Lamkhaga Pass Trek

Lamkhaga Pass Trek – High-Altitude Crossover from Chitkul to Harsil

The lamkhaga pass trek is one of the most demanding and rewarding high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas. This expedition connects Chitkul village in the Baspa Valley with Harsil in the Gangotri Valley, crossing the formidable Lamkhaga Pass at 5,300 meters.

About Lamkhaga Pass

Lamkhaga Pass derives its name from two words — ‘Lam’ meaning long and ‘Khaga’ meaning pass signifying a long and strenuous traverse. The pass features a corniced ridge with near-vertical slopes on both sides, making it a serious challenge even for experienced trekkers.

An alternative route on the south-western side is the Chotakhaga Pass, which is slightly lower in altitude. Chotakhaga translates to a shorter pass and offers a route that cuts the trail by nearly 10 km, but involves a steep climb and difficult descent. This route eventually merges with the Lamkhaga trail in the upper Kyarkoti Valley.

Geographical Significance

The lamkhaga pass trek lies on a ridge shared with Nela Pass and Chunsa Khaga Pass. Lamkhaga Pass forms a drainage divide between:

• Jalandhari Gad, a tributary of the Bhagirathi River
• Baspa River, a left-bank tributary of the Satluj River

In this context, Lamkhaga acts as a water-parting ridge between the Ganga and Indus river systems, as Bhagirathi joins the Ganga and the Sutlej flows into the Indus.

The pass is surrounded by vast snowfields and cirques of the Baspa Glacier and Jalandhari Gad Glacier in Uttarakhand.

Route Variations and Valleys

Both Lamkhaga Pass and Chotakhaga (Nela Pass) descend into the Kyarkoti Valley along the Jalandhari Gad River. In contrast, Chunsa Khaga Pass descends into the Nelang Valley via the Chor Gad River, close to the Indo-Tibet border.

Due to this border proximity, a mandatory trekking permit is required for trekking or climbing in these restricted regions.

Best Time for Lamkhaga Pass Trek

The lamkhaga pass trek is best undertaken from the 3rd or 4th week of May through September.
During April and early May, the upper valleys of Baspa (Kinnaur) and Kyarkoti (Harsil) remain heavily snow-covered, making glacier traverses extremely difficult.

In late April and May, trekkers are rewarded with blooming pink rhododendrons in the Jalandhari Gad and Kyarkoti valleys, adding a unique natural charm to the experience.

Which Lamkhaga Pass Trek?

The route leading into Harsil in the Gangotri Valley is one of the most popular options starting from Chitkul. It is commonly referred to by multiple names, including:

• Chitkul–Gangotri Trek
• Chitkul Trek
• Chitkul–Harsil Trek
• Harsil–Chitkul Trek

All these names refer to the same high-altitude crossover involving Lamkhaga Pass.

Lamkhaga Pass Trek Difficulty Level

The lamkhaga pass trek itinerary qualifies as one of the most difficult treks in Himachal Pradesh due to:

• Near-vertical ascent from Lamkhaga snowfields to the summit
• Long stretches of glaciated terrain
• Boulder-strewn zones
• Trail length exceeding 90 km
• Crossing high-flowing, ice-cold waters of the Baspa River
• Monsoon rains in Harsil and Kyarkoti Valley, often causing delays

Cultural & Scenic Highlights

Harsil is known for Wilson’s Cottage, built in 1864, while Gangotri lies a short drive away. Chitkul, the starting point, is the last village of the Sangla Valley, adding cultural significance to the trek. The lamkhaga pass trek offers a panorama of diverse Himalayan landscapes across valleys, glaciers, and high ridgelines.

Lamkhaga Pass Trek Cost

The Lamkhaga Pass trek cost starts from INR 30,000. The final price varies based on:

• Group size
• Pick-up location (Chandigarh or Shimla)
• Departure period (pre-monsoon or post-monsoon)
• Add-ons such as backpack offloading, accommodation before/after the trek, and drop-off location (Dehradun or Delhi)