KUGTI PASS TREK CONNECTS CHAMBA TO LAHAUL & SPITI
Kugti Pass is the highest altitude pass in the Pir- Panjal range, with superb view of High mountain peaks ,Glaciers and Meadows etc. This trek gives the occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people named as Gaddi (shepherd). How shepherd live their tough life along with their flocks and how the Gaddies are dedicated and faithful to their Gods and Goddess like Lord Shiva, Lord Kartik and Goddess Marali Mata. The Gaddies after spending six months in lower reaches of Kangra and Una District of Himachal Predseh with their flocks comes to Bharmour, stay a while at Bharmour they moves toward Lauhal and Spiti through Kugti and Chobia passes to graze their flocks. Gaddies first take permission to cross the Kugti Pass from Lord Kartik and Goddess Marali Devi.They scarify their few sheep’s to lord Shiva, Lord Kartik and Goddess Marali Devi at Kartik temple to get permission. If someone is not allowed or permitted to cross the pass, and they will not cross the pass and spent their six month near the Kugti ranges and graze their flock in their allotted ranges. Kugti Pass is very risky at the time of snowfall or over fresh snow for tracking. Gaddies also scarify few sheep’s when they are crossing Kugti Pass to the Goddess Marali for safe and easy crossing. Few of shepherd also cross another Pass in Lauhal known as Baralacha pass. The grass of Lauhal and Spiti is much nutrient than other grasses; this is the main reason to go to Lauhal and Spiti with their flocks. The Gaddis return in the month of September from Lahual and same as repeated over the ages.
Trek type: Challenging
Trek Distance: 40 kms
Max.altitude: 5041 metres
Trek time : May – October
Trek Itinerary:
DAY-1 Bharmour -Kugti(2500 m)- Kartik Temple(3000 m)
1. A jeepable road to Kugti village & 7 kilometers on feet
After taking breakfast early in the morning troop will Move to Hadsar via Taxi and continue drive to reach the outskirts of Kugti village. Reaching at end of the road point start trek cross the small stream by a bridge and then gentle walk to reach Kugti village. Kugti is big village and consist of two villages upper Kugti and lower Kugti.There is also Kugti wild life sanctuary here which is rich in Himalayan Flora and Fauna .Enjoy the beauty of Kugti village and then continue trek to Kartik Temple .Take blessings in the temple for safe Journey and then camp near for Night Stay.
DAY-2 Kartik Temple – Duggi(3200 m)
After taking breakfast start trek along the bank of the Budhil stream,cross the stream on wooden and boulder bridge and after few hours you will reach the meadows of Dughi .If possible you can also see Yaks and Churi here. We will continue trek up and down and then reach at Camp near the water stream.
DAY-3 Dughi – Alyas (4200 m)
Post breakfast trek to base of Pass called Alyas locally called Lahesh. 6Km strenuous but enjoyable stage of the trek. The main path keeps following the stream, first toward Eastern side gradual climbing then North Eastern, climbing steeply to reach the grassy plateau of kuddy. As height is gained the tree/ bush line is left behind so Take dry fire sticks of bushes before 2.0 kilometer from Lahesh for night as in night temperature goes below zero at Alyas. Here it turns North East and follows the Kugti pass Alyas, with steadily steep ascent to the Alyas camp . The v-shaped pass between two high ridges can be seen from here. It Takes almost 5 -6 hour run to reach the Alyas camp.
DAY-4 Alyas – Kugti Pass(5041 m) – Alyas
Wake up at 4 AM ,today the trek is totally depending upon the weather and physical condition of tracker. Generally Travelling Guide will not take the risk or allow crossing the passes in bad weather conditions and will wait for clearing the sky. If sun shine then after taking tea and light breakfast start moving ahead very early in the morning to ensure that the snow is frozen for easier walking and if fails to cross the pass before 10 pm otherwise will create big problem as heavy snow winds, rainfall even snow fall can be happen. After a section over moraine, a usually visible track in snow winds upwards, well trodden and with the way. Generally follow the hoof prints of flocks as they invariably pick the safest route through crevassed patches. Just 1.0 km before the pass the path becomes very steep, over loose rocks and snow. On reaching on the top of Kugti Pass view the surrounding mountains, peaks of great Himalayan Range and beautiful view of Manimahesh Kailash, also see the view of both side Alyas and Grechu pass to the North West side. On top of the pass is a simple shrine of Goddess Marali Devi, the goddess of Kugti Pass–symbolised by a few iron trinkets, bells and pieces of colorful cloth. After reaching on the top, rest a while and start moving ahead toward downstream and try to reach at Alyas as soon as possible. From top of pass two hours run to reach at Alyas of Lauhal. On the other side commence with a steep section is too dangerous and required very conscious mind. Carelessness creates big problem. The trek is hardly wide enough to place one foot in front of the other The Alyas (Khodlu) camp ground is 6Km away from the Kugti pass.
DAY-5 Alyas – Jobrang – Keylong
Today the trail heads crosses a ridge then goes down to the Rashil stream. Following the right bank the path descends to a beautiful, situated village called Jobrang, the first habitation on the Lauhal side, overlooking the Chandra-Bhaga River. Later the trail crosses the river by a valley bridge and reaches Shamsha on the Killar – Manali highway. By vehicle or bus transfer to Keylong 1.5 Hours and stay at Hotel.
DAY-6 Keylong -Manali
After Breakfast Drive to Manali 4 Hours and End of The Tour.
INCLUSIONS
Services of skilled and Certified guides, helpers, and cooks
All meals and equipment during the trek.
All Taxes and permits.
Transport
