We begin the day early and drive from Manali to Jobri via Pirni and Sethan. Pirni is a village a little short of 4 kilometers south of the Manali city bus depot on the Naggar road. We take a left from the T intersection at Pirni, towards village Sethan, which is closed to regular traffic movement as it was principally contructed to link to the hydel power project at Jobri on the Rani Nalah which we would accompany all the way to the base of the hampta pass.
You need to obtain a permit to take a vehicle up this road The road is with as many hairpin turns, that you will run out of fingers were you to begin counting them. However the trend continues only until Sethan following which its a straight ride to Jobri, 4 km away.
We begin the trek at Jobri as we march towards Cheeka, lying only about 2 km ahead. We cross the thick forest and mud covered trail as we make our way to the Campsite, the arrival of which is marked by a gradual parting of treeline to pave way for the meadows along the raging waters of the Rani Nalah.
We start our journey early after breakfast. We begin by crossing a makeshift wooden bridge built by shepherds and onto the right bank of the stream and then another to cross one adjoining stream. Hence forth it is a continuous climb upto Jawara post which the gradient subsides upto Balu Ka Ghera. Hampta Pass is a well taken route by Gaddi Shepherds who climb the pass over into Lahaul and Spiti every year, as the lower meadows begin to dry. Thus it is quite prominent to spot them with their flock of sheep. However their swiftness renders their itinerary short and is comprised of only 2 days.
The final steps to Jawara include traversing upon the carefully placed rocks over an adjoining stream. The Jwara meadows offer a welcoming site. While the treeline comes to an end on the right bank along our route, the opposite bank is lined with birch that grow further up on the hillside. The valley narrows down as we proceed further up to Balu ka Ghera campsite which is at an hours walk from Jawara.
The Balu ka Ghera is a flatbed with plenty of camping space. While we pitch out tents here, the shepherd have a keen tendency to proceed further up to the base of the glacial lake from where the climb to the Hampta pass begins. In June and upto early July, it is the spot upto which snowline exists, which begins to melt away with the advent of rain.
Today is the toughest day of the trek as the trekking distance is the most and we climb to the Hampta Pass before we descend to graze the peripheries of Lauhal as we proceed towards Shea Goru campsite. We begin the day early today as the altitude is bound to slow our pace and unpredictable weather can further create hinderance. We proceed on the right bank of the stream tracing its origin in a small glacial lake formation. If the rains have not yet set in, the snowline begins here. However once the snow melts it becomes hard to navigate the streams coming in from our left, joining the right bank of the river.
We hop over to the other bank and trace our way towards the pass from there.
Indarasan peak is visible in the distance a little towards right of our direction of approach towards the hampta pass. It appears as if summit of a temple and the name literally translates as the seat of lord Indra, who as per the Vedas is the king of Heaven (Swarg) and Gods. Mythologies and popular belief in Hinduism associate his powers to be similar with those of Odin, Thor, Zeus and Jupiter, the popular deities across Indo-European cultures.
Once we reach the hampta pass we are introduced to a different world together. As the vision gets a glimpse of the naked mountains of Lahaul. The senses, overwhelmed, begin to be weighed by the magnificence of the landscape before us as it changes abruptly, and the spirit is joyous with a sense of accomplishment and that of fulfilment. We wait, we bow to pay our respects to the divine before us and we proceed.
The path from here onwards comprises of a steep descent towards Shea Goru Campsite that can be seen far off in the distance to the left of our ascent to the pass, which is slight East of North as against our approach to Hampta pass in the eastward direction. After maneuvering through some steep slopes and then cutting across the side of an almost overhanging ridge we finally make it to a boulder strewn trail that takes us down to the last slope, which we can glissade down if there is enough snow.
Once we are down into the valley the gradient is almost flat for the rest of the way to Shea Goru campsite. We reach the campsite in another 30-40 minutes.
We start the day by crossing a snowbridge over to the opposite (left) bank of the river or a makeshift bridge if the glacial formations have melted away. The gradient increases as we rush downhill towards Chattru that lies on the Manali – Kaza road.
An hour short of our destination we get a clear view of the Road that lies on the opposite bank of the raging Chenab river. We make a turn towards the North-West a few hundered meters short of the river towards an alpine meadow which can be seen a few hundred meters down, at times occupied by shepherds. We have to cross a stream to continue towards Shea Goru campsite and then finally traverse glacial moraine before we finally are able to rush through a well off trail. While the campsite is on the left bank of the river itself, the Chattru Dhaba is located on the opposite bank that is accessible by an iron bridge.
We drive to Chandratal, a journey that would take another 3 hours and take us to an altitude of 4,260 meters. We visit the Chandratal or the moon shaped lake, which can be witnessed if we climb high up on the eastward ridge. Furthermore a glacial lake at the base of a retracted glacier, Samudri Tapu, can be seen in the backdrop, far away, if we have enough time. We drive back to Chattru and camp beside the river. There are a few Dhabas at Chattru.
After witnessing magnificent views during early morning, twilight hour, we start our journey towards Manali via Rohtang Tunnel. Prior to construction of the Tunnel the drive used to be a tiring one via Rohtang Pass. The distance is reduced and more so the duration since opening of the tunnel
You can go trekking to Hampta Pass at any time of the year, but the most enjoyable months are from mid-June to September. During this period, the weather is quite pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging around 13 to 18 degrees Celsius and dropping to as low as 0 degrees Celsius at night.
In October, it gets even colder. However, many adventure enthusiasts love June for one special reason – the snow. So, quite a few adventure lovers have suggested that mid-June is perhaps the best time for an exciting Hampta Pass trek.
If you go to Hampta Pass in June or July, you’ll feel a pleasantly warm climate. The daytime temperature is usually between 13 to 18 degrees Celsius, while nights can get colder, ranging from 0 to 7 degrees Celsius.
In September, it gets cooler both during the day and at night. You might encounter snow on the trek, especially until early July. If it rains, the snow tends to melt away.
To get to the starting point of the Hampta Pass trek, first, make your way to Manali. From Manali, you can hop into a taxi that will take you to Jobra, the base camp for the Hampta Pass Trek. This taxi ride covers a distance of roughly 18 kilometers and typically takes about 2 hours to reach.
Once you arrive at Jobra, you can kick off your 2-day trek to Hampta Pass. During this journey, you’ll be walking and hiking for a total distance of around 35 kilometers through some stunning valleys.
The Hampta Pass trek spans approximately 35 kilometers and leads you through the picturesque areas of the Dhauladhar range. It kicks off in Manali and first takes you to Chikka, which sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level.
On the second day, you can journey to Balu ka Khera for roughly 5 hours, where you can enjoy the snowy landscapes.
Finally, on the last day, your destination will be Siaguru, where you’ll set up camp. From there, you can drive to Chadar Tal and marvel at the starry skies along with breathtaking views of nature.
Hampta Pass Trekking is regarded as a moderately challenging trek. The main factor contributing to this is the changing atmospheric pressure as you ascend higher. The weather conditions also play a role in making the trek moderately difficult. During this trek, you’ll ascend to an altitude of 14,100 feet and journey through various rivers, valleys, and dense forests.
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Yes, there’s plenty of snow at Hampta Pass between mid-June and July. From August to November, the snow disappears. In December and January, there’s heavy snowfall and freezing cold. However, it’s tough to walk in such severe conditions, so it’s not recommended to trek there in winter
To reach Manali from Delhi, you have several transportation options:
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2. By Road:
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3. By Train and Road:
Yes, the Hampta Pass Trek is considered safe, with no reported accidents so far. While there might be occasional light rain that can make trekking a bit challenging, it’s still manageable.
However, during the winter months, the trek isn’t safe due to deep snow covering the paths, and the routes are usually blocked.
This trek is also safe for solo travelers because the trails are clearly marked, and there are no concerns about avalanches or harm from wildlife.
For the Hampta Pass trek, here are some essential items you should bring:
&amp;lt;p><strong>Appropriate Clothing:<br />Layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures.
Warm clothing like jackets, thermals, and gloves for cold nights. Rainproof jacket and pants to stay dry during rain.
Footwear:
Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip to navigate different terrains.
Extra pair of comfortable socks.
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t;strong>B</strong>ackpack:
A durable and comfortable backpack to carry your essentials.
<strong>Sleeping Bag:
A good-quality sleeping bag suitable for the trek’s temperature.</p>
Personal Medications:
Any prescribed medications and a basic first aid kit.
Water Bottles:
Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
Snacks:
Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for quick energy.
Trekking Poles:
Trekking poles for added support during steep ascents and descents.
Sun Protection:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun.
Basic Toiletries:
Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small towel.
Identification:
Identification documents and emergency contact information.
Camera and Binoculars:
If you enjoy photography and want to capture the stunning views.
Headlamp or Flashlight:
For visibility during early morning or late-night walks.
Cash:
Carry some cash for any unexpected expenses.
Remember to pack only essentials to keep your backpack light. It’s important to be well-prepared for the trek to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Absolutely, the Hampta Pass Trek is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s regarded as one of the easier treks in the Himalayas, with an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level.
While the diverse landscapes and shifting weather conditions can pose occasional challenges for beginners, it’s certainly achievable.
No, you cannot do the Hampta Pass Trek in the winter because the entire area is covered in deep snow, and the roads and trekking routes are blocked. Both the road access and the path to the summit are not accessible during this season.
The most suitable time for the Hampta Pass trek is around mid-June when you can experience clear skies against snowy mountaintops. During this time, the temperature typically ranges from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. The paths are lined with alpine and deodar trees, and the warm sunlight adds to the picturesque atmosphere.
If you’re new to trekking, these months are a great choice. The local guides can offer valuable advice on the weather, given the area’s rapid climatic changes.
Hampta Pass is at a height of 14,065 feet/4287 meters above sea level.
Starting at Jobra (9379 ft/ 2858 m) you climb to Hampta pass(14065 ft/4287 m) over two and half days of trekking. That’s an average of 2000 ft/600 m of height giant everyday.
The trail climbs steadily until Balu Ka Ghera followed by a steep climb to the pass. The descent from the pass is steep to Shea Goru beyond which is a gentler descent.’ correct and make it in different easy words but meaning must remain same
The Hampta Pass Trek is classified as a moderate trek, with a range of difficulty from easy to challenging.
You kick off your journey in Manali, situated at an elevation of 6,725 feet, and in just four days, you reach an altitude of 14,000 feet.
For the most part, the trek is relatively easy as you walk through the valley. However, as you approach the pass, the terrain becomes more challenging. The day you cross the pass involves a lengthy walk of nearly 9 hours.
Overall, this trek is considered moderate and is a suitable choice for physically fit first-time trekkers.
During the Hampta Pass Trek, there won’t be any phone signal after you leave Prini.
You’ll regain phone signal when you’re returning, and it’s usually available near Rohtang Pass and back in Manali.
Before you start the trek, it’s a good idea to call your family and friends and let them know you won’t be reachable until you return to Manali on Day 6.
After Prini, ATM services are unavailable after crossing the pass until your return to Manali.
Electricity is not available throughout the trek. The only place where you can find a power source to charge your phone or camera batteries is in Manali before and after the trek.