Hampta Pass Trek
A glimpse into the trail
High mountains, an altitude of more than 14000 feet, deep forests replete with Oak and Maple trees, snow covered trails, vibrant flower meadows, action filled river crossings, and camping near the gorgeous Rani Nallah.
Action, romance, adventure…Hampta Pass is a Himalayan trail that has it all, and is straight out of your childhood fairytales!
Deep inside the mystic regions of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh lies the enchanting Hampta Pass. It’s a complete trek with its contrasting landscape of flowers, waterfalls, streams, and forests of Kullu valley on one side and a vast expanse of dry and desolate mountains of the Lahaul valley on the other.
The journey comprises 5 days and 22 kms with minimal ascents and descents, mild showers, and a surprising change in scenery. The culmination of this beautiful trail takes place at the charming, high altitude lake that goes by the name of Chandra Tal. This turquoise blue lake is situated at a height of 14,500 feet and is best known for its serenity and splendor.
The ideal time to do this trek is from June to October when the magic of monsoon rains give life to a wide pallet of flowers and colours. The landscape is famous for its frequent whiteouts because of the gentle white clouds.
Brief itinerary
4N/5D
The trail begins in Manali and ends in Manali
Day 0
Catch the overnight Volvo to Manali. Reach Manali early morning.
Day 1
Drive from Manali (7000 ft) to Jobra (10000 ft) (16 kms drive, 2 kms trek, 3 hrs, altitude 10000 ft)
The drive from Manali to Jobra, although a short one, is a drive to remember.
Jobra is the base village of the Hampa Pass Trek.
On the first day, we will assemble at the Manali bus stand and leave for Jobra in a cab. Throughout your drive, apple, maple, and pine trees will accompany you on your journey. Sometimes, as you near Jobra, cotton clouds run down and cover the roads.
Driving through them is a mystical experience. Do note that all phone networks stop working before Jobra.
Trek from Jobra (9500 ft) to Chikka (10500 ft)
Fairly easy trail.
The forests of Jobra are deep, dense and dark. Right from the beginning, your path is embraced by tall and majestic oak and maple trees.
Chikka is a beautiful spot with small waterfalls near it.
Day 2
Chikka (10500 ft) to Balu Ka Ghera (12100 ft) (5.8 kms, 5 hrs, 12100 ft)
One of the most enchanting parts of Hampta Pass trek is the adventurous river crossings. Your trek leader will guide you on how to form a tight link with the rest of the group to tackle any strong undercurrents.
As soon as you cross the river, an easy trail continues leading you to the meadows of Jwara.
The stunning meadows of Jwara are laced with flowers of every color, shade and hue, and the walk through these meadows is nothing short of a fairytale.
Stop for lunch here.
Move down and stay at the campsite of Balu ka Gehra.
Sit back with a mug of tea and enjoy the spectacle created by combine of the water mists and the clouds.
Day 3
Balu Ka Ghera (12100 ft) to Hampta Pass (14200 ft) to Shea Goru (13100 ft) (7 kms, 8 hrs, 14200 ft)
D-day and the longest day of the trek.
The trail is tough with challenging ascents while the scenery dramatically shifts colors from a lush green to a dazzling white.
At the end of this arduous stretch lies the enthralling Hampta Pass.
The Pass provides you with rewarding views of two distinct worlds, that of the lush and green Kullu Valley on one side and stark and desolate Lahaul on the other.
If there are no whiteouts, you can also get a glimpse of the massive glaciers of Indrasan and Deo Tibba from the Pass.
The most exciting and exhilarating part of the trek begins from the Pass. The trail directly descends at a 50-degree angle for the next three kilometres.
Shea Goru campsite
Shea Goru is also known as 'The Cold Street'. After descending down from the pass, it is an easy and flat stretch all the way to the Shea Goru campsite.
Once you set up camp, there are many spots near the river stream where you can sit in peace and witness the symphony of clouds.
Day 4
Shea Goru (13100 ft) to Chhatru (12000 ft) to Chandrataal to Chhatru
(6 kms, 5-6 hrs, 12000 ft)
Day 4 begins with a bang.
Yet another exhilarating river crossing, followed by a 5 km fun-filled descent, and ends with an unconventional drive to the Chandratal Lake.
This river crossing at Shea Goru is the main action-packed picture, the 1st being just a trailer!
Trek to Chhatru
4th day, unlike the 3rd, is relaxing.
Unlike the previous campsites, Chattru is filled with boulders and is strategically placed closer to the Highway that will take us to the Chandra Tal Lake.
Drive to Chandra Tal Lake
(14300 feet, 49 km, 2 hours)
The drive to the high altitude lake of Chandra Tal is a bumpy one.
But the sight of the lake with its turquoise blue waters is worth every penny. Almost still like a mirror, the lake reflects the landscape around striking a captivating pose that is sure to leave you spellbound.
After spending some time here, we make our way back to the campsite.
Day 5
Drive back from Chhatru to Manali
(63 kms, 2.5 hrs)
Catch the overnight Volvo back home.
Savour the memories, they will last a lifetime!
Gallery
Every picture tells a story. Provided you are willing to see.