Hampta Pass Trek 6 Days & 5 Nights

Overview

With many short treks in Himachal, Hampta Pass Chandra Tal is considered one of the best treks in the Manali region. Hampta Pass at an altitude of 4270m, is located on the easternmost part of the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. Hampta Pass trek is a breathtaking but relatively moderate trek that any beginner or experienced trekkers can do.  Famed for spectacular Himalayan landscapes that change dramatically as you progress and combine stunning mountain scenery with three or four days of manageable walking.  Crossing Hampta Pass the landscape changes dramatically from lush green to barren semi-desert of Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal. Hampta pass is frequently used by Shepherds from the remote Kangra region, who go to the higher meadows of Lahaul during summer with their flocks of sheep. Indrasan and Deo Tibba are two peaks that you will see during the Hampta pass crossing. 
Chandra Tal meaning the Lake of Moon is situated at an altitude of 4270m in the Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti. Situated mostly in the part of Spiti. Chandratal is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. The trail from Kunzum la is more scenic and panoramic overlooking Samudra Tapu glacier, CB peaks, KR group of peaks, and among the highest Mulkila peak standing west of Chandratal. It takes only 4 hrs. walk from Kunzum to Chandratal Lake. The vast meadows of the Lake and its surroundings are a favorite summer home for Gaddi Shepherds who graze their flocks in the vicinity of the Lake. The Gaddi shepherds have long held traditional grazing rights in the area. The Lake is also one of the two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites.

This trekking program sets out from Banara village (2100m) near Jagatsukh (1850m). From Banara we follow one of the best alpine walks with an untiring gradient to Sarotu Thach (Thach – meadow). Crossing the wonderful alpine plateau with a breathtaking view, we descend to Jobri from Jogi dugh meadows. From Jobri (2900m) a gentle and easy trail through thick silver oak forest, Hamta river to Chikka (3300m), followed by a small stream before Jwara. Scaling height and leaving Bears den (Balu ka Ghera) behind you cross Hampta pass (4268m). From the top of the pass, one could see peaks of Deo-Tibba (6001m) and Indrasan (6220m). Now trek down to the main Chandra valley, after crossing a river, following the left bank of Chandra, we cross over the wooden bridge near Chhatru (3100m). Further 45 km on the dirt road, driving up to Kunzum La (4551m) has a view of Spiti valley, 8 km trek down in large meadows, the lake of moon approached. Finally, on the Kaza - Manali road back to Manali.

HAMTA PASS TREK - OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 1: Manali to Jagatshukh (1850) - Banara (2100m) drive 9 km, Trek to Tilgan (2600m) - Sarotu Thach (2980m)
Day 2: Trek to Jogi dugh - Jobri (2800m) - Chikka (3000m)
Day 3: Trek to Jwara (3450m) - Balu ka Gera (3600m), 5-6 Hrs. 
Day 4: Trek to Hampta pass (4270m) - Shea Goru (3900m), trek 7-8 hrs. 
Day 5: Trek to Chatru (3320m), trek 5 hrs.
Day 6: Chatru to Atal Tunnel Rohtang - Manali (2040 m), drive 4 hrs.

CHANDRATAL EXTENSION
Day 5: Trek to Chatru (3320m), trek 5 hrs, Chatru to Chota Dara (3800m), drive 1 hr. 
Day 6: Chota Dara to Kunzum La (4551m), drive 1 hr, Trek to Chandratal (4270m) 5 hrs. 
Day 7: Chota Dara to Atal Tunnel Rohtang La - Manali (2040 m), drive 5-6 hrs.

SPITI VALLEY EXTENSION
Day 6:  Chota Dara to Chandra Tal - Kunzum La - Losar - Kibber.
Day 7:  Kibber - Gete - Tashi Gang - Kee - Langza - Hikkim - Komic - Kaza
Day 8:  Kaza - Lalung - Dhankar - Tabo - Mudh (Pin Valley)
Day 9:  Mudh - Kaza - Losar - Atal Tunnel - Manali


Chikka - Hamta valley

HAMTA PASS TREK - DETAILED TRIP DOSSIER
Day 1: Manali,  Drive Jagatsukh (1850m) - Banara (2100m) - 9 km, 45 minutes drive. Trek Tilgan (2600m) - Satoru Thach (2980m). 6-7 Hrs.
Today after breakfast we drive to Jagatsukh village situated at the distance of 6 km south of Manali on the left banks of Beas river on Manali – Naggar left bank route. Once it was the old capital of Kullu, is one of the biggest villages in Kullu valley. The main attraction of this village is Shiva temple built in 8th-century in Shikara style and also famous for its ancient temples. It is famous for its Chacholi Jatra festival. Continue a short drive to Banara village. Starting our trek from Banara at first we start the gentle climb to Nag temple. Located above Jagatsukh village. Surrounded by a great view of the upper Kullu valley. We now climb through thickly forest, during summer this trail filled with an abundance of flowers. We arrive at the lush green meadows of Tilgan Thach, Thach- locally means grazing area. Short and gradual ascent to first night campsite at Sarotu. Overnight in camp. 


Sarotu Thach

Day 2: Trek to Jogi Dugh - Jobri 2800 m - Camp before Chikka (3000m), 6-7 Hrs.
Today after breakfast we climb gently on the slopes of Hamta. We will arrive at the above treeline from where the magnificent view of Pir Panjal range on the west side and Brigu Lake Mountains. This entire slope became famous in the world due to one of the best ski slopes in the world. During winter Heli-Skiing is a major activity on these hills. Below us lies Sethan village and far main Hamta valley. We climb gently to the campsite of Jogidugh. Which is situated above Sethan village. During summer this area is filled with shepherds.
Leaving Jogi Dugh behind an easy trail to Jobri which will take only 2 hrs to reach. This part is fully covered with medicinal herbs and plants. After Jobri continues trek to Chikka. The trail goes along the banks of the Hamta stream. Enjoy your time near the falls. 


Jobri stream/nallah 


At Chikka, short before Jwara

Day 3: Trek to Jwara (3450m) - Balu ka Gera (3600m), 5-6 Hrs. 
After crossing the second bridge we climb gently to Jwara for 2 hrs. We will pass beneath the waterfall. The next adventure is going to be a stream crossing just before Jwara. With the help of Guide and if not, with the help of riding a horse, you may cross the stream. From Jwara trail gently climbs to Balu ka Gera. From where we will have the first view of Hamta pass. It’s a beautiful campsite close to crystal clear water. Be aware of Bear in this area by early-season trek and late-season trek. The area itself is known for Bears Den. 


Balu gera

Day 4: Trek to Hampta pass (4270m) - Shea Goru (3900m), trek 7-8 hrs. 
An early departure from camp, as there is a long walk today and crossing of Hampta pass. A gradual climb begins after Bhalu ka gera. Balu ka Gera is known for its wildflowers, rocks, and caves. From Hamta pass fantastic view of Deo Tibba (6001m) and Indrasan (6220m). After crossing the Hampta pass steep descent to Shea goru plains for overnight camp.


Hampta Pass 4270m


Shea Goru 3900m

Day 5:  Trek to Chhatru (3320m), trek 5 hrs.
Today we cross-stream near the camp and follow the right bank until it joins with the Chandra River. Again, cross the same stream by a small wooden bridge. Now following the left bank of Chandra River. 30 minutes later a motorable bridge to be cross to reach the Chhatru. Overnight camp at Chatru.

Day 6: Chhatru to Atal Tunnel Rohtang La - Manali (2040 m), drive 4-5 hrs.
Today leaving Chhatru we drive to Atal Tunnel Rohtang along the Chandra River.  

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CHANDRATAL EXTENSION
Day 5: Trek to Chatru (3320m), trek 5 hrs, Chatru to Chota dara (3800m), drive 1 hr. 
Day 6: Chota Dara to Kunzum La (4551m), drive 1 hr, Trek to Chandratal (4270m) 5 hrs. 
Day 7: Chota Dara to Atal Tunnel Rohtang - Manali (2040 m), drive 5-6 hrs.

Day 5:  Trek to Chatru (3320m), trek 5 hrs, Chatru to Chota Dara (3800m), drive 1 hr. 
Today we cross-stream near the camp and follow the right bank until it joins with the Chandra River. Again, cross the same stream by a small wooden bridge. Now following the left bank of Chandra River. 30 minutes later a motorable bridge to be cross to reach the Chhatru. After some break, we drive from Chhatru to Chota Dara campsite. Which is situated along the Chandra River with the breathtaking view of Chota Shigri peaks.


Daddar bridge camp between Chhatru & Chota Dara


Chota Dara Camp


At Chota Dara

Day 6:  Chota Dara to Kunzum La (4551m), drive 1 hr, Trek to Chandratal (4270m) 5 hrs. 
Leaving Chota Dara behind we drive first along the right bank of Chandra River. Good view of Bara Shigri glacier on the left side. All above the glacier which is 12 km in length longest in Himachal, peaks of White Sail, Shigri Parbat, and Kullu Makalu. Crossing bridge soon after Batal, we drive towards Kunzum la following small stream, which originated above the pass. Arriving at pass having a glimpse of Spiti valley, which runs 170 km towards south. We take a path, which goes to Chandratal. Crossing Palhamo dhar we approach a large meadow - a favorite area with a multitude of shepherd’s huts. Passing and crossing a long stretch of stony ground and small stream we arrive at the lake. Across Chandra river most fascinating sight of Samudra Tapu glacier, North Dakka glacier, South Dakka glacier, and Silver glacier. Above the glaciers towering mighty peaks of Moulkila and C.B. peaks. 
We take a break at the lake for an hour or more based on time, than finally we camp at Chandratal (2kms below) or return back to Chota Dara campsite. Based on road & season status.


Kunzum la 4551m

Kunzum la Chandratal trail


Chandratal 4270m


At Batal - view of peaks at Bara Shigri - White sail, Shigrila, Papsura

Day 7:  Chota Dara to Atal Tunnel Rohtang - Manali (2040 m), drive 5-6 hrs.
Today leaving Chota Dara or Chandratal we drive back to Chhatru. And continue to Atal Tunnel Rohtang back to Manali.