HAMPTA PASS BLOG

Hampta Pass

Highlights of the trek

1.ONE OF THE STUNNING CROSSOVER TREKS OF INDIA: FROM A LUSH GREEN TO BARREN LANDCSAPES

The first campsite is Jobrathen it is followed by the campsite Jwara which has a wildflower meadow. After crossing Jwarayou will be welcomed by Balu Ka ghera campsite. You will notice the dramatic changes as you enter from a lush greenery landscapes to barren. After Balu Ka ghera, one will reach Shea Goru which is completely a desert. People will be left in awe to see the changes in the scenery.

2. HAMPTA PASS IS A FUNNEL SHAPED NARROW VALLEY

The reason why there are dramatic changes because Hampta Valley is a narrow valley. The valley is like a funnel shaped until one reaches the end of Chatru, one will see changes.

3. INCREDIBLE PANAROMIC VIEW OF MOUNTAIN PEAKS AND LANDSCAPES

Here comes the twist, as you start from Kullu with lush green valleys and end up in the deserts of Lahaul Valley. It is a different world altogether as the trekkers will get the incredible panoramic view and stunning twists in the landscapes.

4. A THRILLING AND DARING ADVENTURE

These aren’t meant for faint hearted. To reach to that point one has to earn it. The trek is of moderate level and the pass crossing day is long and tiring.

5. CHANDRATAL: A HIDDEN GEM TUCKED AWAY IN THE REMOTEST PLACE OF SPITI SURROUNDED BY THE CHANDRABHAGA RANGE

After finishing off with this trek, you cannot miss the bumpy drive to the emerald turquoise colour lake of Spiti. Get to witness the majestic mountains surrounded by the Chandrabhaga Range

Overview

A stunning Trans Himalayan cross over trek, that will blow your mind, Hampta Pass trek will surprise you with dramatic and rapid changes in the scenery. Before going in details about this trek, we would like to give an introduction of Hampta Pass. Perched at an altitude nearly to 14,000ft surrounded by the mighty Himalayas the trail begins with the campsite of Jobra where here one will cut through a lot of forests. The next campsite is Jwara, furnished with carpet full of flowers in short wildflower meadow at the meeting point of valley. Your eyes will welcome you with the drama on the terrain. From a green valley to cold barren desert. After crossing Jwara , the next campsite is Balu Ka Ghera and thereafter Shea Goru which is the desert oasis. If you are looking for a five-day short itinerary, Hampta Pass is the perfect trek full of surprises and eye opener which will leave you in awe.
What is the best part of this trek?
The Shea Goru campsite
This campsite is everyone’s favourite because of the contrasting setting: from a green valley of Kullu to a starkly desolated valley of Lahaul. There are water streams and wild flowers which makes the campsite extremely unique from other campsites. With such alluring settings, trekkers go bonkers about this particular campsite. The nights can be really cold, so one has to be super cautious!

The Pass Crossing

The climb to the pass is very enthralling and tiring as you will climb on snow or loose moraine. There are peaks, you get to notice like Indrasen and Deo Tibba . Once you reach the pass, the deserts of Lahaul is a sharp drop below. The descent is a bit tricky because of the moraine, so you have to prepare your body as you climb the pass.
Chandrataal, if accessible
Just like The Pangong Lake in Ladakh is a famous lake, Spiti has its own Pangong Lake ieChandratal Lake. What is so good about this lake is that this isn’t as commercialized like Pangong. The vibrant colors and the mountain desert are a cherry on the top cake.
Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Manali To Chika Via Jobra

● Altitude: -Jobra 9,800ft to Chika 10,100ft
● 2 hour drive to Jobra from Manali
● 2km, 45 minutes trek from Jobra to Chika
● Enough water through the trail
● Easy to Moderate trail

Day 2: Chika to Balu ka Ghera

● Altitude: – 10,100ft to 11,900ft
● 8.5Km, 6hr trek
● Moderate trail, gradual ascent
● Enough water on the way
● River crossing, boulder walk and colorful tiny flowers on the way

Day3: Balu ka Ghera to Siagoru, Crossing Hampta Pass

● Altitude: – 11,900ft to 14,100ft (Hampta Pass) to 12,900ft
● 7 km, 10hr trek
● No water point on the way (Depends on the snow condition)

● First 1 hour is a gradual ascent then Steep ascent till the pass
● Around 2 hours of steep descent and 1 hours of a flat walk from the Pass to
camp sight
● Coldest place of the trek
● Stay in the tent

Day 4: Siagoru to Chatru drive to Chandratal

● Altitude: – 12,900ft to 11,000ft
● 7Km, 5hr trek
● Gradual descent on moraine
● Drive to Chandratal and back to camp site, either on day 4 or day 5 (depends
on the road and weather condition)

Day 5: Chatru to Manali via Rohtang Pass

● 85km drive
● Time taken 4-6 hour
● Rohtang pass road is a very busy route; driving time may increase due to of
heavy traffic.
Detailed itinerary

Day 1 Manali- Chikka via Jobra

Manali to Jobra is reached by vehicle. Manali is situated at an elevation of 6,700 above sea level. It is a very good place to acclimatize before starting the trek. On the first day you will reach the height of 10,100ft. The trek on foot starts from Allain Guhugal Hydel Project Junction. While crossing the main route, you will find a variety of trees like maple, deodar and oak. The view is extremely refreshing. After 20 minutes of trekking Trekkers will be welcomed with lush greenery meadow. The Rani nallah comes in between the meadow. The surreal view will make the trekkers go crazy as they will witness few sheep and cow grazing on the field. While crossing the meadow you climb up the hill on the left side. Chikka is reached at the end of the vast meadow. This route is quite scenic has spacious green patch. With the Rani River flowing, it makes it very easy to pith the tents.

Day2 Chikka(10,100ft – 11,900ft) to Balu Ka Ghera(5hours easy ascent)

This trail leads to rough terrain and slop of boulders. There is a gradual ascent and you will see the stunning Dhauladhar range in the background. The view is worth to drool upon when one gets a glimpse of the Indrasan Peak. The scenery turns out to be fairytale and the gradient gradually increases till the JwaraNala. The most exciting part is the River Crossing. River Crossing is not a cup of tea as one needs to take proper precaution for crossing. So, on this day, you will have to do two river crossings ie just near to Chikka Campsite and the other at Jwara. This is an exciting and splendor moment for the adventurers as you have to open your shoes because the water level will reach your knee. Also, you will feel numbness in your feet due extremely cold water after crossing the river.

Day 3 Balu ka ghera (11,900ft)- Siagoru(12,900ft) Crossing Hampta Pass(14,100ft)

There is the dramatic changes in the scenery because Hampta valley is a narrow one. The ecosystem makes is so rich because the valley is shaped like funnel and it stays the way untill the very end of the trek to Chatru. On this day, trekkers are very much exhirilated because today is the descending part ie going down to the Siagoru Camp. From Hampta Pass one can witness the Indrasan Peak and Deo Tibba and the humongous glacier. To reach Siagoru, it will take approximately 8 hours with a moderate ascent. Be prepared while going down because the descent is quite slippery filled with rocks and loose soil. This can be brutal to your knees while crossing the pass.

Day 4 Siagoru(12,900ft)- Chatru(11,000ft)4 hours drive to Chandratal Lake

Siagoru is everyone’s favourite campsite. You will find the contrast in the sceneries. It is the stunning desolate valley of Lahaul. Not only this, the addition of wildflower and small streams passing by makes it more ethereal. A dream landscape for every mountain lover with such exquisite settings make the trekkers and nature lovers go bonkers. With the backdrop of the lahaul and Spiti range along with the PirPanjal Range rule the entire landscape of Hampta Pass. Trek till the campsite of Chatru. If the roads are good enough to ride,you can head towards Chandratal Lake which is around 41km and takes 2 hours to reach. Each one of us have heard about Pangong Lake of Ladakh. Chandrataal lake is absolutely stunning and equally beautiful. Drive to the Chandratal Lake which is a jaw dropping emerald blue lake in the Lahaul and Spitidistrct . The vibrant colours of the lake and the desert mountain makes it cherry on top of the cake.

Day 5- Drive from Chandratal/Chatru to Prini Via Rohtang Pass

The drive from Chandratal is extremely picturesque. Wintess the panaromic view of Rohtang Pass and other mountain ranges and tiny hamlets of kullu and Manali.The last day will be a relaxing day and finally the five extravagant adventurous days ends in Himachal Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to go to Hampta Pass Trek?
This trek can be easily approached in the month of June, July, September and first week of October
2. What will be the temperature on the Hampta Pass trek?
The temperature is normal and bearable. During day time temperature is hot and at night time it stays between 3 degree and can go upto –4
3. How long do we walk each day?
Generally every day trek distance is not long. Average walking distance is 8 – 10 km each day and trekkers complete in 5-7 hrs.
4. Is diamox is advisable?
NO, but in case you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of MYTH about Diamox.
5. Who will lead and who all will go along with us?
There will be trek leaders who are professionally trained in Basic and Advance Mountaineering Course and certified in the first-aid course and along with one local guide, cook, helper, porter and other staff.
6 How big are the groups?
We try to bring together a small group of likeminded people to give them a memorable and insightful travel experience, normally we take 22 – 26 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.
7. I am the only girl in trek, is it safe?
Girls safety is important for us. We have the entire crew and guides who are extremely trust worthy. People’s safety is what matters to us the most. But we would advise you to take care of your own personal belongings.
8. What are the things we need to carry?
Once you made the booking our team will send you the trek essentials list according to the trek.
9. Which type of shoes should I buy?
Good trekking shoes are the most important part of the trek, so you have to be very careful before buying it. You can buy trekking shoes from Decathlon which includes brands like Quechua.
10. How many trekkers will be in one tent?
There will be two people will be accommodating in one tent.
11.What is the level of fitness expected from the participants?
Optimum level of fitness is always required in any trek so that you can enjoy your trek.
12.What type of food is served during a trek?
We serve Indian vegetarian food and eggs during our trek.
13.Will the Doctors accompany during the trek?
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.
14. Do you think I should bring some medicines with me?
Yes, it is always advisable that in any trek carry your own medication weather organizers carrying it or not.
15. How do I book a trek with you?
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.
After choosing the trip, the first step is to direct message on the numbers given on the social media. One of our team members will directly contact you regarding the bookings. All the details will be sent to you via mail.
16. is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, walking stick necessary for you because it will help you to walk in decent and provide you balance also, it will reduce your fatigue.
17. What kind of toilet facility you are providing us?
Toilet tents would be there. Basically, we use dry toilet which is one of the best ways to answer nature call in forest. Dry toilet means, we dig a pita and keep mud and shovel so once you are done with your business you can cover it up using mud. It is most hygienic way. You should carry toiletries as we mention in essential.

How to get fit for Hampta Pass

The Hampta Pass is considered as a moderate trek. The trek goes upto over 14,380ft. There is a sudden altitude gain ie from Jobra- Jwara(9,800ft to 11,000ft) For that you need to have very strong lungs.
Hampta Pass trek requires a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. And you might be thinking how to make your lungs stronger? Firstly, start by jogging every day. Start jogging at a slow pace and keep increasing day by day. This will make your lungs stronger than before hence cardiovascular endurance exercises are very important.
Fitness Regime :
• Firstly,when you start target 5km in 40 mins
• Then gradually increase your pace by running at least 4 times a week. Then try to bring it down to 5km in less than 37 mins
• If you are a person who prefers cycling over running then your target must be 22km means you should be able to cover 22km in 60 mins.

Here is the routine for a course of one month. You must exercise four times a week
The workouts:

1. Walking is a great exercise that gives great shape to your legs and your body. It helps in burning calories and cut down excess weight and strengthens the heart.
2. Jogging is effective in increasing human lifespan and makes your lungs stronger. It is an aerobic activity that requires a lot of oxygen. This is a great exercise for fighting obesity and staying healthy.
3. Squats are the best form of functional exercises to improve stability. They also strengthen your legs, thighs, hips and hamstring
4. Another great cardio vascular exercise is pushing your body upstairs after stairs. This is regarded as the best exercise for increasing strength and power Trek Fitness Guide

Week 1:
Warm up: Spot Jogging for 5 mins Start with Brisk walking then go for light jogging. You must aim for 3km in 4omins.

Week 2:
Warm up: Spot Jogging for 5 mins Brisk walk with light jogging. Now this time speed up a little than before that is 3km in 30mins. Squats: 15*3 Start slowly and easily with Stair climbing: 2 stories*10 in 15 mins.

Week 3:
Warm Up: Spot Jogging for 5 mins (same as for you did it for the week 1 and 2) Brisk walk with light jogging. Now this time speed up a little than before that is 3km in 20mins. Squats: 15*3 Start slowly and easily with Stair climbing: 3 stories*10 in 15 mins

Week 4:
Warm Up: Spot Jogging for 5 mins (same as for you did it for the week 1 ,2 and 3) Brisk walk with light jogging. Now this time speed up a little than before that is 3km in 20mins. Squats: 15*3 Start slowly and easily with stair climbing: 2 stories*10 in 20 mins. Carry a 4kg backpack and start doing the stair climbing.