Are you in search of a trek filled with adventure? All set to go for India’s most sought-after high altitude trek?
The Hampta Pass trek starts from Manali in Himachal Pradesh which gives you an opportunity to experience an adventure filled trek. The Hampta Pass is located at an elevation of 14,000 feet on the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas. This pass separates two contrasting and beautiful valleys of Kullu and Spiti. The Kullu Valley is well known for its rivers, meadows, pine trees and the water streams flowing whereas the Spiti Valley is famous for the barren desert covered in snow for most of the year. So, as you go along the trail, you get to witness two contrasting landscapes in India’s adventure capital, Himachal Pradesh.
THE BEST TIME TO GO
The best time to go on this trek is in the months of June and July. The biting cold weather because of the snow will give you ultimate chills. You will get to experience snowfall with temperatures falling to almost -15 degrees. Most of the trekkers are attracted to this one because of the snowfall.
But if you are not really a fan of the cold weather and snow, the best time for you to visit will be between mid June and early October. You will experience a green landscape with a wide range of flora and fauna along with sounds of streams and the rivers gushing.
The forests have a wide variety of flora and fauna including various types of wood such as oak, fir, maple, birch and pines. The patches of snow all over the place adds to the beauty. It is very soothing to the eyes to watch the clear blue skies, rivers streaming, waterfalls and the lush green meadows. You will also have an amazing view of the snowy terrains of the Pir Panjal range.
HOW TO REACH?
The Hampta Pass trek starts from Manali, accessible by road. Very few flights operate from the airport in Kullu which is around 60 kms from Manali. The best way to reach Manali is by bus from Chandigarh or Delhi. The overnight trip from Delhi to Manali is around 12 to 14 hours. It takes around 8 to 10 hours from Chandigarh to Manali by road.
ITINERARY OF HAMPTA PASS TREK
Day 1 : Manali to Jobri, trek to Chikka
A one hour drive of 19 kms from Manali passes through Prini, Sethan and Jobra. Jobra is at an altitude of 9800 feet and Chika is at an altitude of 10100 feet. You will have to trek for 2 km to reach Chika campsite on Rani Nallah. You will walk into a wide range of flora that includes pine trees, green maple and birch trees and You will find a stunning waterfall close to the campsite at Chikka.
Day 2 : From Chikka to Balu ka Ghera
You will love to wake up to the sounds of the waterfall and continue to trek further. As you pass through the stones and boulders, you will reach Juara Nala. You get to experience the thrill of river crossing and also a spectacular view of the Indrasan Peak. This is at an altitude between 10,100 feet and 11,900 feet. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete the trek and reach Balu ka Ghera.
Day 3 : Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru, cross Hampta Pass
After you reach the upper Balu ka Ghera, the ascent to Hampta Pass starts. As you cross over, you witness tha barren landscape of The Himalayas. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the Hampta Pass summit. The altitude is 14,100 feet descending to 12,900 feet. You will be enjoying the beautiful panoramic view from the top and then start descending to Shea Goru.
Day 4 : Shea Goru to Chatru and a drive to ChandraTal
The downhill trek of around 5 hrs from Shea Goru along the river valley’s side is exciting. This is at an height of 12,900 feet to 11,000 feet. The trail takes you through scenic landscapes and glaciers too. You will finally arrive at Chatru base camp alongside the Chandra river.
Day 5 : Chatru to ChandraTal or Manali via Rohtang Pass
The Chandratal lake is about 45 kms from the Chatru camp site that you can hike up if the weather conditions permit. After this, you will head back to Manali as the trek comes to an end with a beautiful mosaic of memories.
Hampta Pass is definitely a must to go trek for anyone with the enthusiasm to explore. The Hampta Pass is an easy and convenient trail for someone to begin with. This trek will definitely be the best choice for those who love trekking but are apprehensive about the unfamiliar terrains.