The Kugti Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh is a magnificent yet relatively unexplored route that takes you to a daunting altitude of 16,600 ft. This challenging trek is frequently used by the Gaddi tribes to cross over to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys to graze their flocks and requires experience in high-altitude trekking.
Starting from the bustling town of Bharmour near Chamba, the trek winds through dense forests of pine and deodar, emerald green meadows, vast stretches of apple and peach orchards, gushing waterfalls, and shimmering streams. Along the way, you will often come across shepherds with their flocks of sheep moving through the hilly terrain.
The picturesque Kugti village is your first major stopover on the journey, offering views of the surrounding valleys and the gurgling Budhil River with a backdrop of thick pines. As you proceed further, the ever-changing scenery of wooden houses, striking fields, and flowing streams keeps you engaged with its mesmerizing beauty.
En route to Duggi, do not miss visiting the Kartik and Mata Marala temples, which are highly sacred for the Gaddi people who believe them to be the savior of their flocks and cattle. Negotiating narrow trails, boulder-strewn moraines, and crossing water streams, you enter the Duggi Valley and are greeted with hanging glaciers, lofty mountain peaks, cascading rivers, and lush meadows.
Further on, vast meadows carpeted with colorful flowers, sparkling rivulets, and vast expanses of snow fields lead you to the Kugti Pass, where a small shrine with numerous prayer flags, bells, and tri shuls await you. From the pass, the breathtaking views of the arid and barren mountains of the Lahaul Valley, the Manimahesh Kailash Peak, and the Grechu Pass captivate your hearts and souls.
After spending some time at the pass, you begin your descent, finally ending the trek at Manali. If you are fascinated with high altitudes, nature’s work of art, and nerve-wracking thrills and adventures, the Kugti Pass trek is an excellent choice for you.
Here are some essential information about Kugti Pass:
Arrive in Bharmour, which is the starting point of the trek. Spend the day exploring the town and its surroundings.
Drive to Hadsar, which is the last motorable point before the trek. The distance between Bharmour and Hadsar is around 13 km. From Hadsar, trek to the campsite at Kugti village (2,540 m).
Trek from Kugti village to Duggi, which is a beautiful campsite located in a picturesque valley. En route, visit the Kartik and Mata Marala temples.
Trek from Duggi to Alyas, which is a challenging section of the trek. The trail passes through boulder-strewn moraines, narrow gorges, and a glacier. Alyas is a temporary campsite used by shepherds during the grazing season.
Trek from Alyas to Kugti Pass, which is the highest point of the trek. From the pass, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Descend from the pass and camp at the base.
Trek from the base to Keylong, which is a beautiful campsite located on the banks of the river. The trail passes through lush meadows and dense forests.
Drive from Keylong to Manali, which marks the end of the trek. Spend the day exploring Manali and its surroundings.
Depart from Manali, marking the end of the trip.
Here are some popular places to visit near Rohtang Pass:
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kugti Pass trek:
What is the best time to do the Kugti Pass trek?
The best time to do the Kugti Pass trek is from mid-June to mid-October when the weather is pleasant and the trek route is accessible.
What is the level of difficulty of the Kugti Pass trek?
The Kugti Pass trek is a strenuous trek and is suitable for experienced trekkers with some prior experience in high-altitude trekking.
What is the maximum altitude of the Kugti Pass trek?
The maximum altitude of the Kugti Pass trek is 16,600 feet.
What is the total distance of the Kugti Pass trek?
The total distance of the Kugti Pass trek is approximately 50 km.
What is the duration of the Kugti Pass trek?
The Kugti Pass trek takes around 5-6 days to complete.
What are the accommodation options during the Kugti Pass trek?
During the Kugti Pass trek, trekkers can stay in tents or homestays in the villages along the route.
Do I need to obtain any permits to do the Kugti Pass trek?
Yes, trekkers need to obtain a permit from the forest department before starting the Kugti Pass trek.
Is it safe to do the Kugti Pass trek?
Yes, the Kugti Pass trek is generally considered safe, provided that trekkers follow the guidelines and safety measures prescribed by the trek organizer or guide.
What are the essential items to carry on the Kugti Pass trek?
Some essential items to carry on the Kugti Pass trek include warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, sleeping bag, a tent, trekking poles, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and sufficient water and food supplies.
These are some of the frequently asked questions about Rohtang Pass, providing a basic overview of this popular mountain pass in India.
Some of the major highlights of the Kugti Pass trek include:
The Kugti Pass trek is a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most rewarding treks in the region.
The Kugti Pass trek is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. Here are the ways to reach Kugti Pass:
Bharmour is well connected to major cities and towns in Himachal Pradesh by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Dharamshala, Manali, and Dalhousie to reach Bharmour.
The nearest railway station is the Pathankot Railway Station, which is approximately 180 km away from Bharmour. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bharmour.
The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport in Kangra, which is approximately 190 km away from the town of Bharmour, the starting point of the trek. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bharmour.
Once you reach Bharmour, you can start the trek to Kugti Pass. The trekking trail starts from Bharmour and passes through several villages and hamlets, offering a unique experience of the region’s culture and lifestyle. It is recommended to hire a guide or join a trekking group for the Kugti Pass trek, as the route can be challenging and difficult to navigate for first-time trekkers.