Hampta Pass Trek Blog
Hampta Pass, Back in the days, Hampta Valley was a mere passage for horse-herders and shepherds to travel between Kullu Valley and Spiti Valley. But of late, it has become one of the popular trekking destinations. Connecting Manali and Chandratal, it has become one of the best-selling treks for tourists visiting Manali. Hampta Pass Trek Blog
But it wasn’t until 2018 and most of the popular adventure tour companies started organizing Hampta Pass tours. Soon, tourist inflow increased in the valley and it became one of the most popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. The Hampta Pass trek is particularly popular among tourists coming from Delhi and Chandigarh. Hampta Pass Trek Blog
Located in the Pir Panjal range, the top point of Hamta Pass lies at an altitude of 4270m above sea level. As mentioned above, it is a small corridor that bridges Manali in Kullu Valley to Chandratal in Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Other than seasonal trekkers, the meadows and grasslands Hampta Pass are used by shepherds too, seeking high altitude grasslands in summer. Hampta Pass Trek Blog
Uniqueness of Hampta Pass trek with Chandratal
Hampta Pass is not just splendid in its charm but a rare spectacle at that. It is a narrow pass that climbs out of the Kullu valley and overlooks Lahaul valley’s long, desertous and scenic stretches. There is a vast difference in landscapes that this trek packs. Hampta Pass Trek Blog
Traverse through alpine forests, huge rock formations and exotic flora-fauna to reach the glistening Moon Lake, a mythicized beacon of nature. Not only does this trek offer Lahaul’s vegetation and cold deserts, it provides the best views of Dhauladhar ranges. What’s more is that you get to closely observe the culture of the inhabitants of nature’s high altitude marvels. Why travel? Experience. Hampta Pass Trek Blog
- Elevation of the Trek
Hampta Pass is one of those heavenly treks that take you to a staggering altitude of 14,010 feet. For a relatively short trek that can be completed in just 5 days, gaining such an astounding height is quite an achievement. - Trek Grade
Easy to moderate level of Hampta Pass trek makes it an ideal getaway for trekkers. Trekkers marvel at the fact that they are treated to such crisp contrasting Himalayan vista without having to do any long stretches of treacherous trekking. Most of the trekking trail is moderately challenging except for a few stretches that demand steep ascends and careful descends. - Connectivity
Manali is a start point of the trek. It is well connected to all the major cities of India via road, train or flight.
• By road- Hampta Pass Trek Blog
Manali is around 550 kilometres from Delhi and 310 kilometres from Chandigarh. There are many Volvo, Deluxe or State transport buses that connect these cities to Manali. Cities like Ambala Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamshala have regular buses and taxis going to Manali.
• By train- Hampta Pass Trek Blog
There is no direct train to Manali. You can take the Shatabdi train till Chandigarh and then hire a cab or take a bus to Manali. You can even take a train to Pathankot and then hire a cab or take a bus to Manali.
• By flight- Hampta Pass Trek Blog
The nearest airport to Manali is at Bhuntar, located 52 kilometres away from Manali. Many private airlines and Indian Airlines operate regular flights to Bhuntar Airport. The nearest international airport is at Chandigarh. From Bhuntar, you can either take a cab or a direct bus to Manali. - Short trek with all of the best views
One of the biggest bargains of Hampta Pass Trek is touching an altitude of 14,010 feet in a span of just 5 days by traversing a short distance of 28 kilometres. The trek can be completed in 4 days but mostly we add one more day to visit the divinely beautiful Chandra Taal, a high altitude glacial lake. - Perfect for both Beginners & Experienced
Anyone from beginners/amateur trekkers to seasoned hikers can undertake the Hampta Pass Trek. There is no profound requirement for undertaking this trek. The trek poses fewer challenges as compared to other Himalayan treks and these challenging terrains are evenly spread in stages. The difficulty of the pass is mainly governed by weather conditions and not by its hiking terrain. - Dynamic landscapes
Hampta Valley has a funnel-like narrow terrain enriched with a diverse ecosystem, which is a visual treat to your senses. The most incredible twists in the scenery leave you spellbound. The trek journeys over cascading waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers, hanging glaciers and interesting terrain. From dense forests at Chika giving way to wildflower meadows to desert oasis and lush green valleys of Kullu leading to perpendicular overhang featuring the deserts of Lahaul below and the surrounding mountains at a distance; the rapidly changing landscapes make Hampta Pass one of the most dramatic crossover treks. Hampta Pass Trek Blog - Hampta & Sethan village
Small hamlets in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Hampta and Sethan villages give you a sneak peek into the culture and lifestyles of the local populace. The inhabitants of these villages come from a community that has its origins in the Spiti and Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. Lose yourself in oblivion as these villages take you back in time; relax, unwind and soak yourself in the blissful solitude of these tiny Buddhist locations. Hampta Pass Trek Blog - Interesting terrain
The trek is an interesting mix of discreet hairpin bends, gradually ascends, steep hikes, challenging descends traversing through the beautiful Himalayan landscape. You journey through forest trails, verdant meadows, flat grasslands and walk over huge chunks of rocks, boulders, moraines and on long patches of ice and snow. Hampta Pass Trek Blog - Exquisite flora and fauna
You are treated to a unique variety of exotic mountain flowers and wildflowers all through the trek. Myriad hues of wildflowers in red, white, blue, yellow, pink, orange and lavender scattered across the expansive terrain make for a picture straight out of a storybook. These beautiful flowers embellish the landscape, the mighty rocks standing against the backdrop of delicate flowers make for a unique sight. Dwarf rhododendrons lining the meandering forest trails cast a pretty reddish-pink hue on the landscape. You encounter shepherd dogs, sheep, colourful Himalayan birds like white-capped redstart and whistling thrushes that inhabit the alpine forests. The dense forests of pinewood, tall Deodar trees, maple trees, silver birch, toss and mighty oak pave way for tiny meadows and grasslands cuddled between the colossal mountains. After savoring the breathtaking views of the lush green Kullu valleys, the crisp opposite arid landscape of Lahaul and Spiti dotted with the sparse vegetation smacks you in your face. Hampta Pass Trek Blog - Impressive Himalayan Ranges
Massive Pir Panjal Range, mountains of the Dhauladhar Range, eerie mountains of Lahaul and Spiti take you on a wholesome expedition around the mammoth Himalayas. The view of the snow-clad peaks of Deo Tibba, Mount Indrasen and it’s glaciers from the top of the Hampta Pass is surreal.
Indrasen (The Throne of Rain God), Deo Tibba (The God’s Abode) and several sky-high snow-clad peaks stare at you from a distance. The deserts of Lahaul Valley make for the most splendid sight into the abyss of melancholy valleys, at a sharp drop below. Hampta Pass Trek Blog
The descent from the pass is a difficult one and requires careful negotiations.
- Chandratal Lake
Chandratal lake which means the moon lake is an absolutely stunning piece of marvel created by nature. Visiting this high altitude alpine lake perched at a height of 14,110 feet (literally half the height of Mount Everest) is an absolute must. The lake can easily be touted as the soul and the spirit of the Hampta Pass trek. This crescent-shaped mass of shimmering water sits in the middle of a barren desert surrounded by the mammoth desert mountains. The crystal clear turquoise waters of the lake radiate magnetic energy, you have to visit it to experience the palpable luminance of water. Each moment of the day seems to be painting a new picture on the sparkling waters of the lake. While the daytime reflects the turquoise blue of the sky, dusk paints its waters in a shade of deep emerald and night time casts a silver shimmer on its glistening waters. No picture can capture the magical beauty of this fluorescent splash of blue which seems to be echoing the divine Buddhist prayers in the serene ambience of an arid landscape. The place has many legends associated with it, which makes it even a more enchanting place to visit. Chandra Taal is the source of the fiery Chandra river. Hampta Pass Trek Blog - Lahaul & Spiti Valley
Lahaul and Spiti valleys snuggled in the remotest regions of Himachal are a part of tribal Himalayas. The barren wilderness of these valleys is in impressive contrast with an otherwise glossy green terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti floors you with an enigmatic beauty wrapped in the most deserted solitude. The dry and cold winds add a unique charm to the exquisite beauty of this weather-beaten desert valley. Just as you start your descent from Hampta Pass, a 180-degree change in the landscape takes you by surprise. You enter the Lahaul Valley and lofty multi-hued mountains stand tall as if beckoning you into their embrace. The barren landscape of Lahaul Valley with very sparse vegetation bewitches you with it’s a boundless muted spectrum. Hampta Pass Trek Blog
Breaking down the Itinerary of the famous Hampta Pass trek with Chandratal
Day 01: Report at the Base Camp Hampta Pass Trek Blog
Reach the Manali base camp on your own. Location will be shared with you. The first day is reserved for meet and greet, and orientation, after you reach the base camp the trek leader will take a small orientation session, covering information like packing, walking techniques. You will also be given general information about the trek and the route. Stay overnight at the base camp.
Day 2: Drive from Manali to Jobra then start trek to Chikka ( 3hrs-4hrs)
On the second day, we leave the base camp by 8 am. We will be carrying lunch and breakfast with us. The first leg of the day’s travel would include a jeep drive from base camp to Jobra. On the way, the scenic route will keep you intrigue with maple, pine, walnut and oak trees, making it refreshing and enjoyable. After reaching Jobra we prepare to trek to Chikka, which is also our final destination for the day. It will take approximately 2 hours to reach this place, and it is also an easy stretch, crossing two wooden bridges and a small patch of forest. We reach the campsite at Chikka and prepare for our stay overnight.
Day 03: Chikka to Balu ka Ghera (5 hrs)
Today we will trek from Chikka to Balu ka Ghera, which will take about 4 -5 hours to complete. Balu ka Ghera is situated at 11900 feet approximately. The initial stretch for the day would take you through rocky banks of the river. Soon snow valleys would come in view making the trekking experience more exciting. You will pass streams and boulders, and finally get to Balu ka Ghera, which is a large, lush ground on the banks of the river. Camping here will be like a dream come true! Your overnight stay will be at the camps at Balu ka Ghera.
Day 04: Balu ka Ghera to Hampta Pass and further to Shia Ghoru (8hrs)
On day 4 of the Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal, we would aim at leaving the campsite by 7 AM as the trek ahead is long and somewhat tedious. We will go from Balu ka Ghera to Shia Ghoru, which is at 12900 feet. It will take approximately 4-5 hours to reach Hampta Pass top (14000 feet), and from there another couple of hours to descend to Shia Ghoru. The Hampta pass summit will leave you spellbound and you will want to soak in the beauty and serenity of that place. The views from the Top are outstanding. The descend would be a steep descend and post reaching Shia Ghoru, prepare for an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 5: Siaguru to Chatru drive to Chandratal (2-hrs-3hrs)
On this day we will head towards Chatru and this is the place that will offer us the most breathtaking and unforgettable views of the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. The Spiti and Pir Panjal Ranges will add to the grandeur and magic of the place. Chatru is the centre point for three locations namely Hampta Pass, Rohtang Pass and Spiti Valley. This stretch of the trek would then be followed by a jeep ride to Chandratal, which is believed to be the place from where Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, ascended to heavens. If weather conditions are suitable, you will camp at Chatru.
Day 06: Jeep Ride from Chatru to Base Camp (Departure after 4 PM from base camp)
Last day of this adventurous trip would begin early as we will be covering a lot today. We will aim at leaving Chatru by 7 AM after having breakfast. Our first stop would be Manali, which we will reach by lunchtime, after crossing the stunning Rohtang Pass. After having lunch at Manali, we will then leave for Base Camp and depart from there for our respective destinations.
Best time to Visit crossover trek of Hampta Pass with Chandratal
Hampta Pass stays open for trekkers from May to October. The other half of the year is too snow-laden for anyone to walk, along with freezing, sub-zero temperatures. The best time to visit Hampta Pass is from mid-June to October. Trekkers can get some snow during the months of May-June or September-October, and August is the sunniest month right until it starts raining. Therefore, the seasonal window for a Hampta Pass trek is quite short, but the experience is a thousand times worth the effort. During the entire stretch of six months, temperatures stay around 12 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during daytime and drop to 0 degrees Celsius -5 degrees Celsius at night.
Our Advice while on Hampta Pass with Chandratal trek
Trekking can get very tricky very easily. The mountains have a hint of unpredictability that can get overwhelming quickly. Here are some tips that one should keep in mind when going for the Hampta Pass Trek.
• It is better to avoid trekking after the sun sets as the hills are full of wild species. You never know which creature you encounter in the jungles of the mountains.
• Start early for your trek so that you can cover the maximum distance with ease.
• Make use of the walking poles as you trek. It might not make you look cool but walking poles are a huge support for long treks. They just feel like you got two extra legs.
• Make sure you have a bottle of water in your hands. It is of utmost importance that you keep your body hydrated throughout the journey.
• It is important that you wear comfortable footwear. Trekking shoes are the best to go for as they have the ideal weight and cushioning.
• Practice walking for longer hours with a backpack before you set for your journey. Trekking can get really tiring very soon and since you won’t really find any civilization for most of your way, it is better to have acceptable estimations.
• Avoid any sort of noise pollution up in the mountains. It is better to keep your volumes at bay as mountains are famed for their calmness.
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