HAMPTA PASS TREK HIMACHAL PRADESH

HAMPTA PASS TREK ( the pass to heaven )

A Dramatic Crossover Trek in the Himalayas

At 14,000 feet, the Hampta Pass in Himachal Pradesh is one of the Himalayas’ unique and stunning pass crossings. The lush green valley of Kullu lies on one side, with forests, grasslands, and flowers flowering along the way. On the other hand, Lahaul has an almost dry, austere terrain with bare mountains and little flora.

The Hampta pass hike in the Himalayas is the greatest spot to be if you want to see the monsoon at its best. Stream crossings, gorgeous forest paths, tough and thrilling rocky routes, waterfall crossings, frozen glaciers, ultracold river crossings, fog-covered campsites among waterfalls and rivers, snow-covered Rohtang Pass, ChandraTaal lake, and many more life-long moments HAMPTA PASS is considered by locals to be the gateway to heaven..

What's ahead and what's behind are two separate worlds from where I'm standing at the top of the pass. It shifts in a matter of seconds.

The Hampta Pass is Himachal's Valley of Flowers, to put it simply. The scenery is quite similar to Valley of Flowers – a lush narrow valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains – but there's an added benefit here.

When you reach the other side of the Hampta Pass, the striking contrast from what you just left behind will take your breath away. Spiti Valley, which stretches out before you, is famed for its desolate expanses, steep terrain, and forget-me-not blue skies.

The exhilaration of the ascent to Hampta Pass adds to the dramatic changes. Crossing the Hampta Pass (even without the scenery changes) is a fantastic adventure narrative for trekkers. They'll enjoy the tense excitement of rising to the pass across numerous ledges, almost appearing to reach the pass but never knowing for sure until you arrive.

This walk takes you from one side to the other over the course of six days and covers a distance of 25 kilometres.

     An overview of the journey

The trek takes place in Himachal Pradesh. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 14100 feet. The walk takes roughly 5 days to complete and covers a distance of 26 kilometres.

The scenery changes dramatically as you travel from the lush foliage of Kullu to the parched desert of Spiti on the Hampta Pass trek. This is an all-in-one journey that takes you through alpine woods (Maple, Birch, Oak, Deodar) and into vast meadows, trekking alongside streams, and then a sharp ascent to the pass once you reach the start of the snowline. Throughout the trip, you will be treated to a distinct assortment of rare alpine wildflowers.

The massive boulders set against the backdrop of exquisite flowers create a one-of-a-kind scene. In just the first two days, you may expect three different landscape changes: alpine woodland, green meadows, and moraine. At the same time, one can see a verdant valley on one side and a frigid desert valley on the other. The gentle approach on one side of the pass aids with summit success, while the steep descent on the other side provides all the mountain rush you've been waiting for. From the pass, Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and Indrakila can be seen.

One of the most amazing sensations of Hampta Pass Trek is crossing a stream into incredibly cold waters, but it can be dangerous. During the hike, there are two water crossings.

The trip is low to moderate in difficulty and takes place in Himachal Pradesh's Pir Panjal range. At its highest point, the walk reaches a height of 14,100 feet. Between June and September is the greatest time to come. During the day, the temperature ranges from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, and at night, the temperature ranges from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. Because this walk includes several high-altitude tent sites, such as Seagoru and Balu ka Ghera, the temperature can dip to below freezing at night.

The Hampta Pass connects the Chandra Valley in Lahaul to the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. Shepherds from the lower Himalayas frequent this pass in the summer, when the dry, cold desert of Lahaul is desolate, in search of high altitude grasses.

On the walk, there would be no access to a mobile network. You'll be trekking largely alongside running streams, with a couple of water crossings thrown in for good measure. We'll provide you with microspikes to walk on the snow at the pass, and you can also watch our video on how to walk in the mountains. Because the Hampta Pass trek takes place during the peak monsoon season, there is a chance of rain on the trek days, so bring your rain gear. Also, because this is one of the coldest hikes, you'll need to bring plenty of warm garments.

Trek If you want to see snow, the Himalayas recommend visiting in June and July. If you prefer the lush greenery of this hike, August and September are the best months to visit. Shiagoru will be the coldest campsite on the walk, and the next day, a river must be traversed without shoes in the morning, thus floaters are required. On the trip, avoid wearing flip flops.

When you get in Chandratal, time stands still and the sheer beauty of the lake will take your breath away. The colour of the pristine blue lake changes throughout the day. The lake's crystal pure turquoise waters radiate and create a new scene. Chandra Taal, also known as the Moon Lake, is a crescent-shaped lake in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti region. It is located in the Lahaul part of the Lahaul and Spiti district (India).

The Chandra River is visible from the lake, which is located on the Samudra Tapu Plateau. On one side, the mountains overlook the lake, while on the other, a cirque surrounds it. This lake has an interesting fact: there is no apparent source of water, but there is a visible outflow, indicating that the water originates from underneath, which is extremely unusual. According to mythology, deity Indra's chariot picked up Yudhistra from here, attracting a large number of followers to this lovely lake.

The trek's brief itinerary

Day 1: Manali to Chika (Manali to Chika) Altitude: Jobra 9,800ft to Chika via Jobra Jobra is located at an elevation of 10,100 feet and is a two-hour drive from Manali. The journey from Jobra to Chika is two kilometres long and takes 45 minutes. Take plenty of water with you on the journey. The trail is easy to moderate, and you will spend the night in a tent.

Chika to Balu ka Ghera, Day 2: 8.5Km, 6hr walk, altitude: 10,100ft to 11,900ft Trail is moderate in difficulty, with a gentle incline. Take plenty of water with you on your journey. On the way, there's a river crossing, a boulder walk, and some brightly coloured small flowers.

Day 3: Balu ka Ghera to Siagoru, crossing (Hampta Pass), 11,900ft to 14,100ft (Hampta Pass) to 12,900ft, 7 km, 10hr journey The first few minutes are a gentle incline, followed by a steep ascent to the pass. This is the trek's coldest location.

Day 4: Siagoru to Chatru drive to Chandratal, 12,900ft to 11,000ft, 7Km, 5hr hike The drop down the moraine is gradual. Begin your day early in the morning. On day 4 or 5, drive to Chandratal and back to the camp location (depends on road and weather conditions)

Day 5: Chatru to Manali via Rothang Pass (85 kilometres, 4-6 hours) The Rothang Pass Road is a very busy route; due to the heavy traffic, travel time may rise.

Chandratal is a place worth visiting. If the road and weather conditions allow. Otherwise, you'll have to drive straight from Chatru to Manali, skipping Chandratal entirely.

Who is eligible to participate in the trek?

First-timers are eligible, but they must have an interest in hiking and mountaineering. The climber must be physically fit and have the energy to cover 5 kilometres in 30 minutes without tiring. The climber should be able to carry a rucksack weighing between 10-15 kilogrammes.

This mission will not be able to resolve heart problems, excessive blood pressure, asthma, or epilepsy. The climber must not be suffering from any of the aforementioned ailments.

The trek's detailed itinerary

Day 1: Manali to Jobra via Manali

The trip can begin with a vehicle ride from Manali to Jobra. Manali sits at a height of 6,700 feet above sea level. As a result, it's a fantastic spot to acclimate your body before starting the hike. To get to Jobra, it takes two hours and forty hairpin bends. Jobra is located at a height of 9,800 feet. On the first day, you'll climb to a height of 10,100 feet and walk for two to three hours.

The hike begins at the intersection of the Allain Guhugal Hydel Project. Take the narrow trail that leads to the pine forest after crossing the main road. There are many various types of trees such as maple, deodar, toss, and oak. The sight is invigorating. The hill that needs to be ascended is not particularly difficult or steep. After 20 minutes on the trail, you'll come to a turn with a view of a rich green meadow dotted with little boulders. After a few moments of admiring the scenery, proceed to the meadow.

The Rani nallah, which runs right through the meadow, comes into view. There are a few sheep and cows grazing in the field as well. The scene appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. You can either walk through the meadow or ascend the slope on the left. In either case, you'll arrive at Chika, which is located at the far end of the large field. Climbing the hill and descending to Chika is, however, a better and easier option. Chika campsite is a large, open green space. This location is ideal for setting up tents because of the Rani River running through it.

Chika to Balu ka Ghera on Day 2

Balu ka Ghera is the next destination, which is not visible from the Chika campsite but can be approximated by looking to the right. Follow the river's left bank, which will appear on your right side. The trail leads to a boulder-strewn slope with challenging footing. The walk is straightforward and may be completed without trouble.

A long section of the river's right bank is lined by magnificent dwarf Rhododendron trees. The lower and central regions will be covered by these trees, while the upper region will be covered by a cluster of silver birch trees. Wait a moment when you reach the end of the silver birch trees and look back to admire the complete range of Dhauladhar snow-capped peaks in front of you. The vista is breathtaking. At a distance to the left, you'll see a clear stream waterfall. The best location for filling your bottles.

The next route, after passing the waterfall, is to the river on your left. You can only get to the opposite side by wetting your feet and crossing the rivulet. The water is really cold and will sting your feet. You can also get to the other side of the stream by jumping from one rock to another. When you get in Jwara, you must have completed half of the day's trip. Jwara is a lovely attractive sheltering valley with massive snow-capped peaks on one side and a valley that descends down to the river on the other. You'll want to immerse yourself in the splendour of God's creation. Snow is melting into the river, and livestock is grazing on the field.

Snow-capped mountains can be seen in the foreground, and the Hampta Pass can be seen behind them. The trail will take you along the riverbank and lead you to another rectangular valley. The route is lined with flowers of various colours. The last of the tree lines fades away, leaving nothing behind. It will take another half hour or so to reach the valley's edge, which marks the end of Jwara. After Jwara, the trail becomes a snowy and rocky hill. Balu ka Ghera is the destination at the end of the path; the name has nothing to do with the location. The location is covered in snow and greenery, despite the name implying a sand mound.

However, it is stated that the sands and dust deposited by the river formed this location. The campground at Balu ka Ghera is a level area surrounded by mountains that you will cross the next day to reach the pass. Balu ka Ghera is located at a height of 11,900 feet.

Day 3: Crossing Hampta Pass from Balu Ka Ghera to Siagoru

The trek can be separated into two parts: a steady ascent on a moderately steep hill to Hampta Pass, followed by a dramatic drop to Sia Goru. On this day, the highest altitude will be reached at Hampta Pass (14, 100 ft). The day begins with a trip to the mountains you saw the day before. The trail runs alongside the river. The trail runs alongside the river. The vista is breathtaking, and the river is framed by tiny yellow and orange flowers.

The riverside trails will lead you even farther to the base, where you will begin the actual ascent to the Hampta pass. It will take an hour to get to this location. You'll reach the first plateau after another hour of walking. During the summer, the area is entirely covered in fresh snow. Aside from that, it's basically spots of snow all over the place. The peak of Deo Tibet will be directly in front of you.

You'll come to another plateau, then a ridge. The last half-hour will be spent getting to the ridge's finish. Then continue up the first ridge to reach the second ridge. The second ridge is only a few metres and a bend away from Hampta Pass. The climb to Hampta Pass is difficult because it is vertical. The journey to the pass will take roughly 15 minutes. Yes, you will be exhausted by the time you arrive, but the sight that awaits you will be breathtaking. Enjoy your time on the pass, take in the scenery, eat your lunch, and prepare for the next descent to Siagoru.

The descent is more difficult than the ascent. Even craning your neck, you wouldn't be able to find the bottom of the mountain since the descent is so steep. The best way down is to either slide down the slope or use ropes for assistance. The path is also a little winding. Spiti can also be seen from this vantage point. You'll arrive at the bottom of the valley, which will lead you to Siagoru, in about an hour and a half. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and Siagoru's path is the only open side. On flat ground, the walk to Siagoru is simple.

The Siagoru campsite is also located beside the river. Set up camp on the property and rest for the night with a sense of satisfaction in your heart.

     Day 4: Chatru to Siagoru

You will go from Sia goru to Chatru, which will take around 5 hours of easy downhill trekking. Siagoru is 12,900 feet above sea level, and Chatru is 11,000 feet. It's a pleasant descent from Siagoru. The trail follows the bank of the river valley between mountain ranges once more.

Chatru may be found from a long distance. The bare mountains are devoid of flora. The tough phase is still to come. You must exercise caution because the trail may occasionally lead you to the brink of mountains and ridges. There are also some slick sections on the path. To travel any further, you must be sure-footed and navigate carefully. Despite this, the journey is not as onerous as it appears. The slipping and heart-pounding mounting will undoubtedly appeal to you. It will take you another two hours to go down the mountains. You'll observe the Chandra River running below you, as well as a road that runs alongside it. After that, there are more than two glaciers to cross. Chatru, the next camping zone, is located on the other side of the Glacier. Choose a spot with a river running through it.

The three passes, Hampta, Rohtang, and Spiti, have come together to form Chatru, a great camping location. It will take roughly two hours to get to the destination.

     Day 5: Manali to Chatru (drive)

On day 5, a ride back to Manali from the Chatru camp location is planned. You will arrive in Manali in the evening after a 7-hour ride filled with gentle reminisces of the hills. An overnight flight to Delhi after 6:00 p.m. should be the most convenient option.

Highlights of the trek

Elevation-

The walk takes you to an elevation of 14,010 feet, but it isn't nearly as dangerous as other high-altitude hikes. There are few hikes that reach such a startling elevation in such a short period of time as this one.

Mountain Villages-

Beautiful mountain communities tucked in the Himalayan foothills are great places to relax, unwind, and disappear into oblivion! Sethan, perched at an elevation of 8,860 feet, is one of those villages that invites you to unwind and simply be! This small Buddhist hamlet, located 45 minutes from Manali and encircled by the towering Dhauladhar hills, is like a paradise on earth. During the winter, when the earth is blanketed with snow, the place is transformed into a white sheet of perfect bliss. You will have the opportunity to learn about the unique Buddhist culture of the people of Sethan, who are originally from Tibet and the Spiti Valley.

The pathway to heaven is said to pass through Hampta hamlet, which is located below Sethan village. Yudhishthir is said to have travelled this route on his way to heaven.

You'll also get to see the unique culture of the people of Lahaul and Spiti, as well as the high-altitude natural wonders.

Distinct terrain-

Because of the tremendously different scenery, it presents in just 5 days, Hampta Pass is exclusive and rare. The vast stretches of the empty and barren Lahaul Valley stare at you with their overwhelming spectacle as you cross over the lush green Kullu Valley. Most Himalayan treks include Alpine forests and beautiful meadows, but what sets this walk distinct is Lahaul's bleak desolation and limited vegetation, as well as the frigid deserts of Spiti.

Exotic flora and wildlife- 

You will be treated to a distinct array of Himalayan flora and animals on your trip. The meadows are dotted with beautiful wildflowers in a rainbow of colours. The rosy-pink dwarf rhododendrons that line the woodland trails contrast with the lush green environment of Pinewood, Deodar, Maple, Silver Birch, and massive oak trees. The dry and chilly deserts of Lahaul and Spiti smack you in the face with a virgin wilderness after savouring the luscious grasses of Kullu Valley.

In the Alpine woodlands, you'll see shepherd dogs, sheep, and colourful Himalayan birds like the white-capped redstart and whistling thrushes.

The imposing Pir Panjal range,

The massive Dhauladhar range and the lonesome mountains of Lahaul and Spiti all amaze you with their contrasting splendour. This 5-day walk takes you through lush green highlands interspersed with snow-capped peaks as well as an arid landscape of naked mountains. From the top of Hampta Pass, the hypnotic views of Deo Tibba, Mount Indrasen, and its glaciers are likely to hypnotise your senses.

Scenic campsites-

Every night, camp in a different location, each one tangentially different from the last.

Chika, the first campsite, is situated on the banks of Rani Nallah and is awe-inspiring because of the confluence of two streams that emerge from a single waterfall. It's a lovely campsite with effervescent rivers, exotic vegetation such as dwarf rhododendrons, birch trees, and glossy grasslands, and a fantastic view of the trekking trail.

Balu ka Gera, which translates to "hundreds of sand," is a level campsite with lush, open ground bordered by the Dhauladhar hills. On the other side of the campsite, you can see the Bandarpoonch peak of the Dhauladhar range. It is situated on the banks of a river just below the Hampta Pass.

The verdant green campsite of Shea Goru is surrounded on one side by massive rocky mountains and on the other by snow-capped mountains. It's one of the trek's coldest campsites. Near this breathtakingly lovely spot, a cool mountain river rushes. Mount Indrasen peeping through the clouds is the most enticing vista from Shea Goru.

At an elevation of 12,900 feet, Chatru campground is a vibrant valley that offers an unforgettable camping experience. Chatru, often known as "oasis in the cold desert," is surrounded by numerous mountain ranges. The neighbouring Chandra River, which is gurgling with life, is the icing on the cake of this lovely campsite.

Stream crossing-

The Hampta Pass trekking route offers a one-of-a-kind river crossing experience, and you must take caution when crossing the effervescent mountain rivers. Crossing rivers with strong currents necessitates quick manoeuvres, cautious navigation, and agility. Because the water level is low, it is best to cross the streams early in the morning. Wading through icy waters is both thrilling and excruciating.

Hampta Pass-

At a height of 14,010 feet, A Pass is a large plateau surrounded on all sides by high cliffs. It twists and dips down to the spectacular Spiti Valley. The breathtaking change in scenery from green and snowy valleys to the pristine nature of Spiti Valley is mesmerising and brings up a whole new world in front of your eyes. This trail is used by many shepherds to trek from Kullu to Spiti Valley.

A crossover trek-

This stunning crossover trek passes via Kullu Valley, crosses Hampta Pass, and then passes through Lahaul and Spiti Valleys to reach Rohtang Pass. Hampta Pass is a breath-taking trans-Himalayan crossing trip that will leave you speechless with its starkly different vistas. You'll travel through green grasslands, woodland pathways, loose rocks, moraines, boulders, glaciers, and large blankets of snow, as well as be treated to some of the most desolate views. This healthy Himalayan journey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Interesting valleys and passes-

The bleak Lahaul and Spiti valleys, which are part of tribal Himachal Rohtang Pass, enchant you with a mysteriously mysterious beauty that will stay with you for the rest of your life! The return route leads you to the famous Rohtang Pass, which is a hive of activity with people from all over the world flocking the pass. It's a sharp contrast to the uninhabited stretches on which you've spent some of the trek's prior days. Rohtang Pass has enticed Bollywood directors with its raw magnificence, with huge mountains standing against clear skies and never-ending slopes of snow. Several Bollywood blockbusters have been shot on the pass.

Chandratal Lake

The most exotic jewel that this walk has to offer is glorious Chandra Taal, a glittering crescent-shaped lake surrounded by hash brown mountains. The fact that this high-altitude glacier lake stands above Hampta Pass is practically icing on the cake. According to Hindu mythology, Yudhishthir ascended to the heavens from Chandra Taal. The immaculate beauty of this deep moon lake mesmerises you. It gleams like a gleaming turquoise gem on Spiti's otherwise dull crown. There are various legends surrounding the mythical lake. According to tradition, this is where Lord Indra's chariot transported Yudhishthr to the afterlife.

Chandratal will be visited on either Day 4 or Day 5. You can climb up to Chandratal Lake, which is breathtaking (known as the moon lake). The lake's deep blue colour has a stunning influence on the surrounding area. Chatru camp location is 45 kilometres from Chandratal Lake. Chandratal is only accessible during the summer months, depending on road and weather conditions. Otherwise, you'll have to drive straight from Chatru to Manali, skipping Chandratal entirely.

According to another tradition, the blue-water lake stood silently by as the sad love between the lake fairy and a shepherd grew. The shepherd's descendants are said to continually visit the lake in the hopes of discovering the fairy.

Chandratal will be visited on either Day 4 or Day 5. You can climb up to Chandratal Lake, which is breathtaking (known as the moon lake). The lake's deep blue colour has a stunning influence on the surrounding area. Chatru camp location is 45 kilometres from Chandratal Lake. Chandratal is only accessible during the summer months, depending on road and weather conditions. Otherwise, you'll have to drive straight from Chatru to Manali, skipping Chandratalall.

First, how do you get to Manali?

There are three ways to get to Manali.

Option 1: Take an overnight bus to Manali from Delhi, which takes 14 hours, or from Chandigarh, which takes 10 hours.

The best option is to take a bus from Chandigarh.

It is recommended that you take government buses rather than private buses outside the bus station because, based on our experience, private buses have a very high risk of being late. Furthermore, government buses are always more dependable. Whichever bus you take, make sure you arrive in Manali by at least 9-10 a.m.

Option 2: Fly to Delhi/Chandigarh airport and then travel to Manali by bus (Best option).

• Fly to Bhuntar Airport; Manali is only a couple of hours away and may easily be reached by bus or private cab.

Option 3: You can also travel by train; direct buses to Manali, which is 300 kilometres away, depart from Pathankot railway station and take an overnight journey. Even in this situation, arrive in Manali a day ahead of time.

Click here to know about Treks in Uttarakhand

Click here to know about Manimahesh Kailash Peak Trek