Bhubhu Pass
District Mandi/Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Position - N31 57.557 E76 59.684
Altitude – 2791 metres above MSL
Trail Orientation – West - East
Closest Settlement(s) – Silhabdhani (West), Kadaun (East)
Bhubhu, origins of the name again unknown, has been a pass much used since old times. During British rule, when the town and valley of Kullu were not connected by a road but Kullu was still an important administrative centre, Bhubhu was used as a crossing from Mandi district. The area was, much like the rest of India, under a local King, who would often tour the area on the mule trail collecting his taxes, listening to people's complaints and handing out justice, such justice that could be handed out by a second class citizen to a third class citizen. A clear mule trail of the old times, part of which has been converted into a road as well with a bus plying bears testimony to the importance of the route in old times. The route's importance declined with the decline of the British fortunes in India. From Silhabdhani, where the road ends, the mule trail; still used by mules used for trekking in Lahaul and Leh, continues to Kadaun village on the opposite site of the pass.
This pass is part of what I have nick named 'The Bhang Trek'. If you want to see Cannabis in full bloom and the social activity surrounding it, any time from mid September to mid October is good. The pass is not very high and is part of middle ranges at 2791metres, the climb is therefore pretty easy on the feet and not long.
Bhang and historical importance aside, like any high point, the views are something to savour. Chohar valley, parts of Kangra valley, a layer of ranges on one side and Lug valley, Kullu valley and views of the passes of Lahaul and Spiti on the other side. Northwards, you can also see some much higher passes like the Thamsar pass and the Sari pass. Southwards, parts of passes to Kinnaur. The pass trail Eastwards leads to the prosperous, apple and bhang rich Kullu valley.
Trekking to Bhubhu:
Bhubhu is one of the many passes which can be used to cross over from Mandi/Kangra districts to Kullu, albeit the easiest, both in terms of the elevation and trail. It is one of the popular passes because foreign tourists often express a wish to trek from somewhere close to Dharamshala to somewhere close to Manali and Bhubhu is on the route. The other reason for its popularity is its lower elevation, meaning it stays open and accessible for most of the year. You can trek to Bhubhu even at the height of winter, though you will need to be cautious. Population and road close on both sides means you need not necessarily carry camping equipment and food i.e. if you are fine skipping some lunches.
There are two start points on the Mandi/Kangra side of the pass you can use. If you have lots of time and want a 8-10 day trek to Manali, start at Bir, crossing Billing, Barot, Jhatingri and the pass into Kullu. For a shorter trek, start at Barot, which should save you 2-3 days.
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