Kugti Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

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.

Essential Information About Kugti Pass Trek

Here are some essential information about Kugti Pass:

  • Duration: Delhi to Delhi in 10 days. 6/7 days of trekking
  • Prerequisite: Prior multiple high altitude trekking experiences along with good physical fitness is required.
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Geo Coordinate: 32°31’41.9″N 76°49’55.6″E (Kugti pass)
  • Trail Length: Approximately ~ 55 Km
  • Highest Point: Kugti Pass ~ 4980 m/16,335 ft
  • Access: Reach Pathankot in Punjab and then drive to Bharmour via Chamba, 180 Km. Exit through Manali.
  • Seasons: June to September

Itinerary for Kugti Pass, An adventure Trek from Bharmour

  • Day 1: Arrival in Bharmour

    Arrive in Bharmour, which is the starting point of the trek. Spend the day exploring the town and its surroundings.

  • Day 2: Bharmour to Hadsar (2,100 m)

    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).

  • Day 3: Kugti Village to Duggi (3,450 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.

  • Day 4: Duggi to Alyas (4,330 m)

    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.

  • Day 5: Alyas to Kugti Pass (5,040 m)

    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.

  • Day 6: Base to Keylong (3,350 m)

    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.

  • Day 7: Keylong to Manali

    Drive from Keylong to Manali, which marks the end of the trek. Spend the day exploring Manali and its surroundings.

  • Day 8: Departure

    Depart from Manali, marking the end of the trip.

Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and requirements.

Places to Visit Near Kugti Pass

Here are some popular places to visit near Rohtang Pass:

  • Bharmour: Bharmour is a small town located near Kugti Pass, and it is famous for its ancient temples, including the Chaurasi Temple Complex, which has 84 ancient temples. Bharmour is also a base for trekking to Kugti Pass and other nearby destinations.
  • Kugti Village: Kugti Village is located on the trek route and is famous for its scenic beauty, traditional wooden houses, and apple and peach orchards. The village offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Budhil River.
  • Kartik and Mata Marala Temples: The Kartik and Mata Marala Temples are located on the route from Kugti village to Duggi. These temples are considered sacred by the Gaddi people and offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.
  • Manimahesh Lake: Manimahesh Lake is a holy lake located at the base of the Manimahesh Kailash Peak, which is considered sacred by the Hindus. The lake is located in the Bharmour region and can be accessed by trekking from Hadsar.
  • Keylong: Keylong is a small town located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the Bhaga River and is known for its scenic beauty and traditional houses made of wood and stone.
  • Udaipur: Udaipur is a small town located in the Lahaul valley and is known for its ancient temples and monasteries, including the Trilokinath Temple and the Mrikula Devi Temple. Udaipur is also famous for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for trekkers.
  • Chamba: Chamba is a historic town located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its ancient temples, including the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and the Chamunda Devi Temple. Chamba is also famous for its handicrafts and traditional art forms.
  • Khajjiar: Khajjiar is a hill station located near Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its scenic beauty and is often referred to as the “mini-Switzerland” of India. Khajjiar has a small lake, a golf course, and a wildlife sanctuary.
  • Dalhousie: Dalhousie is a hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its scenic beauty, colonial architecture, and ancient temples. Dalhousie has several trekking trails, including the Dainkund Peak trek and the Ganji Pahadi trek.
  • Lahaul Valley: The Lahaul Valley is a high-altitude desert located in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. The valley is known for its stark beauty, ancient monasteries, and traditional villages.
Note: The accessibility of these places may vary depending on weather and road conditions. The trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of the Gaddi people who use the pass to graze their flocks. The trek route also offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, waterfalls, and forests.

FAQ’s Kugti Pass Trek

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.

Highlights of the Kugti Pass Trek

Some of the major highlights of the Kugti Pass trek include:

  • Challenging terrain: The Kugti Pass trek offers a challenging terrain with difficult terrains and slippery paths, making it one of the most difficult treks in the Central Himalayan ranges.
  • Stunning landscapes: The trek offers stunning views of dense forests of pine and deodar, emerald green meadows, vast stretches of apple and peach orchards, gushing waterfalls and shimmering water streams.
  • Cultural experiences: The trek takes you through several traditional villages and hamlets, offering a glimpse into the unique culture and lifestyle of the Gaddi tribes.
  • Sacred shrines: The Kugti Pass trek features several sacred shrines and temples, including the Kartik and Mata Marala temples, which are considered highly sacred for the Gaddi people.
  • High altitude trekking: The trek takes you to a daunting altitude of 16,600 ft, offering an exhilarating experience of high altitude trekking.
  • Views from the Kugti Pass: The breathtaking views of the arid and barren mountains of the Lahaul valley, the Manimahesh Kailash peak, and Grechu Pass from the Kugti Pass are some of the most memorable experiences of the trek.
  • Camping: The trek offers several opportunities for camping amidst the stunning landscapes of the region, providing a unique experience of wilderness camping.

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.

How To Reach Kugti Pass Trek

The Kugti Pass trek is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. Here are the ways to reach Kugti Pass:

By Road

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.

By Train

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.

By Air

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.