Hampta Pass is a dramatic pass crossing in The Himalayas. This is a mini corridor between Lahaul and Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. On one side is the arid, stark landscape with barren mountains and no vegetation. While on the other side is the lush green valley of Kullu with grasslands, forests and flowers blooming along the trail.
The Hampta Pass is known as Himachal’s Valleys of Flowers. You get to see a valley protected by snow covered mountains while on the other side of the trail you’ll be awestruck to find rugged terrain of the Spiti Valley known for its barren stretches.
The trek lies in the Pir Panjal Range in the Himachal Pradesh and is graded as an easy to moderate trek. The highest altitude of the trek is at around 14,100 feet. The best time to go on this trek is between June to September. The temperature is around 10 to 18 degrees celsius during the day and drops to around 0 and 5 degrees celsius during the night. The trek would be for around 5 days covering a distance of approximately 26 km.
You’ll have to plan the trek in June or July if you want to experience the snow. If you are inclined to witness the lush green part during the trek, August and September will be the best time. You will get to have a halt at Shiagoru which is the coldest campsite along the trail. The trek also lets you have a spectacular view of Chandratal Lake. The lake is also known as the Chandra Taal or Lake of the Moon due to its crescent shape. The pristine blue water keeps changing its views all throughout the day.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Manali to Chika
Day 2 : From Chika to Balu ka Ghera
Day 3 : Baku ka Ghera to Shiagoru
Day 4 : Shiagoru to Chatru
Day 5 : Chatru to Manali
Day 1 MANALI TO CHIKA VIA JOBRA
The expedition starts from Manali to Jobra by vehicle. It is a two hour trip including around 40 hairpin bends to arrive at Jobra which is at an altitude of 9,800 feet. You’ll have to cover up two or three hours of trek on the first day to reach an altitude of 10,000 feet. Along the trail, you’ll find a variety of flora that includes pine trees, maple, deodar and oak. You will be reaching Chika, which is at the end of a vast meadow, to see a spectacular view of the Rani river flowing through the place.
DAY 2 CHIKA TO BALU GHERA
Later on the trail you’ll have to pass through rough terrain and a slope of boulders. Once you pass the rough terrain you will end up seeing clusters of silver birch trees. At this point you can have a look at the Dhauladhar peaks. Past this picturesque view you’ll reach Jwara which is a beautiful scenic valley. This is covered with huge snow covered rocks on one side and the valley drops down to the river on the other side. After crossing Jwara you will reach Balu ka Ghera covered with greens and snow. Balu ka Ghera is at a height of 11,900 feet.
DAY 3 BALU KA GHERA TO SHIAGORU CROSSING HAMPTA PASS
The journey can be split into two parts, the first one is an ascent on a moderate slope to the Hampta Pass and then the second one is a sharp descent to Shiagoru. You will reach the highest altitude of 14,100 feet at Hampta Pass. The trail would be along the river taking you further to the base and then the climb to the Hampta Pass starts. The trail to Hampta Pass is a vertical one and also a hard mount and then you get ready for the descent to Shiagoru.
DAY 4 SHIAGORU TO CHATRU
The trail from Shiagoru to Chatru is an easy downhill trek as Shiagoru is at an altitude of 12,900 feet and Chatru at 11,000 feet. The trek from Shiagoru and Chatru is by the side of the river valley between mountain ranges. The rough terrain starts here often leading you to edges of mountains and ridges. You will reach Chatru as you cross a couple of while getting down the mountain. Chatru is an amazing camping site which consists of three passes namely – Hampta, Rohtang and Spiti.
DAY 5 CHATRU TO MANALI
You can go visit the Chandratal lake from Chatru campsite. The sheer blue colour of the lake provides you with a peaceful surroundings. You will get back to Manali from Chatru riding. It is approximately a 7 hour journey through the mellow reminisces of the hills.
The Hampta Pass trek is an awe inspiring trek of the Himachal Pradesh. This offers a breathtaking view of two different sides of The Himalayas.
Have this trek on your bucket list yet?!
