08 October 2024
It's no secret that Himachal Pradesh has some of the most beautiful trekking trails in the country. With a lot of Himalayan peaks in the area, it's easy to see why it's known as the land of snowy mountains. The Hampta Pass trek is one of the best treks in the area, tucked in between the Lahaul Valley and the Kullu Valley in the Spiti district. It's one of the easiest treks to hike, and you can do it at any level of experience.
Hampta Pass Trek Overview
The Hampta Pass is a beautiful high-altitude trek located in the region of the Pir- Panjal range in the Himalayas which seamlessly seeks the smooth green Kullu Valley and the dry Spiti Valley. The trek begins from Jobra, a place located near Manali that can be easily approached by road. Travel to Manali from other cities, such as Delhi and Chandigarh, can use the Bhuntar Airport which is 50km away, while Manali serves as the base camp.
The trek that stretches over an area of approximately 26- 28 km takes about 4- 5 days to achieve and is characterized as moderately difficult, meaning it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. A reward point in this trek is an impressive shift from green meadows to barren scenery alongside steep climbs, traversing through rivers and high-altitude areas. Climbing over 14,100 ft and reaching the Hampta pass allows trekkers to optionally extend Chandratal Lake which is marked as an alluring high-altitude glacial lake.
Landmarks and Places of Interest Along the Route
1. Kullu – Forests, Meadows, and Streams
The trip starts from Kullu Valley which has Maple, Pine, and Birch forests. It is a beautiful place. While trekking in the beautiful meadows full of colourful wildflowers, you will see many streams and waterfalls of clear water coming from the mountains. All this greenery is a beautiful contrast to the rough mountains that lie ahead of you.
2. Hampta Pass – Snow-Covered Peaks and Glaciers
The most exciting part of the journey is Hampta Pass (14,100 ft). While climbing up the mountain, you can see how ‘snow-clad peaks and glaciers’ are. The stout climb is an endurance test for you but you are rewarded with a beautiful picture of rather a panoramic view of the Kullu and Lahaul valleys. There is also a sea of `clouds` floating below. Moreover, you feel a sense of claim due to the cold and harsh air.
3. Spiti's Barren High-Altitude Desert - a Stark Contrast
When descending from Hampta Pass, the view transforms into a rather Spiti barren, high-altitude desert. The luxurious vegetation is rapidly replaced with rocky cliffs, dry river beds, and a whole lot of rugged terrain. This contrast is amazing as there are awesome brown mountains set in stark blue skies creating an otherworldly landscape.
Chandratal Lake – The Highlight of the Trek
Chandratal means ‘Moon Lake’ due to its azure crescent shape. The lake lies at the height of 4,300 meters in the Spiti Valley, which gives it great significance in local tales as well as in trekking folklore. As per the legends, Chandratal Lake is associated with the Mahabharata and is the place from where Yudhishthira is believed to have ascended to heaven. The locals view this lake mystically and appreciate its crystal-clear waters.
Chandratal’s waters seem to be double the size due to its snow-capped peaks. The snow-capped peaks look like they are painted across the sky. With the changing time of the day, the brilliant azure hues of Chandratal change too, creating clouds of ethereal sight. On a sunny day, the Chandrabhaga range might be perfectly mirrored in its still waters.
The best season for one to travel and explore Chandratal is from mid-June to September. During these months, travel is easier due to snow melting and roads being open. To take breathtaking pictures, consider photographing the twinkling night sky or golden sunrise.
Itinerary for the Hampta Pass Trekking
Here's a simplified itinerary for the Hampta Pass Trek:
Day 1- Manali to Jobra: Start your trek by taking a 17 km drive to Jobra and then hiking to Chika in 45 min. Along the way, you'll pass through a forest full of maples and pines. As you hike, you'll be able to enjoy the view of the Rani River flowing by. You'll also pass through two bridges and a nice area of forest with walnut trees and oak trees.
Day 2- Chika to Bhalu Ka Ghera: Go out on the Bhalu ka Ghera trek to begin your day on the right foot and be welcomed by the vivid hues of small flowers. As the snow melts, you'll come face-to-face with the river, and you'll see a herd of mules grazing on the green grass. Catch a glimpse of the gorgeous sunset from the top of the Hanuman Tibba and call it a day.
Day 3- Shea Goru via Hampta Pass: Cross rockfall-prone areas on the hike through the mountains of Bhalu Ka Ghera. Later, ascend vertically to reach here at 14,000 ft, where you will get a bird's-eye view of the Kullu Valley and Lahaul Valley with Deo Tibba Peak in front of you. Return to the campsite.
Day 4- Shea Goru to Chatru, drive to Chandratal: Drive to Chatru Campsite, leave your baggage, Prepare to Visit Chandratal Lake, Soak in Moon Lake, and return to Campsite Chatru.
Day 5- Chatru to Manali drive: On the morning of the last day of the trek, get up, pack your bags, and leave for Manali. Say goodbye to Spiti Valley and start your return journey.
How To Reach Hampta Pass Trek
Reach Manali: The trek usually starts from Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh. You can reach Manali by:
By Road: Manali is well-connected by road from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. You can take a bus or hire a taxi.
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), approximately 50 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Manali.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, but it's quite far from Manali. The most convenient train stations are in Chandigarh and Pathankot. From there, you can proceed to Manali by road.
Fundamental Trekking Tips
Appropriate planning guarantees a rewarding and safe trek. Strengthening fitness, carrying appropriate equipment, and adjusting to high-altitude settings all serve to ensure the best experience while visiting Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake
Physical Preparation and Training Recommendations
Preparing for the Hampta Pass trek needs a moderately fit individual. It will help to include cardio activities such as jogging, biking, or walking at a faster pace into your daily activities. Besides cardio, strength training, particularly for the lower body, is important, so you may have to do squats, lunges, and climbing stairs.
Get used to trekking with a full backpack to help with weight acclimatization on bare ground. Your breathing and yoga exercises are also essential in oxygen intake, which is needed for trekking at altitude. Remember to Acclimatize, spend a day in Manali before you start trekking to adapt better to the elevation.
Clothing and Equipment Supplies Needed
Because of the varying temperatures, layered clothing is a must. Bring thermals, a waterproof jacket, fleece, gloves, and pants suitable for trekking. You also need a sturdy trekking boot for efficient ankle protection and grip resisting walking on bare, rocky and snowy ground. A trekking pole is useful to help support your knee joints while moving downhill. Protect against harsh UV rays while trekking by wearing a cap and sunglasses and using sun cream. To maintain energy and hydration while trekking, consider bringing along energy bars, dry fruits, and ORS.
Weather Conditions and Altitude Considerations
Daytime temperatures during the trek range from 5 °C to 15 °C, while nighttime temperatures can drop down to -5 °C. Strong winds, cold rain, and snow are quite common, so waterproof and windproof clothing is a must. Trekkers above 10,000 feet could suffer from altitude sickness, so it’s best to hydrate often and avoid alcohol. Bringing pepper or natural remedies like garlic will help with acclimatization, alongside trekking at a steady pace. Remember to always listen to what your body is telling you to avoid altitude-related issues.
Conclusion
The Hampta Pass trek is a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Himachal Pradesh's natural beauty. With its snow-capped peaks, blooming wildflowers, and stunning landscapes, this trek offers an unforgettable experience for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The best time to start this adventure is from mid-June to mid-September when the valleys are lush and vibrant. If you are seeking a remarkable Himalayan trekking experience, consider exploring the Hampta Pass trek package of Himalayan Daredevils and discovering the magic of this beautiful crossover trek.
With Himalayan Daredevils, you don't need to worry about food and stay. We got you covered with warm food, an enjoyable adventure to camping under the night sky.
