After 6 months of quarantine, the Himachal and Uttarakhand governments decided to open their frontiers to travelers, and in no time, many people snagged their gear and the Hampta Pass Trek plan was in momentum. Many have always been fascinated by the scenery of this trek, and this entire shutdown caused a feeling of a much-needed break to the stunning view that all adventurers craved.
Introduction
Table of Contents
The Hampta Pass trek, which connects the valleys of Kullu and Lahaul, is a popular trail among trekkers. The trek, which begins in Manali and continues through numerous isolated towns and villages, offers breathtaking scenery that will captivate visitors. The breathtaking natural beauty of the Himalayas, as well as the vision of rare Himalayan birds and plant life such as orchids, end up making this trek truly bewitching. Starting at 14,100 feet in Manali, this trek would therefore take you through elegant alps forest areas and glaciers to the Hampta Pass and the magical Chandratal Lake. This enticing trekking adventure takes you through rock-strewn regions, woodlands, permafrost valleys, watercourses, and sweeping pastures, with breathtaking views of bird species, floral, and spectacular scenery. Here is the Beginner’s Hampta Pass Trek Guide to help you have the best trekking experience possible.
How to Reach
The Hampta Pass trek is a must-do for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Manali is the starting point for the adventure. Manali can be reached by rail, road, or air. Travel into Bhuntar Airport, which is 52 kilometers from Manali and has traditional taxi facilities to your spectacular location. City centers such as New Delhi and Chandigarh are well served by the Bhuntar Airport. If you wish to travel by highway, the wonderful curvaceous major roads from Delhi to Manali will take you about 12-14 hours. On a daily basis, numerous Volvo and luxury buses operate in between destinations. The nearest railway is Joginder Nagar Station, which is 166 kilometers from Manali, though airlines and bus routes are more efficient ways to get there.
Base Camp
This incredible expedition commences in Manali and travels through various ethereal vast stretches to the magical Balu Ka Ghera, which is rumored to be popular for brown bears that hibernate there in the cold season. Because of the desolate smoke and gravel that settles here, it is also known as ‘Heaps of Sand.’ Balu Ka Ghera, positioned at a vicious altitude of 11,900 feet, provides an embryonic view of the Dhauladhar Ranges. This will also be your trek’s base camp because it traces the span where you will look across the Hampta Pass and enter Chandratal Lake. This area will engulf you with its scrumptious selections, which also include striking enraptured viaducts, swift watercourses, and an innate assortment of flowers. The simple dune premises make an excellent camping location, with a river flowing on one side and a stream sliding on the other.
Best Time to Visit
The cloudy climate with snow-capped mountain ranges in this increased region, located amidst the Himachal Pradesh mountain peaks, enables a relatively northern climate throughout the year. The months of June to September are ideal for this trekking excursion because the climate is suited for large altitude trekking. Even though trekking is possible in other months, it is not suggested due to the different and unforeseen climatic conditions. Temperature changes here fall underneath cooling in the winter, and with comparatively warmer days between June and September, trekking here is a trekking enthusiast’s paradise.
About the Local People
Living among the dwelling units in India’s heaven, the inhabitants of Himachal Pradesh, particularly Manali, are really quite humble and naive in their living cultural practices. The people’s extraordinary socio-cultural way of life is reflected in their historical culture and primaeval religious practice, as they are primarily farm workers and craftsmen. There is a thriving motivation of tribal conferences, norms, and ideologies with unquantifiable respect for nature and development. Various hand-loom works and forms of art can be found here, as well as a strong appreciation by the locals for visitors, who contribute to the locals’ incomes from tourist revenue.
Permits
The trek’s necessary permissions and camping fees may be included as part of the trekking excursion. Please bring your Identity card, as well as printed copies of your driver’s license, voter ID, or passport (including a visa for non-Indian visitors), and passport picture. A doctor’s note proving your endurance for the trek, as well as a disclaimer certificate proving your willingness to engage in this trek, are required.
Medical Emergencies
All throughout the trek, the guides will have access to well-stocked first-aid gear. We suggest that you have your own personal supply of first aid items on hand, such as medications, disinfectants, insecticides, prescription medicines, and so on. All preventative measures are taken to defend your life, but there is no harm in being cognizant of medical care knowledge. CPR and basic medical training regarding altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) should be available. This sickness is correlated with hiking and has symptoms such as headaches, sleeplessness, intestinal problems, respiratory issues, ataxia, and so on. Please consult your doctor prior to your journey to obtain prescription medications for such potential situations, and only ingest them if necessary, as they are potent and have significant effects, particularly if chosen to take during your journey. Also, keep all the emergency contacts like hospitals and police stations with you.
Difficulty Level
The total distance covered in the Hampta Pass trek is about 35 km and the maximum height that one reaches during the trek is about 4200 m. This trek is not that difficult and can be said that the difficulty level is moderate. Both beginners and experienced trekkers prefer the Hampta Pass trek. This expedition is ideal for experiencing the adrenaline rush of the Himalayas, but it is subject to harsh conditions and is widely perceived as having a high level of difficulty.
Things to Carry
Prepare thoroughly in terms of clothing and other protective equipment to withstand the unpredictability of the mountain climate, as it can become very chilly. Maintain your trekking equipment safe, and always have necessities on hand, such as a weatherproof jacket, dry socks, and a mask. To prevent frostbites, remember to wear appropriate, high-quality footwear and well-fitted boots. Wear the proper socks to improve blood flow. Generally, it takes 4-6 days to complete the Hampta pass trek, and you should be well equipped with all essentials. The most required items are your trekking shoes and a first-aid kit. You should, of course, bring a backpack containing warm clothing such as sweaters, gloves, socks, and jackets, as well as snacks, cutlery, and water bottles. Because bathrooms are not available on such treks, a toilet kit is also required. And, lastly, your tent should not be forgotten.
Nearby Places
The Deo Tibba Base Camp trek, also recognized as the Chota Chandratal trek, is among the most popular tourist attractions while on this trek. It is located 6001 meters southeast of Manali. The path there is home to a wide range of plants and animals that will have you fawning over them. The best thing would be to go to the Chota Chandratal lake to see the glittering water. Aside from that, Bhrigu Lake and Naha Falls are two well-known water bodies that provide a spectacular view of the blue, gushing waters. The Rohtang Pass, despite being one of the most famous passes in the world, should not be overlooked when planning a trip to the Himalayas. There’s Siagoru and Bhalu ka Ghera.
