Overview
Region :- Himanchal
Duration :- 5 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 14,100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 26 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 and soul and cherish an unfathomable nature's beauty. The word 'Hima' means snow in Sanskrit and hence the name Himachal Pradesh which means 'In the lap of Himalayas'. The mountains of the state are used for many adventure sports. One among them that is considerably being carried out here is trekking.
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 easiest and convenient of all treks in H.P. It might not be the most adrenalin rush giving or the most sought after trek, but definitely it is a trek that 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 4 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 Chandrataal, 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.
The nearest station is Manali. Therefore, the trip starts from Manali to Chika via Jobra. From Jobra the trek is undertaken by walk. This route comprises the first day. Balu ka Ghera is reached on the second day. You would cross amazing boulders, Gendrame and Rani Nallah on this day. The third day destination is Shea Goru from Balu ka Ghera 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 also 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 Chandra tal 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 :- Manali to Chika.
Day 2 :- Chika to Balu ka Ghera.
Day 3 :- Balu ka Gera to Siagoru, Cross Hampta Pass
Day 4 :- Siagoru to Chatru. Drive to Chandratal.
Day 5 :- Chandratal to Manali.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Manali to Chika via Jobra
The trekking expedition starts from Manali to Jobra in vehicle. 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 an hour and forty hairpin bends to arrive at Jobra. All the necessary items required for the trek like ration, kerosene, medicines and other travel equipments is available in Jobra. Jobra is at an altitude of 9, 800 ft. On the first day you will reach a height of 10, 400 ft and cover up two to three hours of trek.
The trek on foot initiates from Allain Guhugal Hydel Project junction. After crossing the main road, take 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 an easy one and not 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. The Rani nallah comes into view which flows directly in between 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. 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 down 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 2: 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 definitely 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 imply 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 3: 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 Sia 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 takes 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 sometime in the pass, relish the beauty around, have your lunch and then get ready for the next descent to Sia 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 Sia Goru. The valley is secured by snow clad mountains, and the side which is open is Sia goru's way. The trek to Sheagoru 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: SiaGoru to Chatru
You will cover Sia goru to Chatru by foot and it will take approx 5 hours of easy downhill trek. Sia 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 vegetations can be seen in the barren mountains. The tricky part comes next.
You will have to 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 concensus 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/ Chandratal to Manali
If the weather permits and the roads are devoid of turbulence, then you can hike up to the marvelous Chandratal lake; also known as the moon lake. The sheer blue color of the lake has an amazing effect to the surroundings. Chandratal Lake is 70 kms from Chatru camp site and few hours from Chandratal camp site. Vehicle can also be arranged from Manali to take you to Chandratal from Chatru and back to Manali. It will take seven hours to complete the journey and reach Manali.
You can visit Chandratal only in the summer months. If not, you will have to drive directly from Chatru to Manali and skip Chandratal all together.
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.
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation. (Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.) (Egg)
3. Trek equipments.
4. Permits
5. First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
6. Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff
7. Transport from Manali to Jobra and return Chatru to Manali
Exclusions
1. Accommodation and meals in Manali.
2. Any kind of personal expenses.
3. Food during the transit.
4. Insurance.
5. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Price Includes”.
Note :
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don't want to carry your backpack so you can give it to porter, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay Rs. 300/- extra per day per bag.
To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by
TTH.
3)-
TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.
Fitness
Fitness regime for:
Calculate Your BMI
If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned. If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.
FAQ
Trekkers can enjoy it mostly in the month of June, July, September and first week of October.
Hampta Pass trek over all is a moderate. Last day of the trek is little bit difficult. In Hampta Pass trek, trekkers can face much other adventure activity like river crossing and weather changes in minutes .
In early and later days of the trek temperature is normal and easily bearable but in between days temperature fall. During the day time temperature is hot and during the night time +3 to -4 degree.
Generally every day trek distance is not long. Average walking distance is 8 - 10 km an each day and trekkers complete in 5-7 hrs.
NO, but in case you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of MYTH about Diamox.
Always trek leads by professional Trek leader who complete Basic and Advance mountaineering course and certified in first-aid course and along with one local guide, cook, helper, porter and other staff.
We try to bring together a small group of like minded people to give them a memorable and insightful travel experience, normally we take 18 - 20 people in one batch including male and female. We need minimum 6 people to run a fix departure but for the customized trip group size doesn’t matter.
Yes definitely, Security of girls is the foremost important for us. We always create friendly environment on trek. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They are very honest and reliable, but we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings.
Once you made the booking our team will send you the trek essentials list according to the trek.
Yes, But you should intimate 15 days in advance, so that we will arrange the porter or mule accordingly.
Good trekking shoes are the most important part of the trek, so you have to be very careful before buying it. You can go through our Article "How to Opt Best Trekking Shoe" to get an idea.
We have three men tents but two people will be accommodating in one tent.
Optimum level of fitness is always required in any trek so that you can enjoy your trek.
We always serve Indian vegetarian food and eggs during our trek.
Himalayan water is consider as a clean and mineral water but for safe side we use boil water / chlorine tablet in our camps, during the trek ask once to trek leader or guide from where to fill water bottles.
We have Bolero, Max or equivalent to that.
No, but our trek leaders are certified in Wilderness first-aid" and be aware of high attitude problems, and we carry whole first-aid kit and necessary medicines with us. Make sure you are medically fit for a trek or take professional advice if you feel you are unable to judge yourself.
Yes, it is always advisable that in any trek carry your own medication weather organizers carrying it or not.
After choosing the trip you wish to join, the first step is to fill up the booking form, a deposit has to be made in order to confirm the reservation. All details will be emailed to you to make it easy for you to book.
Depending on the prevailing situation, however the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your trek leader will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.
Yes, if you would like to travel independently, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people. Cost for private trip is fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration and trek style.
Risk & Respond
High Altitude Treks: Risk and Response
A high altitude trek calls for an adventurous attitude, but embarking on an adventurous trip without calculating the risks is utter stupidity. That’s why we have listed a few risks and the response planned by TTH to minimise or address the risks in the best possible way.
Risk: Altitude
Before you start the trek, it is important to understand the implications of high altitude on your body. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like mild headache, nausea and general discomfort.
Response: If you feel any of these symptoms, inform the trek leader on priority and follow his instructions. Every campsite has as stretcher, fully equipped first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation.
Risk: Weather Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas. Though we are always observant about the changing weather, no one can guarantee a snowfall, rain or Sun. Do understand that your security is of utmost importance to us and we will not proceed any further from the campsite if the weather is not favourable.
Response: The decision of the Trek Leaders and Guides to proceed or wait for the weather to get better will be final.
Risk: Injuries
Often, while trekking over difficult terrains, you might have minor injuries like leg sprain, bruises etc. Serious injuries like fractures or major cuts are very rare.
Response: All our Trek Leaders are Certified Wilderness First Aid responders. They are trained to handle emergencies and can tackle minor injuries with a well-equipped first aid kit. In case of serious injuries, the patient is carried on a stretcher to the nearest road-head and is led to nearest medical centre.
Risk: Lack of communication devices
In the remote areas of the Himalayas, mobile networks do not reach. On a trek, one is cut off from the world of calls, SMSs or watsapps.
Response: We rely on walkie-talkies and runners to communicate between the campsites and the base camps.
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