Hampta Pass Trek: Where Lush Valleys Meet Rugged Peaks – A Journey Through Nature’s Contrasts
The Hampta Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh offers a unique journey through the diverse landscapes of the Himalayas. This 26-kilometer trail unveils the contrasting scenery of green canopied valleys on one side and barren, rugged mountains on the other, truly a showcase of nature’s varied palette. From grassy meadows dotted with spring flowers to dramatic jagged cliffs, Hampta Pass is a place where you can experience all four seasons within a single trek.
Starting from Manali, the journey winds through over 42 thrilling hairpin bends, leading you to Jobra, the trek’s base. From there, we head to Chika, the first campsite, surrounded by pine and birch trees with the soothing sounds of the Rani Nallah River nearby. After an energizing morning in the mountains, we proceed toward Balu ka Ghera, where the landscape shifts from green pastures to a more rugged terrain of boulders and rocks. Here, the Dhauladhar ranges serve as an awe-inspiring backdrop.
The trek reaches a high point at Hampta Pass, where the lush Kullu Valley and the barren Lahaul-Spiti Valley meet in a breathtaking crossover, offering trekkers views of both verdant forests and stark, glacial terrain. The descent to Sia Goru, one of the best high-altitude campsites, rewards you with pristine views and the serene sound of river streams. As we move on to Chhatru, you’ll see the landscape shift again, with a rocky, rugged terrain leading to the stunning Chandratal Lake—a perfect crescent of crystal-clear water surrounded by towering peaks.
The Hampta Pass trek is graded moderate, making it accessible for fit beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. Throughout the journey, nature constantly surprises you with new elements, from rhododendron forests to snow-lined trails. With a peak altitude of 14,100 feet, this trek is a manageable five-day adventure through one of Himachal’s most scenic regions. The best time to embark on this trek is from June to September, when the trail still has patches of snow in the early season, offering the perfect blend of lush scenery and high-altitude adventure.
Note: The pick-up point would be Manali Mall Road (tentative). If you arrive in Manali, one day before, it would help your body adapt better to the altitude and weather.
The Hampta Pass Trek begins with a scenic drive from Manali to Jobra, a base camp perched at 9,800 ft. After navigating through a series of 42 hairpin bends, the trek doesn’t commence here but instead takes you on a three-hour hike to Chika, a campsite at 10,100 ft. Along the way, you’ll walk through a forest of tall pine, maple, deodar, and oak trees on a gentle incline. A small bend reveals a lush meadow with patches of rocks and the silver Rani river flowing through the center, offering a refreshing landscape. The day ends with setting up camp in the meadow at Chika.
On the second day, we proceed toward Balu ka Ghera. The trail turns rugged, with boulders and rocky terrain, though still manageable. Alongside the riverbank, Rhododendron and silver birch trees line the path, and the towering Dhauladhar range adds grandeur to the view. You’ll encounter a clear stream waterfall to refill your bottles before continuing. Around midday, we reach Jwara, a breathtaking valley with snow-covered rocks on one side and a winding river on the other. As the tree line vanishes and the path turns rocky, we reach Balu ka Ghera at 11,900 ft, where we camp for the night.
The third day splits the journey in two parts: a steady ascent up a steep slope to Hampta Pass, followed by a steep descent to Sia Goru. Reaching Hampta Pass at 14,100 ft, the journey reaches its highest point. The stunning Deo Tibba peak dominates the horizon, and vibrant spring flowers line the riverside trail, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Moving past several ridges, a final vertical climb brings us to Hampta Pass. After savoring the views, we descend sharply to Sia Goru, where the valley’s base provides easier, flatter terrain. We settle at the Sia Goru campsite for the night.
On the final day, we descend gently to Chatru at 11,000 ft. As the vegetation fades, we prepare for rugged terrain, marked by rocky mountains and ridges that require careful footing. The path may get slippery, so vigilance is necessary until you reach the Chandra River and cross glaciers to arrive at Chatru. A hub connecting three passes, Chatru is the launching point for a potential drive to the picturesque Chandratal lake, depending on weather conditions.
The trek concludes with a return ride to Manali, a chance to reflect on the breathtaking journey and the personal accomplishments of conquering Hampta Pass.
Upto 21 days | 20-15 days | 14-8 days | 7-0 days | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Batch Shifting | Yes | No | No | No |
Cancellation Charge | Free Cancellation | 25% of the Trip Amount | 50% of the Trip Amount | 100% of the Trip Amount |
Booking Amount | Refunded in mode of Credit Note | Adjusted in Refund Deduction | Adjusted in Refund Deduction | No Refund |
Remaining Amount | Full Refund (minus) booking amount | Refund (minus) 25% of the trip amount | Refund (minus) 50% of the trip amount | No Refund |
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