The Hampta Pass trek connecting the fascinating valleys of Kullu and Lahaul is an admired trail among trekking enthusiasts. The drive from Manali through various remote villages offers breathtaking scenery that fascinates travelers in abundance.
The extremely divine beauty of nature along with the highlights of rare Himalayan birds and flora-like orchids make this trek faithfully enchanting. Starting at a staggering altitude of 14,100 feet in Manali, this trek takes you through magnificent alpine forests and glaciers leading to the Hampta Pass and the mystical Chandratal Lake.
This exhilarating trekking experience will give you amazing views of birds, flowers, and picturesque landscapes along rock-strewn terrains, pine forests, glacial valleys, waterways, and extensive paddocks. For the ultimate trekking experience, here is the Starter’s Hampta Pass trek Guide.
Where to Start the Hampta pass trekking
This exciting trekking expedition starts from the starting point of Manali. Manali is easily accessible by all 3 ways of transport like train, by road and air travel. Fly to Bhuntar airport located 52 km from Manali with regular taxi services to reach your amazing destination.
If you choose to travel by road instead, the beautiful winding roads leading to Manali from Delhi will take around 12-14 hours. Various Volvo buses and luxury buses run regularly between these routes. The nearest railway station is 166 km from Manali at Joginder Nagar station, though flights and buses are more convenient to reach your scenic destination.
The amazing Base camp of Hampta Pass
This amazing expedition starts from the city of Manali through various magical areas leading to the enchanted Balu Ka Ghera, which is said to be famous for the brown bears that hibernate here in winter. It is also called “Sand Piles” because of the barren sand and dust that settles here.
Balu Ka Ghera, located at a depraved height of 11,900 feet, offers a germinal view of the Dauladhar range. This will be the base camp of your trek as it marks the stretch where you will go through the Hampta Pass and reach Chandratal Lake.
With breathtaking bridges, fast-flowing streams, and a natural assortment of flowers, this area will envelop you in its wonderful offerings. The plain sand offers a great campsite with the river flowing on one side and the water stream rolling at the other end.
Also Read: Guhantara Resort, if you are planning to spend your vacations in Bangalore
Best season for Hampta Pass Trekking
Located in the middle of the Himachal Pradesh mountain range, the foggy weather with snow-capped mountains in this elevated region allows for a relatively cool climate throughout the year. The best time for this trekking expedition is in the months of June to September as the weather is suitable for high-altitude trekking.
While other months still make trekking easier, it is not recommended due to changing and unpredictable weather conditions. Temperatures here drop below freezing in winter, so with relatively warmer days between June and September, hiking here is nirvana for trekkers.
About The Locals
The people of Himachal Pradesh, especially Manali, living in the middle of the habitations in the paradise of India, are quite humble and naive in their habits. The exceptional socio-cultural lifestyle of the people, composed mostly of farmers and artisans, is reflected in their traditional heritage and aboriginal tradition.
With immeasurable respect for nature and creation, the living inspiration is tribal conventions and their customs and philosophies. Various handicrafts and art forms can be discovered here along with the residents’ great admiration for travelers who contribute to the residents’ income from tourism.
Medical advice for Hampta Pass trekking
A well-equipped first aid kit will be available with the guides throughout the trek. We recommend that you bring your own first aid supplies such as medicines, antiseptics, insect repellants, prescription drugs, etc.
All precautions should be taken to ensure your safety, however, it does not hurt to be aware of the general knowledge -of how. healthcare. CPR and other common medical knowledge of Acute Mountain Sickness should be present.
This disease is associated with trekking with symptoms ranging from headache, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, lung problems, ataxia, etc. Please consult your doctor before traveling to get prescription drugs for such possible situations and take them only in if necessary, because they are strong and have strong effects, especially if you take them during your trek.
Essential things you must carry and things to wear during Trekking
- Durable quality trekking shoes
- Camping shoes for crossing streams
- Thick woolen socks
- Thermal inner clothing
- Heavy fleece clothing
- Torch
- To whistle
- Covers for storing used/wet clothes
- Winter jacket and waterproof coat
- Trekking pants
- Woolen hat, gloves, etc.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and other toiletries
- Water bottle
- Trekking stick
- FIRST AID
- Personal medications
- Swiss knife
Hampta Pass tips and tricks
- Hydrate at least two days before the trek as you need to triple your water intake to avoid dehydration.
- Choose a shoe that is half a size larger than your normal size. It can be annoying when one chooses a shoe size that is one size smaller than your actual size. You may end up with sore toes and blisters at the end of the trek. To avoid blisters, you can wear double layers of socks – first thin nylon and then a thick Turkish sock.
- In case you carry a camera or mobile phone, make sure you have enough plastic waterproof bags with you to keep them safe.
- Once you start trekking with a whole group, try to get your natural walking rhythm. Never try to walk too fast or too slow, as this can lead to premature fatigue.
- It is advisable to wear a windbreaker, but we do not recommend wearing it for trekking. When trekking, our body produces solid heat, and to regulate it, the heated muscles of our body sweat profusely. In a humid atmosphere with heat and sweat, we make the situation worse by wearing windbreakers. Overall, it leads to a suffocating feeling. Our advice is to carry a windbreaker in your bag and only wear it during a longer stopover.
