Hampta Pass

Overview

Region                       : - Himanchal
Duration                   : - 7 Days
Grade                        : - Moderate
Altitude                     : - 14,100 Ft.
Trekking Km             : - 60 Kms. 

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most toured states in India. The state has beautiful pristine snow clad mountains which are a major source of tourist attraction. Tourists from all over the world come to this glorious, unpolluted and serene place to nurture their mind, soul and cherish an unfathomable nature's beauty. Himachal Pradesh which means 'In the lap of Himalayas' and are used for many adventure sports. One among them that is considerably being carried out here is trekking/Hiking.

With more than 200 defined trekking trails some of the famous trekking spots of Himachal Mountains are; Hampta Pass trek, Dhaulandhar (Triund Glacier) trek, Parvati valley trek, Bhabha pass trek, Sari Pass trek, Beas Kund trek, trek to Chamba and Pin Parvati, Kakeri lake trek etc.

Hampta pass trek is considered the moderate and convenient of all treks in H.P. It is the most sought-after trek and will leave you in awe of this beautiful place. The variation in the trails is enormous; scenic landscapes, open green pastures and meadows, glacial valleys, easy access and an exceptional, adventurous and hair raising crossing of the pass makes this trekking expedition to Hampta pass an exciting one.

Generally, it takes 5 days to complete the Hampta pass trek, but one more day is further added to the itinerary so as to visit the well-known and striking Chandratal, a high altitude alpine lake few hours from Chatru. The best months to trek are May and June and August through October. The reason why Hampta pass is famous trekking zone is snow; the pass has lump sum snow which draws more tourists. We could made it during September through October 5^th 2015.

Youth Hostels Association of India has organized it well and yes this was the first time YHAI has organized for Hampta Pass since its inception in addition to its regular agenda.

Right from the receiving, Warm Gestures, Accommodation, and the best part is the quality of food was at its best at every camp that we landed throughout the expedition and for such a minimal cost as a fact...!

we had the hospitality at YHAI base camp at Prini, first thing we witnessed the astonishing glimpse at the peaks covered with snow and we felt like they are expecting us for a nature hug.

Therefore, the trek starts from Prini to Sethan which is 9 KMS trek precisely. This route comprises the first day. Chika is reached on the second day. You would cross amazing boulders, Gendrame and Rani Nallah on this day. The third day destination is Bhalu ka Ghera from Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass. You will come across mind boggling and stupendous glaciers, cornice formation and snows all the way along. The maximum altitude will be reached on this day i.e. 14, 100 ft. Day four will start from Shea Goru and end up in Chatru. It is a steady descent on this day. You will witness the valleys of Lahual and Spiti and the mountain ranges of Pir panjal and Spiti. On the same day, you can also head to Chandra tal camp site and camp there for the night. The final day of the trek's route is from Chatru to Manali. From Chandra tal campsite you can visit the infamous chandratal lake, deepest amongst blue shades.

One must carry necessary trekking gears like ankle support shoes and trekking poles which will make snow climbing easier.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: - Prini to Sethan

Day 2: - Sethan to Chika
Day 3: - Chika to Balu ka Ghera
Day 4: - Balu ka Gera to Shea Goru, Cross Hampta Pass
Day 5: - Shea Goru to Chatru. Drive to Chandratal
Day 6: - Chandratal to Manali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Prini to Sethan

The trekking expedition starts from Prini to Sethan through a narrow path starts very adjacent to the base camp site. Manali is already at an elevation of 6, 726 ft above sea level. So, it is a good place to acclimatize your body before beginning the trek. It takes approximately 5 hours to arrive at Sethan Camp.

After stepping through the narrow path, we took the small path that leads to the forest of pine trees. You will also find other variety of trees like maple, deodar, toss and oak. The sight is refreshing. The slope that is supposed to be climbed is not an easy one and very steep. Twenty minutes into the trek, you will reach a bend that overlooks a lush green meadow strewed with small rocks. Enjoy the surrounding for a couple of minutes and head towards the meadow. You will also see few sheep and cows grazing in the field. The sight looks exactly as if taken out from fairy tale.

Day 2: Sethan to Chika

The trek on foot initiates through Allain Guhugal Hydel Project junction from Sethan. After crossing the main road, take the small path that leads to the forest of pine trees. Twenty minutes into the trek, you will reach a bend that overlooks a lush green meadow strewed with small rocks. The Rani nallah comes into view which flows directly in between the meadow. You can pass through the meadow or climb up the hill on the left-hand side. Either way you will reach Chika which is at the end of the vast meadow. But, climbing the hill and descending to Chika is a better and easier route. Chika camp site is a huge, spacious patch of green. The Rani River flowing in the middle makes this place perfect for setting up the tents.

Day 3: Chika to Balu ka Gera

The next destination is Balu ka Gera which is not visible from the Chika camp site, but you can make an idea as it falls to the right. Follow the left bank of the river that will appear at your right-hand side. The trail leads the way to a slope of boulders and rough terrain. The path is an easy one and can be accomplished without any difficulty. You will find an entire stretch of the river's right bank lined up with amazing dwarf Rhododendron trees. These trees will cover the lower and the central region and cluster of silver birch trees cover up the upper region. Once you have reached the end of silver birch trees, wait a moment and look back to marvel the entire range of Dhauladhar snow clad peaks in front of you. The view is very picturesque. You will reach a clear stream waterfall to the left at a distant. Best place to fill in your bottles.

After crossing the waterfall, the next route is towards the river to your left. You can go to the other side only by crossing the rivulet by wetting your feet. The water is super cold and will prick your feet. You can also jump from one rock to another in the stream and get to the opposite side. You must have finished half of the day's trek when you enter Jwara. Jwara is a beautiful scenic sheltered valley; huge snow clad rocks at one side and the valley drops down to the river on the other side. You will feel like immersing yourself in the beauty of God's nature. You will find snows melting into the river and cattle grazing the land. In front of the picture is snow clad mountains and behind them lies the Hampta Pass. From here, the trail would be by the river side which will lead you to another rectangular valley. The path is covered with multi colored flowers. The last of the tree lines vanishes out of the sight and is left behind. It will take another half an hour or so to reach the end of the valley, which is the finishing part of Jwara. After Jwara, the path is a slope covered with snows and rocks. The end of the path is Balu ka Gera, the name has nothing to do with the place. The place is covered with snow and greens whereas the name implies mound of sand. But it is said that this place was formed with the sands and dust deposited by the river. Balu ka Gera campsite is a flat ground amidst the mountains that you will cross the next day to reach the pass. Balu ka Gera is at an elevation of 11, 900 ft.

Day 4: Balu-Ka-Gera to Shea Goru crossing Hampta Pass

The day's trek encompasses 9 hours. You can split the journey in two halves, a steady ascent on moderate steep slope to Hampta Pass, thence a sharp descent to Shea Goru. The highest altitude will be achieved on this day at Hampta Pass (14, 100 ft). The day starts by heading towards the mountains you spotted the previous day. The trail is along the river side. The view is amazing, tiny yellow and orange flowers give a pleasant picture to the river. The river side trails take you further to the base and then the actual climb to the Hampta pass takes place. It will take an hour to reach here. Another hour of walk will take you to the first plateau. In summer, the place is completely covered with thick fresh snow. Otherwise, it is just patches of snow everywhere. The Deo Tibet peak will fall right in front of you.

You will reach another plateau and then to a ridge. It will take another half an hour to reach the ridge's end. Then from the first ridge trek further up to get on the second ridge. Hampta Pass is just a few meters and a bend away from the second ridge. The climb to Hampta Pass is a vertical one and is a hard mount. It will take about 15 minutes to reach the pass. Yes, by the time you reach there, you would be extremely tired but the site which enfolds in front of you is stunning. Enjoy for some time in the pass, relish the beauty around, have your lunch and then get ready for the next descent to Shea Goru.

The descent is trickier than the journey to the pass. The decline is so steep that you would not be able to locate the base of the mountain, not even by craning your neck. The best possible way to get down is either by sliding down the slope or with the use of ropes for support. The route is a little meandering too. You will also spot Spiti from this point. In an hour and a half, you will reach the base of the valley that will lead you to Shea Goru. The valley is secured by snow clad mountains, and the side which is open is Shea goru's way. The trek to Shea Goru is easy on flat land.

The Shea Goru camp site is also by the river side. Set your camps on the grounds and retire for the night with a feeling of contentment at the heart.

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru

You will cover Shea Goru to Chatru by foot and it will take approx. 5 hours of easy downhill trek. Shea Goru is placed at an altitude of 12, 900 ft and Chatru at 11, 000 ft. It is a gentle trek downhill from Shea Goru. The trail here again is by the side of the river valley between mountain ranges. Chatru can be located at a distance. No vegetation’s can be seen in the barren mountains. The tricky part comes next.

You must be careful as the trail might sometime lead you to edges of mountains and ridges. The route has slippery parts too. So, sure footed and careful navigation is required to go further. Nevertheless, the trek is not that difficult as it sounds. You will for sure enjoy the sliding and heart pumping mounting. Getting down the mountains will consume another two hours of your time. You will notice the Chandra River flowing below and a road that goes by its side. More than two Glaciers comes next which are to be crossed. The other side of the Glacier is Chatru, the next camping zone. Choose a location which has the river running around.

Chatru is a magnificent camping site; it is a consensus of the three passes, Hampta, Rohtang and Spiti. You can also camp at the Chandratal camping site which has better sceneries. The location is just about another two hours.

Day 5: Chatru to Manali

We were moved to the base camp Prini through a bus via Rohtang Pass.

How to Reach

By Air: - Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs. 700- Rs1000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.

By Road: - Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 - 14 hours. 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. 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 delays.