The Kugti pass trek is rare and remote – On the lower trails the trek winds through acres of apple orchards, pine forests and over miles of green meadows. Waterfalls are everywhere. Camp sites spring out next to streams and green grass. On the higher slopes, the trail weaves through snow fields, glaciers and ice falls. The thrill of high altitude is intoxicating.
The trek goes through mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and deodar tress. First two Kilometer is a steep ascent but there is a gradual ascent after Galu Devi Temple. The last 1 kilometer is again a steep ascent through the forest. Triund is a flat meadow on top of a ridge. From here panoramic view of Dhauladhar range on one side and Kangra valley on other is a memorable sight. Night stay at tents or private houses.
This is an acclimatization day. After a short ascent from Triund traverse a ridge to reach Laka Got a temporary shepherd camp. Laka Got is situated at the snout of small glacier, which is full of snow and ice in early summer, and the snow melt away during the monsoon. From Laka Got it is a sleep ascent for two km. Over rocky ridge to reach Lahesh Cave. Night stay in the cave of camp at Laka Got.
Climb to Indrahaar pass 4350Mts. Early start is recommended. After climbing Indrahaar Pass lunch at Nag Dal Lake and start Trekking to stay at Chatta in small cave or there is space for camping also.
The stretch up to chatta nullah is 6 km descent and crossing the stream walk over a long pasture land before into a thick forest of pines. Kuwarsi is a small tribal village surrounded by thickly wooded pine trees. Night stay in the village.
The trek goes through thick forest and lush green fields. We came across many small places inhabited by Gaddi people.
It is 12 km from Chanota khas. The trail goes by the side of river Ravi. Night stay at Garola village in Tents.
After 14 km walk from Garola village we reach Bharmour which is situated at the height of 2195mts. Bharmour is a village well connected to Chamba by roads. Stay in guest house is preferred.
After 14 km travel by jeep we start trek from Hadsar to Kugti village. The trail is narrow. We should cross the narrow trail one by one. One has to cross small wooden bridge over stream. Kugti and lower Kugti. The village is inhabited by 1000 people. Kugti village has some shops and civil Dispensary. The people of the village belong to Gaddi tribal and very helpful.
The temple is 5km from Kugti village at the height 10000feet. The temple is dedicated to Bazir of Lord Shiva. Close to the temples is a place for night camping. Trekkers are requested to maintain the sanctity of the temple and other places.
It is 6 hours walk to Duggi through green pastures. The place is very close to the mountain from all sides so one should have good clothes to face the chilly winds of the Pir Panjal range.
Lahesh cave is situated at the bottom of Kugti pass sometimes it snows in the month of July at such a high altitude. Usually it snows in winter months. Lahesh is surrounded by Pir Panjal and Manimahesh Dhar.
It is most exciting and adventurous day of the whole trek. We start early in the morning so that we may reach the pass before the sun rise. It takes about four hours to reach the pass. It is a steep climb up to the pass.
Beyond the pass is big glacier with some hidden and some open craves. We need good equipment and a trained guide to walk over this glacier. After 6 or 7 hours walk we reach at the camping place called Khurlu. Night stay at Khurlu.
After walking 10 km. From Khurlu we reach the first village of Lahul valley. The trek involves the number of ridge crossing and glacier walking. The trail is not easy to loc aye because of rocky path and glacial moraines. Finally crossing a small glacier we reach Rape village for night stay.
Keylong is 22 km for Rape. After 3 hrs. Walk we reach the road head at Sansa. From Sansa it takes another three hours to reach Keylong by jeep. Keylong is the District Head Quater of Lahul and Spiti. There are some good hotels at Keylong. From keylong we can go to Leh or come back to Manali over Rohtang Pass.
Transport Options (Delhi – Mcleod ganj – Delhi)
For travel to Mcleod ganj and back one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is the Gaggal DHM, also known as Kangra Airport, or Dharamshala Airport and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Indigo, Alliance Air , Spice Jet.
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Mcleodganj that cost about Rs. 1200- 1500 per person. These buses depart from Majnu ka tilla every 30 mins. or so and take about 12 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
Weather Details
Summer in Mcleod ganj extends from March to June when the temperature variation is recorded to be ranging between 23°c and 27°c. Mercury sometimes reaches up to 38°c but never goes beyond that. During winters the temperature can drop to -1° and the maximum temperature hardly goes up to 20°c.
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications
The ideal time is from mid-June to mid-September, when the trail is accessible, and weather conditions are relatively stable.
It’s considered a challenging trek, suitable for experienced trekkers. The high altitude, glacier crossings, and steep ascents require good fitness and some prior high-altitude trekking experience.
Yes, permits may be required, especially since parts of the trek go through the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary. Local operators usually arrange these.