The Hampta pass trek connects Kullu valley with Lahaul valley at an altitude of 14,100 feet and is one of the best places to visit Manali the beautiful hill city in Himachal Pradesh, India. If you want to experience a moderate trek with landscape variations from vast grassland to raging rivers, from high rock mountains to snowy patches, Hampta is the one to delight you. The specialty of this route is twilight camping on snow. In mid-June, the amount of snow will make you believe as if, you are trekking in the Arctic region. The trek is moderate grade one so even if you are an amateur trekker, you can enjoy it.
Are you a lover of adventure but not physically fit enough to take the risks of a trek in the Himalayas, the bewildering mountain range which is sure to mesmerize you? Hampta pass trek is the solution to your problem. A trek to Hampta pass will leave you in awe of this beautiful place. The route offers a bouquet of excitements. The variation in the trails is enormous. You are sure to get amazed by the meadows, green pastures, scenic landscapes and glacial valleys in your trek route. Easy access and an exceptional, adventurous and hair rising journey across the pass makes it an extraordinary adventure to experience.
Day 1: Jobra is the base camp for the Hampta Pass trek. From Jobra, the campsite is a 30-minute trek amidst a mixed forest of pine, bright green maple trees, and luminescent silver birch.
Day 2: From Jobra you would cross amazing boulders, and Rani Nallah on this day and reach Chika. Take a break here. The meadow here has the Rani Nallah or Rani river flowing in between and on either side, you will see hills with rock faces. The right bank of the river is laced with dwarf Rhododendrons in the lower and middle region of the mountain and Birch trees grow at the upper end. The snow-capped majestic Dhauladhar range greets you with all its loftiness. There is a waterfall on your left in this spot. You can refill your water containers here.
Day 3: On this day you get to experience the Lahul and Spiti Valley. Feel the serene placidity that surrounds the valley. The shepherds come here to feed their sheep with the green grass that grows around the area. The terrain flattens as you reach Chota Balu ka Ghera where you can rest for a bit and have a quick snack. Pitch your tent and enjoy a beautiful sunset behind the Hanuman Tibba peak. You are now close to 12,500 ft above sea level.
Day 4:Today’s trek can be divided into two parts – the climb to Hampta Pass which is moderately steep followed by a steep descent to Shea Goru. Here you get a view of the magnificent Pir Panjal ranges of the inner Himalayas. In Spiti, the altitude is quite high and you get a spectacular view of the lofty mountains. After an hour of a gentle gradient in a rock fall prone area, the climb picks up. This is the first serious incline you will encounter. During early summer, there is a good chance that this entire section is filled with snow. At other times, you may get only some patches of snow. Three paths – Spiti, Hampta Pass, and Rohtang Pass converge here and leads to Chatru the lush green oasis in the cold barren desert that welcomes you its serene tranquility. Take a deep breath and feel the freshness of the cool breeze free from all hazards and toxicities. This is the place where you can choose a cozy campsite on the bank of the river. Rest happily; you have reached ahead of the Hampta Pass.
If the roads are clear and devoid of snow, a visit to Chandratal, the moon lake is a must when you are in Spiti valley in Manali. Hampta Pass Chandratal Trek starts from Chatru 70 km away from Chandratal. The journey takes about 3 hours and the road is quite bumpy, so start quite early. If you or any of the members in your team have motion sickness, don’t forget to take proper medication in consultation with a doctor. Walk up the hill next to Chandratal. You can identify the shape of the lake resembling that of the moon from the top. Another lake is visible at a distance which is surrounded by beautiful peaks namely CB-13.
Middle of June to the middle of October is the best time for Hampta Pass Trek. This is also the best time to visit Manali & nearby places. The weather here is pleasant during this period and the temperature ranges between 12 – 20 degrees Celsius. Trekking in this season gives an amazing experience of exploring your life with special hues of nature.
• By air: Bhuntar airport is 52 km from Manali. Bhuntar is well connected with Delhi and many other airports of the country. Private taxis from Bhuntar to Manali are available easily. Hire a private vehicle and reach the Jobra base camp.
• By bus: Roads connecting Manali and the base camp in Jobra with different parts of the country takes you to the site with ease. Buses from Delhi to Manali take approx 15 hours and you can buy the tickets from the official website of HRTC.
Do you want to undertake an expedition on your own? The Hampta Pass Trek is perfectly fine for solo travelers, provided you make your arrangements beforehand. Carry all the essentials needed for camping. Temporary food packs that can keep you going for the 4 days during the trek are the most important things to carry. Consult some experienced trekkers and beware of keeping the right track along the trails. Colorful Himalayan birds, plant species and flowers will make you spell-bound by their beauty. The scenic landscape, frequent change in weather and the divine atmosphere is bound to enchant you with their magic. All along the trek, you get good options for clicking awesome photographs.
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