Are you looking for a high-altitude trek in India filled with adventure? Then the Hampta Pass trek in the valley of Kullu is the one for you. It is one of the best treks in Manali which is also the starting point for the trek. It allows you to experience snow-capped mountains, green meadows, pine and oak forests, valleys with streams, rocky terrain, and an off-road drive to a pristine lake at 14000 feet.
Our exclusive Himachal Pradesh tour packages will help you have the best experience with the best itineraries. In this blog we will discuss all the details related to Hampta Pass Trek. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start!
Hampta Pass Trek – An Overview
Located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, the Hampta Pass trek, Manali connects the Chandra Valley in Lahaul to the Kullu Valley. You will be amazed to know that the trek is named after Hamta Village, which is situated just below Sethan Village. The Hampta Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscape.
From the top of the Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh, you will witness an incredible view of shimmering, cold, deserted Lahaul valley in Spiti. If you are wondering about the Hampta Pass Trek difficulty level, then you must be amazed, even though it gives you the opportunity to cross glaciers and fast-flowing rivers, this is an easy to moderate trail. However, it is a great choice for people who are looking for adventurous activities to do in Hampta Pass Trek. If you are someone who prefers a shorter trek, you can still choose this trail, which will leave you with a lifetime experience and a picturesque view of the Chandratal Lake.
Mythological Story Behind Hampta Pass, Manali
Local believed that the Hampta pass is the same route that was opted by the Pandavas for their journey to heaven. After the Mahabharata battle, the Pandavas established dharma in Hastinapur and decided to take the path of Moksha. The trail is the same from where Yudhistir, the eldest Pandava, once walked the mystical trail of the Hampta Pass Trek on his journey to heaven. It is believed that he was accompanied by 3 dogs, if you are lucky enough to you might see them here while trekking, which makes it one of the best activities to do in Hampta Pass trek, Manali.
Facts About Hampta Pass Trekking
- Hampta Pass Trek Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate
- Hampta Pass Trek Starting Point – Jobra
- Hampta Pass Trek Altitude – 4270 m
- Hampta Pass Trek Duration – 5-6 days
- Hampta Pass Trek Distance– 25 km
Route of Hampta Pass Trek
The route of Hampta Pass Trek might be confusing for many people, and they might wonder, “Where is Hampta Pass Trek begin? To answer your question, here you need to follow these steps:
- First, you need to figure out “how to reach Manali”, which you can reach by taking bus from any tier city like Delhi or Chandigarh.
- Then you need to reach Jobra, which is the starting point of the Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh.
- The Jobra and Chika are situated at an altitude of 10,100 feet.
- As you trek through this route, you will come across lush greenery, the Rani River, and the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges.
- The climb to Balu ka Ghera from Chika offers the first glimpse of the towering mountains and the valley filled with meadows and flowers.
- The slopes gradually ascend until you reach the Hampta Pass, and Hampta Village will serve as your host for some time.
- The final destination of this trek is the beautiful Chandratal, which is surrounded by pure white peaks and clouds. At an altitude of around 14,010 ft, Chandratal is a confluence of three paths i.e. Hampta Pass, Spiti Valley, and Rohtang Pass.
- The lake water keeps changing colour throughout the trek. From the top of the pass, you get to see panoramic views of Deo Tibba, Mt. Indrasen, and its glaciers.
You need to obtain the Hampta Pass permit online and pay congestion charges, which are INR 100 for a two-wheeler and INR 200 for a Car or jeep. But please remember that this permit is valid for only one day (round trip). Also, only vehicles that are less than 10 years old are permitted.
Some of the documents that you need to carry are:
- A valid ID is required.
- A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory.
- Vehicle registration details must be provided.
Best Time To Visit Hampta Pass Trek
The best time to visit Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh, depends on your choice. However, the track is open only for 6 months due to weather conditions.
If you’re looking for a snow trekking experience, then the best time to visit Hampta Pass Trek is in June. This month, the mountains are covered with snow as the temperature of the place can fall between 13 to 18 degrees in the morning and can go down to 0 degrees at night. You can enjoy this temperature till mid-July, after that the temperature starts changing.
For the people who want to explore the natural beauty of the Hampta Pass trek best time is during rainy weather; July is the perfect month for it. The snow begins to melt in the middle of July, and the monsoon season brings a lot of rain to the area, making it the best time to do Hampta Pass Trek. The places get covered in green and fresh with wildflowers, water bodies, forests, and dense fog.
Suggested read : 10 Best Airbnbs in Manali For A Comfortable Stay
Hampta Pass Trek in August and September
In August and September, the valley will be sunny as the snow melts completely. During this time, the region looks very different with green meadows and new flowers blossoming. The Hampta Pass temperature during these months is between 12–18°C in the morning, whereas -6–4°C at night. By late September, the sky clears up, revealing stunning views of the mountainside. The trees shed their leaves and paint the landscape with warm autumn colours.
Hampta Pass Trek In The First Week Of October
In October, trekkers can experience the sunshine in the morning, but at night, the Hampta Pass temperature can fall between 5 degrees Celsius and -7 degrees Celsius. The Hampta Pass trek best time starts from the october if you like cold winds. It is best to avoid trekking during these months as the weather is harsh and the trails are not suitable for walking due to the snow.
Things to do in Hampta Pass Trek
You will get to explore a lot of adventure activities in the Hampta Pass trek. Some of them are
- Relaxing in Village: Relaxing and chilling at Sethan village during the trail. The Sethan Valley is a famous place to visit in Manali in one day. The Hampta village, just below the Sethan village, can also be visited. The legend has it that Yudhistir took this route when journeying toward heaven.
- Camping: Have a wonderful camping experience at Balu ka Ghera and Shea Goru, which are two of the most beautiful campsites on the trek.
- Capture nature’s beauty: Take photographs of the flora and fauna during the trek. You will get to see coniferous trees like pine, Maple, Deodar, Silver Birch, and Oak trees. You will also spot wildlife like shepherd dogs, sheep, vibrant Himalayan birds like whistling thrushes, and white-capped redstart. The beauty of this place makes it a top photography spot in Manali.
