Summary
Himachal Pradesh is one of the most toured states in India. The state has beautiful pristine snow clad mountains which are a major source of tourist attraction. Tourists from all over the world come to this glorious, unpolluted and serene place to nurture their mind and soul and cherish an unfathomable nature’s beauty. The word ‘Hima’ means snow in Sanskrit and hence the name Himachal Pradesh which means ‘In the lap of Himalayas’. The mountains of the state are used for many adventure sports. One among them that is considerably being carried out here is trekking.
With more than 200 defined trekking trails some of the famous trekking spots of Himachal Mountains are; Hampta Pass trek, Dhaulandhar (Triund Glacier)trek, Parvati valley trek, Bhabha pass trek, Sari Pass trek, Beas Kund trek, trek to Chamba and Pin Parvati, Kakeri lake trek etc.
Hampta pass trek is considered the easiest and convenient of all treks in H.P. It might not be the most adrenalin rush giving or the most sought after trek, but definitely it is a trek that will leave you in awe of this beautiful place. The variation in the trails is enormous; scenic landscapes, open green pastures and meadows, glacial valleys, easy access and an exceptional, adventurous and hair raising crossing of the pass makes this trekking expedition to Hampta pass an exciting one.
Generally, it takes 4 days to complete the Hampta pass trek, but one more day is further added to the itinerary so as to visit the well-known and striking Chandrataal, a high altitude alpine lake few hours from Chatru. The best months to trek are May and June and August through October. The reason why Hampta pass is famous trekking zone is snow; the pass has lump sum snow which draws more tourists.
The nearest station is Manali. Therefore, the trip starts from Manali to Chika via Jobra. From Jobra the trek is undertaken by walk. This route comprises the first day. Balu ka Ghera is reached on the second day. You would cross amazing boulders, Gendrame and Rani Nallah on this day. The third day destination is Shea Goru from Balu ka Ghera via Hampta Pass. You will come across mind boggling and stupendous glaciers, cornice formation and snows all the way along. The maximum altitude will be reached on this day i.e. 14, 100 ft. Day four will start from Shea Goru and end up in Chatru. It is a steady descent on this day. You will witness the valleys of Lahual and Spiti and also the mountain ranges of Pir panjal and Spiti. On the same day you can also head to Chandra tal camp site and camp there for the night. The final day of the trek’s route is from Chandra tal to Manali. From Chandra tal campsite you can visit the infamous chandratal lake, deepest amongst blue shades.
Package Details
Trip Itinerary
Day - 1 : Drive from Manali to Jobra & Trek to Chika
Report at Manali bus stand at 8 AM. After freshening up & breakfast in Manali, board Taxi for Jobra. Hampta Pass trek starts from Allain Guhugal Hydel Project site. Get down from the vehicle at the project site & across the main road. Take the narrow trail that leads to the forest of pine trees. A variety of trees like maple, deodar, toss, and oak can also be spotted on this trail. The sight is very refreshing. The gradient of today’s trail is easy and ideal for a first-day hike. Twenty minutes into the trek, you will reach a clearing from where the view opens up. This spot overlooks the lush green meadow strewed with small rocks with Rani Nallah flowing in the center of valley closed from two sides. Cross the Rani Nallah by the wooden bridge & from here the trail is on the true right of Rani nallah. You can spot the horses grazing in this meadow which make a perfect setting for some beautiful photographs. Chika campsite is a huge, flat & spacious green patch. With Rani Nallah flowing by the side makes it a perfect spot for setting up the tents.
Day - 2 : Trek from Chika to Balu-Ka-Gera
Today’s trek is pretty thrilling with a couple of water crossings on the way. The trail stays on the true right of the river for the most part of the day. The initial climb is through boulders. Walk along the Rani river into a valley dotted with tiny multi-colored flowers which can give a tough competition to Valley of flowers in the monsoon months. The green trail turns brown & rock strewed as we near Balu Ka Gera. Balu ka gera is the point from where the steep climb to Hampta pass begins. It is a level ground made up of the sand and dust brought down by the river. In the vicinity is a huge pool of water made from the glacial melts. The site is windy which make the temperature feel even lower than actual. Pitch your tents and camp at Balu Ka Gera, 11,000 feet above sea level.
Day - 3 : Trek from Balu-Ka-Gera to Sheagoru via Hampta Pass
Start very early to have the advantage of time. This pass is one of the nasty ones & the weather can be very unpredictable. The trek begins by encircling the pool of water to enter the partially dried up glacial river bed. The climb is strenuous all the way up to Hampta pass. Walk at a steady pace with few breaks. The pass is not easily identifiable so ask your guide about it. As you cross the pass you enter the Lahaul region & change in the scenery is very contrasting. The trail is completely downhill from the Pass. This trail is steep & not clearly identifiable. Be extra careful while descending. After some walking, you will be able to spot the campsite of Shea Goru far in the distance in the direction of river flow. The last km to the site is mostly flat. Shea Goru in local means “Cold Street” and is indeed very cold here owing to the winds but it is also the most beautiful campsite of Hampta Pass trek. Camp & overnight stay in Shea Goru.
Day - 4 : Trek from Sheagoru to Chatru, Drive to Chandratal ( If weather permits ) & Return to Chattru, Camp in Chhatru.
Break camps early in the morning. Trek begins with the crossing of the river which is flowing by the campsite. Now crossing this river is one hell of an experience in itself. Let's keep it as a surprise for the trek. Almost half of the trek is easy & full of descent. After descending you will see the large valley of the river Chandra. Reach Chhatru which is the road head. From Chatru, board taxi for a road journey to the famous Chandratal. Reach Chandratal by late afternoon. After spending some time at Chandra tal return to Chhatru by the evening. Camp in Chhatru. Please note that the road to Chandra Tal is closed at times due to landslides or snow. In case the road is found closed the Chandrataal drive will not be done.
Day - 5 : Drive from Chattru to Manali . Drop in Manali by 4 PM Approx.
We break camps early to avoid the traffic jam at Rohtang Pass. After breakfast start the road journey for Manali over Rohtang Pass. Reach Manali by 5 PM Approx. And here ends the Hampta Pass Trek.
