Connecting Lahaul and Kullu Valleys, Hampta Pass trek spins you through motley landscapes. The hike is a moderately difficult one. But, the delights of fast & drastically changing sceneries offering optimal Himalayan experience, far outweigh the occasional lows. And that’s why its popular among trekkers. Arrive at Manali to begin the journey through diverse vantage points of the Hampta Pass trek.
Jobra (9800 ft.) – Trek Starts: From Manali, you drive over 40 hairpin turns, bagging elevating views of Kullu Valley, to reach Jobra. The hike begins from here and so do the breathtaking Maple, Silver Birch & Pine (oak & cedar) ‘Forests.’ Rani Nalla will be your constant companion from here until Hampta Pass.
Chika (10,500 ft.) – First Base Camp: Cruising through the small forest and some walk further, you step into the open grasslands of Chika. Wide, flat and ‘green ground’ on the left bank of Rani Nallah river is perfect for camping. Your first stayover here feels like a trophy for completing the initial day of trek (which is more of a warm up).
Jwara (11,072ft): As you begin your journey the next day, you pass through some manageable but stony & rough stretch, while witnessing the snow clad Dauladhar Ranges and a waterfall too. You also need to cross the ice cold Rani Nallah on foot to reach the right of Chika to land into the incredibly beautiful ‘meadows’ of Jwara with horses grazing. It’s real!
Balu ka Ghera (12,411 ft.) – Second Base Camp: After greens, you hit the river delta ‘sands’ of Balu ka Ghera. Yes, it’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ kind of experience with one setup leading to another! The name Balu ka Ghera is derived from the folk tales that Brown Bears hibernate here in winters. It is also identified as ‘sand heap’ because of all the sand & dust deposited here by the river. You have the river at one end and glacial brooks at the other. You fix your second camp here. You can see Hampta Pass in front of you!
Hampta Pass (14,100 ft.): The trek earns its moderate level difficulty scale due to the third day’s steep climbs and sharp descends throughout. Snow, glaciers, cornice, you will cruise through all to reach Hampta Pass, a vast plateau at the end of the Kullu Valley. Hosting a view of diverse & majestic mountains on the East, ranging up to the deserts of the Lahaul Valley on the West, the nature gives you a divine hug. You can see Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks too from here.
Shea Goru (12,254 ft.) – Third Base Camp: Through Hampta Pass, you cross from Kullu Valley into Lahaul Valley and are on your way back now! After the steep, tricky & slippery descend, you reach the flats of Shea Goru, meaning cold street. Picturesque snowy mountains and beautiful river by the side, make this one of the best stretches and the location camping worthy. So, the third round of fixing the tents happens here in this chilling site.
Chhatru (10,898 ft.) – Fourth Base Camp: You start your fourth day with crossing the river on foot. You go further downhill viewing the Lahaul & Spiti Valleys and mountains of Pir Panjal & Spiti. You reach your fourth & last lap of tenting destination with River Chandra by your side. From here you visit one of the biggest highlights of the trek, Chandratal. From Chhatru, you take a vehicle to the Chandratal Lake (70 km and 3 hours away) and come back here.
Chandratal Lake (13,944 ft.): This Himalayan treasure is located in the Spiti Valley amidst a ridge and Kunzum Range. Chandratal or the ‘Moon Lake’ is christened after its crescent shape. A host of mountain ranges beyond the lake, with their clear reflection in it, makes the whole scene divine. Reflecting even the sky, this crystal clear lake turns from blue to green, accordingly. Unfortunately, this magnificence is accessible for only 3 months in a year. The rest 9 months it is frozen or not reachable. Even in those 3 months, clear roads without boulders & snow are the prerequisites for the drive to Chandratal. Therefore, lot of luck matters here!
Manali (6,726 ft.): On your fifth day you take a 4 hours’ vehicle journey to Manali through the super famous Rohtang Pass. A base for most Himachali treks including Hampta Pass, brimming Baes River and several attractions of its own, tourists & adventure lovers alike, throng Manali.
