Minkiani Pass trek – Connecting Dharamshala in Kangra to Chamba

minkiani-pass-location-in-himachal-pradesh-trekking-map

About:

Minkiani Pass trek is  a short adventurous excursion leading past many lakes. This pass ahead of Dharamshala is on the Dhauladhar range and offers views of Dhauladhar and other ranges like Pirpanjal, Great Himalayan and Zanskar ranges to its northerly direction. The pass is at around 4000 m/13120 ft and the adjacent Minkiani top ~ 4250 m/13940 ft. The trail passes through Kareri lake, a very popular tourist destination around Dharamshala.

minkiani-pass-trail-location-and-map
Miankiani Pass trek: Location and trail on the map

FACT SHEET:

Duration: Delhi to Delhi in 8 days.  around 5 days of trekking.

 Prerequisite: Prior high altitude trekking experiences are nice to have. Good physical fitness is required.

 Location: Himachal Pradesh, Kangra and Chamba districts.

 Grade: Moderate

Geo Coordinate: Minkiani Pass 32.1165085 N, 76.2702419 E;

Physicality: 6/10

 Trail Length: Approximately ~ 50 Km

 Highest Point: Minkiani Pass ~ 4000 m/131200 ft, Minkiani Top ~ 4250 m.

 Access: Reach New Delhi or Chandigarh and then take a bus to Dharamshala. It is ~ 475 Km from Delhi and ~ 250 Km from Chandigarh respectively.

 Seasons: June to mid October.

Further Option: Can be combined with Indrahar Pass, a.k.a. Laka Pass for a round trip of 12 days.

Nearest Rail station: Delhi/Chandigarh or Pathankot.

 Airport: Delhi or Chandigarh. Also there is an airport at Gaggal, Dharamshala.

Suggested Itinerary for Dharamshala – Kareri Lake – Minkiani Pass Trek:

This trek can be shortened if you don’t cross the pass but return back following the same trail to Mcleodganj. Also if you want a rounbdtrip then you can cross Minkiani Pass and return via Indrahar Pass to Dharamshala.

minkiani-pass-indrahar-pass-right-to-left-on-dhauladhar-ranges
Minkiani and Indrahar Pass on Dhauladhar range

Day 1: Arrive Delhi and overnight travel to Dharamshala, ~475 Km, 10 to 12 hours in semi-sleeper Volvo. There is a direct flight connection to Dharamshala as well. Check the flight status, weather forecast etc while planning.

Day 2: Stay at Mcleod Gunj ~ 2000 m/6560 ft which is the suburb of Dharamshala town. Work out for any logistics which you may need for this trek. There are many local tour operators who can help you with this. Sight seeing walks around Mcleod Gunj for the day etc.

Day 3: Mcleod Ganj to  Kareri village (1870m), 13 Km. The trail descends steeply to a stream then climbs to Kareri Forest rest house.

Day 4: Kareri village to Kareri lake (2950 m/9675 ft), 14 Km. A gradual but continuous climb. The lake, situated at the base of the pass, is a picturesque spot set amidst green meadows.

Day 5: Kareri lake – Minkiani pass (4000 m/13120 ft) – Minkiani Got (3300m), 7 Km. The 3 Km climb to the pass is quite steep. Minkiani camping ground is another 4 Km. From there one can visit the Lam Dal (lake) some 3 Km distant.

Day 6: Minkiani Got – Drakund (1860m), 15 Km. The path descends continuously along the Donali Nala to Drakund Forest rest-house.

Day 7: Drakund – Donali (1200m) 10km. An easy descent alongside the Donali stream. Donali is situated on the Brahmaur-Chamba road. From there one can go by bus/reserved vehicle, either to Chamba or Bharmour.

Day 8: Chamba to Delhi, ~ 580 Km or Pathankot, Chandigarh etc.

Check here for our curated Himachal Pradesh treks which we arrange at present.

We would be more than happy to help you with any travel or tour related enquiries. We are available over email, phone and WhatsApp. Mon to Sat: 10 am to 8 pm.

9836133166/9831112469
info@dev.himalayatrekker.com
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Kugti Pass trek connecting Chamba and Manali in Himachal Pradesh

kugti-pass-connecting-chamba-to-lahaul-in-himachal-pradesh

About:

Kugti Pass trek route connects Bharmour region of Chamba valley to that of Chandra-Bhaga (Chenab) river in Lahaul.  This high altitude and glaciated pass on the Pir Panjal range is named after the prominent village Kugti and trekkers visit on rare occasions. This is due to the interior location inside the Himalayas and thus the challenges of the associated logistical arrangements. However this interesting trail is very picturesque and offers magnificent views of Manimahesh Kailash and numerous peaks to its north in Lahaul valley.

FACT SHEET:

Duration: Delhi to Delhi in 10 days. 6/7 days of trekking

 Prerequisite: Prior multiple high altitude trekking experiences along with good physical fitness is required.

 Grade: Moderate

Geo Coordinate: 32°31’41.9″N 76°49’55.6″E (Kugti pass)

Physicality: 7.5/10

 Trail Length: Approximately ~ 55 Km

 Highest Point: Kugti Pass ~ 4980 m/16,335 ft

 Access: Reach Pathankot in Punjab and then drive to Bharmour via Chamba, 180 Km. Exit through Manali.

 Seasons: June to September

Further Option: 

Nearest Rail station: Pathankot/Chakki Bank

 Airport: Delhi or Chandigarh

Suggested Itinerary for Kugti Pass trek:

Day 1: Arrive Pathankot. Drive to Bharmour (~ 2100 m/6900 ft) via Chamba town – 180 Km – 6/7 hours.

Day 2: Trek to Hadsar (~ 2200 m) – 12 Km and may take 3/4 hours as it is an almost level walk. There is a motor road as well, although easy hiking on this day is helpful for acclimatisation purpose.

Day 3: Trek from Hadsar to Kugti village (2590 m) 10 Km. This initial section in the Budhil Nala involves many ups and downs. Spend the night in tents, in a local school used as a resthouse, or in a regular rest-house.

Day 4: Kugti village – Duggi (3200 m) 7 Km. Starts with a steep climb of 4km to the temple of Kelong, then 3km up to Duggi camping ground.

Day 5: Duggi – Alias (4116m) 6 Km. The trail is rough and steep to start with. Alias is a vast grassy plateau.

Day 6: Alias – Kugti pass – Alias Got (4000 m) 7 Km. Alias signifies a grassy area usually situated below a pass. The ascent to the pass (4960 m) is a stiff walk over moraine and snow. Descend to Alias Got on north side of pass.

Day 7: Alias Got – Jahlma (2896 m) 10 Km. The trail goes down to meet the Chandra-Bhaga river in Lahaul; cross a bridge and turn left to reach Jahlma on the Tindi-Manali highway.

Day 8: Jahlma – Manali (1896 m) The bus journey Jahlma to Manali in the Kulu valley takes about 10 hours and leads through the Lahaul valley to Khoksar then southwards over the Rohtang Pass. At present newly opened Atal Tunnel reduces this journey by half or so.

Day 9: Buffer day for the trek.

Day 10: Drive from Manali to Delhi overnight by Volvo, 580 Km, 14/15 hours or to Chandigarh 300 Km, 9/10 hours.

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