HAMPTA PASS TREK
OVERVIEW
Hampta Pass lies at an altitude of 4270 m in the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas. It is a small corridor between Lahaul and Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. This pass is frequently used by shepherds of the lower Himalayan region, seeking high-altitude grassland in the dry cold desert of Lahaul during the summers. A number of wild flowers and herbs grow at the altitude between 3000 to 3800 m. Vertical rock walls, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, tiny lakes, and peaks rising above 6000 m are the main characteristics of this trek. The terrain is mostly rocky and the route passes through large-sized boulders making the trek enchanting. The trek passes from the windward side of the mountains of Kullu to the leeward side into the district of Lahaul & Spiti. The terrain changes from a green paradise to a rocky cold desert in just a few meters across the pass. This route is also known as the road to heaven, as it was the path taken by Yudhishthira during his ascent to heaven.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Flora and fauna with high diversity.
A complete view of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges.
The beautiful barren landscape of Lahaul and Spiti.
Meadows and mixed forest of Cedar, Walnut, Chestnut, and maple.
COST AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
ARRIVAL IN CAMP AT KALATH (NEAR MANALI)
We arrive at base camp, relax, unwind & have breakfast after which we plan and prepare for the trek & go for a short hike to acclimatize. Dinner will be followed by star gazing under the sky if weather permits, and later we gather around the campfire for the next day’s debrief.
DRIVE BASE CAMP TO SETHAN AND TREK TO CHIKKA
After a hearty breakfast, we drive down to Sethan from where we trek to Chikka passing through forest Maple, Silver fir, Pine, and Oak trees. It’s a beautiful trail and we camp in the spacious and lush green meadows near Rani River.
TREK FROM CHIKKA TO BALU KA GERA
After breakfast, we pack bags and start the trek towards Balu Ka Gera. Today’s trek is an easy one and can be accomplished without any difficulty. Along the route, we see an entire stretch of the river’s right bank lined up with amazing dwarf Rhododendron trees. The last stretch of the trek is steep. We cross that and camp at Balu ka Gera from where we can get an amazing view of Dhauladhar snow-capped mountains.
TREK FROM BALU GERA TO SHEA GHORU
After breakfast and a session of meditation, we start our trek from Balu Ka Gera to Shea Ghoru via Hampta Pass. Today is the toughest and most spectacular stretch of the entire trek. After reaching upper Balu Ka Gera, the steep ascent of Hampta Pass begins and it takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the top of the Hampta Pass. You get amazing views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers from the top of Hampta Pass and the views of Mt Indrasan are stunning. Crossing Hampta Pass we descend steeply and after half an hour’s trek you reach Shea Goru camp.
TREK FROM SHEA GHORU TO CHATRU
Today we trek from Shea Ghoru to Chatru which is a beautiful small hamlet on the Manali Kaza road with a few dhabas. The massive mountains of the Pir Panjal and Spiti ranges dominate the entire landscape till the campsite of Chatru which is a confluence point of paths coming from Rohtang Pass, Hampta Pass and Spiti. On reaching Chatru we will drive back to our camp at Kalath.
DAY AT THE CAMP FOR ACTIVITIES.
In the morning we can do some interesting and fun activities like a stream walk etc or can go visiting Manali for shopping. After lunch, we pack bags and get ready to catch the overnight Volvo back to Delhi.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN CAMP AT KALATH (NEAR MANALI)
We arrive at base camp, relax, unwind & have breakfast after which we plan and prepare for the trek & go for a short hike to acclimatize. Dinner will be followed by star gazing under the sky if weather permits, and later we gather around the campfire for the next day’s debrief.
DAY 02: DRIVE BASE CAMP TO SETHAN AND TREK TO CHIKKA.
After a hearty breakfast, we drive down to Sethan from where we trek to Chikka passing through forest Maple, Silver fir, Pine, and Oak trees. It’s a beautiful trail and we camp in the spacious and lush green meadows near Rani River.
DAY 03: TREK FROM CHIKKA TO BALU KA GERA
After breakfast, we pack bags and start the trek towards Balu Ka Gera. Today’s trek is an easy one and can be accomplished without any difficulty. Along the route, we see an entire stretch of the river’s right bank lined up with amazing dwarf Rhododendron trees. The last stretch of the trek is steep. We cross that and camp at Balu ka Gera from where we can get an amazing view of Dhauladhar snow-capped mountains.
DAY 04: TREK FROM BALU GERA TO SHEA GHORU
After breakfast and a session of meditation, we start our trek from Balu Ka Gera to Shea Ghoru via Hampta Pass. Today is the toughest and most spectacular stretch of the entire trek. After reaching upper Balu Ka Gera, the steep ascent of Hampta Pass begins and it takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the top of the Hampta Pass. You get amazing views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers from the top of Hampta Pass and the views of Mt Indrasan are stunning. Crossing Hampta Pass we descend steeply and after half an hour’s trek you reach Shea Goru camp.
DAY 05: TREK FROM SHEA GHORU TO CHATRU
Today we trek from Shea Ghoru to Chatru which is a beautiful small hamlet on the Manali Kaza road with a few dhabas. The massive mountains of the Pir Panjal and Spiti ranges dominate the entire landscape till the campsite of Chatru which is a confluence point of paths coming from Rohtang Pass, Hampta Pass and Spiti. On reaching Chatru we will drive back to our camp at Kalath.
DAY 06: DAY AT THE CAMP FOR ACTIVITIES
In the morning we can do some interesting and fun activities like a stream walk or visiting Manali for shopping. After lunch, we pack bags and get ready to catch the overnight Volvo back to Delhi.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in a tent, homestay, or camp on a sharing basis.
- All meals are as per the itinerary.
- Qualified instructors and facilitators during the programme.
- Wilderness First Responder trained and certified guides from NOLS-USA to handle any medical emergencies.
- Transfers to and from Manali.
EXCLUSIONS
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, and flight/train cancellations.
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation expenses.
- Any expense of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
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