According to Beverly, going on a meaningful journey requires perseverance and dedication, as there are no quick routes to any destination that holds significance. Trekking typically entails a demanding expedition by foot, which can serve as a means to establish a connection with both the natural world and our inner selves. It provides profound insights into the essence of existence. While some individuals view it as a mere pastime, for others, it becomes an irresistible compulsion. And that’s exactly is Hampta Pass Trek.
The Hampta Pass Trek is nestled amidst the enchanting Chandra Valley in Lahaul and the captivating Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. This awe-inspiring trek unfolds at an impressive altitude of 14,000 ft, spanning a remarkable distance of approximately 26 km. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer magnificence of the landscapes that will unfold before your eyes, encompassing verdant forests, picturesque meadows, cascading waterfalls, and a vibrant tapestry of colorful flowers. Embarking from the picturesque town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, this journey promises a remarkable transformation in scenery, as you traverse from rugged, barren mountains to lush, emerald-green forests and the melodious symphony of cascading waterfalls. The Hampta Pass Trek is an adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. The following is the perfect 5 day Itinerary for Hampta Pass will give you a complete experience of the trail.
Brief Itinerary for Hampta Pass Trek
- Day 1: Manali Arrival | Drive to Jobra (45 mins drive) | Trek to Chika (2 Kms Trek)
- Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera Trek (8.5 Kms, 6 hrs)
- Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Siagoru Trek via Hampta Pass (7 Kms, 9 hrs)
- Day 4: Siagoru to Chatru Trek (7 Kms, 5 hrs) | Chatru to Chandratal Drive (48 Kms, 3 Hrs) | Back to Chatru
- Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali (63 Kms, 2.5 Hrs) | Tour Ends
Day 1: Manali Arrival | Drive to Jobra (45 mins drive) | Trek to Chika (2 Kms Trek)
- Altitude: Jobra – 3000 m/ 9,800 ft to Chika 310010,100 ft.
- Drive: 2 hr to Jobra from Manali
- Trek Distance: 2.5 km | Duration: 2hr from Jobra
- Accommodation: Tent stay in Chika
- Highlight of the Day: Mesmerizing Sight of Rani Nallah
The trekking expedition commences at Manali, where you will be transported to Jobra in a vehicle. Manali, situated at an elevation of 6,700 ft, provides an ideal opportunity to acclimatize before embarking on the trek. During the drive, which takes approximately 2 hours and entails navigating 40 hairpin bends, you will be treated to the breathtaking beauty of the Kullu Valley. Jobra serves as the starting point for your journey to Hampta Pass, positioned at an altitude of 9,800 ft. The trek to Chika will elevate you to 10,100 ft.
Today’s trek is relatively easy as you traverse the banks of Rani Nallah, meandering through a diverse forest of pine, green maple, and birch trees. The adventure commences at the junction of Allain Guhugal Hydel Project, where you cross the main road and embark on a narrow path that leads you into a captivating forest adorned with pine, maple, oak, deodar, and toss trees. The ascent is gentle, making it easily manageable. Take a moment to relish the enchanting surroundings before entering a lush meadow adorned with scattered rocks. After a brief twenty-minute walk, you will reach a bend that offers a panoramic view of the meadow.
As you venture deeper into the meadow, the mesmerizing sight of Rani Nallah flowing through its heart unfolds, resembling a scene straight out of a fairy tale. You can either continue walking through the meadow or opt to ascend the hill on the left-hand side. Either way, your destination, Chika, awaits at the end of this vast expanse. The ascent and descent of the hill present the easier route, leading you to a campsite nestled within a sprawling green clearing. The presence of the Rani River flowing through the middle creates an idyllic setting for pitching tents. Additionally, you may even catch a glimpse of horses grazing in the meadows, providing an excellent opportunity for capturing Instagram-worthy photographs.
Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera Trek (8.5 Kms, 6 hrs)
- Trek Distance: 8.5 km
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs
- Altitude Gain: 500 m/ 1,800 ft.
- Accommodation: Tent stay in Balu Ka Ghera
- Highlight of the Day: Rhododendron tree trail and river crossing
The forthcoming destination is Balu Ka Ghera. Although the Chika campsie does not offer a direct view of the area, one can deduce its location to be on the right-hand side based on the trail’s direction. The path ahead will traverse through rugged terrain and boulders, yet the trek’s difficulty level remains relatively easy, posing no significant challenges.
The entire stretch of the river’s right bank is adorned with enchanting dwarf Rhododendron trees. These magnificent trees grace the lower and central regions, while a cluster of silver birch trees adorns the upper region. Once you reach the end of the silver birch trees, take a moment to pause and gaze back at the awe-inspiring panorama of the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar. The view is truly a picturesque sight to behold. Further along, you will come across a crystal-clear stream waterfall on your left, serving as an ideal spot to replenish your water bottles. After crossing the waterfall, the next leg of the journey leads you towards the river on your left. To reach the opposite side, you can either wade through the rivulet, albeit at the cost of wetting your feet in the frigid waters, or nimbly hop from one rock to another within the stream. It is worth noting that you will have completed approximately half of today’s trek upon entering Jwara. Jwara is a breathtaking sheltered valley, adorned with colossal snow-clad rocks on one side and a steep drop to the river on the other. The splendor of nature’s creation will undoubtedly captivate your senses. As you traverse through this valley, you will witness the snow melting into the river and observe cattle grazing peacefully on the land.
Ahead of you lie majestic snow-covered mountains, while behind you lies the Hampta Pass. The trail from here meanders alongside the riverside, leading you into yet another rectangular valley. The path is adorned with a vibrant array of multi-colored flowers. The tree line gradually fades from view, becoming a distant memory. It will take approximately another half an hour to reach the end of this valley, which marks the conclusion of your journey through Jwara. Beyond Jwara, the path becomes a slope adorned with snow and rocks. Along the way, you will encounter a delightful assortment of purple, yellow, and pink wildflowers. As you progress towards Balu Ka Ghera, the terrain gradually levels out, and the path transforms into a mosaic of rocks and boulders, which become increasingly sparse as you approach your destination.
Balu ka Ghera serves as the ultimate destination on this path, yet its name bears no relevance to its actual characteristics. Despite the name’s suggestion of a sand mound, the place is adorned with a harmonious blend of snow and lush greenery. However, it is believed that this location was indeed formed by the river’s deposition of sands and dust, thus justifying its name. The campsite at Balu ka Ghera presents a level expanse amidst the majestic mountains, which you will traverse the following day to reach the pass. Situated at an impressive elevation of 11,900 ft, Balu ka Ghera embodies a formal and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Siagoru Trek via Hampta Pass (7 Kms, 9 hrs)
- Trek Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 9 hr
- Altitude Gain: 300 m/ 1,000 ft
- Accommodation: Tent stay in Siagoru
- Highlight of the Day: Crossing Hampta Pass
The journey can be divided into two parts: a gradual ascent on a moderately steep slope to reach Hampta Pass, followed by a sharp descent to Siagoru. The highest point of the trek, Hampta Pass, stands at an impressive altitude of 14,100 feet. Starting the day by heading towards the mountains spotted the previous day near Balu Ka Ghera, the trail runs alongside the picturesque riverside. The beauty of the surroundings is further enhanced by the presence of delicate yellow and orange flowers along the river banks.
Continuing along the riverside trails, you will eventually reach the base and begin the actual climb towards Hampta Pass. It is important to stay alert as the trail may become less distinct at certain points, but there is no need to worry if you are trekking with our experienced leaders who will guide you along the correct path. The journey to this point will take approximately an hour, and another hour of walking will bring you to the first plateau. During the summer, this place is blanketed in thick, pristine snow, while patches of snow can be found throughout the rest of the year. The majestic Deo Tibba peak will be right in front of your eyes, providing a breathtaking view.
Moving forward, you will reach another plateau and then proceed onto a ridge. It will take an additional half an hour to reach the end of this ridge. From there, you will trek further up to reach the second ridge, which is just a short distance and a bend away from Hampta Pass. The climb to the pass is steep and challenging, requiring approximately 15 minutes to conquer. Although you may feel exhausted upon reaching the pass, the sight that unfolds before you is truly awe-inspiring. Take some time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings, enjoy your lunch, and prepare yourself for the next leg of the journey – the descent to Siagoru.
The descent is more challenging than the ascent to the pass. The slope is so steep that it becomes difficult to locate the base of the mountain, even when straining your neck. The best way to navigate this section is either by sliding down if there is snow or by using ropes for support. The route may also be a bit winding. From this vantage point, you will also catch a glimpse of Spiti. After approximately an hour and a half, a final u-turn will bring you to the base of the valley, and the trail ahead will lead you to Siagoru. The valley is guarded by snow-covered mountains, and the open side leads the way to Siagoru. The trek to Siagoru is relatively easy, taking place on flat terrain with the river flowing to your right. Similar to Balu Ka Ghera, the campsite at Siagoru is also situated by the riverside. Set up your camps and retire for the night, feeling a sense of contentment in your heart.
Day 4: Siagoru to Chatru Trek (7 Kms, 5 hrs) | Chatru to Chandratal Drive (48 Kms, 3 Hrs) | Back to Chatru
- Trek Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 5 hr
- Drive Distance: 49 km, 3 hr to Chandratal and back to the campsite
- Altitude Loss: 550 m/ 1,900 ft.
- Highlight of the Day: The pristine Chandra Tal
You will embark on a leisurely downhill trek from Siagoru to Chatru, covering the distance by foot. This delightful journey will take approximately five hours to complete. Siagoru is perched at an impressive altitude of 12,900ft, while Chatru sits at a slightly lower elevation of 11,000ft. The path from Siagoru to Chatru is a gentle descent, offering a tranquil experience as you traverse alongside the river valley, nestled between majestic mountain ranges. However, do exercise caution in certain areas where the terrain may be a bit slippery.
As you make your way towards Chatru, you will notice the absence of vegetation in the barren mountains, creating a unique and captivating landscape. The trail becomes a bit more challenging at this point, requiring careful navigation as it occasionally leads you to the edges of mountains and ridges. Be sure to maintain your footing and exercise caution, as some parts of the route can be slippery. Nevertheless, rest assured that the trek is not as arduous as it may initially seem. In fact, you will find joy in the exhilarating slides along the way. Descending the mountains will consume an additional two hours of your time, during which you will be treated to the sight of the Chandra River flowing below, accompanied by a road running parallel to it. You will also encounter two magnificent glaciers that need to be crossed before reaching Chatru, the next camping zone. When selecting a camping spot, opt for a location that boasts the presence of the flowing river.
Chatru itself is a truly remarkable camping site, serving as a convergence point for three renowned passes: Hampta, Rohtang, and Spiti. This makes it a truly special place to spend the night, offering a sense of awe and grandeur. Chatru awaits you just a short two-hour journey away, beckoning you to experience its splendor.
Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali (63 Kms, 2.5 Hrs) | Tour Ends
Following a delightful morning tea and a satisfying breakfast, we shall commence our homeward expedition, embarking on a captivating drive from Chatru to Manali. This scenic voyage promises to bestow upon us awe-inspiring vistas of grandiose mountains, accompanied by the gentle flow of the Chandra river. Moreover, we shall have the privilege of traversing through the renowned Atal Tunnel, an iconic marvel that adds an extra layer of gratification to our journey. As we finally arrive at our destination, Manali, we bid adieu to our fellow travelers, cherishing the cherished memories we have created together. Thus concludes our remarkable adventure.
FAQs
What is the height of Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass is located at an altitude of 14,065 feet or 4287 meters above sea level.
How difficult is the Hampta Pass trek?
The Hampta Pass trek is classified as a moderate trek, ranging from easy to challenging. It involves a gradual ascent to an altitude of 14,000 feet over four days, with the terrain becoming more challenging closer to the pass.
Is there mobile phone network coverage during the trek?
There is no network connectivity on the trek after leaving Prini. Phone signal is only available near Rohtang Pass and back in Manali on the return journey .
Are there ATMs available on the trek?
ATM services are not available after crossing the pass until returning to Manali. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash for the trek .
What is the best time to visit Hampta Pass?
The best time to visit Hampta Pass is from mid-June to mid-October, with temperatures ranging from 22-26°C during the day and 15-5°C at night.
Is previous trekking experience necessary for the Hampta Pass trek?
No, previous trekking experience is not necessary, but a good level of fitness is required due to the steep and rocky terrain. It is recommended to undergo physical training and preparation before attempting the trek.
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