+91 9482070194 / 7760710005 sayhello@plantheunplanned.com
+91 9482070194 / 7760710005 sayhello@plantheunplanned.com

Hampta Pass and Chandratal Trek

Best Seller
From₹10,500₹9,500
Best Seller
From₹10,500₹9,500
Download Itinerary
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

4108

Travellers Best Choice 2020 – Trip Avisor

DetailPhotosThings to CarryItineraryReviews

On Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4270 m (14039 ft) lies Hampta Pass. It is a small corridor between Lahaul’s Chandra Valley and Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. This pass is frequently used by shepherds of the lower Himalayan region, seeking high altitude grassland in the dry cold desert of Lahaul during summertime.

Considered to be a beginners trek, having lots to offer to its trekkers in the form of vertical rock walls, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, pinewoods, rhododendron forests, open meadows, tiny lakes, and mountain peaks rising above 6000 meters, making this trek a must-do-trek for everyone. The extra surprise element in this trek is the visit to Chandratal Lake, which is a high-altitude glacial lake.

Photos

Trek Details

  • Trek LevelEasy - Moderate ( Difficulty Level is subjective )
  • Trail TypeHigh Altitude Trekking
  • Trek Distance26 Km
  • Pick Up & DropPick Up - Manali & Drop - Manali
  • RegionHimachal
  • Trek Start PointManali
  • Duration5 days
  • Max Altitude6750 ft / 2057.4 m

Price Inclusions

  • Experienced trek leader to lead the batch & ensure smooth conduct of the expedition.
  • Transport: Non AC coach from Manali to Jobra which is the trek start point.
  • Accommodation: Homestay / Tent during all the days on 2/3/ sharing basis.
  • Meals:
  • Professional and experienced local trekking guides.
  • Mules/Porters: For carrying camping equipment like tents, carry mat, kitchen equipment, rations etc. and vegetables
  • Entry and camping fee for the park
  • Environment levy fees

Price Exclusions

  • Air fare/Train tickets
  • Accommodation at Manali
  • Backpack offloading during the trek
  • Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
  • Soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
  • Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Trekking equipment like trekking bag, shoe, trekking pole etc.
  • Any meals/services not mentioned above
  • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, health condition etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • We expect our trekkers to carry their own bag, however if someone wishes to load their trek bag on a mule or take assistance of a porter and carry only the day backpack, an additional charge of Rs 1500 for the entire duration of the trek is applicable. Part offloading of backpack is not allowed. One bag per trekker is accepted for offloading and the bag can not weigh more than 10 Kgs. IWasThere does not accept trolleys, suitcases, duffle bags or travel bags for offloading and only trek bags are accepted.

Medical Declaration

  • All participants are required to submit a medical certificate approved by a registered medical practitioner prior to the trek.
  • Apart from this we highly recommend you having an adventurous spirit and willingness to undergo the joys & hardships of outdoor camping, in addition to good physical and mental fitness, to completely enjoy the trek. If you suffer from severe muscular, chest, heart or bronchial ailments, we advise you against participating since most treks happen in remote areas with limited access to medical services & hospital facilities.

Things to Carry

  • Trekking Shoes ( Do not carry sneakers/ sports shoes. Carry shoes that has good grip and ankle support)
  • Backpack (40 -60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for a backpack is essential.
  • Daypack 20 litres: On the day of the summit, you’ll need a smaller backpack to carry water, snacks and your medical kit. Bring a foldable backpack.
  • Layers/Warm Clothes/Thermals
  • Trek Pants/T-shirts/Undergarments as per your convenience. Carry the actual number required and stay light
  • Sunglasses, Suncap, sunscreen.
  • Hand gloves, socks 2 pairs and woollen socks
  • Headlamp/LED Torch is mandatory
  • Trekking Pole
  • Poncho/Raincoat
  • Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. ( Mandatory )
  • Personal Medikit
  • Toiletries: moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes.
  • One 1 litre water bottle.
  • Plastic covers: carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. Make sure you take them back and not litter the mountains.

Hampta Pass Trek - A Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Manali to Chika via Jobra

Distance: 2 km Walk
Time: 2 Hrs / 1 Hr
Altitude: 10,100 ft
 
Every one of us knows about Manali and how pretty the settings can get here. Manali being the basecamp adds the added fun to this beautiful adventure. We start our journey early for a 2 Hrs drive from Manali to Jobra which is at an altitude of 9,800 ft. From Jobra, the campsite of Chika is at a distance of about 2 KM which we will be covering leisurely. The trail is well marked and the initial ascend from here is moderate. The settings change as the trekkers cross the Jobri nallah on the bridge through mixed forests of pine, maple and birch trees; then walk along the Hamta river to Chika. Chika is a vast meadow with a beautiful waterfall making this a picture-perfect place to camp.
 
Dinner and overnight stay in dome tents.

Day 02: Chika to Balu ka Ghera

Distance: 8-9 KMs
Time: 6 Hrs
Altitude: 12,411 ft
 
After breakfast at the campsite, we start our trek today through the meadows and Rhododendron forest followed by a boulder section for a couple of hours, leading to a trail of loose rocks all the way. This day also is very adventurous as the trekkers get to cross a river barefoot and also fill their water bottles from the fast flowing river. From here we continue to walk along the river which leads us to our next campsite of Balu ka Ghera (Don’t be scared by the name).
 

Day 03: Balu ka Ghera to Shea Ghoru via Hampta Pass

Distance: 7 KMs
Time: 10 Hrs
Altitude: 12,900 ft via 14,03f ft (Hampta Pass)
 
This is the the most anticipated day of the entire trek when one gets to stand on top of the Hampta Pass and look the the two distinct colors or nature – Ithe lush green Kullu Valley and the dry, arid Lahaul & Spiti Valley. The climb till the summit is adrenaline pumping and will give a real sense of thrill and adventure. Naturally, it will a long 10 Hrs trek today, so we start after an early breakfast from our campsite. The walk until Hampta Pass will be steep ascend; thereafter it will be a steady descend all the way to Shea Ghoru. We celebrate the summit with our packed lunch at the pass and start descending towards Shea Ghoru passing through the dried Hampta Glacier. Our camps will be set up at Shea Ghoru where we will have dinner and stay over in tents.

Day 04: Shea Ghoru to Chatru - drive to Chandratal depends on weather.

Distance: 7 KMs
Time: 5 Hrs
Altitude: 11,000 ft

It will be a fun-filled downhill trek for 5 Hrs today, accompanied by mountains on both sides and river flowing along with us. After crossing 2 prominent glaciers we reach the campsite at Chatru, it is a confluence of 3 passes Hampta, Rohtang and Kunzum. From here one can go and visit the Chandratal Lake; however, a lot depends on the road and climatic conditions on that day.

Day 05: Chatru to Manali via Rohtang Pass

Distance: 88 KMs
Time: 5 Hrs
Altitude: 6,750 ft

A highly adventurous drive through one of the most famous motorable pass – Rohtang La. This drive in all sense a different experience altogether while passing through arid mountains to enter the lush green hills of Manali. The view from the top of Rohtang Pass has a charm of its own during the monsoon months which can be seen on full display.

NOTE:-
You can visit Chandratal If road and weather condition permits us. if not, you will have to drive directly from Chatru to Manali and skip Chandratal altogether.

 

Advisory

  • Please be informed that trekking is an adventure activity and a lot depends on the weather conditions in the mountains. In case of bad weather or health issues of any trekker at any point during the trek, the trek itinerary will be changed by the Trek Leader after evaluating all the available options.
  • We make sure that our trekkers are informed at all the times and a common consensus be arrived after discussing with the participants, however, the decision of the Trek Leader will remain final.
  • Also, in case of any unforeseen circumstances like landslides or bad weather, we promise to provide services only for 7 days. It will remain the responsibility of the Trek Leader to get the trekkers back to safety irrespective of the number of days, however, the cost will be borne by the trekker themselves.
  • Please be clearly informed that we are committed to providing a safe, secure and a magical experience in raw nature and hence, smoking, drinking and littering is completely prohibited during the trek and on the campsites. People found to be indulging in any of the above activities will be abandoned from the group.

Safety

  • We take a lot of pride in providing the best safety standards to its trekkers while trekking along with supporting sustainable tourism.
  • Experienced Trek Leaders will be leading the group with a full-fledged first aid kit along with an oxygen cylinder. The Trek Leaders will also be carrying medication pertaining to high altitudes.
  • Our Trek Leaders are experienced mountaineers and we trust their judgments. If during the trek, the Trek Leader advises you against continuing on the trek, we request you to respect his judgment and follow his instructions.

How to Reach

  • The best way to get to Manali is to take an overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. The travel time from Delhi is 12-14 hours and from Chandigarh is 8-10 hours. Hence, Chandigarh is a better option.
  • Tickets can be booked online on www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in. HRTC or HPTDC buses are usually on schedule.
  • Ensure you book your bus early the previous evening, so even in case of unexpected weather/road related delays, you are still on time for the pick up.
  • The other option of reaching Manali is to take a flight to the nearest airport, the Bhuntar airport. This is around 50 km from Manali and takes one and a half hour in a cab.
  • However, this is not a recommended option as the flights are infrequent, expensive, and get cancelled on short notice if adverse weather condition prevails.

More Information

Who can Go – Climbing a mountain is physically demanding and an easy trek does not mean it can be easily done if one fails to prepare for the trek. For all easy graded treks, the participants must be fit and have the stamina to cover a distance of 5 KMs within 45 minutes while carrying a backpack weighing not less than 10 Kgs.

Best time – Hampta pass is an ideal monsoon and post monsoon trek. The trail has a lot of exposed rocks during the summer months making it a little difficult to climb. However, the settings during the monsoon change completely and the months of July and August would be ideal for this trek.

Established Market – Manali is the last established market. Some last minute shopping can be done here.

Phone Network – All major networks are available at Manali and Prini. It is advisable to make all the phone calls here before starting the trek as the network would not be available during the trek. Weak connectivity is observed at some sections of the trek however, we would not recommend relying on it while planning your travel.

Internet Connectivity – Internet is available at Manali and Prini however, When it is available, one would also be able to make online transactions albeit, with a little patience (to give you an idea of the speed).

ATM Facility – Manali and Prini is the last point where ATM is available.

Medical Facility – Prini has a primary health center and Manali which has a hospital.

FAQ

I'm a solo traveller, Can I join?

The interesting thing about traveling alone is that you get to meet new people from  diverse backgrounds, and towards the end you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travelers are always welcome to join us on our trips. Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/ 

Is it safe for Women/Girls?

Safety and security is our priority at all times. Hence it is absolutely safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accomodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany on most of our treks.

 

What will be the group size?

Usually, we take maximum of 15-18 people in one group. We believe bigger groups have less fun and less coordination so that’s why we prefer smaller groups.

We need at least 4 people to operate our fixed departure tours/treks.

How do I avail discounts? 

Details for availing  discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/

What is cancellation policy?

Here’s the cancellation policy for Himalayan Treks/Backpacking Trips/Road Trips

  • If you cancel before 30 days – 90% of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 20 -30 days – 75% % of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 15-19 days – 50%  will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 7-14 days – 25 % amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 0- 7 days before the departure date – No amount would be refunded.

Note: For All The Above Refund Cases Transaction Fees/Internet Handling Charges will be dedcuted from the overall amount and balance amount shall be refunded. You can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard earned money

For other trips and travels with us, and detailed terms and conditions check the      following link : https://www.plantheunplanned.com/refund-cancellation-policy

For more queries please visit our Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ's).

Notes

  • Min number of travelers required for the event to happen is 5. Plan The Unplanned would be not responsible for any flight cancellation charges/any other cost.
  • As most destinations in the itinerary are remote and isolated, the food options available to you (especially veg options) will be limited to the very basics. We expect your understanding regarding the same.
  • The itinerary is subject to change during the course of the trip owing to severe weather conditions keeping in mind your safety and accessibility to locations.
  • Personal expenses are to be borne by you.

Related Blogs

How to Pack for a Himalayan Trek – the Ultimate Guide

/May 27, 2021//, , , ,

Himalayan Trekking Calendar 2021

/January 17, 2019//
0
0
0