Kugti Pass Trek

On arrival at Pathankot train station meet our guide and then travel to Dalhousie. Upon arrival at Dalhousie check into the hotel and in the evening visit the wonderful local sightseeing and attractions of the startling hill station Dalhousie.

After having Breakfast at Dalhousie we will move ahead to explore the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary, then head towards Khajiyar. Enjoy and explore the charming natural exquisite beauty of the Mini Switzerland and have the lunch. After finishing the lunch we will further move ahead to Bharmour through Chamba. After you reach at Bharmour check into the hotel and afterwards in the evening, be a part of the Aarti at the Chaurasi temples.

Having breakfast early in the morning and taking along the packed lunch, the trek to Bharmani Temple begins. Bharmani temple is located at the crest and is about 3 kilometres trek from Bharmour. In the evening we will return back to Bharmour and check into the hotel for the overnight stay.

After having breakfast in the early morning the troop will move to Hadsar through Taxi then further proceed through the arduous trek involving several inclines and declines on the way to the Kugti village and in a short duration of time we will reach at small station Dhanaul that is about 6 kilometre from Hadsar. After having small rest and relaxing at Dhanaul we will resume the trekking along the left bank of the Budhil River. The trek goes up & down for another ½ hour to reach the bed of Budhil River, covering the total distance of 5 kilometres from Dhanaul. After crossing the tiny stream by a wooden bridge, we ascend persistently for another 1 hour to reach the Kugti village. Kugti is a big village and consist of 2 villages lower Kugti and upper Kugti. Enjoy the exquisite beauty of the Kugti village and spend the left day relaxing and see the sights in the village. Lunch &dinner will be provided at Kugti.

After having breakfast in the early morning the troop will pass through the village, cross a tiny stream over a wooden bridge, then mount for about ½ hour beside the banks of the Budhil stream. Going on an up and down pathway we will reach at a water point. Afterwards a straight short walk the trail ascends steeply for about ½ hour to reach the Kartik temple. This temple is devoted to the son of Lord Shiva ‘Kartik’. The Lord Kartik is believed to be the saviour of cattle from disease and other jeopardy and was brought from the neighbouring Lahaul Valley. The Gaddi Shepherds offer the sheep to Lord Kartik to protect their flocks. After visiting the temple of Goddess Marali and the Kartik temple we will rest here for about 1 hour and then the troop will move forward towards the next destination Dughi. From the temple the trail hikes gradually for ½ hour through the alpine aromatic meadows; descend to the stream, fords it and reach at Dughi camping site. After, having lunch at the Dughi camping site and spend the left day enjoying and relaxing in the midst of natures beauty and after having dinner rest in the tents.

The base ground of the passes or the camp sites on the either sides of passes are called Alyas and locally called as ‘Lahesh’. After having the breakfast we will move forward from Dughi to Alyas, 6 kilometres demanding, but a very adventurous and enjoyable stage of the trek. The main pathway continues with the stream, first steps forward to the Eastern side gradual hiking then to the North Eastern side, climbing steeply to reach the verdant plateau of Kuddy. As height increases the trees and bush line is left behind. So we will take the dry firewood of the bushes ahead 2 kilometres from Lahesh for the night since the night temperature goes down below zero degrees Celsius at Alyas. Here it turns toward North-East and follows the Kugti pass Alyas, with a gradually steep climb to the Alyas camp site. From this point the V-shaped pass between two high crests can be seen. It will take about 5 to 6 hour run to reach the Alyas camp site, lunch will be offered and you can enjoy the entire day and revitalize the body for the next day’s tough voyage.

Alyas – Kugti Pass – Alyas is a 12 kilometres track that is totally depended upon the climatic conditions and physical condition of trekkers. Generally the touring guide will not take the danger or permit to cross the passes in bad climatic conditions and will wait for the till the sky clears up. If sunshine, then after having hot tea and light breakfast the we will move forward very in the early morning around 4:00 AM to make sure that the snow is absolutely frozen for a much easier hike and need to cross the pass before 12:00 PM otherwise will create major problems as rainfall, heavy snow, winds, and even snow fall can take place anytime. After a segment over the moraine, a usually noticeable trek in the snow, winds uphill, well trodden and with the way. Generally go after the hoof prints of the flocks as they perpetually select the safest route to pass through the crevasses patches. Just almost 1 kilometre before we reach the pass the pathway turns out to be very steep, over the loose rocks and snow. On reaching at the top of the Kugti Pass view the stunning surrounding mountain, peaks of the great and spectacular Himalayan Range and striking view of the Manimahesh Kailash, also see the wonderful view of the both side Alyases and Grechu pass to the North-West side. On the top of the pass there is a simple shrine temple of the Goddess Marali Devi, the goddess of the Kugti Pass, is symbolised by the some bells, iron trinkets, and colourful cloth pieces. After we reach the top, we will rest for some time and again move ahead towards downstream and aim to reach at Alyas as quickly as possible. From the top of the pass, it is a run for about 2 hours to reach at Alyas of Lauhal. On the other side begin with a steep part of the trail that is too perilous and required very alert mind. Lack of attention and negligence may create immense problem. The track is not really wide enough to place one foot in front of the other. The Alyas (Khodlu) camp site is located 6 kilometres away from the Kugti pass. Dry fruits, refreshments, etc. will be served as a small lunch, later you will be served with some energetic fast food for the dinner.

Alyas to Jobrung 8 kilometres, the trail heads crosses a ridge, than goes downwards to the Rashil stream. Following the right bank the pathway descends to a striking village called Jovrung, the first home on the Lauhal side, overlooking the Chandra Bhaga River. Later the trail crosses the river, stream by a valley bridge and then reaches Shamsha situated on the Kilad – Manali highway. By vehicle trail arrives at Udaipur, here we will stay for a night in a Hotel/Guest House.

After visiting the main temple of Mirkla Mata situated in Udaipur the troop will go to Keylong, Distt. Headquarter of Lauhal. After Kelong we will further move to Manali through Rohtang pass. The troop will stay here for around 1 hour on the top of the Rohtang pass. Upon reaching Manali, here our outdoor team will leave the troop with warm wishes and hopes for further more trips in the future to explore the great Himalaya.

Half day sightseeing at Manali, visit old Manali, Hadimba temple, Shiva temple and monastery in town are main attraction s, by evening drive to Delhi by AC Volvo coach. Overnight journey.

Arrival at Delhi by morning.