Hampta Pass Trek stands out as an exciting and visually stunning experience in the Indian Himalayas, boasting breathtaking mountain scenery that ranges from the lush and green valleys of Kullu to stark desert plains in Spiti. It offers an ideal balance between difficulty and varied landscape, making this trek perfect for adventurers from different walks of life.
Are You Wondering If the Hampta Pass Trek Is Right for You? No matter if it's your first trek ever or an experienced trekker looking for new Himalayan experiences, this article can help you decide if the Hampta Pass Trek is the Right Trip for You!
Trek route of the Hamta pass
Hampta Pass trek route forms a loop starting in Jobra (2743 metres) and ending at Chikka (3048 feet). Day one involves an easy hike lasting just two hours with 3km distance covered.
As you walk through a dense woodland area dominated by tall oak and maple trees, eventually leading into an expansive scenic valley where serene Rani Nallah River waters flow lazily on your left.
On Day two of our trip, we begin a five-kilometer trek from Chikka towards Balu Ka Gehra at an elevation of 3600 m. The trek typically takes seven to eight hours with gradual ascent through treacherous terrain made more treacherous by frequent rainfall in the region, followed by river crossing at 2.5 kilometers along our trail - its crossing usually being the greatest challenge along this stretch.
Heavy Ascents
Starting in Balu Ka Gehra and ascending rapidly until reaching an elevation of 4200 metres - Hampta Pass at 4,200 m- this long but exhausting day finishes in Shea Goru located 3900 metres.
Balu Ka Gehra offers an unforgiving path of boulders and large rocks. The first two kilometers traverse back and forth across a riverbed. After that, three more steep kms become snowier as vegetation and water sources vanish along this stretch. At around mile mark is one of the toughest climbs of this trek with snow accumulation making progress more difficult; at one mile mark awaits one of its highlights: Hampta Pass.
Sharp Decent
Navigating downhill through Hampta Pass can be just as challenging as climbing to its summit, according to reports. It serves as an entry point into Spiti and Lahaul regions with only 50 meters spanning between them; roads soon descend at an incline of 50 degrees from there and through gravel, unstable sandy soil and large boulders make the trip even harder; crossing this area requires proper equipment and expertise.
The three-kilometer section can be treacherous during monsoon season, when its sandy terrain becomes extremely dangerous due to winds dislodging huge rock chunks that fall into the valley. To safely navigate this trail during rainy seasons requires knowledge and ability of both your surrounding environment as well as skills in navigation. Luckily, once you pass the three kilometer mark the trail becomes more level leading straight towards Shea Goru camping site.
Trekkers Who Enjoy River Crossings and High Pass Adventures
The Hampta Pass Trek isn't all about panoramic views--it's also an adrenaline rush when crossing rivers or high passes. On Day 3, you'll experience an exhilarating high pass crossing at 14,100 feet as you traverse Hampta Pass with breathtaking panoramic views across both Kullu and Spiti valleys. Wading across frozen rivers may require using ropes! Additionally, remote and scenic campsites such as Chika, Balu Ka Ghera as well as Shea Goru offer an unparalleled Himalayan adventure experience. If you enjoy the challenge of crossing mountains and rivers, this trek promises to be an incredible journey.
Best Time for Hampta Pass Trek
June through September are ideal months to trek Hampta Pass. When Mid-July to August: Lush meadows with blooming wildflowers, cool temperatures and lush meadows make up a spectacular scene!
September: Clear skies and breathtaking landscapes make September the ideal month to head up to Chandratal Lake without being hindered by snow on the road. Fans of snow should visit in early June; while for beautiful scenery and enjoyable temperatures, August-September is the ideal time.
Photographers & Nature Lovers Seeking Breathtaking Scenery
Are You Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts Seeking Stunning Landscapes Do You Like to Capture Beautiful Images? Its For photographers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy photographing picturesque landscapes, Hampta Pass Trek may be just what they're looking for! Dedicated photographers may enjoy this trek along its breathtaking routes!
Green valleys with lush vegetation as well as dense forests await your camera lens, with misty pine forests, wildflowers and alpine meadows to capture on film. Snow-capped mountains and glaciers add breathtaking mountainscapes and snow-covered glaciers. Discover Deo Tibba and Indrasan Peaks which tower high over Spiti. Take pictures at Chandratal Lake's reflections if possible and witness one of India's most gorgeous high altitude lakes at Chandratal.
Hampta Pass offers plenty of breathtaking photo for nature and photography enthusiasts.
