Overview
Gaddis are a semi-nomadic sheep hearding tribe of Himachal Pradesh. During this trek we follow the same trail that Gaddis go with their flock of sheep and goats during the month of June and July.
Itinerary
Kugti Pass- a trek with Gaddis
Route : Delhi - Amritsar - chamba - Bharmour - Kugti pass - Rohtang - Manali - Rewalsar - Chandigarh
Total Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days
Gaddis are a semi-nomadic sheep hearding tribe of Himachal Pradesh. During this trek we follow the same trail that Gaddis go with their flock of sheep and goats during the month of June and July.
Days on Trek: 05 Nights / 06 Days
Maximum Elevation: 5040 Meters Above sea Level
Starting Point of the Trek: Bharmaur in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh.
Rating: Difficult
Best time: July to September
Highlights: High Himalayan peaks,tribal villages, Himalayan bird and wildlife, Glacier walking, Green Pattan valley of Lahul
Gaddis are a semi-nomadic sheep hearding tribe of Himachal Pradesh. They lead an interesting and adventurous life. Each year a Gaddi Shepherd with his big heard of sheep and goats start his journey from the lowlands of Kangra valley and nearby Punjab plains to to Lahul & Spiti crossing over high mountain passes. After spending few summer months up in the mountains of Lahul valley he start his return journey on the same route in the month of September and before the onset of winter arrive back to the plains. During this entire journey each full of adventure and challenges.
Gaddis are strong believer in Lord Shiva and live in perfect harmony with nature. During this trek we follow the same trail that Gaddis go with their flock of sheep and goats during the month of June and July.
Fly to Amritsar. On arrival at Amritsar airport you will be met by our representative and driver and transfer to your hotel in Amritsar. Afternoon visit the Historical Golden Temple in Amritsar
After breakfast at Hotel we drive to Chamba. Check in Hotel in Chamba. Afternoon a walking tour of Chamba town visit Chamunda Devi Temple from where you have superb view of Chamba town and ravi river below. Also visit the ancient Laxmi Nayaran temples to participate in the evening prayer at the temple. Overnight stay in Hotel.
Chamba is the land of ancient temple and it is the only earstwhile princely state in India that preserves a well documented history. The place was never conquered by the outside rulers for its wealth and treasure in the form of temple and the same have been preserved in their original form for now more than thousand years.
After breakfast we continue drive towards the mountains of Chamba valley. We do a side excurstion to visit Chatrai village and its ancient temple. The drive to Chatrari is on a very narrow raod with spectacular view of the mountain and valley. Continue drive to Bharmaur to visit the ancient Chaurasi temples. Later we continue drive along Budhal river,a tributary of Ravi river. Camp at Dharol the last road-head in Chamba valley. Overnight stay in tents.
An easy walk for 43 to 4 hours will take us to Kugti, a gaddi tribal village devided into two parts-Lower Kugti and upper Kugti. The house are built in traditional style to keep them warm during the winter. Night stay in one of the family house or in tents put inside the village fields. Afternoon explore Kugti village.
Steep ascent passing through the green fields of Kugti village take us to Kelang Temple dedicated to lord Kartikey. Gaddis from all over Chamba and other parts of Himachal Pradesh come here for pilgrimage. The elder son of every Gaddi family must visit this temple once in his life. After visiting the temple we continue our ascent to Duggi, an open alpine pasture. Camp here for overnight stay.
It is steep uphill walk for five hours to reach Lahes, the base of Kugti Pass.
This is one of the most difficult, adventurous and long day walk. Early start is important in order to avoid bad weather at the pass in the afternoon. We leave at around 5 am. 5 hours steep ascent takes us to the top of the pass from where we have beautiful views of Manimahesh range on one side and peaks in Lahul valley on the other side. During pre-monsoon we need crampons and ice axe as we have to walk on soft snow and ice to reach the pass. Another three hours to go down to the camp at Khurlu. Overnight in tents.
Leave after breakfast. After three hours downhill walk we get to Rapey, the first village in Lahul valley. At Repey we cross Chanderabhaga river and reach the road-head at Shansha where your car/driver will be waiting for you. Drive to Tandi and camp on the side of a the river.
After an early breakfast we start our towards Rohtang Pass. It takes two hours to reach Rohtang Pass. Once we cross Rohtang Pass there is a dramatic change in the landscape-the dry dessert of Lahul valley is suddenly replaced by lush green Kullu valley. While driving down from Rotang pass to Manali you have the most amazing view of the valley below. Arrive Manali and check in Hotel
After breakfast at Hotel drive to Rewalsar. Passing through Kullu valley and driving alongside Beas river we reach Rewalsar. Check in Hotel.
Rewalsar is very colorful village with a holy lake on the side of the village. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hidus, Sikhs as well as Buddhist people as there are holy shrines of all three different religion. Check in Hotel. Afternoon walk inside the village.
After breakfast at Rewalsar drive to Chandigarh airport to board flight back to Delhi or Mumbai. You can also board Shatabadi Express train from Chandigarh to Delhi leaving Chandigarh at 1800 Hours.
End of the Tour.