Kugti Village is one of the most remote and beautiful Himalayan settlements in Himachal Pradesh. Located in the Bharmour region of Chamba district, it sits on the edge of the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary and serves as the starting point of the famous Kugti Pass Trek. Reaching Kugti is an adventure in itself—but with the right information, the journey becomes smooth and memorable.
This complete guide explains the best route, travel time, road conditions, transportation options, and tips for reaching Kugti Village from Chamba by road.
🏔️ Where is Kugti Village Located?
- District: Chamba
- Region: Bharmour
- Altitude: ~2,500 meters
- Distance from Chamba: ~83 km by road
Kugti is known for its untouched beauty, high alpine meadows, and traditional Himachali lifestyle.
🚗 How to Reach Kugti Village from Chamba by Road
📍 Route Overview
The road journey from Chamba to Kugti is scenic but narrow and adventurous.
Total Distance: ~83 km
Travel Time: 3.5 to 5 hours
Best Route:
Chamba → Bharmour → Hadsar → Dharol → Kugti
This is the only motorable route to the village.
🛣️ Detailed Road Route Breakdown
1. Chamba to Bharmour (65 km)
- Road Condition: Good to moderate
- Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Highlights: Ravi River views, terraced fields, small villages
This stretch is comfortable and scenic, ideal for family travel.
2. Bharmour to Hadsar (6 km)
- Road Condition: Narrow but manageable
- Travel Time: 15–20 minutes
- Note: This is the base point for the Manimahesh Yatra
3. Hadsar to Kugti Village (12 km)
- Road Condition: Narrow, steep, and rugged at places
- Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Vehicle Type Recommended:
- SUV or high-ground-clearance vehicle
- Experienced driver preferred
This is the toughest part—expect sharp bends, unpaved stretches, and cliffside roads. But the views are extraordinary.
Summary Table:
| Leg | Distance | Mode | Time |
| Chamba to Bharmour | 65 km | Drive | 3 hrs |
| Bharmour to Hadsar | 13 km | Drive | 45 mins |
| Hadsar to Kugti | 13 km | Drive/Jeep | 45 mins – 1 hr |
| Total | ~91 km | ~4.5 – 5 hrs |
🚘 Transport Options from Chamba to Kugti by Road
1. Private Car / SUV
- Best and most flexible option
- Highly recommended due to terrain
- Ensure the vehicle is in good condition
2. Taxi from Chamba or Bharmour
Taxis are available at:
- Chamba Taxi Stand
- Bharmour Taxi Union
Fare Range:
- Chamba → Kugti: ₹3,500 – ₹6,000
- Bharmour → Kugti: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500
3. Local Bus (Limited Availability)
- HRTC buses run only till Hadsar
- After Hadsar, shared jeeps and 4×4 taxis operate toward Kugti
- Suitable for budget travelers
🌄 Best Time to Travel
- April to June: Pleasant weather, safe roads
- July–September: Avoid due to monsoon & landslides
- October: Clear skies, ideal for trekking
- November–March: Heavy snowfall; road may be closed
Kugti becomes extremely isolated in winter.
📡 Mobile & Network Connectivity
Connectivity is very weak
- BSNL works in some pockets
- No 4G/5G
- After Bharmour, signals become unstable
Download offline maps beforehand.
🧳 Essential Travel Tips
- Start early from Chamba (before 9 AM)
- Prefer SUV or high-clearance vehicle
- Avoid monsoon travel
- Carry snacks, water, and warm clothes
- Drive slowly on the Hadsar–Kugti stretch
- Inform your hotel/family before entering no-network zones
⭐ Why Visit Kugti Village?
- Gateway to Kugti Pass Trek
- Home to Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary
- Traditional Himalayan lifestyle
- Snow-capped mountain views
- Completely offbeat & peaceful
Kugti is one of Himachal’s last untouched villages—perfect for explorers seeking raw mountain beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions – How to Reach Kugti Village from Chamba by Road
1. How far is Kugti Village from Chamba?
Kugti Village is approximately 83 km from Chamba and takes around 3.5 to 5 hours to reach by road.
2. Is the road to Kugti Village safe?
The road is safe up to Bharmour. The stretch from Hadsar to Kugti is narrow, steep, and rugged, so experienced drivers or SUVs are recommended.
3. Can I reach Kugti by local bus?
Regular buses run from Chamba to Hadsar, but not all the way to Kugti. From Hadsar, you must hire a shared jeep or private 4×4 taxi.
4. What is the best time to drive to Kugti Village?
The ideal time is April to June and October. Avoid monsoons (Jul–Sept) due to landslides and winter (Nov–March) due to heavy snowfall.
5. Do I need a permit to visit Kugti Village?
No permit is required for the village itself, but you need a permit if you plan to enter Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary or trek towards Kugti Pass.
6. Is mobile network available in Kugti Village?
Network is very limited. Only BSNL works partially. It’s best to download offline maps before entering the region.
7. Which vehicle is best for reaching Kugti?
An SUV or high-ground-clearance vehicle is recommended for the Hadsar to Kugti stretch.
8. Can beginners drive to Kugti?
Beginners can drive up to Bharmour, but should avoid the last stretch to Kugti unless accompanied by an experienced hill driver.