Hampta Pass Trek- Overview
Hampta Pass Trek is considered one of the most dramatic and spectacular Trek in the Himalaya. It is located at the height of 14,039 feet on the Pir Panjal range in the Himalaya. It separates two contrasting and beautiful valleys of Kullu and Spiti. It also connects the Kullu valley and is famous for its river, pine tree, and meadows.
What makes this trek stunning is that on one side lush green valleys of Kullu and on the other side barren mountain of Lahaul with no vegetation. Hampta Pass is being graded as the easiest and most convenient of all treks in Himachal, and hence it is very much friendly for beginners as it doesn’t require any prior experience. It might not be the most adrenaline rush giving but one can nurture their mind and soul while hiking this place.
Trek duration: 5 days
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Trek distance: 26 km
Start/End point: Jobra
How to reach Hampta Pass (Manali)
To reach Hampta Pass one first needs to reach Manali and from there they can reach the Base Camp of the take by taking a cab. There are also three options by which one can get to Manali.
By Air
As Manali doesn’t have any airhead, the nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is also known as the Kullu Manali airport which is 52 km away. One can land at Bhuntar airport and then can take a cab or bus towards Manali.
By Train
There is no direct rail network in Manali. Joginder Nagar is the nearest railhead that connects important places. Also, Chandigarh and Ambala stations are other options to reach here as both the station has good connectivity with other big cities. From here one can get several modes towards Manali.
By Road
The road is the best way to enter Manali. As the place is well-connected with big cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Shimla. One can go for a number of bus services including private buses like Volvo buses which are available very frequently. Besides, many state-operated buses also offer services from Delhi to Manali, and also many private tour agencies run car services to Manali.
Hampta Pass Trek-Brief schedulkm
Day-1
Drive towards Manali as it served as the Base Camp for most of the treks including Hampta Pass. From Manali, bus stands at Mall road and then driving towards Jobra. After a quick refreshment, start to trek for the first Base Camp at Chikka.
Day-2
Starting the second day with a healthy breakfast and then start trekking from Chikka Camping to Balu Ka Gera and experience the thrill of the river crossing at Juara Nala.
Day-3
After crossing the river on the third day starting with the most stupendous part of the Hampta Pass Trek. After trekking an hour, reach towards the Balu Ka Gera from where the ascent to Hampta Pass summit starts. After reaching and spending some time at the summit and then try to come back as soon as possible as the Himalayan weather is uncertain.
Day-4
The final day trek is the downhill trek following the same route of the river crossing at Juara Nala then Chikka and eventually to the starting and ending point of the trek at Jobra.
Day-5
Returning back to Manali.
Other places to visit near Hampta Pass (Manali)
- Deo Tibba: Huddled at an altitude of 6006 meters. Also regarded as one of the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal range.
- Bhrigu Lake: Situated at an elevation of 4200 meters to the east of Rohtang Pass.
- Rohtang Pass: Located at an elevation of 3978 meters the Pass offers the scenic beauties of glaciers and peaks and the Chandra river.
- Hadimba Temple: Also known as the Dhungri Temple, it is the famous attraction of Manali for all tourists.
- Vasisht village
Trek- The perfect time to visit Hampta pass
The best time to hike this place is from mid-June to mid-October as trekkers can get snow in this time period. Whereas August is the sunniest month here before monsoon hits this place.
Things need to be carried for Hampta Pass Trek
- Good quality trekking shoes with nice grip and ankle support.
- ID proof for each member.
- Warm clothes like a leather jacket, windcheater, and full sleeve sweaters
- Two to three pairs of sports socks along with woolen socks.
- Sunglasses (UV rays protected) to avoid sunburn.
- Lunch box and water bottle.
- Raincoat/Poncho as at high altitudes snowfall and rain is common.
- Personal medical kits
- Torch with a fresh pair of batteries
- Trekking poles
- Toiletries like soaps, hand wash, face wash and towels.
