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Duration : 12 Nights
Destination Covered : Delhi – Pathankot- Dalhousie - Kalatop - Khajiyar - Bharmour - Hadsar - Kugti - Dughi - Alyas Base Camp – Udaipur - Manali - Delhi
One of the most beautiful yet unexplored treks, the Kugti Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh takes you to a daunting altitude of 16,600 ft. Frequently used by the Gaddi tribes to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valleys to graze their flocks, Kugti Pass proves to be a perfect gateway. A strenuous climb with difficult terrains and slippery paths, makes this trek one of the most challenging treks in the Central Himalayan ranges. An experience in high altitude trekking is a must before venturing on this intimidating trek. Commencing from the bustling town of Bharmour near Chamba, the winding trails of the trek navigate through dense forests of pine and deodar, emerald green meadows, vast stretches of apple and peach orchards, gushing waterfalls and shimmering water streams. You will often come across shepherds with their flock of sheep moving through the hilly terrains. Your first major stopover on the journey would be the picturesque Kugti village from where the views of surrounding valleys and the gurgling Budhil River with a backdrop of thick pines truly makes for a picture postcard setting.
As you proceed further on the route, ever changing scenery with wooden houses, striking fields and flowing streams keep you engaged with their mesmerizing beauty. Do not miss to visit the Kartik and Mata Marala temples on your way from Kugti village to Duggi the residing deities of these temples are considered to be highly sacred for the Gaddi people who believe them to be the savour of their flocks and cattle. As you enter the Duggi valley negotiating narrow trails, boulder strewn moraines and crossing water streams, the sight of hanging glaciers, lofty mountain peaks, cascading rivers and lush meadows take your breath away for few moments. Further, as you move towards your destination, vast meadows carpeted with colourful flowers, sparkling rivulets and vast expanses of snow fields greet you on the way finally leading to the Kugti Pass; a small shrine with numerous prayer flags, bells and trishuls await you here. From the pass, the breath-taking views of the arid and barren mountains of the Lahaul valley, the Manimahesh Kailash peak and Grechu Pass captivate your hearts and souls. After spending some time at the pass, you start for your descent finally ending the trek at Manali. If you are fascinated with high altitudes, nature's work of art and nerve wrecking thrills and adventures, the Kugti Pass trek is just right for you.
In the evening catch AC train for Pathankot. Overnight train journey.
On arrival Pathankot meet our representative and drive straight to Dalhousie. After reaching Dalhousie, check into the hotel. In the evening, visit local sight seen of Small Hill station Dalhousie.
After Breakfast in the morning, we will proceed to visit the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary and then to Khajiyar. Enjoy the beauty of Mini Switzerland and take lunch in the afternoon. After lunch, we will move to Bharmour via Chamba. After reaching Bharmour, check in to the hotel. In the evening, join the Aarti at Chaurasi temples. An overnight stay at the hotel in Bharmour.
Today early in the morning after breakfast, we will be leaving with a packed lunch and trek to Bharmani Temple. Bharmani temple is situated on the ridge and is a 03 km trek from Bharmour. In the evening, return back to Bharmour and check into the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast early in the morning, we will move to Hadsar via Taxi. Further, we will move through the strenuous trek involving several ascents and descents to the Kugti village and will reach shortly at small station Dhanaul 6 kilometres from Hadsar. After a small rest at Dhanaul, we will continue trekking along the left bank of Budhil river. The trail goes up and down for another half and hour to reach the bed of Budhil River covers a total distance of 5 km from Dhanaul. After crossing the small stream by a wooden bridge, climb strenuously for another one hour to reach Kugti village. Kugti is a big village and consist of two villages upper Kugti and lower Kugti. Enjoy the beauty of Kugti village and spend the left day in the village. Lunch and dinner will be provided at Kugti. Enjoy an overnight stay in Kugti.
After taking breakfast, have early in the morning troop will pass through the village, cross a small stream over wooden bridge, then climb for half an hour along the bank of the Budhil stream. Going up and down will reach at a water point. After a straight walk of half hour the trail climbs steeply for half an hour to the Kartik temple. The temple is dedicated to the son of Lord Shiva, known as Kartik. The Lord Kartik was brought from the adjoining Lauhal Valley and is believed to be the saviour of cattle from disease and other danger. The Gaddi Shepherds offer sheep to the God Kartik to protect their flocks. After taking rest at Kartik temple and the Temple of Goddess Marali for one hour trip will move forward toward destination Dughi. From the temple the trail climbs gradually for half an hour through alpine fragrant meadows; descends to a stream, folds it and arrive at Dughi camping ground. After taking lunch at Dughi camping ground, enjoy the whole left day and rest for a night in tents after taking dinner.
Today, we will leave from Dughi to Alyas. Base ground of Passes or Camp grounds on both sides of passes are called Alyas locally called Lahesh. After taking breakfast move ahead from Dughi to Alyas, a 6 Km strenuous, but enjoyable stage of the track. The main path keeps following the stream, first toward the 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 kilometres from Lahesh for the night as in night temperature goes below zero at Alyas. Here it turns North East and follows the Kugti pass Alyas, with a steady steep ascent to the Alyas camp ground. 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 ground lunch will be provided and enjoy the whole day and revive the body for the next day's hard journey.
Today, we will leave from Alyas to Kugti Pass. Alyas is a 12 Km track and is totally depending upon the weather and physical condition of the 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 shines then after taking tea and light breakfast start moving ahead very early in the morning around 4:00 am to ensure that the snow is frozen for easier walking and if fails to cross the pass before 12:00 pm otherwise will create a big problem as heavy snow winds, rainfall even snows fall can be happen. After a section over moraine, a usually visible trek 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 crevasses patches. Just 1.0 km before the pass the path becomes very steep, over loose rocks and snow. On reaching at 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 Alyases 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 colourful 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 the 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 a big problem. The track 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. Dry fruits, etc. will be provided as small lunch or energetic and fast food like will be provided as dinner.
Today in the morning, 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 Jovrung, the first habitation on the Lahaul side, overlooking the Chandra-Bhaga River. Later the trail crosses the river by a valley bridge and reaches Shamsha on the Kilad - Manali highway. By vehicle trail reaches at Udaipur. Here, enjoy a night stay will be in the Hotel/ Guest House.
After visiting the main temple of Mirkla Mata at Udaipur troop will move to Keylong, the district headquarter of Lahaul. After Keylong we will be further move to Manali via Rohtang pass. The troop will stay for one hour on the top of Rohtang pass. On reaching Manali, check in to hotel. Overnight stay.
The day is for relaxed and in the late afternoon transfer to Volvo station and catch a bus for Delhi at 16:00 hrs. Overnight journey. Arrival at Delhi by next morning.
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