner.Day 09: Alyas Base Camp – Udaipur / Keylong (8 kms trek and 45 kms by car)
Alyas to Jobrung 8 kilometres, the trail heads crosses a ridge, than goes downwards to the Rashil stream. Following the right bank the pathway descends to a striking village called Jovrung, the first home on the Lauhal side, overlooking the Chandra Bhaga River. Later the trail crosses the river, stream by a valley bridge and then reaches Shamsha situated on the Kilad - Manali highway. By vehicle trail arrives at Udaipur, here we will stay for a night in a Hotel/Guest House.Day 10: Udaipur/Kelong – Manali
After visiting the main temple of Mirkla Mata situated in Udaipur the troop will go to Keylong, Distt. Headquarter of Lauhal. After Kelong we will further move to Manali through Rohtang pass. The troop will stay here for around 1 hour on the top of the Rohtang pass. Upon reaching Manali, here our outdoor team will leave the troop with warm wishes and hopes for further more trips in the future to explore the great Himalaya.Day 11: Manali to Delhi (570 kms/14 hrs)
Half day sightseeing at Manali, visit old Manali, Hadimba temple, Shiva temple and monastery in town are main attraction s, by evening drive to Delhi by AC Volvo coach. Overnight journey.Day 12: Delhi
Arrival at Delhi by morning.Tour & Services End.
Fixed Departure with Dates 2018
| 2nd – 7th July 2018 | 3rd – 8th July 2018 | 9th – 14th July 2018 |
| 10th – 15th July 2018 |
