TRIP FACTS
- Region: Kullu / Lahaul & Spiti Valley.
- Duration: 5 Days.
- Season: End June to Mid October.
- Grade: Easy to Moderate.
- Group Size : 10 Persons.
- Maximum Altitude: 4270M.
- Hamta Pass (4270m)
- Accommodations: 4 Nights In Camp
- Activities: Hiking
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts / 5 Pack-lunch / 4 Dinners.
- Trip Begin: Manali.
- Trip End: Manali.
INTRODUCTION
Rarely do the Himalayas present a trek for first timers that pack in everything – easy access, dark pine forests, open meadows, glacial valleys and an adventurous crossing of a pass that leaves the heart pumping. The Hampta Pass trek in Himachal is tailor made for those looking to experience high Himalayan adventure. One of the most delightful treks in the region. This Trip Affords view of lush green valley’s, towering snow clad mountains and barren hills with surrealistic forms and shapes leaving the Manali valley, the trek proceeds through evergreen cool forests of walnut, oak.The views of the entire Kullu valley are excellent and are glimpsed all along the trail. Trek through breathtaking landscape, through the meadow, where shepherds herd their buffalo and graze their sheep during summer and Monsoon Season. Trek to the other side of the Pass, in the Chandra Valley, along the Chandra River offers incredible view. This whole region is a typical Himalayan Alpine Zone as high summits surrounds the valley. This trek takes you from the lush green Kullu valley to the dry and cold desert of the Lahaul valley and we conclude our trek the magnificent High Alpine Lake of Chandratal.
HOW TO REACH MANALI
- The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 60 from Manali.
- The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
- The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
- Trek through the green meadows of Kullu to the rugged landscapes of Lahaul.
- A medium level trek enjoyed by both experienced trekkers and beginners.
- Hamta Pass Trekking is a buffet of a large variety of landscapes, all fused into one mesmerizing journey.
- Trek over the Hamta Pass offering closest beautiful views of Mt.Deo Tibba & Mt.Indrassan.
- Incredible views of glacial valleys, thick pine forest, open meadows.
- A beautiful drive from Chandrataal to Manali through Atal Tunnel.
DAY 01 - DRIVE MANALI (1900M) TO JOBRI NULLAH (2650M / 1 HOUR) AND TREK TO CHHIKA, (2950M) 2 TO 3 HOURS.
The vehicle from Manali after passing the Prini village takes you up through 40 hairpin bends and drops you off at Jobri. You have already gained quite an altitude from Manali and you start your trek at 9800ft. The forest is mostly Pine with an occasional Maple tree with its new lush green leaves -a pleasant change in the vegetation. It’s an easy slope and after 20 minutes into the forest, you come to a bend with a huge rock which overlooks a meadow strewn with small rocks. Take a photo/water break at the rock and head into the meadow.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Lunch + Dinner
DAY 02 - CHHIKA TO BALU KA GERA (3300M) 5 HOURS.
Start from Chhika after breakfast. The destination for the day Balu-Ka-Gera is not seen but is towards the right of your camp site. Set out head right but you are all along on the left bank of the river. The initial climb is mainly through stones and boulders. The going is never too difficult. The right bank of the river is laced with dwarf Rhododendrons in the lower and middle region of the mountain and Birch trees grow at the upper end. Look back and you see the Dhauladhar range with its snow clad peaks. It makes a pretty picture. You encounter a water fall on to your left. Fill your water bottles and take a break if you wish to. It’s a level ground at Balu-Ka-Gera and behind you are the mountains you traverse the next day to cross the Hamta Pass.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 03 - BALU GHERA (3300M) TO SHEA GORA, 3700M (OVER THE HAMTA PASS, 4270M) 7- 8 HOURS.
The trail takes us through steep barren hills and over boulders and rocks. The ascent takes us over 4270m high Hamta Pass. From here you can enjoy the broad vista of the Valley. On a clear day one can even spot the peaks of Inderkila, Deo Tibba (6001m) and Indrasan (6220m) some of the highest peaks of Kullu. We then descend towards our campsite which is near a stream in Shea Gora.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 04 - SHEA GORA (3700) TO CHATTRU, DRIVE TO CHANDRATAL.
We follow the stream on the right bank, until it joins the Chandra River. The camp is about 3 hours from here. We’ll cross the stream by a small wooden bridge and follow the river on the left bank. Once we get to Chattru, taxi will be waiting here to take you onwards towards Chandratal. We will drive along a dusty and rough road. On both sides are huge boulders which are quite famous among rock climbers. We also get to see the Glacier of Bara Shigri, it extends to about 12kms and is the longest in Himachal. One can also view the magnificent peaks together famous as the “White Sail”. The lake is about 14kms from Batal. The lake is situated in a bowl beneath a massive mountain.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 05 - CHANDRATAL TO MANALI.
Transfer back to Manali in taxis. We will go over the famous Atal Tunnel, a wonderful opportunity to look down on to the lush green Kullu Valley.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to Manali, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
- . Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers, and insulation.
- . Flip Flops/Crocs.
- . Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
- . Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
- . Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwear (top and bottom) that wicks away moisture, insulates well, and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight, or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
- . Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
- . Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
- . Down feather jacket: Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
- . Hat, Gloves, and Accessories: Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
- . A wool or synthetic hat, headband, or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
- . Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
- . Cotton scarf: Good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn.
- . Water bottle and hydration bag.
- . Head lamp & spare batteries.
- . Camera dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card; GoPro is just great.
- . Money belt or secure portion of bag.
- . Personal toiletries including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen, and towel.
- . Penknife, journal, sketch pad, playing cards, book, reading light, sewing kit, etc.
- . Small padlock for stored bag.
- . Trekking day bag up to 65 to 85 liters.
