The Hampta Pass Trek is located between the Chandra Valley in Lahaul and the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. This trek is situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft and covers a distance of about 26 km. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking landscapes including forests, meadows, waterfalls, and colorful flowers. The starting point of the trek is Manali, a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh. As you progress on the trek, you will witness a dramatic change in scenery, from barren mountains to lush green forests and cascading waterfalls. The Hampta Pass Trek offers stunning views of meadows and flower-covered hillsides. Some of the flowers you may encounter include the Himalayan Blue Poppy and Pink Hill Geranium. Additionally, you will also witness the transition of forests, from apple orchards to deodar and oak trees.
15 Reasons to Visit Hampta Pass Trek
Breathtaking Mountain Villages
The trek will take you through some charming mountain villages, which are perfect for relaxation and unwinding. One of these villages is Sethan, located at an elevation of 8,860 ft. It is a Buddhist village surrounded by the beautiful Dhauladhar Ranges. Sethan is a great place to experience the unique Buddhist culture. Another popular mountain village on the trek is Hampta, situated just below Sethan. According to legend, Yudhistir took this route when journeying towards heaven.
Pass Crossing
The most thrilling part of the trek is the Hampta Pass crossing. It is an exhilarating adventure that involves climbing three ledges one after another. The pass itself is a wide passage that extends for a considerable distance before abruptly dropping from the mountain, adding to the excitement.
Diverse and challenging Terrains
One of the highlights of a crossover trek is the distinct change in landscapes between different regions, and Hampta Pass is no exception. This expansive 5-day trek takes you from the lush Kullu Valley in Himachal to the cold deserts of Chandra Valley in Lahaul, offering a spectacular display of nature.
Exciting Campsites and Cultural Immersion
Balu ka Ghera and Shea Goru are two of the most stunning campsites on the trek. Balu Ka Ghera is located on the edge of a river, with the Hampta Pass towering in front and a vast valley behind. Shea Goru, on the other hand, has a picturesque green setting with a stream in the front and mountains surrounding it.
Flora and Fauna
This Himalayan trek also provides ample opportunities to witness biodiversity. You will encounter coniferous trees such as Pinewood, Maple, Deodar, Silver Birch, and Oak trees. Wildlife sightings may include shepherd dogs, sheep, and vibrant Himalayan birds like whistling thrushes and white-capped redstarts.
Panoramic Mountain Views
The trek offers breathtaking views of mountain ranges such as the Dhauladhar Range and the Pir Panjal Range. From the top of the pass, you can enjoy panoramic views of Deo Tibba, Mt. Indrasen, and its glaciers.
Chandra Tal Lake
One of the most captivating attractions of the trek is the beautiful Chandra Tal Lake. Surrounded by the red and brown mountains of Lahaul and the Chandra River, the lake changes colors throughout the day. Chandratal, meaning ‘Moon Lake,’ has a crescent-like shape and is steeped in mythology. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the point from where Yudhistir transcended to heaven.
Manali
Manali is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayan Mountains. It is not just known for trekking, but also for its rich history. The valley was once inhabited by nomad hunters, followed by shepherds and farmers. Today, the region is dominated by apple orchards. Located in the Beas River Valley, Manali offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and clear waters, providing an amazing travel experience. It is often referred to as the “Switzerland of India” and serves as a gateway to Leh, Lahaul, Kinnaur, and Spiti, offering a wide range of adventure activities.
Chika
Chika is a charming settlement that marks the beginning of an incredible expedition. Located at an elevation of 3100 meters, Chika is a picturesque location with lush vegetation, massive rocks, grassy areas, swift rivers, and stunning waterfalls. The trail is surrounded by deodar, oak, maple, and toss trees, as well as thick alpine forests. The green valleys with a view of the Rani Nullah provide a breathtaking sight. Along the way to Chika, you can witness various snow-lined ridges beyond the riverbeds, making it an amazing campsite.
Balu Ka Ghera
Balu Ka Ghera, also known as “Heaps of Sand,” is a fantastic camping location. The view from here offers beautiful meadows adorned with marigold flowers, and you can spot herds of sheep and horses grazing. There are rumors of Brown Bears hibernating in this region during extreme winters. With a view of snow in the distance, the base camp of the trek is located near crystal clear waters. The region is decorated with rocks, wildflowers, and mystical caves, offering unparalleled sights of the countryside.
Hampta Pass
Hampta Pass is an expansive plateau located at an impressive altitude of 4268 meters. From here, you can admire the majestic mountains towards the East, which descend towards Spiti on the West. The peaks of Inderkila, Deo Tibba, and Indrasen are visible from this vantage point. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides, the Hampta Pass immerses you in the lap of nature. The trail leading to the pass is adorned with beautiful landscapes and glacial valleys.
Siagoru
Siagoru, a renowned camping destination for trekking enthusiasts, lies beyond the Hampta Pass. After a relatively easy descent, adventurers find themselves on the boulevard to Chandratal Lake. Situated at an impressive altitude of 4000 meters, Siagoru offers a picturesque setting with majestic mountains, snowy landscapes, enchanting streams, and meandering rivers. This cherished pathway captivates the hearts of all who tread upon it.
The thrill of climbing mountains
Embarking on the climb to Hampta Pass is an exhilarating experience, as one navigates through challenging ledges and rocky terrain. The reward at the summit is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with snow-capped peaks and vast valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the pass is unparalleled, etching this adventure into one’s memory forever.
Most dramatic trek in India
Crossing the Hampta Pass brings about an extreme transformation of the landscape. The once verdant and lush lower elevations give way to a barren and rocky terrain, creating a stark contrast to the breathtaking scenery witnessed on the ascent. Nevertheless, the views from atop the pass remain breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks and sprawling valleys unfolding beneath the beholder’s gaze.
Faqs
What makes Hampta Pass a popular trekking destination?
Hampta Pass is renowned for its scenic trekking route that takes you from Manali to Chandra Tal Lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
Why should I consider Hampta Pass as my first Himalayan trek?
Hampta Pass is often recommended as a great choice for a first Himalayan trek due to its moderate difficulty level, diverse landscapes ranging from lush green valleys to barren terrains, and the overall experience it offers to trekkers.
How long does the Hampta Pass trek typically last?
The Hampta Pass trek is usually completed in about 5 days, offering a short yet immersive experience that allows trekkers to witness a diverse range of landscapes, from lush green valleys to the stunning Chandratal Lake.
What are the key attractions along the Hampta Pass trek?
During the Hampta Pass trek, trekkers get to explore the lush green Kullu valley, traverse mountain passes, witness the transition to barren landscapes of Spiti, and culminate the journey at the picturesque Chandratal Lake, providing a rich and varied trekking experience.
Are there specific reasons that make Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake trek stand out?
The Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake trek offer a unique blend of landscapes within a short duration, allowing trekkers to witness a diverse range of terrains and sceneries that are unparalleled compared to other treks in the Himalayas
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