Hampta pass trek

REGION : Himachal Pradesh
Duration : 5 Day
Start Point : Manali
End Point : Manali
Highest Altitude: 15600 Ft.
Approx Trekking : 26 Kms.
Grade : Easy To Moderate

Hampta Pass trek is one of the most awe-inspiring treks in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. The Hampta Pass offers breathtaking views of the two different sides of the Himalayas. On one side of the pass lies the lush green Kullu valley and on the other side is the stark opposite dessert valley of Lahaul. One of the major highlights of the trek is the visit to high altitude Chandratal lake in Spiti. The trek is of moderate difficulty level and is preferred by both beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The maximum altitude attained gained during Hampta pass trek is 4200 m and total trek distance is 35 km. While returning from the trek, the drive is over the famous Rohtang Pass. This adds to the list of attractions of this trek. Hampta Pass Trek best time is from June to October.

Report at Manali bus stand at 8 AM. After freshening up & breakfast in Manali, board Taxi for Jobra. Hampta Pass trek starts from Allain Guhugal Hydel Project site. Get down from the vehicle at the project site & across the main road. Take the narrow trail that leads to the forest of pine trees. A variety of trees like maple, deodar, toss, and oak can also be spotted on this trail.

The sight is very refreshing. The gradient of today’s trail is easy and ideal for a first-day hike. Twenty minutes into the trek, you will reach a clearing from where the view opens up. This spot overlooks the lush green meadow strewed with small rocks with Rani Nallah flowing in the center of valley closed from two sides. Cross the Rani Nallah by the wooden bridge & from here the trail is on the true right of Rani nallah.

Today’s trek is pretty thrilling with a couple of water crossings on the way. The trail stays on the true right of the river for the most part of the day. The initial climb is through boulders. Walk along the Rani river into a valley dotted with tiny multi-colored flowers which can give a tough competition to Valley of flowers in the monsoon months. The green trail turns brown & rock strewed as we near Balu Ka Gera. Balu ka gera is the point from where the steep climb to Hampta pass begins. It is a level ground made up of the sand and dust brought down by the river. In the vicinity is a huge pool of water made from the glacial melts. The site is windy which make the temperature feel even lower than actual. Pitch your tents and camp at Balu Ka Gera, 11,000 feet above sea level.

Start very early to have the advantage of time. This pass is one of the nasty ones & the weather can be very unpredictable. The trek begins by encircling the pool of water to enter the partially dried up glacial river bed. The climb is strenuous all the way up to Hampta pass. Walk at a steady pace with few breaks. The pass is not easily identifiable so ask your guide about it. As you cross the pass you enter the Lahaul region & change in the scenery is very contrasting. The trail is completely downhill from the Pass. This trail is steep & not clearly identifiable. Be extra careful while descending. After some walking, you will be able to spot the campsite of Shea Goru far in the distance in the direction of river flow. The last km to the site is mostly flat. Shea Goru in local means “Cold Street” and is indeed very cold here owing to the winds but it is also the most beautiful campsite of Hampta Pass trek. Camp & overnight stay in Shea Goru.

Break camps early in the morning. Trek begins with the crossing of the river which is flowing by the campsite. Now crossing this river is one hell of an experience in itself. Let's keep it as a surprise for the trek. Almost half of the trek is easy & full of descent. After descending you will see the large valley of the river Chandra. Reach Chhatru which is the road head. From Chatru, board taxi for a road journey to the famous Chandratal. Reach Chandratal by late afternoon. After spending some time at Chandra tal return to Chhatru by the evening. Camp in Chhatru. Please note that the road to Chandra Tal is closed at times due to landslides or snow. In case the road is found closed the Chandrataal drive will not be done.

We break camps early to avoid the traffic jam at Rohtang Pass. After breakfast start the road journey for Manali over Rohtang Pass. Reach Manali by 5 PM Approx. And here ends the Hampta Pass Trek.

• Stay at Wooden House – Meraki Triangle, Sankri
• One of the most beautiful lake and valley in Uttarakhand
• Stunning views of Swargarohini Group of Peaks & Black Peak
• High altitude expedition
• Wide variety of flora and fauna –Govind Ballabh Pant National Park

• Food as per menu on the trek ,Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
• Forest Camping charges
• Safety Equipment,Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
• All necessary permits and entry fees
• Trek guide, cook, helpers, and mules for carrying common luggage
• Transportation if Specified in Itinerary,
• Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff

• Meals during road Journeyss
• Any kind of Insurance
• Any expense of personal Nature
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
• Carriage of personal laggage during the trek

Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.

The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.

Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.

Back pack & rain cover	(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack + rain cover	20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
Walking stick	Advisable (At least one)
Head torch	1 Nos.
Water bottle/Hydration pack	2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack- 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter Carry at least one thermos flask
Snacks	Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical Kit	Consult your doctor

T-shirts	2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton)
Fleece T-shirts	1 Nos.
Fleece jacket	1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater)
Down feather / Hollofil jacket	1 Nos.
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant)	1 Pair
Thermal inners (upper and lower)	1 Pair
Trek pants	2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris)
Poncho	1 Nos.

Sunscreen cream	Hand sanitizer
Moisturiser	Antibacterial powder
Toilet Paper & wipes	Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm	Quick dry towel

Sun cap	1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap	1 Nos.
Balaclava	1 Nos.
Neck-gaiters	1 Nos.
Sunglasses	Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) (B)- Photo chromatic glasses.

Trekking shoes	1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters/flip-flops	1 Pair (Optional)
Cotton socks	5 pairs
Woollen socks	3 pairs
Gaiters	1 Pair (Our team will notify you if required)

Waterproof gloves	1 Pair
Fleece/woollen gloves	1 Pair