Would not it be wonderful to wake up in the morning with snow caked on your window ledge? With trees that forget to whisper because they are laden heavily with ice crystals? With snowy tracks that are still marked by the snow leopard or Himalayan Tahr that must have passed the village at night?
It does seem like an image from a novel. But it is a reality in Kugti. This is a small snowy hamlet, perched high on the mountains, just before the Pass that leads you into the popular Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh.
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If you are the type that prefers trekking to biking, who would really like a break where you don’t have to check your phones or feel any need to connect with the world, Kugti is the perfect place for you.
Image Credit: wikimapia
Kugti is hidden in the remotest regions of Chamba valley. It is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, and the only way to explore the raw wilderness is on a trek through this snowy world.
While there are share taxis available from Bharmour and Chamba, many travellers prefer the three-day trek to the village of Kugti. It is an arduous journey, but completely worth it as the trail passes through some of the most beautiful panoramas of the Greater Himalayas. You will pass through forests shaded with thick conifers, to open rigged mountain sides that have deep valleys on one side, and sheer vertical walls on the other. You will have the clear view of the Milky Way to keep company on these silent trails.
At almost 16,500 feet, Kugti literally feels like the roof of the world. It is an arduous trek and should be undertaken only with certain preparation.
Image Credit: bharmourview
Kugti is different from other Himachal villages, as it is steeped in Gaddi culture. The villagers are self-sufficient, growing their own produce and food. The rich forests around Kugti provide them with all the necessary herbs and medicines. If someone suffers a cold, they walk into the forest to pluck their medicine fresh from the grounds.
So, if you are looking for a completely new travel experience, ditch your phones behind, and head out towards this enchanted world of snow.
