Lamkhaga Pass Trek: A perfect alternate to Rupin Pass

Lamkhaga Pass is a remote trail that connects Harsil in Uttarkashi to Chitkul in Kinnaur. One comes across alpine meadows, moraines, small streams and glacial lakes while on this trek. It's a 6-8 days trek with a boulder strewn terrain which makes it a difficult with some challenging stretches. Located at a height of 17,300 feet, the trek to this pass can be attempted from either side, however the Harsil to Chitkul is the preferred route. Since most of the trek is around the Indo-Tibetan border, which comes under the Indian Army, you will get an Inner-line permit to do this trek.

How to reach Harsil

Harsil is the unspoiled and unexplored jewel of Uttarakhand, which is located on the banks of river Bhagirathi. It is well-connected with other cities of Uttarakhand but Harsil is not directly connected to Delhi. You have to reach Dehradun or Haridwar from Delhi, once there you will have multiple options of shared jeeps and buses to Harsil. Once at there you can have plenty of options to stay before you start your trek.

Difficulty level

This is a remote trek which takes you to through some isolated areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Considered to be one of the toughest treks of this region, it falls under the grade of difficult to challenging. The total length is 73km and you have to pass through a different landscape almost everyday.

Cost

This trek is not to be done solo. Few organisers like Hippieinhills, Adventure Nation and Himalaya Shelters do this trek around ₹38000, Dehradun to Chitkul, inclusive of all the equipment, guide, camping and meals. If you don't want to do it with a group you can have a trip arranged only for yourself by Hippieinhills.

Trek route

This is the most preferred route but you can reverse the route if you want to attempt it from the Chitkul side.

Harsil - Kyarkoti - Lamkhaga Pass Base Camp- Lamkhaga Pass - Gundar - Dumti - Rani Kanda - Nagasthi - Chitkul

When to do it

The best time to hit this trek is during summer season and autumn, for rest of the year this trail is covered under a thick blanket of snow.

Brief Itinerary