Hampta Pass Trek and many others in Himachal Pradesh are actually mesmerized by many landscapes, adventurous and their unique mixture of breathtaking ideas. The trek is located in the Pir Panjal range, between Kullu Valley and barren Lahaul and Spiti regions. This is a surprise for many tourists, because in a few days, one is taken into a completely different world.

The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the few treks in India which offers a blend of river and high-altitude valley crossing, giving you a new blend of what the Himalayas are thinking of. Whether you are not an experienced in trekking or have ample experience in exploring the Indian Himalayan mountains, Hampta Pass Trek’s range of high-altitude passes, glacial rivers, and meadows are unmatched. It isn’t a challenge which few treks in India can set forth and is renowned for the charm that unfolds during the journey.

Where is Hampta Pass Trek located?

The Hampta Pass Trek begins with an elevation climb of about 14,000 feet(4,270m) which is the border between Kullu Valley and the cold, dry desert of Lahul and Spiti. The trek begins in Jobra, a small town called Manali which has its charms and is only a 15 mins drive from Manali. Over the period of 4-5 days, trekkers are treated to Manali’s dense forests and alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and crossing Hampta Pass which offers a breathtaking view by dropping to the Spiti side.

Why Choose the Hampta Pass Trek?

Taking into account the numerous trekking routes across the great expanse of the Himalayas, the Hampta Pass Trek is particularly distinguished by the following traits:

Striking shifts of the scenery – In a matter of few days, a trekker’s landscape will shift from verdant pine and oak forests to the dry, desert-like mountains of Ladakh, which is breathtaking and quite different from other treks, enhancing the Trek’s uniqueness.

Moderate Trekking Difficulty – It is common to find both beginners and experienced trekkers struggling with the difficulty level. Nonetheless, for the Hampta Pass Trek this is a breath of fresh air, as the difficulty is graded as moderate.

Easily Reachable Starting Point – A downside to many treks is the long and tedious journeys one has to take. They are often very far from the starting point, which is very inconvenient. That is not the case with Hampta Pass Trek as it can be started from Manali, and is easily reachable from Delhi or Chandigarh.

Scenic Campsites – All the campsites, Jobra, Jwara, Balu ka Ghera, and Shea Goru, which are along the trek, are extremely beautiful and could be used to exemplify natural beauty.

Adventure and Safety Balance – You experience the excitement of traversing a high altitude pass but not the need for advanced climbing techniques.

Best Time to Do Hampta Pass Trek

Mid June to September is the ideal time for the Hampta Pass Trek. During this time, snow starts to melt, the meadows are greener, and the weather is more stable.

June – Early July: Snow in the area makes the pass more thrilling than the trek itself.

July – August: Nature is teeming with life as flowers decorate the meadows.

September: The surrounding peaks and valleys shimmer with remarkable views during this period.

The winter season is not recommended for this trek as the heavy snow avalanche makes it impossible to traverse.

A Detailed Itinerary of the Hampta Pass Trek.

Here is a breakdown of the expected daily journey:

Day 1: Manali to Jobra with a trek to Chika.

The journey kicks off with a short drive to Jobra from Manali. The drive leads to the start of a gentle trek that offers views of pine, maple, and birch trees. After a few hours of walking, you reach Chika, a campsite that offers a stunning view of a stream, which makes the trek worthwhile.

Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera.

The trail is marked with steady elevation, as you are over meadows where all kinds of flowers bloom. The view to your south of snow-covered peaks adds to the scenery. Balu Ka Ghera, it is “bed of sand,” as it is a broad valley bordered by mountains.

Day 3: Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

This segment of the trek is both challenging and thrilling at the same time. It is still necessary to lift over the unrelenting sharp ridges and gigantic boulders to reach Hampta Pass (14,000 ft). The view you get at this very moment is astonishing. In the background you have the Kullu Valley which is green and lush and in the foreground you have stout yet barren Lahaul. The descent is to Shea Goru, which is a campsite in the valley. Shea Group is steeply descended to, and the views are astonishing. Shea Goru is a valley which is surrounded by mountains and bisected by a river.

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru – Drive to Chandratal (Optional)

The Shea Goru campsite and chatru have connection trails which go through a series of mountains. The trek is filled with valleys populated with trees, most of which have Hampta, Rohtang, and Spiti in the background. People in this area tend to have a positive outlook towards Chandratal lake, It is a high altitude lake which in the recent years has been celebrated by tourists.

Day 5: Chatru to Manali

Relax in the Chatru View point for a night and the same day trek to Manali via Rohtang Pass. Concluding the Hampta Pass trek and trip, This trek is unforgettable to all.

Difficulty Level and Fitness Required

It is classified as a moderate trek, not very difficult and not very easy. The trekkers will need to be keeping in mind that a 6 to 8 trek for 4 to 6 hours any day is a requirement for doing this trek.

Steep slopes and steep climbs on the day of the pass will be the most challenging.

Cold weather during the night hours.

Engaging in basic physical activities like jogging, cycling, and walking for one month leads to better experiences during the trek.

Flora, fauna, and impressive geographical formations.

The most entertaining of the Hampta pass trek is their distinct beauty.

Forests: At the foot slopes, the most prominent oak, Birch and Pine trees can be found.

Meadows: In the month of summer, the lush alpine meadows become more attractive with the addition of wild near flowers.

Rivers & Glaciers: The trek is more challenging and entertaining by the reason of crossing the glacial streams.

Wild life: In the upper ranges, snow leopards are at times, reported by the shepherds, which with snow goats and Himalayan birds are not strange.

Remember to Hampta pass trek

Remember to carry. Essential items like proper warm clothing, rain gear, proper footwear, and a good backpack.

Do not forget to drink lots of water. For the purpose of not getting altitude sickness, the participant’s water intake must be to adequate amounts.

Acclimatization should be done in Manali. The day spent in Manali will help in the adjustment with the altitude which is a bit challenging.

Go with experts. For better enjoyment and safety, beginners should for sure be in the company of experienced guides or proper trekking companies.

Respect Nature – Remind yourself not to drop waste and preserve the path for other future trekkers to enjoy.

What Makes the Hampta Pass Trek Unique

The Hampta Pass Trek viewpoint offers ever changing landscapes that truly resonate with our emotions. Imagine starting your day in a verdant valley, where you walk through vast meadows, and ending your day in Spiti, where the wide arid mountains are visible, all the while a sky full of twinkling stars. Not many of the treks in the Indian subcontinent have the blend of experiences offered in such a short period of time.

Adding to that, there is a cultural aspect as well. One sees local shepherds looking after their flocks and tiny alpine hamlets that appear to be frozen in time.

The Takeaway

For those who seek to delve deeper into the tapestries of the Himalayas, the Hampta Pass Trek is considered the best. The trek is an exotic journey that winds through stunning and beautiful forests, meadows, rivers, and glaciers, as well as offering surreal views of Spiti’s desert landscapes. It culminates at a high-altitude pass.

The Hampta Pass Trek is a perfect blend of cultures and nature offering tremendous accessible adventure. This unforgettable experience is made easier with the well-preserved memories of this trek whether it is your very first trek or your tenth.