Trek to Lahaul Spiti via Kugti Pass

This is a short walk of 6 kms., though deodar and oak forests. After 4 kms. We reach lakagot, which is situated at the snout of a small glacier. This glacier marks the snow line. After crossing the glacier we go over a steep rock ridge for 2 kms., and reach lehs cave. The big cave is used for over night stay.

the treks to the pass goes over soft snow in early summers and rocky faces in monsoons. The trek up to the pass is a steep climb. Fogy weather with zero visibility obstructs the movements of climbers and on such occasions it is advisable it is advisable to stay back and wait for the weather to get clear. The trek during April and May is more tough due to presence of hard ice. On reaching the other side of the pass one can see the Pir Panjal ranges very clearly. The other side of the pass remains snow covered till the mid of July. The trek descends down and reaches Chata Parao which is a nice green pasture and is most ideal for night camping.

The streach up to Chata nullah is 6kms., descent and then there is a gradual decrease in gradient. Kwarsi is a beautiful tribal village surrounded by thickly wooded pine trees. We stay in the village for a night and enjoy the hospitality of the villagers.

It is 16 kms. Trek from Kwarsi. The trek goes through thick forests and lush green fields. We come across many small places inhabited by Gaddi people.

It is 12 kms,from chanota. The trail. goes by the side of river ravi.

After 14 kms., walk from Garola we reach Bharmaur which is situated at height of 2195 mts. Bharmaur is a village well connected to Chamba by roads.

From Bharmaur a narrow road leads to Harsar, which is dangerous for jeeps and cars. It is advisable to go no foot. Harsar is a small village with some tea shops and few people living nearby. From Harsar one trail goes to famous Manimahesh Lake and other to Kugti Village. Little down from Hadsar there is a camping place in the forest.

The trail is narrow. We should cross the narrow trail one by one has to cross small wooden bridges over steams. Sometimes the Buddal rive becomes turbulent and causes devastation. Kugti and lower Kugti. 1000 people inhabit the village. Kugti village has some shops and a civil Dispensary. The people of the village belongs to Gaddi trible and very helpful.

the Temple is 6Kmt. From the Kugti village at the height of 10000 feet. The temple is dedicated to the 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 sanctity of the temple and other places.

Lehs Cave is situated at the bottom of Kugti pass sometimes is snows in the month od July at such a high altitude. Usually it snows in winter months. Lehs is surrounded by Pir Panjal and Manimahesh Dhar.

It is the most exciting and adventurous day of the whole trek. We start early in the morning so that we may reach the pass before the sunrise. 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 craveses. 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. Only expert guide can locate the trail to Khurlu.

After walking 10 kms., from Khurlu we reach the fist village of Lahul Valley. The trek involves the number of ridge crossing and glacier walking. The trail is not easy to locaye because of rock path and glacial moraines. Finally after crossing a small glacier we reach Rape village.

Keylong is 22 kms. from Rape. After 3 hours walk we reach the road head at Sansa. From Sansa it takes another three hours to reach Keylong by bus. Keylong is the district headquarter of Lahul & Spiti. There are some good hotel at Keylong. From Kelong one can go to Leh or come back to Manali over Rohtang pass.