Itinerary Description
The Kugti Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh takes you to a formidable height of 16,600 feet and is one of the most stunning yet untouched hikes. The Kugti Pass serves as a great entryway and is frequently utilised by the Gaddi tribes to travel to the Lahaul and Spiti regions to graze their sheep. This journey is one of the most difficult hikes in the Central Himalayan mountains due to its rigorous ascent, rugged terrain, and treacherous routes. Before beginning this difficult walk, you must have previous experience hiking at a high altitude. The trip begins in the busy town of Bharmour, which is close to Chamba, and winds through pine and deodar woods, emerald meadows, extensive areas of apple and peach orchards, gushing waterfalls, and dazzling water streams. Shepherds are frequently seen wandering around the steep terrains with their flock of sheep. The charming Kugti town, where you'll make your first significant stop along the way, offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the bubbling Budhil River against a backdrop of towering pines. As you continue on the journey, the constantly shifting environment with its picturesque wooden homes, beautiful meadows, and flowing streams will keep you interested. On your trip from Kugti village to Duggi, be sure to stop at the Kartik and Mata Marala temples. The Gaddi people regard the dwelling deities of these temples to be extremely important since they think they are the flavour of their herds and animals. You will be briefly taken aback by the sight of hanging glaciers, soaring mountain peaks, flowing rivers, and lush meadows as you reach the Duggi valley while navigating tight pathways, boulder-strewn moraines, and crossing water streams. On the journey to the Kugti Pass, where a modest shrine with countless prayer flags, bells, and trishuls is waiting for you, you will also pass by huge meadows covered with colourful flowers, glittering rivulets, and wide stretches of snow fields. Your hearts and spirits are captured by the breathtaking views of the Manimahesh Kailash peak, the Grechu Pass, and the dry, desolate mountains of the Lahaul valley from the pass. You begin your descent and complete your walk at Manali after spending some time at the pass. The Kugti Pass walk is ideal for you if you're captivated by high elevations, nature's masterpieces, and heart-pounding thrills and experiences.
Short Itinerary
Bharmour to Dharol (20 km Drive) and trek to Kugti Village (2,590 m), 5 km Trek.
Kugti Village to Duggi (3,350 m), 8 km trek.
Duggi to Alyas (4,240 m), 9 km trek.
Alyas to Kugti Pass(5,060 m ) to Kodlu Alyas (3810 m), 10-12 km trek.
Kodlu Alyas to Rappe(2,895 m), 4 km trek.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Bharmour to Dharol (20 km Drive) and trek to Kugti Village (2,590 m), 5 km Trek.
The adventure begins from Bharmour, from where we drive approximately 20 km to Dharol, the roadhead for the trek. From Dharol, the trail begins with a scenic 5 km trek towards Kugti Village, passing through beautiful Himalayan surroundings, forests, streams and traditional mountain landscapes.
The trail gradually gains altitude as it enters the remote Kugti Valley. After approximately 2–3 hours of trekking, we reach Kugti Village at 2,590 m, a traditional mountain settlement surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery.
After reaching the village, settle into the accommodation, enjoy a warm meal and take some time to relax. The evening is ideal for exploring the village surroundings and preparing for the higher-altitude sections of the trek.
Day 2
Kugti Village to Duggi (3,350 m), 8 km trek.
After breakfast, begin the gradual ascent from Kugti Village towards Duggi. The trail takes you deeper into the upper Kugti Valley, with beautiful mountain views accompanying you throughout the journey.
As the altitude increases, the landscape begins to change. Dense vegetation gradually gives way to open alpine terrain, meadows and rocky mountain slopes. The route includes gradual climbs, uneven sections and small stream crossings.
After approximately 8 km of trekking, reach Duggi at around 3,350 m, where the team establishes the campsite.
The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to relaxation and acclimatization. Staying hydrated and maintaining a steady pace is important as you prepare for the higher elevations ahead.
Day 3
Duggi to Alyas (4,240 m), 9 km trek.
Today we continue our journey towards the high-altitude region of the Kugti Pass.
After breakfast, leave Duggi and follow the trail towards Alyas. The route gradually becomes more rugged as you gain altitude, with alpine meadows, rocky sections, boulders and mountain streams forming the landscape.
The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, and the surrounding mountains appear larger and more dramatic. Depending on the season, snow patches may also be encountered on the higher sections.
After approximately 9 km of trekking, reach Alyas at around 4,240 m.
Alyas is an important staging point before the Kugti Pass crossing. The evening is used for rest, hydration and preparation for the following day's demanding climb.
The trek leader will brief the group about the pass-crossing route, weather conditions, terrain and equipment requirements.
Day 4
Alyas to Kugti Pass(5,060 m ) to Kodlu Alyas (3810 m), 10-12 km trek.
This is the most challenging and important day of the Kugti Pass Trek. Start early from Alyas and begin the steep ascent towards Kugti Pass at approximately 5,060 m. The route enters rugged high-altitude terrain where snow, ice, moraine, loose rocks and steep sections may be encountered depending on seasonal conditions. After a demanding ascent, reach the top of Kugti Pass, the highest point of the expedition, and take a short break to appreciate the spectacular Himalayan surroundings. Begin the descent towards Kodlu Alyas at approximately 3,810 m, where the landscape gradually changes as you enter the Lahaul side. With approximately 10–12 km of trekking and 8–11 hours on the trail, this is the longest and most demanding day of the trek.
Day 5
Kodlu Alyas to Rappe(2,895 m), 4 km trek.
After breakfast, begin the final descent towards Rappe, gradually leaving the high-altitude terrain behind.
The landscape changes significantly as you descend towards the Lahaul side, with rugged mountain slopes and open valleys creating a dramatic backdrop for the final section of the trek.
After approximately 4 km of trekking, reach Rappe at around 2,895 m, where the trekking portion of the expedition concludes.
From Rappe, onward transportation can be arranged towards Lahaul, Udaipur, Keylong, Manali or another agreed destination, depending on the group's travel plan.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ●Accommodation in homestay/camps as per itinerary
- ●All meals during the trek
- ●Experienced & mountaineering certified trek leader with First Aid & high-altitude rescue training.
- ●Technical safety gear (ropes, harnesses, carabiners) with First Aid support & portable oxygen for emergencies
- ●Basic first-aid & emergency equipment
- ●All permits & camping charges for Indian nation
- ●Experienced local team (guide, cook, helpers)
- ●Mules/Porter for common luggage
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- ●Meals during road journeys
- ●Cost of any kind of Insurance. Since insurance is mandatory, kindly get yourself insured from our partners ASC360 through www.asc360.com
- ●Any expense of personal nature
- ●Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- ●Portage of personal backpack
- ●Transport to Bharmour and onward travel from Rappe
Are you eligible for this adventure?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to a height of 4,130M and is rated a moderate level trek for its long trekking distances. For its elevation and distances, it is recommended for trekkers with some prior experience in the high-altitudes.
Grade
Difficult
Max Altitude
5090 mts
Distance
36 km
WMRS Level Required
Terrain
Prerequisite Skills
Fitness Benchmark
WMRS Level Required
WMRS 5
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the WMRS. The altitude, the terrain, and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of WMRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
We will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals going on a trek with Wanderin’ Man Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Wanderin’ Man Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
🟩 Trekking Gear
- Rucksack bag with rain cover
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries
- UV protection sunglasses
- Water Bottles - 2 bottles of 1 liter each
🟩 Footwear
- Non-skid, deep tread, high-ankle trekking shoes - 1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals for the campsite - 1
🟩 Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/Sweatshirts (1 for every 2 days of trekking)
- Pair of thick woolen socks (1 pair for every two days of trekking)
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower - 1
- Undergarments (1 for each day of the itinerary)
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck - 1
- Full sleeves sweater - 1
- Rain wear (Jacket & Pants) - 1
- Pair of water-proof, warm gloves - 1
- Woolen cap - 1
- Sun shielding Hat - 1
- Multipurpose Buff - 2
🟩 Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack (SPF 30 & Above) - 1
- Lip Balm small pack - 1
🟩 Utensils
- Small size, Lightweight & Leak proof lunch box - 1
- Plate - 1
- Spoon - 1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug - 1
🟩 Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Note-
- For long treks, please carry a spare sunglasses.
- For winter trek please try to carry a thermal water bottle.
- For long winter treks, please carry an extra pair of warm pants.
Why Wanderin' Man?
(SET- Safety, Expertise & Trust )
Safety
- ●Small Group Size in the ratio of 6:1 (participant to leader)
- ●No compromise on safety and sustainability promise
- ●Experienced and Certified Mountaineering Professional Leaders
- ●Region Mapped with Emergency Evacuation Plan
- ●Certified Standard Equipment by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation certification) & other Similar Bodies
- ●Minimized Risk Management Standard Operating Procedure are applied for every Trek and tour
- ●Certified First Aid Support and Doctors* with constant availability of Safety Equipments like Medical Kit, Rescue Kit
- ●Constant communication is aided with the help of Communication Devices
- ●Certified and registered Transporter for transportation purpose
Expertise
- ●Founders of the company have extensive experience of 15 years having organized approx 2000+ trekking, Expeditions and other adventure activities.
- ●Wanderin’ Man Adventures operating expeditions above 8000 mts.
- ●Under the umbrella of Wanderin’ Man Adventures 15 + adventure activities Programs have been organized
- ●Founders have mountaineering certifications from the esteemed mountaineering institutes of India.
- ●Team is composed of experienced mountaineers and trek leaders with thorough understanding of norms and procedures.
Trust
- ●Trust has been the hallmark of our company since its inception be it any program on the list.
- ●Special emphasis is laid on the use of standard procedures and equipments as per the mountaineering norms
- ●95% of our clients have availed our service on repeat basis.
- ●Our business has expanded primarily based on the “word of mouth” from our existing clients to new ones
What Our Customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". Add-ons are non-refundable. The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Cancellations made up to 45 days before the departure date
Cancellations made up to 31 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 30 and 21 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 20 and 11 days before the departure date
Cancellations made less than 11 days before the departure date are not eligible for a cash refund.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher Refund: This option is available for all types of bookings including the bookings made under promotional offers. The Wanderin' Man Adventures would offer you a short-term voucher that would enable you with a flexibility to book any other Wanderin' Man Adventures event using the voucher.
The option of claiming a voucher is available till 7 days prior to the departure of the event. The refund of the amount would be processed as per deduction guidelines outlined below:
The amount for refund processing would always be calculated basis the net amount paid* for booking the event with respect to the Base Price of the event (excluding additional components like transport, rent, portage, etc.).
Please note that the voucher issued would not include the service tax amount paid while making the booking. However, when you use the voucher to book again on our website, service tax would not be applicable on the voucher amount.
Validity of the voucher would be 24 months from the date of issue.
*Net Amount Paid would be the amount paid to Wanderin' Man Adventures at the time of booking after adjusting for all rebates provided by applying vouchers.
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Max Participants :
15
Trail Type :
Cross over trail, Start one valley, cross the pass, and end to another valley
