Chamba to Lahaul via Kugti Pass

18 days in India, 9 days trekking; Level: moderate - strenuous Highest Point: 5,040m Dates: May, June, September, October

Route Highlights: Delhi - Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba - Bharmour - Rakh - Durghati - Hadsar - Duggi - Alyas - Kugti Pass - Shansha - Keylong - Manali - Delhi

There are three main passes over the Pir Panjal into Lahul: Kalicho, Kugti and Chobia. The trek over the Kugti Pass (5,040m) offers great views across the Himalaya to the north, Mani Mahesh Kailash and the Dhaula Dhar Range to the south. We start from Dalhousie hill station to Khajjiar through thick forests. From Khajjiar to Chamba we descend having good view of distant mountains and Ravi valley down below. Chamba to Bharmour we do by bus via Rakh, Durghati and other villages, visiting old temples and other buildings of the old capital of Chamba. We commence trekking from Bharmour to Hadsar (2,317m) up and down through forests along Budhil river.  At Duggi caves (3,354m) we are in a green valley with panoramic views. We stop to visit the Kartic temple at Keling. Duggi to Alyas (3,860m) is a difficult stage. We continue to ascend steeply up to the Kugti Pass (5,040m), reaching Shansha (2,950m) on the Chandra River three days later. From Shansha  we continue by road to Keylong (2,050m), stopping to visit the Kardang Monastery. We return to Manali over Rohtang Pass the next day.