About Lamkhaga Pass Trek
Lamkhaga Pass is one of the popular choices for Mountain Trekking in
Himalayan Mountain trek-routes. Located in the Indo-China Border at
Dhauladhar Range, connects the north-eastern Garhwal with Himachal
Pradesh. The altitude from sea-level is a dizzy 5326 meters or 17320 ft.
So you can very well imagine how adventurous and breathtaking the
trekking experience of Lamkhaga Pass will be. Trekking teams can choose
two-ways either from Harsil, the beautiful hill-station of the Garhwal
region to end at Chitkul, the last village with inhabitation at Kinnaur
Valley in Himachal Pradesh, or vice-versa. Harsil to Chitkul is the
preferred route of 90 kms trekking by many adventure and jolly-trekking
lovers.
History has it that this enchanting Lamkhaga Pass Trek, which is
comparatively remote by its location, was first crossed and enjoyed by
Marco Pallis in 1933. Actually the Harshil hill-station trekking takes
the route via Gangnani (where the river Gangnani flows from Himalayan
Mountain); Kyarkoti; Sukhatal; Lamkhaga Pass; Gundar; Dumti; Ranikanda
and ends at Chitkul. Since the area is under control of Indian Army,
trekking teams have to get Inner-line Permit from the Deputy
Commissioner at Uttarkashi of Uttarkhand. Here the trekking group can
also have the darshan of God Viswhanath Temple, famous pilgrimage center
for all Hindus in India.
Some of the important camps of Lamkhaga Pass are worth mentioning
here. Harsil is a small town on the banks of River Bhagirathi. Pilgrims
to Gangotri have to pass through this place and the famous bridge, built
by Raja Wilson alias Fredrick Wilson deserting the Indian Army and took
refuge here. Wilson Cottage built in 1864 stands testimony for his
memory, as an awesome huge mansion. The unspoiled scenic beauties of
Harsil and the panoramic view from this high-location (2620 kms above
sea level) are to be seen to be believed. Fresh unpolluted air and water
in a serene atmosphere are bonuses.
Gangnani is the next important scenic location, where swarms of
Gangotri pilgrims take a holy dip in the Natural Hot Water Spring, by
name Rhishikund. Among the chilling glaciers of Himalayan Mountain, this
is a real nature's gift. From Harsil to Kyarkoti the trekking is filled
with watching breathtaking views of snowy mountain-peaks, while
crossing the dense forests of deodar trees, Alpine forests full of
"paper trees" (Bhojpatra) and juniper etc. along with Kyarkoti Bugyals
(meaning Alpine meadows), country-folks called "bakriwale" rearing
flocks of mountain sheep and goats, and running langoors (a type of
monkeys). With some luck, you can even have the chance of seeing ibex
(species of wild goat), snow fox, eagles and mountain crows.
Gundar-Dumti trekking is of 15 kms and will be an enjoyable one, with
the beautiful sceneries all around, when the trek is going upwards and
downwards. Similarly, Dumti to Ranikhanda will be equally fascinating
due to its giving a pleasant feeling, to look around and enjoy the
scenic views Mother Nature is providing for the mankind. Chitkul, the
final destination of Lamkhaga Pass Trek is the highest (11316 ft.) and
last village of Baspa Valley, along the banks of Baspa River. From here
you can view the entire Kinnaur valley and its mountains to happily end
the most thrilling Lamkhaga Pass Trek.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 11 Days
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 5286 mts
Total Trekking : 115 K.M
Lamkhaga Pass Trekking Tour Highlights
- Pass through the lush alpine Kyarkoti Bugyals
- Enjoy the ultimate fun of fishing at Baspa River flows in the Sangla Valley, which is quite known for trouts (freshwater fish).
- Enjoy the glimpses of the land across the border
- The Gaddi Shepherd with their flocks of sheep & goats
- Spot exotic species like Langoor, ibex, snow fox, mountain crow and eagles.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Lamkhaga Pass Trek is in summers (May – June) and Post Monsoon (September – mid October).
Summer: The weather of Lamkhaga Pass Trek remains salubrious
and pleasing during summers. The Himalayas are distinctly visible and
the cool breeze adds charm to the vacation. Carry woolens with you.
After post monsoon: Serenity and solitude are at its best
during post monsoon at Lamkhaga Pass Trek. The region is blessed with
snowfall during winters and the accommodation options also remain few.
But you can see the best of Lamkhaga Pass Trek during post monsoon as it
looks like Heaven on earth.
Where is the Lamkhaga Pass?
Located at an elevation of 17335 feet on the Indo-China border,
Lamkhaga is a high mountain pass that connects the northeastern Garhwal
region to Kinnaur. It's not easy to reach the pass, one will have to
cross narrow paths, craggy moraines, slippery glaciers and even take
permission from the border police force.
How to Reach?
By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport from Harsil, which is around
250 km away. Daily flights are available from here to Delhi, Mumbai,
Bangalore, Lucknow, etc. Second closest airport is Indira Gandhi
International Airport, around 486 km from Harsil.
By Road:
Since Harsil is well-connected with all the major cities and towns of
Garhwal, one can reach here easily by taking a bus or taxi. Uttarkashi
(75 km), Dehradun (217 km), Rishikesh (243 km) and Barkot (122 km) are
the nearest town to Harsil.
By Railway:
Haridwar Railway Station, 250 km from Harsil, is the closest railway
station. Haridwar is well connected by railway networks with major
destinations of India.
Lamkhaga Pass Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh
Early in the morning, we shall catch an Ac train to Haridwar
(scheduled at 6.50 hrs). Upon arrival at Haridwar; meet our
representative who will assist with reaching Rishikesh and hotel
check-in. Evening free to explore the area. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Rishikesh - Harsil (165 kms)
After the breakfast, we shall drive to Harsil, which is 165kms from
Rishikesh. On arrival, check-in to a hotel. Evening is free for
exploring Rishikesh. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Harsil - Kyarkoti 14km/5h trek
After the breakfast, we shall start our first day trek to Kyarkoti
via dense forest. We shall also be passing through several waterfalls.
On arrival at Kyarkoti , we will set our camp for overnight stay.
Day 05: Kyarkoti - Lamkhaga Pass Base Camp 16km/7h trek
Today, we will trek to Lamkhaga Pass Base Camp via a narrow valley. On arrival, we will set our tent and stay overnight.
Day 05: Lamkhaga Base Camp - Lamkhaga Pass (5280 mts/17320 ft) - Gundar (4400 mts/14432 ft) 11km/6h trek
We shall leave for Gundar early morning with our lunch packed. Our
trek today requires crossing the rough boulders to reach the Lamkhaga
Pass (5280 mts/17320 ft). From there, in few hours trekking on a
comparatively easy ground we will reach Gundar. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 06: Gundar - Dumti 15km/6h trek
Post breakfast, we shall trek to Dumti with packed lunch. The trek
requires both trekking upwards and then walking on a gradual descend. On
arrival, overnight stay at camp.
Day 07: Dumti - Rani Kanda 9km/5h trek
Today, we shall explore the scenic beauty of Himalaya from Dumti and
then will begin trekking through lush green meadows to reach Rani Kanda.
Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 08: Rani Kanda - Chitkul 10km 5h trek - Sangla drive 3h
After the breakfast today, we will start our last day trek to Sangla via Chitkul. Dinner and overnight stay at camp at Sangla.
Day 09: Sangla
Today we shall explore Sangla, which is a small village that is
surrounded by high mountains like Kinnar Kailash. It is well known for
trout fishing. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 10: Sangla - Shimla (260 kms/ 8-9 hrs) drive
Post breakfast, we shall drive to Shimla today. On arrival at Shimla
by late evening, we shall check-in to the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 11: Shimla – Chandigarh - Delhi
Today after breakfast drive to Chandigarh and from here catch an AC train for Delhi at 12:00 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 15:25 hrs.
Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Lamkhaga Pass Trek
- Duffel bag Down/synthetic camp booties
- Sunglasses, Light gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Daypack
- One liter water bottles wide mouthed
- Trekking Boots
- Water purification/filter
- Camp shoes/sneakers
- Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Cotton socks
- Note book with pens and pencils
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket Sunscreen / Moisturiser
- Down jacket/vest
- Camp towel/towel/sarong
- Fleece jacket/vest
- Personal toiletries
- T-shirts
- Personal medicines
- Underwear
- Money pouch/belt
- Trekking pants
- Energy bars
- Thermal tops
- Vitamin tablets
- Thermal bottom
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hat and Bandana/scarf
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Wind- and rain-gear with hood
- Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
- One pair cotton trousers or shorts
- Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts One warmer (jacket with hood)
