Hampta Pass, nestled in the majestic Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, beckons adventurers to ascend to an impressive altitude of 14,100 ft. This extraordinary trek is a harmonious blend of awe-inspiring glaciers, melodious gurgling streams, and formidable terrains, making it an absolute must for any avid trekker’s bucket list.
Journey from the picturesque town of Jobra in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Pass trek lives up to its promise by immersing you in the boundless natural beauty of this region. As you venture forth, you will traverse through enchanting pine, maple, and birch forests, while the expansive meadows serve as idyllic grazing grounds for cattle.
Along the way to Balu ka Ghera, you will be captivated by the vibrant rhododendron forests and carpets of wildflowers, followed by the rugged hills and serene lakes that lead you to the gateway of Hampta Pass. From this vantage point, a breathtaking panorama of the Pir Panjal Range unfolds before your eyes, with majestic mountains cascading down to the valleys below.
The journey continues with a descent to Shea Goru, which proves to be the most challenging part of the trek. Here, you will navigate a steep downhill path, meandering through rocky and narrow terrain. However, the arduous effort is rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
As the trek nears its end, a final treat awaits at Chandratal Lake. Nestled amidst the peaks of Pir Panjal at an elevation of 4250 meters, this glacial lake exudes an ethereal beauty. Throughout the trek, the lake’s water undergoes a mesmerizing transformation, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors. Your last campsite, Chhatru, lies ahead, but not before crossing a refreshing stream near Shea Goru. Fear not, for the water is calm and the currents gentle.
A leisurely stroll across the lush pasturelands will lead you to Chhatru. From there, a short drive will transport you to the captivating Chandratal Lake. After relishing the serenity of this enchanting location, you will return to Chhatru, and the following day, embark on a scenic drive back to Manali.
The Hampta Pass trek is a remarkable journey that promises to immerse you in the grandeur of the Pir Panjal Range. With its diverse landscapes, challenging terrains, and stunning vistas, this trek is an adventure of a lifetime.
How To Reach Manali From Delhi
Manali is a well-known tourist destination in India, famous for its natural beauty. It is easily accessible from other states in India through various modes of transportation. Let’s explore the different ways to reach Manali:
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, located about 50 km away. It is a domestic airport with regular flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. Once you land at Bhuntar Airport, you can hire a cab or taxi for a comfortable 2-hour drive to Manali. For international tourists, the nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. From there, you can catch another flight to Kullu-Manali airport and then reach Manali.
By Train: Manali does not have its own railway station, but the nearest railway stations are Pathankot and Joginder Nagar. From these stations, you can take a cab, taxi, or bus to reach Manali, which usually takes around 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can also reach Chandigarh Railway Station or Delhi Railway Station and then take a bus to Manali. These buses connect various cities like Jaipur, Indore, Kolkata, Madurai, Lucknow, and more. However, please note that the journey from the station to Manali can take approximately 12 to 14 hours.
By Road: Manali is well-connected to Chandigarh, Ambala, and Delhi through roadways. There are Volvo buses available from Kashmere Gate, Majnu Ka Tila, and RK Ashram in Delhi. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh government buses operate from Kashmere Gate. Manali is also connected to other states through road networks.
Manali offers convenient transportation options for travelers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to this picturesque destination.
What is the distance to reach Manali from other states?
Here are the distances by road from various cities:
- Mumbai to Manali: 1931 kilometers
- Jaipur to Manali: 800 kilometers
- Chandigarh to Manali: 307 kilometers
- Shimla to Manali: 248 kilometers
- Dehradun to Manali: 474 kilometers
- Ludhiana to Manali: 358 kilometers
- Bangalore to Manali: 2693 kilometers
- Kolkata to Manali: 2037 kilometers.
How To Reach Manali From Banglore
By Air: If you choose to fly, the nearest airport to Manali is the Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar, which is about 50 km away. You can take a flight from Bengaluru International Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, with a duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes. From Delhi, you can catch another flight to Bhuntar, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are several airlines that offer daily flights from Bangalore to Delhi, and Air India provides daily flights from Delhi to Bhuntar.
By Rail: If you prefer to travel by train, you have the option to take a train to Chandigarh from Bangalore, which usually takes around 47 to 55 hours. From Chandigarh Railway Station, Manali is approximately 315 km away. You can book a cab or take a bus from Chandigarh to Manali, which will take around 8 to 9 hours. The train journey from Bangalore to Manali can be covered in about 36 hours.
By Bus: Lastly, if you choose to travel by road, the distance between Manali and Bangalore is approximately 2,687.6 km. You can either drive yourself or hire a cab for this long journey, which usually takes about 44 hours. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus service available from Bangalore to Manali.
How To Reach Manali From Mumbai
By Air: To reach Manali, the nearest airport is the Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar, which is approximately 50 km away. You can take a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (2 hours and 10 minutes), and then another flight from Delhi to Bhuntar (1 hour and 20 minutes). There are several flight operators that offer daily services from Mumbai to Delhi, with Air India providing daily flights from Delhi to Bhuntar.
Once you arrive at Bhuntar Airport, you can choose to take a bus or a cab to reach Manali, which will take around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Chandigarh Airport from Mumbai (2 hours and 45 minutes), which is about 317 km away from Manali. From Chandigarh, you can book a cab or opt for a bus, which should take around 8 to 9 hours to reach Manali.
By Rail: If you prefer to travel by train, there are several options to choose from for a journey from Mumbai to Chandigarh, which takes approximately 27 to 30 hours. From Chandigarh Railway Station, Manali is about 315 km away. You can book a cab or opt for a bus, which should take around 8 to 9 hours.
By Bus: If you prefer to travel by road, the distance between Manali and Mumbai is 1,965 km. You can choose to self-drive or hire a cab. It takes about 33 hours to reach Manali from Mumbai by road. Unfortunately, there are no buses available that directly connect the two cities.
How To Reach Manali From Kolkata
By Air: Currently, there are no direct flights from Kolkata to Manali. The closest airport to Manali is the Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar, which is about 50 km away. To get to Manali by air, you can take a flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
From Delhi, you can then take another flight to Bhuntar, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are several airlines that operate daily flights from Kolkata to Delhi, and Air India provides daily flights from Delhi to Bhuntar. Once you reach Bhuntar Airport, you can choose to take a bus or a cab to reach Manali, which will take approximately 2 hours. Taking a flight is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from Kolkata to Manali.
By Train: If you prefer to travel by train, you can book seats on trains from Kolkata to Chandigarh or Ambala, which takes around 29 to 31 hours. The nearest railway station to Manali is Chandigarh Railway Station, which is about 315 km away. From Chandigarh, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Manali, which should take around 6 to 7 hours. Traveling by train from Kolkata to Manali will take approximately 36 hours.
By Bus: If you choose to travel by road, the distance between Manali and Kolkata is 2,026 km. You can either drive yourself or hire a cab for the journey. It takes about 36 hours to reach Manali from Kolkata by road. Unfortunately, there are no direct buses connecting the two cities. If you prefer a shorter travel time, it is recommended to book a flight to Bhuntar Airport instead of traveling by road. In summary, the best way to travel from Kolkata to Manali is by air, with a layover in Delhi. Traveling by train or road is also possible but will take longer.
FAQs
What is the height of Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass is located at an elevation of 14,065 feet/4,287 meters above sea level.
How difficult is the Hampta Pass trek?
The Hampta Pass trek is considered a moderate trek, with difficulty ranging from easy to difficult. The trek starts at an altitude of 6,725 ft in Manali and reaches 14,000 ft at the pass, making it a good option for fit first-time trekkers.
How to prepare for the Hampta Pass trek?
To prepare, you should be able to run 5 km in 35 minutes and aim to jog 20 km per week or 80 km per month leading up to the trek.
Where can I find ATMs on the trek?
There are no ATMs along the Hampta Pass trek route. You should carry enough cash before starting the trek. The last ATM will be in Manali.
What is the best time to do the Hampta Pass trek?
The best times are June and July if you want to experience snow, or July to October if you prefer a greener landscape with more flora and fauna.
Pack your trekking bag and head to Hampta Pass now!!