Hampta Pass Trek: An Adventure You'll Never Forget
Hampta Pass Trek: An Adventure You'll Never Forget
Blog Article
Do you ever wonder crossing beautiful green valleys, icy streams, and climbing snow-covered mountains? Well, if this is what has ever crossed your mind, Hampta Pass is a trek waiting to be attempted by you. The Hampta Pass is in the Himalayas-an alpine meadow and mountain pass linking green Kullu Valley with the dry arid Spiti Valley. Very thrilling and the opportunity to witness two different landscapes in a period of just days.
Let's learn more about this trek
What is Hampta Pass?
The pass, Hampta, is approximately at an elevation of 14,100 feet. The pass got its name after a small hamlet called Hampta in the Kullu Valley. Several decades ago, it was passed down from sheep herders to help their flocks of sheep and goats get into the Spiti Valley for greener pastures. Now, it is one of the most coveted trekking tracks in India.
The most striking feature about Hampta Pass is that scenery changes. From walking through a lush green forest one moment to standing in the middle of rugged mountains with snow around the next, the scene simply keeps changing.
The Hampta Pass Trek: A Journey Through Nature
The Hampta Pass trek typically goes for about 4 to 5 days. It's covered by an about 26 km route from Manali. Manali, a lovely hill station, originates the trek all the way till Spiti Valley. The treks have simple ways about them, broken down thus.
Day 1: Manali to Jobra (Drive) and Trek to Chika
The drive from Manali takes you just an hour or so to Jobra, from where you start the trek. It is an easy stretch that takes you through forests and streams. Overnight camp at Chika, amidst mountains and gurgling water sounds.
Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
The next day, you’ll walk through green meadows and cross small streams. The trail leads to Balu Ka Ghera, which means “a bed of sand.” This campsite is near a river, with snowy peaks in the background.
Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass and Descend to Shea Goru
It's the most thrilling and challenging day of the trek! You are going to ascend to Hampta Pass where you can get the view from the top of the valleys of Kullu and Spiti. From here, enjoy the view, and then go trekking downhill to Shea Goru, which is a calm campsite alongside a river.
Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru and Optional Drive to Chandratal
On the last day, you will get into Chatru. It is a long way from there to Chandratal, which is a crescent-shaped lake in Spiti Valley.
Day 5: Car Drive Back to Manali
The end of the trek will be a drive back from the trekkers' haven, Manali, so you stay refreshed and recall all that you have explored.
Hampta Pass Trek Packages
The trekking can be a bit of a challenge while planning it, and most of the people choose to go with the Hampta Pass trek package. These packages consist of all that you require during the trek such as:
Camping Tents
Meals while on the trek
Professional guides for guidance
Transportation from Manali to the starting point and back.
These packages usually cost between ₹7,000 and ₹12,000 per person. Some even include a visit to Chandratal Lake, which makes the experience even better.
Hampta Pass and Manali
Manali is the starting point of the Hampta Pass trek, and it's a great place to explore before or after your adventure. In Manali, you can visit:
Hadimba Temple: A beautiful wooden temple surrounded by tall trees.
Old Manali is a relatively peaceful area with some cute cafes and shops.
Solang Valley-Solong valley is for amusement. It's a paragliding and zip lining place.
Beas River: Perfect place for a quiet walk.
After your trek, spending time in Manali is the best way to rest and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
Best Time to Visit Hampta Pass
Best time to visit for the Hampta Pass trek is from June to October.
June and July: Flowers are blooming on the entire trail, and it is likely to see snow on patches of areas.
August and September: Valleys will be fresh green as monsoon rain has gone; Spiti valley remains dry, beautiful and gorgeous.
October: It's getting colder weather, and landscapes golden as autumn approaches.
Trekking Safely and Having Fun
Get Fit: Although the trek to Hampta Pass is a beginner-friendly trek, practice walking or jogging before you go.
Pack Smart: Pack warm clothes, good trekking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a backpack.
Drink Water: Avoid feeling tired or sick during the trek by drinking water.
Follow Rules: Always listen to your trek guide and avoid littering. Keep the mountains clean!
Why Take Up the Trek of Hampta Pass
Trekking over the Hampta Pass is not just walking over magnificent landscapes, it's an experience that will energize and get you through nature, challenge your soul, and connect you with a group of like-minded trekkers, many of them.
You will surely be proud to have taken this challenge when standing atop Hampta Pass, covered by towering mountains and endless skies. And whenever you return to your home, you will share the stories you had and live the memories throughout your life. So if you love adventure and nature, pack up your bags and book a Hampta Pass trek package for an experience of a lifetime!