One of the most amazing hikes in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu area is the Hampta Pass climb. Hampta Pass is located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas at a height of 4200 metres (about). The two contrasting faces of the Himalayas may be seen from this walk in the most picturesque ways. You can see the lush Kullu valley on one side of the pass and the barren Lahaul valley on the other. One of Himachal Pradesh's easiest and most manageable hikes is the Hampta Pass. This journey, which begins in the Manali Valley, provides a variety of vistas, including lush green valleys, lovely flowers, wide pastures, meadows, glacier valleys, and, eventually, an exhilarating ascent to the pass.The locals believe this pass as the gateway to heaven.
Those who are ready for a challenge can go one step farther and go up to the Chandratal lake. The Chandratal lake is another stunning sight in the Spiti area. The beauty of the place cannot be communicated in words; you can only feel it when you are there.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation: 4 Nights of Tented Accommodation on a triple sharing basis.
- Transportation: Surface transfer from Manali to Manali by Sumo/Bolero.
- Meals: All Veg meals from Day 1st lunch to Day 5th breakfast.
- Snacks: Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks.
- Camping logistics: Tent, Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Trek Leader: Qualified and Experienced Trek leader and support staff.
- Permits: All necessary fees and permits.
- Trekking Equipment: Gaiters, Micro Spikes, and Rope if required.
- Safety Equipment: Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder.
- Guide ratio : 1:10
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- Meals during transit.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Any fees and permits (For Foreigners).
- Unscheduled delay due to a landslide.
- Cost Escalation due to “Force Majeure and Evacuation charges”.
- Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
- NOTE : You can apply for travel insurance prior to the trek
- One of the few hikes that is safe and doable during the rainy season
- Transports you to Lahaul Valley from the lush green Kullu Valley.
- An excursion to Chandratal Lake, one of the most stunning high-altitude lakes
- Perfect for beginners as well as experienced trekkers
- Snow may still be present in August.
Day 1 : Manali Arrival | Drive to Jobra (45 mins drive) | Trek to Chika (2 Kms Trek)
- The group will assemble at the pick-up point by 11:00 AM where a briefing session by the trek leader sharing all the necessary details about the trek would be provided. After which, we’ll head towards Jobra which is the base camp for the Hampta Pass trek and is located at an altitude of 9,379 ft.
- The drive from Manali though has many hairpins bends in the road making up for a scenic drive due to the panoramic view of Kullu Valley that you get to glimpse.
- Traversing through thick forests consisting of pine, maple, and silver birch trees, we will reach Jobra. After relaxing for a while, we'll start our trek toward Chika. The sight that you get to witness while trekking is serene and refreshing. From lush green forests consisting of maple, oak, and deodar trees to the stream of Rani Nallah flowing through meadows, the landscape that the trekking trail provides is breathtaking, to say the least.
- We will set up camp in Chika. With its vast tapestry of greenery and open skies above, it is perfect for spending peaceful moments.
- Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Chika.
Note: The pick-up point would be Manali Mall Road (tentative). If you arrive in Manali, one day before, it would help your body adapt better to the altitude and weather.
Day 2 : Chika to Balu Ka Ghera Trek (8.5 Kms, 6 hrs)
- After early morning breakfast, we will head towards Balu Ka Ghera. Balu translates to sand and the trail lives up to the name as the short meadow walk soon gives way to boulders and loose rocks making this part of the trek fall into the moderate category.
- The beauty of this trek is that you get to witness the magic of nature in the form of beautiful landscapes. On one hand, you get the flowing Jwara river seemingly following your footsteps, while the mighty Dhauladhar ranges beckon you closer. A stream of a waterfall would be waiting amidst the green canopies.
- The terrain starts to flatten as you reach the initial region of Balu ka Ghera which is known as Chota Balu ka Ghera. As you keep walking, the terrain will start to get rugged again with the rocks being far apart making it tricky to traverse through.
- We will reach Balu Ka Ghera soon where we will set camp among the mountains beyond which the Hampta pass awaits us. In the evening, we will have dinner and spend a night under the starry skies.
Day 3 : Balu Ka Ghera to Siagoru Trek via Hampta Pass (7 Kms, 9 hrs)
- After breakfast, we will head towards our next campsite which is Sia Goru. The entire trail is made up of boulders and hence the descent is trickier which is why we need to be careful.
- En route, we will be traversing through Hampta Pass which is a beautiful trail with a river flowing through it. Blooming flowers of different colors and rainbow are perched at the bank making it a sight to behold. You will also get to see the Deo Tibba peak beckoning you closer.
- After enjoying the view at Hampta Pass, we will start our descent. The downhill trail consists of slippery soil and loose stones. A trail with twists and turns will lead you to the valley below and after walking for a while, you will finally reach the base. The opening that reveals itself leads you to Sia Goru where we will set camp for the night and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Sia Goru.
Day 4 : Siagoru to Chatru Trek (7 Kms, 5 hrs) | Chatru to Chandratal Drive (48 Kms, 3 Hrs)
- After early morning breakfast we will start our downhill trek towards Chatru. The vast land lacks vegetation but the tricky slopes give you the adrenaline rush that you might be craving. The descent is tricky so you might have to stay extra vigilant.
- Once we reach Chatru, we'll drive towards Chandratal which is a beautiful lake located 45 kilometers away from the campsite. However, the drive would only be possible if the weather permits as the harsh weather conditions could be a hindrance.
- Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Chadratal.
Day 5 : Chandratal to Chatru (48 Kms, 3 Hrs) | Chatru to Manali (63 Kms, 2.5 Hrs) | Tour Ends
- After early morning tea and breakfast, we'll head back to Chatru. Later we will start our return journey and drive from Chatru to Manali. The scenic drive consists of mesmerizing views of majestic mountains with the Chandra river flowing by. You also get to traverse through the Iconic Atal Tunnel which itself makes the drive extremely rewarding.
- Upon reaching Manali, the group will dissemble and part ways with fond memories.
- End of Tour.
