Trek with the Gaddis

Gaddis are a sheep herding nomadic tribe of Himachal Pradesh. They lead an interesting and lonely life. Each year, a Gaddi with his sheep begins his journey in March/ April from western lowlands of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to Lahaul, Spiti and further on, on Pir Panjal range crossing over high passes of about 5500M and returning back in Sep/ October. For 7-8 months every year, solitary existence for these shepherds becomes a way of life. For a Gaddi, every day is a new day and survival is of the fittest. Gaddis believe in Lord Shiva and live in perfect harmony with nature.

On this trek, we follow a section of trail from Lahaul to Bharmaur that is usually followed by Gaddis in the month of September. They usually stay in Lahaul from beginning to mid- September before starting the return journey to reach Chamba before winter sets in.

Day 1: Chandigarh-Manali- 8-9 hrs drive

Reach Chandigarh around 1100 hrs and drive to Manali. Check into a retreat on arrival and settle into your rooms. Night stay in Manali.

Day 2: Manali-Tandi- 6 hrs drive

Leave Manali after breakfast and drive over Rohtang Pass to enter into Lahaul Valley. It is a beautiful drive for about three hours to Rohtang Pass. The pass offers beautiful view of the Green Kullu valley on one side and the high Himalayan peaks of Lahaul valley on other. You will notice a dramatic change in the landscape one you cross over to the other side of Rohtang Pass-the green kullu valley is suddenly replaced by dry dessert of Lahaul valley. Reach Tandi early in the evening. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 3: Tandi- Acclimatization day

Today is the day to acclimatize to rarefied atmosphere. Drive upto Khardong monastery. Walk from Kharodong monastery to Keylong. Drive back to Tandi for night stay in tents.

Day 4: Tandi- Trilokinath- Samsha- Rapey

After breakfast, drive to Pattan, the green valley of Lahaul. Pattan valley is known for growing crops like green Peas, hops, potatoes etc. Visit the ancient temple of Trilokinath. From Shansha, we cross over Chanderbhaga River to get to Rapey village where we camp for night stay.

Day 5: Rapey- Khurlu (3900 M)- 12 kms/ 5 hrs

The real trek starts today from Rapey to Khurlu, a temporary shepherd camp. All Gaddi shepherds camp here for a few nights before going over Kugti Pass.

Day 6: Khurlu- Kugti Pass (5040 M)- Lahes (4000 M)- 6-7 hrs

Today’s is a steep ascent to reach Kugti Pass. We have to walk over huge glacial morain and the last 1 kms to the pass is a steep ascent over snow and ice. From the pass we descend down to Lahes, another temporary shepherd camp area on the other side of the pass. From the pass, one has to follow the route on the glacier down to Lahes. During August/September the crevasses start to develop on the glacier and to avoid this one has to take a longer route on the ridge. Set up tents at Lahes for overnight stay.

Day 7: Lahes- Duggi (3200 m)- 3-4 hrs

It is downhill walk to Duggi, an open pasture where Gaddi Shepherd spend few days before heading down on their return journey to Bharmaur and Kangra.

Day 8: Duggi- Kelang Temple- Kugti Village (2590m) - 3-4 hrs

Kelang Temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya and every Gaddi family from all over the foothills of Dhauladhar must visit this temple once in their lifetime. Kugti, is the first Gaddi tribal village en route. Camp near the village for night stay.

Day 9: Kugti- Hadsar- Bharmaur- Chamba- 2 hrs walk & 5 hrs drive

Walk down to the road-head at Dharol and then drive to Bharmaur and Chamba. In Bharmaur, you can visit the ancient Chaurasi Temple. Reach Chamba late afternoon/ early evening. In the evening, visit Chamba bazaar and the famous Laxmi Narayan Temple. Night stay in a hotel.

Day 10: Chamba- Pathankot- Delhi- 6 hrs drive and overnight train

Explore the town of Chamba in the morning. Later, drive to Pathankot to board overnight train to Delhi.