Kugti Pass Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Kugti Pass Trek is a lesser-known but stunning trip in the Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh. It mixes thrill, calm, and rich culture. At about 5,050 meters high, it links the green Bharmour valley in Chamba to the small Lahaul area. It is less known than other treks, making it one of the purest paths in the Indian Himalayas. It suits those who know tough trails. The path has hard ways up, ice water, thick deodar woods, and wide mountain views. The start is from the old village of Kugti, near the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary. As you go up, the green fields with wildflowers turn to snowy hills. You can see high peaks like Manimahesh Kailash and Tent Peak. You might even spot rare animals like musk deer or snow leopards. This place is deep in spirit. Kugti has temples with old stories tied to Lord Kartikeya. The path is also a way for people going to the holy Manimahesh Lake, adding a magical feel to the trek. Because of its high spots and tough ways, it fits best for those used to high places. Mid-June to early October is the prime time for this trek. It is far, pure, and stunning, promising a true Himalayan trip for those seeking adventure and love for nature.

History of Kugti Pass Trek

Not as well-known as other trails, Kugti Pass has a deep history and a spiritual touch in Himachal Pradesh. This old way linked the lush Chamba valley with the dry, magical Lahaul area. For years, shepherds, traders, and locals used it, as did people going to holy spots. One main part of its story is its sacred weight. The base village, Kugti, has the Kartikey Temple for Lord Kartikeya, Lord Shiva's son. Seen as a sacred site, people from around come to pray, mainly before the Manimahesh Yatra. This adds a faith layer to the path. The trail also goes through Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, a place full of life and history. Here, the Gaddi shepherds, an old tribe, still move their herds, keeping their past alive.

More than its spirit and natural value, Kugti Pass was key in the old days. It allowed trade and movement between the Chamba valley and Lahaul. This brought not just goods but also mixed cultural bits, festivals, language, and stories. The Buddhist and Shaivite mix made the area's spiritual setting unique. The British in colonial times cared little for Kugti Pass due to its harsh lands and remote location. This has kept it unspoiled. Yet, local rulers and hill kingdoms used the route for journeys, keeping its weight. Now, the Kugti Pass Trek remains less walked on, protected by its toughness and hard reach. This has saved its old charm, beauty, and history. Today, for those ready for the challenge, the Kugti Pass Trek is not just about seeing the Himalayas but also about diving into the cultural, ecological, and spiritual story of the area, giving an experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Nearby Places around Kugti Pass Trek

• Kugti Village: The trek starts here. It's an old, busy spot close to Bharmour. Big trees and high white hills are all around. There's an old house of prayer called Kartik Swami Temple for Lord Kartikeya. The homes are made in the old Himachali way, showing how Gaddi folk live. They are known for their herding and deep faith.

• Bharmour: Known as the "Land of Shiva", this nice small town is about 20 km from Kugti. It's known for its old places of prayer. The main one is the Chaurasi Temple group with 84 old holy spots. Bharmour is also where the Manimahesh Yatra starts, and a good spot to learn about the area before or after your trek.

• Manimahesh Lake: At 4,080 meters high, this holy lake is below Mount Kailash (not the one in Tibet). Seen as a home for Lord Shiva, many come each year on a hard walk, the Manimahesh Yatra. The lake isn't on the main path but can be a side walk from the trek.

• Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary: The trek goes through this wild place full of Himalayan flowers and animals. You might see a Himalayan black bear, musk deer, snow leopard, and many birds. This place gives a wild feel to the trek, pulling in those who love nature and wild views.

• Keylong: This small town is in the Lahaul area, across from Kugti Pass. After you cross the pass, you reach this high-desert spot, very different from Chamba's green lands. Keylong is a way to other known spots like Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, and the Zanskar Valley.

• Tandi: A small key village near Keylong, where the Chandra and Bhaga rivers meet and form the Chandrabhaga (Chenab) River. It's calm and nice, a good stop for walkers heading into Lahaul or back to Manali via the Atal Tunnel or Rohtang Pass.

Best Time to Visit Kugti Pass Trek

• Mid-June to Early July: The trek time starts when the snow melts, showing green lands and bright flowers. It's cool and nice, great for keen walkers. Some high spots may still have snow.

• Mid-July to August (Note: It's the Rainy Season): The land goes very green with rain, but walking can get hard. Landslides and muddy ways might shut roads in lower Chamba. The higher spots might stay a bit dry, but it's still a tough walk. Go only if you're okay with rain troubles.

• September to Early October: Many think this is the best time for the Kugti Pass Trek. After the rain, the weather is calm, and you see clear views of snowy tops. The land is dry, and days are cool, but nights might be cold. Trees start to show fall colours, adding to the view. Fewer walkers make it quiet and let you go deep into nature.

• Avoid Winter and Early Spring (November to May): In these months, Kugti Pass is under lots of snow, making the trek very risky and tough. Bad weather and closed paths by snow make waiting until late May or early June best.

How to Reach Kugti Pass Trek

• By Airport: The closest airport is Gaggal Airport, about 180 km from Bharmour. You can take a taxi or bus from there to Chamba, then to Bharmour. Planes come in from big towns like Delhi and Chandigarh. It takes about 7-8 hours by car from there to the trek's start.

• By Train: The nearest big train stop is Pathankot Station, about 165 km from Bharmour. Pathankot links to Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, and other spots. From there, get a bus or taxi to Chamba and keep going to Bharmour. This way is liked for its ease.

• By Road: Bharmour, the gateway to Kugti Village, has good roads from big spots in Himachal Pradesh like Chamba (60 km) and Dalhousie (100 km). Buses, both state and private, run between Pathankot, Chamba, and Bharmour. From Bharmour, it's about 16 km to Hadsar, then a short walk to Kugti Village, where the trek starts. Roads here can twist, so driving in daylight is best.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Kugti Pass Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.