Manali Hampta Pass trek is a popular high-altitude trek in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from the town of Manali and takes you through the lush green forests, scenic meadows, cascading waterfalls, and finally over the Hampta Pass, which sits at an altitude of 14,100 feet (4,300 meters). The trek provides stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and the Pir Panjal range.
The trek usually takes around 4-5 days to complete and is considered a moderate to difficult trek. The trail can be quite challenging in some places, especially during the ascent to the Hampta Pass, which requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. However, the trek is accessible to both seasoned trekkers and beginners who are willing to push their limits.
The best time to do the Manali Hampta Pass trek is between June and September, as this is the time when the weather is favorable and the trails are open. During this period, you can expect clear skies, warm days, and cool nights, making it an ideal time for trekking.
Overall, the Manali Hampta Pass trek is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and experience the thrill of trekking in the high-altitude mountains of India.
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Breathtaking Views: The trek provides stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and the Pir Panjal range. You can also witness the beauty of the lush green forests, scenic meadows, and cascading waterfalls.
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Crossing the Hampta Pass: The trek takes you over the Hampta Pass, which sits at an altitude of 14,100 feet (4,300 meters). The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
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Cultural Experience: The trek provides an opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their culture and way of life. You can visit the traditional Himachali villages, interact with the locals, and learn about their customs and traditions.
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Adventurous Trail: The trek is a mix of moderate to difficult terrain and requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. The ascent to the Hampta Pass can be challenging, but it offers a great sense of accomplishment once you reach the top.
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Camping Experience: The trek involves camping in the scenic meadows, beside the gushing streams, and under the starry skies. You can experience the thrill of camping in the high-altitude mountains and wake up to the stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
Day 1 - DELHI TO MANALI
Report at New Delhi near Majnu Ka Tila by 5:00 pm and leave for Manali via Volvo Bus. Overnight bus Journey.
Day 2 - MANALI
Reach Base camp and have breakfast. Post lunch briefing about the program followed by the acclimatization trek. Overnight at Base Camp.
Day 3 - MANALI BASE CAMP TO CHIKKA
After a short drive to Sethan Village, we start our trek towards Camp 1 Chikka (3100 Mts). The steepest part of the trail earlier used to take about 2 - 3 hours to negotiate. Now, however, there is a road, which goes up to the Jobri nala, where the headwaters of the newly created AD hydroelectricity project are located. It passes through apple orchards and forests of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. The trek starts from Jobri Nala and continues to the beautiful campsites at Chhika Overnight stay at camp.
Day 4 - CHHIKA – BHALU KA GHERA
The trek passes through some spectacular landscape just below the Hamta Pass, on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs next to a mountain stream. The impressive grandeur of immediate surroundings, the nearness of the Tokru-Shakru peaks, the wonderful coloring of the rocks and mountainside, all make this one of the best campsites on the route. It also has the river, Alain Nullah, which has its snout in the Hamta Pass. The trail now begins to ascend towards Hamta Pass and reaches ‘Bhalu Ka Ghera’, which in the local dialect means ‘Bears den.’ Himalayan Brown Bear sightings can happen here, if one is exceptionally lucky. Overnight stay at camp.
Day 5 - Balu ka Ghera to Hampta Pass to Shela Ghoru
From here a steep ascent takes one up to the Hamta Jot (Jot means ‘Pass,’ in the local dialect). From this lofty pass, which has traditionally been used by shepherds to cross over to the Lahaul valley from the Kullu valley, a majestic panorama of mountain peaks opens up. One can have close views of the Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the pass. Also visible from here, is a vast swathe of the rugged peaks of Lahaul rising tier upon tier. After spending some time at the pass, a steep descend brings one to the campsite at Shela Ghoru, considered to be one of the coldest places on the route. Overnight stay at camp.
Day 6 - SHELA GORU – CHHATRU
After breakfast, it is a leisurely trek down to the road-head at Chhatru, in the Chandra valley. A stream crossing is involved during this descent. Chhatru is a small settlement located on the banks of the roaring Chandra river and is populated by a few tented Dhabas, which usually supply refreshments and lodging to travelers from Manali to Spiti. Overnight stay at camp.
Day 7 - CHHATRU –CHANDERTAAL LAKE – MANALI
After an early breakfast, we drive along the bank of Chandra river to reach Chandertaal (43 KM) via Batal. After spending some time at the lake we will drive back the same way to Manali via Attal Tunnel and then to Naggar. Overnight stay at Hotel/Campsite.
Day 8 - MANALI - DELHI
We can explore Manali in the morning and head towards White Water Rafting. Post lunch, we will leave for Delhi by Volvo. Overnight bus journey.
Day 9 - DELHI
- Reach Delhi by 8:00 am and proceed for your journey back home.
What is included in the tour
- Transport support from Delhi to Delhi in Volvo Bus.
- All vegetarian meals starting Base Camp to Base Camp. (Day 2 Dinner to Day 8 Lunch)
- Professional guide, cook and support staff.
- Clean sleeping bags and mats
- Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents
- Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
- Forest entry charges for Indian nationals. For non-Indian passport holders, there will be an additional charge
- Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
- Tented accommodation throughout the trek on a triple sharing basis.
- Stay in Manali before and after trek.
- All applicable taxes.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
- Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
- Cost of Sightseeing or River Rafting.
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc.
- Porter/Mule charges to carry personal luggage. It can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 300 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg)
| Basic Gear : | |
| Back pack & rain cover | (40 - 50 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Day pack + rain cover | 10 - 20 ltr (If you hire a mule or porter and also for Summit day) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electoral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Clothing : | |
| T-shirts | 2 to 3 (Dri Fit Preferred) |
| Full T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Poncho (Rain Protection) | 1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Personal Utilities : | |
| Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Lip balm | Quick dry towel |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. |
| Woollen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Buff / Bandana | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | U/V protected advisable. |
| Protect your feet : | |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Very useful to roam around camp). |
| Cotton socks | 4 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters and Crampons | 1 Pair (MountainFit team will notify you if required) |
| Protect your hands : | |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
Few Important Tips:
- Dress in layers: Carry at least 3 layers at the trek. Weather is quite unpredictable so we need to keep ourselves warm. Keep it simple, but warm enough. Pack your backpack as per provided Trek essential list.
- Thermos Flask (1ltr) is very important on winter trek as water in normal bottle freezes due to severe temperature.
- Do not carry any precious items like jewellery at the trek. Mountainfit Team will not be responsible for loss of damage of such items.
- Carry extra plastic bags for wet clothes/garbage/etc. “DO NOT LITTER THE TRAIL, KEEP IT CLEAN”
- Drone and satellite phone is not allowed so please don’t bring any
