Kugti Pass

Kugti Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass situated at approximately 5,050 meters in the Pir Panjal Range of Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Chamba valley to the Lahaul region and serves as a traditional transhumance route for Gaddi shepherds. The pass features a small shrine with prayer flags and offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks, including Manimahesh Kailash.

Visitors can expect a strenuous multi-day trek through diverse landscapes including pine forests, apple orchards, green meadows, and high-altitude glaciers. The pass itself is a ridge top with limited space, marked by a small shrine and prayer flags. The terrain is challenging with steep ascents and descents, requiring good physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.

Kugti Pass has historically served as a vital trade and transhumance route connecting Chamba valley to Lahaul. It has been used for centuries by Gaddi shepherds for seasonal migration with their flocks.

The pass holds cultural significance for the Gaddi tribe, who seek permission from the Kartikswamy shrine before crossing. The route includes several temples such as Kelang Temple (dedicated to Lord Kartikeya) and Mata Marala Temple, reflecting local religious practices.