Hampta Pass offers trekkers and nature enthusiasts a range of adventures for trekking. Oak and Maple trees, flowing streams, beautiful meadows, trails covered with snow as well as deserted landscapes are all found along this trail, while every day presents new scenery and textures accompanied by refreshing rain showers. Here is an article which highlights the highlights from each trek day to give a complete review of an unforgettable journey along this trail.
Day 1 : Manali to Jobra
On day one of your trek, take a taxi ride from Manali (2,503 M) up to Jobra (2,743 M), your starting point for trekking. Enjoy spectacular landscapes featuring maple, apple and pine trees along the roadsides in route. Ascending hills yield breathtaking perspectives that overlook Manali's Beas River flowing through town; while from Jobra there are 40 bends marking 16km until arriving at its base village.
Starting at Jobra which lies at 2743m and finishing in Chikka which stands at 3048m. Both routes from Jobra up to Chikka are relatively straightforward and offer various interesting views along their path.
Jobra forests are said to be filled with an assortment of tall maple and oak trees that create a haunting and mysterious atmosphere when walking through them. Light filters through the foliage and casts playful shadows on the floor while wet logs clad with brown moss lie along pathways ready to break when touched.
After about 500m from the start of your trek, a sturdy metal bridge spanning Rani Nallah River's Sub-Stream becomes visible. Once crossed, another kilometer should bring an incredible valley with breathtaking vistas in all directions.
Chikka camping site boasts stunning landscape with picturesque waterfalls close by, all fed from glacial waters that originate in Jobra Ranges before merging with majestic Rani Nallah to form ideal grazing grounds for horses, mules and sheep.
Day 2 : Trek from Chikka to Balu Ka Ghera
Today we'll embark on a 5km journey that could last from 7-8 hours, traversing diverse terrain. The initial two kilometers can present challenges; after this point the landscape opens up into stunning beauty with vibrant hues.
River crossings
At the center of any Hampta Pass trek lies its river crossings. Beginning late on day two, your guide will instruct your group in joining individual chains which provide support against strong water currents. After you have navigated across this body of water, a smooth pathway opens leading towards Jwara Meadows - making this adventure unforgettable.
Jwara meadows offer an unforgettable spectacle to take in, with their vibrant mix of colors, shades, and textures creating an irresistibly charming scenery that invites relaxation, rejuvenation, and discovery of the vibrant world of delicate flowers and tiny blossoms that is all around us. Take some time out for lunch in its natural beauty or just to enjoy this peaceful space in yourself - sitting back, relaxing, taking time out for lunch is an enjoyable way to break up the day - in this lush oasis where every sense will be satisfied - take in every bit!
Day 3 : Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hamtapass
On their final day of trekking, trekkers will arrive at Balu Ka Ghera at 3600 meters before ascending Hampta Pass at 4200 meters before descending back down into Shea Goru at 3900 meters. The day that follows features arduous high climbs that are steep as well as landscape that shifts between white and green hues.
Balu ka Gehra Camping Area - Its Nearby lies a camping area known as Balu ka Gehra, which translates to "deep sand region." This name refers to an expanse of sandy deposits found near the beach. Like Chikka camping area, this location features mules and horses grazing among lush vegetation surrounding a river, you'll also be treated to stunning mist, cloud and water displays which create an extraordinary scene while lounging by your fire sipping hot beverages!
Trekking Through the Breathtaking Hampta Pass.
Once you've made it across the arduous terrain, Hampta Pass awaits. Here, the visual experience can only be described as breathtaking, one can witness vivid Kullu Valley scenery against Lahaul's harsh landscape, in clear weather one may also catch sight of breathtaking glaciers that stretch between Indrasan and Deo Tibba that pay homage to nature's grandeur. Jamadagni Rishi is said to have traversed Hampta Pass as part of his spiritual pilgrimage, while numerous shepherds from Lahul bring their livestock through this pass to Hampta village in search of green grass and fresh food supplies.
Journey Down to Shea Goru
Once you cross the Pass, the most exciting and challenging portion of the trek begins. The trail steeply descends at an acute 50-degree angle over three kilometers at an even steeper gradient, whether weather conditions permit. When dry weather prevails, slippery gravel, mud and rocks are easily traversed, while rain may make the path treacherous due to falling boulders or slippery conditions, ensure that your guide has advice that includes helmets and trekking poles during these conditions for safe travels.
Shea Goru Campsite
Once beyond the Pass, trail opens into a peaceful and flat expanse that leads to Shea Goru Campsite (known as Cold Street). At Shea Goru Campsite there are picturesque spots along the smooth flowing river where one can relax while taking in ever-evolving cloud patterns.
Day 4 : Shea goru to Chhatru
On the fourth day of our journey, it is time to walk from Shea Goru at 3900 meters down to Chhatru at 3350m; covering an approximate 5km distance within four hours. Beginning with an exciting river crossing followed by a relaxing descent before culminating with an unforgettable trip up Chandratal Lake.
River Crossing
The second crossing of Shea Goru River at Shea Goru marks an exciting climax to Hampta Pass trek, surpassing even what was shown as a teaser at its initial crossing. This exhilarating and challenging adventure combines excitement, suspense and adrenaline, it requires ability, planning and collaboration among team members in order to traverse its frigid waters that are even chillier than Rani Nallah River, making this crossing an unwavering test of both skill and teamwork
Trek to Chhatru
Following three days of difficult terrain, day four provides the opportunity for a relaxing trek. Starting on a gentle downhill gradient alongside the river on its right bank, we continue following Chandra River through Lahaul before arriving at Chattru, our camp site which differs from previous locations due to its rugged terrain and proximity to highway that leads visitors up to Chandra Tal Lake.
Take an unforgettable journey along the scenic route leading to Chandra Tal Lake at 4250 meters - approximately 70 km away and three-hours' drive. Even though roads may be unforgiving, its breathtaking aquamarine waters make the drive worthwhile - its reflective surface provides a captivating scene that is sure to leave visitors entranced! After enjoying an enjoyable visit and return back to camp site.
Day 5 : By Road from Chatru to Manali 60 kms
On your final day of this trip, travel from Chatru to Manali. Take in one last moment of mountain scenery before returning back into civilization. On Day 5, return from Chatru camp site to Manali is planned - this four-hour journey will bring back incredible mountain memories as you reach Manali late into the evening.
