Kugti Pass is the highest altitude pass in the Pir- Panjal range, an interesting and adventurous trek of 5-6 days over one of the tough but not the most difficult. In this trek, trekkers can view the beauty of Pir- Panjal range and Dhauladhar range. providing a rare occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people named as Gaddi (shepherd). Gaddis are a semi-nomadic sheep hear
ding 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. How shepherd live their tough life along with their flocks and how the Gaddies are dedicated and faithful to their Gods and Goddess, The Gaddies after spending six months in lower reaches of Kangra and Una District of Himachal Pradesh with their flocks comes to Bharmour, stay a while at Bharmour they moves toward Lauhal and Spiti through Kugti and Chobia passes to graze their flocks. Gaddies first take permission to cross the Kugti Pass from Lord Kartik and Goddess Marali Devi. They scarify their few sheep’s to lord Shiva, Lord Kartik and Goddess Marali Devi at Kartik temple to get permission. If someone is not allowed or permitted to cross the pass, and they will not cross the pass and spent their six month near the Kugti ranges and graze their flock in their allotted ranges. Kugti Pass is very risky at the time of snowfall or over fresh snow for trakking. Gaddies also scarify few sheep’s when they are crossing Kugti Pass to the Goddess Marali for safe and easy crossing. Few of shepherd also cross another Pass in Lauhal known as Baralacha pass. The grass of Lauhal and Spiti is much nutrient than other grasses; this is the main reason to go to Lauhal and Spiti with their flocks. The Gaddies return in the month of September from Lauhal and same as repeated cycle.
