The Kugti Pass Trek is one of the most stunning and undiscovered trekking routes in Himachal Pradesh, nestled high in the Central Himalayas at approximately 16600 feet. The trek was once utilized to the Gaddi tribes to allow them for their livestock to move in between their Lahaul as well as Spiti valleys, this difficult trail is famous for its steep ascent, rough terrain and treacherous routes. Prior to taking on this challenging trek, previous experience in high-altitude trekking is highly recommendedbefore.
The Kugti Pass Trek is an incredible trek through the landscapes within the Central Himalayas. From the rich cultural town of Bharmour up to the rocky peaks at Kugti Pass (16,600 ft) as well as the tranquil valleys beneath every day, you will be able to enjoy varied landscapes, difficult terrain and breathtaking panoramas. This hike is only for those with a solid adventure background and are prepared, well-acclimatized and eager to take on the excitement and splendor of high altitude trekking throughout Himachal Pradesh.
The adventure starts near Bharmour, a vibrant town of Bharmour near Chamba and Chamba, where you can enjoy the local traditions and hospitality. While you travel along the trail your surroundings change drastically:
- Lush Pine and Deodar Forests: The path traverses lush forests surrounded by vast green meadows with flourishing peach and apple orchards.
- Local life: Meet shepherds guiding their flocks through the hills, and connect with friendly locals.
- Kugti Village Kugti Village is a charming place to visit. Kugti is set in the peaceful Budhil River and thick pine forest, seems like something straight from the pages of postcards.
- sacred temples: Visit the revered Kartik and Mata Marala temples in Kugti village. Local Gaddi community worship these gods for their protection of their livestock.
Kugti Pass Trek is truly an undiscovered treasure that is accessible just to a few. It is a unique mixture of nature beauty–from thick forests and lush orchards to snowfields, glacial landscapes, and a stunning mountain range that surpasses even the most popular Himalayan trekking treks. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience at the highest altitudes, and a bit of culture and unspoiled wildness, this Kugti Pass Trek is the best choice for you.
Best Time for Kugti Pass Trek
The best time to undertake this Kugti Pass Trek trek is between the middle of June and the middle of October. At first, high-altitude passes are surrounded by the snow in a blanket, and as August gets closer, it is when the snow layer slowly diminishes. The season advances, and the valley of Kullu-Manali may have occasional showers, while Spiti is covered in warm sunshine. The temperatures during the day are usually pleasant and sunny, with a range of between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius, however, the temperatures at night can decrease significantly, particularly at campsites with higher elevations. They can drop up to -2-6 degrees Celsius. At the close of the season, from September until mid-October, snowfall along the trail disappears as the temperatures become warmer, with the chance of snow falling occasionally. The days are marked by plenty of sunshine and temperatures between 12 and 18 degC and the evenings are cooler, with temperatures between -6 and 4 degrees Celsius.
Highlights of Kugti Pass Trek
- changing scenery: Enjoy a mix of old wooden structures, beautiful fields and flowing streams. If you keep going through the forest, you’ll come across rocky mountains and vast meadows that are brimming with vibrant wildflowers, as well as the snow-capped mountains.
- The Peak: At Kugti Pass there is a tiny shrine decorated with prayer flags, bells and tridents waits for you. From there, take in breathtaking perspectives of the bare and magnificent Lahaul valley as well as the majestic Manimahesh Kailash peak, and the far Grechu Pass.
- The descent: After soaking in stunning views, start the descent that eventually will lead to the picturesque town in Manali and marks the close of your trek.
Kugti Pass Trek Detailed Itinerary Day Wise
The Kugti Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is an arduous hike through diverse terrains, from dense pine forests and lush orchards to glacial fields and rugged moraines. The trek, which is used by the Gaddi tribes for crossing between Lahaul and Spiti, requires prior high-altitude experiences. Here is a complete day-to-day schedule:
Day 1. Bharmour towards Kugti Village (8,500 feet)
Starting Point & Travel:
- Local: Bharmour (65 km away from Chamba and accessible by taxi or bus from the cities of Pathankot and Chamba.)
- Hotel: Choose a hotel close to the riverbanks of Bharmour to have easy accessibility and lower rates. (Ideal for Manimahesh Yatra season: late august to early September)
Route Details:
- Drive from Bharmour to Dharol (final automobile-accessible stop, ~19 km from Bharmour).
- From Dharol begin an 5.5 km hike to get to Kugti Village.
Trekking:
- Estimated time of walking: 3 hour (5.5 miles)
- The most important landmarks are Hadsar (crossing an iron bridge crossing the Budhil River), apple orchards, narrow dirt roads, and gnarly cracks.
- Get supplies in the store as well as water in Bharmour Note that Kugti has only the basics (lentils and rice).
Highlights:
- Get stunning views of Budhil River.
- Explore the traditional village daily life style and interact with local shepherds leading their flocks.
Day 2: Kugti (8,500 ft) to Duggi (11,000 feet)
Route & Duration:Take a walk along a 7km route that takes about five hours.
Key Highlights:
- Travel across Kugti Village, marked by traditional wooden structures and bright walls.
- Visit a prominent Hanuman statue which signalizes an exit onto a beautiful trail in vibrant apple orchards.
- The gorge is crossed by one bridge. After that, climb gently uphills, with breathtaking panoramas across The Kelang Temple Valley.
- Then, you can reach Duggi Goth, an idyllic camp site surrounded by stunning Cliffs (3,000-4,000 feet) that offer views of sunset and sunrise.
- The shelters that line the way provide safe water and opportunities to rest.
Day 3 Duggi (10,500 feet) from Alyas (13,900 feet)
Route & Timing:The distance covered is 8km in about 6 hours. A early beginning (around 7:15 am) is suggested due to the conditions at high altitude.
Trek Features:
- Start by walking along a rough ridge next to a tributary the Budhil River.
- The bridges are made of wood and walk through vast meadows, with stunning views at Budhil Lake and distant glaciers.
- Duggi Cave Pass is a natural rock overhang, perfect to make an overnight stop when required.
- The climb continues through ridges that are progressively steeper with hairpin-like turns, rough scree until you reach Alyas the high-altitude camping region surrounded by a vibrant field of vegetation, including lush wildflowers.
- Note: Be well-hydrated and be sure to pace yourself through the rough, uneven terrain.
Day 4 Alyas (13,900 feet) from Kodlu Alyas (12,500 ft) via Kugti Pass (16,600 ft)
Route & Duration:A 8km circuit that takes about 11 hours of effort.
Start Early: Begin around 5:00 am.
Ascent to Kugti Pass:
Stages:
- Arise up a mountain in which a stream is formed.
- Continue to climb a second mountain for be able to see a snow-covered area close to the mountain’s base.
- Navigate through a snowfield. Then, explore a rough patch of boulders and stones to get to Kugti Pass.
Summit: Kugti Pass (16,600 feet) is a slender mountain ridge (only sufficient for two hikers) that is surrounded by a tiny monument with prayer flags and tridents and tokens left behind by grateful shepherds.
Descent to Kodlu Alyas:
- Take a descent along a steep, rock-strewn trail dotted with snowfields and glacial moraines.
- In the winter months Ice axes and ropes are necessary.
- Be sure to follow well-marked trails (or local tracks of sheep when it’s not snowing) to reach Kodlu Alyas (12,500 ft), a camping site with choices for tenting and shelter.
Additional Features: The nearby town, Kodlu Nala flows from moraine of glacier, and is lined featuring stone structures that are adorned with prayer flags – a nod to the nearby Kodlu temple.
Safety Reminder: It is essential to make regular stops in high-altitude. Make sure you are acclimatized properly and ready for rapid changes in the weather.
Day 5 Alyas (12,500 feet) up to Rappe (9,500 feet)
Route & Duration: A descent of 4km over about 3 hours.
Route Details:
- Start by ascending through The Kodlu Nala Valley; the trail starts easy but becomes rougher with rocks and occasionally glissades.
- Pass over an old wooden bridge crossing Kodlu Nala and follow a canal that a farm owns.
- Slowly, the landscape is revealed to reveal vast meadows as well as agricultural fields.
- Travel through the villages in the local villages and villages before arriving at Rappe, where transport choices (buses or shared taxis) can connect to Keylong and Manali.
Highlights: Get stunning images across The Chandrabhaga River and Lahaul villages. The descent provides a stunning contrast with the terrain at high altitude that is dotted with lush farmlands as well as traditional villages at the end of the road.
How to Reach For Kugti Pass Trek
Getting to the Starting Point – Reaching Bharmour
- The location: Bharmour is the entrance to the Kugti Pass Trek, located just 65 km away from Chamba.
- By Public Transit: Cabs/Busses – Hire a taxi or shuttle bus between Pathankot or Chamba and Bharmour. Several public transportation options link the two cities.
- By Private Vehicle: You can drive between Chamba/Pathankot until Bharmour. It is generally maintained roads and utilizing local taxis or driving your vehicle can be a feasible choice.
From Bharmour to Dharol and Kugti Village
- Travel by Road: From Bharmour, hire a Sumo or taxi to travel up to Dharol–the last automobile-accessible point (approximately 19 km from Bharmour).
- Trekking Segment: From Dharol the 5.5 km hike will bring one up to Kugti Village (about 8,500 feet). The first leg is essential to get acclimated and supplies stocking.
Essentials for the Kunagalu Betta Trek
Clothing & Footwear
- High-Altitude Clothing The layers of clothing are designed to help quickly changing temperatures.
- Waterproofing: Bring rain gear (poncho or waterproof jacket) particularly during monsoon.
- Strong Trekking Boots They are essential to navigate rough, slippery as well as uneven terrain.
Trekking Essentials
- Backpacks: Ensure it’s comfortable and comes with a raincover.
- Navigation Tools Google Maps and GPS Device and Local trail guides.
- Hydration Take enough water and an option to clean the water in transit.
- First-Aid Kit It includes essentials such as the bandages, painkillers as well as medication for altitude sickness.
