HAMPTA PASS TREK

Start Point: Manali (6500 Ft.)
End Point: Chikka Campsite (10200 Ft.)
By Drive: 18 Kms approx 1.5 Hrs
By Trek: 3 Kms approx 2 Hrs
Altitude Gain: 3700 Ft.

The journey begins in Manali, perched at an elevation of 6,500 feet, which serves as an ideal spot to acclimatize to the high altitude adventures and trips. We all gather at a specific reporting place in Manali and around 1100 Hrs, we will hop into the local jeeps and drive till Jobra, situated at 9,750 feet, in roughly 1.5 hours. This drive is an exhilarating experience, as it involves navigating 40 sharp hairpin bends while taking in the stunning views of the Kullu Valley. Jobra serves as the gateway to the Hampta Pass trek, and the first leg of your hike will take you to Chika, located at 10,200 feet. Leaving Jobra, the trail meanders alongside the peaceful Rani Nallah stream, cutting through diverse forests filled with towering pine, vibrant maple, sturdy oak, majestic deodar, and slender birch trees. The gentle ascent allows for a relaxed hike, providing plenty of opportunities to admire the breathtaking landscapes surrounding you. As you progress, the dense forest gradually opens up into a lush expanse of greenery dotted with occasional rocks, framed by magnificent views. Approximately 20 minutes into the walk, the trail curves to reveal a stunning vista of the meadow below. You will notice the waters of Rani Nallah emerging, winding gracefully through the center of the meadow and creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. You can choose to wander freely through the vibrant meadow or follow a slightly elevated path along the hillside to your left, both leading you to Chika, nestled at the far edge of the meadow. The Chika Campsite, set in a tranquil valley, is a captivating spot surrounded by lush vegetation and features the Rani River meandering through its center. The charm of horses roaming in the nearby meadows adds to the enchanting ambiance, making it a perfect place for capturing beautiful photographs and soaking in the serenity of nature. Chika serves as a wonderful starting point for your trekking adventure, offering peace and stunning views as you set up camp or simply relish the beauty around you.
Overnight stay at Camps Meals: Lunch, Tea Snacks & Dinner Only

Start Point: Chika Campsite (10200 Ft.)
End Point: Balu Ka Ghera Campsite (12400 Ft.)
By Trek: 8-9 Kms approx 6 Hrs
Altitude Gain: 2200 Ft.

Today our trek leads towards Balu Ka Ghera, perched at an elevation of 12,400 feet. Although it isn’t visible from the Chika campsite, its location can be discerned as it sits off to the right of the trail. The path meanders through a landscape dotted with large boulders and uneven ground. This route runs alongside the river's right bank, showcasing charming dwarf Rhododendron trees in the lower and middle sections and clusters of silver birch trees as you ascend. Once you reach the edge of the silver birch forest, take a moment to marvel at the breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar Range, with its snow-capped peaks framing the scene beautifully. A short distance down the trail, you’ll find a waterfall on the left, with a clear stream flowing nearby. This is an excellent spot to refill your water bottles before continuing your trek. The next challenge is crossing the river; you can either brave the chilly waters or carefully hop across the rocks in the stream to reach the opposite bank. As you make your way further, the stunning Jwara Valley opens up before you. Imposing, snow-draped boulders rise majestically on one side, while the other gradually slopes down to meet the riverbank. The serene ambiance of this picturesque valley, where snowmelt feeds the river and animals graze leisurely, is truly humbling. In the distance, snow-covered mountains stand tall as the trail winds along the river, leading you into a rectangular valley filled with colorful flowers. Here, the trees give way, and the path transitions to a mix of snow and rugged rocks. As you approach Balu Ka Ghera, you’ll encounter vibrant clusters of wildflowers in hues of purple, yellow, and pink, adding a touch of beauty to the challenging terrain. Upon arriving at Balu Ka Ghera, the landscape opens up to reveal a peaceful campsite surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Ironically named "sand mound," this area is currently adorned with snow and lush greenery. The name is believed to have originated from a time when the river deposited sand and dust at this spot. Balu Ka Ghera offers a spacious, flat area perfect for camping as you prepare for the next leg of your journey to Hampta Pass. This tranquil location marks the end of your day, setting the stage for the exciting adventures that lie ahead.
Overnight stay in Camps Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea snacks and Dinner

Start Point:  Balu Ka Ghera Campsite (12400 Ft.)
End Point: Shea Goru Campsite (12900 Ft.)
Highest Altitude: Hampta Pass 14100 Ft.
By Trek: 7 Kms approx 10 Hrs
Altitude Gain: 1700 Ft.

The Adventure from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru consists of two main parts: a gradual climb to Hampta Pass, which stands at an altitude of 14,100 feet, followed by a challenging descent to the Shea Goru campsite. This particular day of the trek is known for being tough yet fulfilling, offering exceptional scenery and diverse landscapes. The trek to Hampta Pass begins with a scenic trail leading towards the majestic mountains that dominated the landscape at Balu Ka Ghera the previous day. As you follow the winding path alongside the river, the surroundings burst into color with vibrant yellow and orange wildflowers adorning the riverbanks, creating a breathtaking atmosphere for the day ahead. As the adventure unfolds, the river guides your path until you reach the foot of Hampta Pass, where the ascent intensifies. The trail can become indistinct at times, requiring careful attention to navigation. With the guidance of our experienced trek leaders, participants can rest assured that they will remain on track. The initial climb leads to the first elevated plain, which in summer is covered by a thick layer of new snow, while during other times of the year, snow may be found in isolated patches. The ascent continues to a second elevated area and then along a mountain ridge. This segment lasts about half an hour, after which the final and most challenging climb begins. This last leg is intense and physically demanding, taking around a quarter of the time to summit Hampta Pass. Upon reaching the summit, trekkers are rewarded with a spectacular panorama: on one side, the picturesque Kullu Valley unfolds, while on the other, the rugged beauty of the Lahaul-Spiti region stretches out. Amidst the majestic mountains and awe-inspiring vistas, the pass provides a tranquil haven for a moment of rest, allowing trekkers to absorb the natural splendor and enjoy a picnic lunch. Descending from Hampta Pass to Shea Goru proves to be a more daunting task than the ascent. The terrain drops sharply, and the lower reaches of the mountain can be obscured, making navigation more treacherous. Travelers must adapt to the conditions, glissading down snowy stretches or using ropes for support on rocky patches. The path twists and turns, requiring careful attention to avoid accidents. During your descent, you will catch your first glimpse of the Spiti Valley, which contrasts strikingly with the greenery of the Kullu region. The descent lasts approximately 1.5 hours and concludes with a turn that leads you to the bottom of the valley. The path from the valley floor to Shea Goru is relatively straightforward, passing across level ground. On your right, the Rani River flows calmly, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of the trek. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the valley offers a serene and tranquil environment. The Nest Goru campsite serves as a peaceful overnight retreat amidst breathtaking scenery. Enclosed by majestic mountains on three sides, with the fourth side opening up to the vast expanse of Spiti, this picturesque campsite embodies the essence of natural beauty.
Overnight stay in Camps Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea snacks and Dinner

Start Point:  Shea Goru Campsite (12900 Ft.)
End Point: Chattru Campsite (11000 Ft.)
By Trek: 7 Kms approx 6 Hrs
By Drive: Excursion to Chandratal Lake from Chattru by drive 60 Kms approx 3 Hrs
Altitude Loss: -1900 Ft.

The final leg of our trek takes us from Shea Goru, located at an altitude of 12,900 feet, to Chatru, which sits at 11,000 feet. This segment will take approximately five hours. During this adventure, we will experience a gentle descent through beautiful valleys, surrounded by majestic mountains, all while enjoying the calming sounds of flowing rivers. Our Adventure begins with a leisurely downhill trek from Shea Goru, meandering through a serene river valley bordered by towering mountain peaks. Although the path is straightforward, certain sections require careful footwork, especially where the terrain narrows along mountain crests. As you continue, the village of Chatru appears in the distance against the barren, rocky backdrop typical of the Spiti region. The stark beauty of this dry terrain contrasts sharply with the lush greenery encountered earlier in your trek. Despite some challenges along the way—such as slippery paths and sharp bends—the descent remains pleasant and manageable with attention and a steady pace. As you progress, the Chandra River comes into view, its winding route accompanied by a road that runs alongside it. Your journey will include traversing several glaciers, an exhilarating experience that demands caution due to the slippery and uneven terrain. To ensure a safe crossing, consider using trekking poles and following the guidance of our experienced Trek Leader. After crossing the glaciers, we will arrive at Chatru, a stunning campsite located at the confluence of three major mountain passes: Hampta, Rohtang, and Spiti. The site is nestled along the tranquil banks of the Chandra River, offering a peaceful and visually captivating setting for pitching your tents. When selecting a spot, choose one that allows easy access to the river, as it enhances the beauty and serenity of this secluded and awe-inspiring destination. Chatru is more than just a campsite; it serves as a convergence point for the diverse terrains of Himachal Pradesh. Here, the stark magnificence of Spiti intersects with the lushness of Kullu, creating a unique blend of landscapes. Acting as a gateway to the Lahaul-Spiti region, it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. As we complete this stage of the trek, a sense of accomplishment settles in, marking the end of your mountainous journey. However, for those eager for more, a short drive will take you to the stunning Chandratal Lake, offering a final extraordinary experience.
Note: An Excursion to Chandratal Lake is most probably done on this day, however, in case it's not done on this day due to road and weather conditions we will attempt the same on Day 05, however, it will be subject to road and weather conditions. (this excursion is not possible on rainy days).
Overnight stay in Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Snacks and Dinner

Start Point:  Chattru Campsite (11000 Ft.)
End Point: Manali (6500 Ft.)
By Drive: 70 Kms approx 6 Hrs via Atal Tunnel

Goodbye to Spiti Valley: Returning to Manali with an Opportunity to Explore Chandratal Lake if not visit the previous day. As the trek comes to an end, it's time to bid farewell to the stunning views of Spiti Valley and begin the journey back to Manali. On Day 5, you will enjoy a picturesque drive from the Chatru campsite, offering one last chance to appreciate the magnificent landscape of the area. The scenic journey from Chatru to Manali takes approximately 5-6 hours, navigating through winding mountain roads and showcasing breathtaking vistas of the Chandra River and the majestic Pir Panjal Range. This leisurely drive provides a serene conclusion to your trek, allowing you to unwind and reminisce about the unforgettable moments from your adventure. Upon arriving in Manali in the early afternoon, you can relax and take advantage of the town's attractions. If you're planning to continue on to Delhi, a nighttime departure after 7:00 PM is usually the most convenient option. A variety of transportation options, including buses and private cars, are readily available, making it easy to return to the capital city.
No Accommodation in Manali (Can be arranged at additional cost) Meals: Breakfast Only