Region – Kullu and Spiti Valley
Total Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days
Grade – Moderately difficult
Maximum Altitude – 4227 m/ 14600 ft
Best Season – Mid June to October
Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite
Food – On trek – All meals included
Distance – 45 KM.
Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta is the eastern most pass on the Pir Panjal range which divides the valleys of Lahoul, Spiti and Kullu. This trek route is the shortest line between the Chandra and Beas rivers, and it was the favored route to approach the correlated valleys even before the road over the Rohtang Pass was constructed. Hampta Pass trek is surrounded by magnificent Himalayan peaks, Deo Tibba, Indra Asan and Indra Kila. Hampta Pass is a popular destination for trekkers & campers accessible on foot from Sethan about 3/4 days. This is one of the most beautiful and feasible trek for all trekkers which leads through the alpine meadows of flowers, Conifer forests, oak, Rhododendron trees to the harshest places at the top with freezing wind blowing fiercely. On the Hampta pass at 4227 m. one can comprehend the aridness and ruthless weather conditions faced to conquer the Pass. The trek is done from the month of May end to October.
First reach Manali, drive to Prini. Trek starts through Prini village, ascending to Jobdi nala via taxi. The road offers extensive view of the Kullu valley. Easy walk of two hour to the campsite just after the road head. The trail begins by flat from Jobri nala to Chhika walking through the forest of Mapple, Silver Fir, Pine and Oak, paved by the grass and stone and fields of the wild flowers. One can have à cup of tea in a small teahouse on the way, which will refresh you. A gentle ascending walk of an hour ends at the first days camp site- Chhika(3500m.). A pleasant meadow between high bluffs, just above the tree line: common to see a couple of Gujjar encampments there. Stay at beautiful campsite in Chhika. As we start on the following day, after an hour we once have to cross the river than hiking through zigzag uphill on snow and moraines brings you to the Balu ka Gera camp site after full day trek. Balu ka ghera offers magnificent evening and twilight views that one cannot forget. High altitude valley often have great lights in the evening and mornings. Next day the trail begins to ascend towards the mighty Hampta pass from Balu ka Gera. As we go higher to 4000m. the oxygen level starts to decrease and weather can cause any situation. The trail comes steep incline till the pass on ice, snow, along glacial lakes and rocky valley. After the incline and reaching over the Hampta pass (4227m.), one can enjoy the view of magnificent Himalayan peaks, Deo Tibba, Indra Asan, Indra Kila. The view of the north Lahoul and Spiti is Amazing. 2000 feet straight below is the Hampta stream, emerging from the Hampta glacier to the east and flowing north wards to the Chandra valley. After spending quality time at the pass we climb back via same route to the campsite at Balu ka Gera. As we reach the camp one can have a hot cup of tea at his lounge. We will halt a night in the tents at Balu Ka gera. Next morning wake up early and have breakfast, then start trekking down towards road head. We will trek the same route via Juara Nala, Chhika and then by vehicle till Manali. as approached at Manali one can leave to their preferred destinations.
How To Reach
Distance by road:-
Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 ‐ 14 hours(approx 540 KMS). Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in Tip : Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Volvo buses charge between Rs.1,000 to 1,400 per sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delay.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Nearest Railway station is Ambala (350 kms) and Chandigarh (310 kms). Tip: Regular Volvo and Buses are available from Chandigarh to Manali in the evening. Volvo buses charge between Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per sector from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa.
Nearest Airport :-
Nearest Airport is Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs.1000 ‐ Rs.2,000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. Check the operating flights to Kullu as due to weather conditions flights gets cancelled.
Thing To Pack:-
Trekking Shoes: You need good trekking shoes with good grip & ankle support. Do not carry sport shoes.
Clothing: You need to have warm clothes with three-layer jackets, fleece or down feather jacket. Carry 1 or 2 full sleeves t-shirt. For lowers carry cotton pants suitable for trek. Do no carry jeans or shorts for trekking.
Thermals: Carry top and bottom thermals.
Socks: Carry 2 - 3 pair of sports socks along with woollen socks to be worn at night.
Headlamp/Led Torch are mandatory
Sunglasses: To protect from sunlight in snow you require UV rays protected sunglasses.
Woollen Cap and Gloves are also necessary as the climate will be cold. Carry waterproof gloves as they get wet in snow.
Lunchbox & Water bottle: Every participant should carry lunch box and water bottle of their own.
Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that one doesn’t get wet.
Mandatory Documents:a)Registration Form
b)Medical Certificate (signed by a registered MBBS doctor)
c)NOC form (by trekker)