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Introduction
Nestled high up in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, the Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most stunning and rewarding treks in India. The trek takes you through verdant alpine meadows, rocky mountainscapes, gushing streams, and serene glacial valleys as you make your way from the pastoral village of Manali to the stark beauty of Spiti Valley across the Hampta Pass. It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape. Your first campsite in Spiti is at Balu Ka Ghera after traversing the pass. The lovely meadow is dotted with friendly Himalayan sheep and goats. Your final camp for the day is at Chatru, a small settlement of shepherds.
The Starting Point: Manali
The starting point for the Hampta Pass trek is Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green forests of deodar and pine, Manali offers spectacular views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Make sure you spend a day exploring old Manali with its colorful temples, bustling markets and cosy cafes. It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape. Your first campsite in Spiti is at Balu Ka Ghera after traversing the pass. The lovely meadow is dotted with friendly Himalayan sheep and goats.
The First Campsite: Jobra
After stocking up on supplies and permits in Manali, you will drive to Jobra, the first campsite located 10 km from Manali at an altitude of 10,100 ft. It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape. Your first campsite in Spiti is at Balu Ka Ghera after traversing the pass. The lovely meadow is dotted with friendly Himalayan sheep and goats. Your final camp for the day is at Chatru, a small settlement of shepherds. After checking into your camp and settling in, you can take a short hike around Jobra to admire the views of the pine forests and River Rani.
Into the Great Himalayan National Park
The trail from Jobra enters the stunning Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. The path meanders through oak, fir, spruce and rhododendron forests as you make your way to Chikka at 11,900 ft. This lush green campsite along the banks of the Tos Nala stream is perfect to spot vibrant Himalayan birds like the Himalayan monal pheasant and crimson horned pheasant.
Crossing the Bridge and Stepping into Alpine Delight
After Chikka, the landscape starts transforming dramatically as you enter the high-altitude alpine zone. The campsite at Balu Ka Ghera (12,900 ft) rewards you with extraordinary vistas of the Dhauladhar, Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters peaks. Cross the footbridge over the gushing River Tos and prepare to be blown away by the sheer alpine beauty of the meadows at Shiagouru. The highest campsite on the trek at 13,050 ft, Shiagouru is carpeted with wild flowers set against snow-capped peaks. This is a great place for some photography! Manali offers spectacular views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Make sure you spend a day exploring old Manali with its colorful temples, bustling markets and cosy cafes. It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape.
The High Altitude Challenge: Hampta Pass
Gear up for the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek as you conquer the Hampta Pass. At an elevation of 14,100 ft. Start early to cross this high-altitude pass between lofty peaks and intimidating cliffs. Scramble over boulders, loose rocks and slippery snow as you climb towards the pass. Stopping frequently to catch your breath and admire the arresting views. Reach the top triumphantly and celebrate with the unforgettable sight of the Chandrataal Lake surrounded by pristine. It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape. Your first campsite in Spiti is at Balu Ka Ghera after traversing the pass. .
Descending into Spiti Valley
It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape. Your first campsite in Spiti is at Balu Ka Ghera after traversing the pass. The lovely meadow is dotted with friendly Himalayan sheep and goats. Your final camp for the day is at Chatru, a small settlement of shepherds. Manali offers spectacular views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Make sure you spend a day exploring old Manali with its colorful temples, bustling markets and cosy cafes. It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape. The trail from Jobra enters the stunning Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity.
The Pilgrimage Town: Chandrataal
The lake, considered sacred, surrounded by Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind. A few guesthouses, tea stalls, and general stores can found in the charming township of Batal near the lake. After the ethereal beauty of Chandrataal soaked in, the drive back to Manali scheduled for the next day, with lifelong memories of having conquered the Hampta Pass! It’s now time to bid farewell to the Lahaul valley and enter the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape. The first campsite in Spiti, after traversing the pass, located at Balu Ka Ghera. Dramatic vistas of jagged mountain ridges await you as you wake up.
Planning Your Hampta Pass Trek
Physical fitness is key as you will be trekking 5-6 hours daily at altitudes of 12,000 ft and above. Test your lung capacity by climbing stairs or doing cardio workouts.
Pack gear suitable for extreme mountain weather like woolens, windproof/waterproof jackets, sturdy trekking shoes, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses etc. The path meanders through oak, fir, spruce and rhododendron forests as you make your way to Chikka at 11,900 ft. This lush green campsite along the banks of the Tos Nala stream is perfect to spot vibrant Himalayan birds like the Himalayan monal pheasant and crimson horned pheasant.
Respect the fragile Himalayan environment by not littering, staying on the trail and avoiding noise pollution. Follow all instructions from your guides and porters to the T.
Rewarded with Spectacular Alpine Vistas
It rewards you with stunning vistas of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountains, emerald meadows strewn with wildflowers, crystal blue glacial lakes, scenic campsites, and the immense satisfaction of conquering a high Himalayan pass. The glimpses into local Himachali and Tibetan cultures along the way are an added bonus! The lovely meadow is dotted with friendly Himalayan sheep and goats. Your final camp for the day is at Chatru, a small settlement of shepherds. The trail from Jobra enters the stunning Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity
Conclusion
Manali offers spectacular views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Make sure you spend a day exploring old Manali with its colorful temples, bustling markets and cosy cafes. It’s now time to say goodbye to the Lahaul valley and move into the starkly contrasting Spiti landscape.Come prepared to awestruck and you won’t disappointed. The Hampta Pass trek truly is a gateway to paradise for intrepid trekkers and nature lovers alike. Let the majestic Himalayas cast their spell over you!
