Article Published On - 07-05-2025
The Hampta Circle Trek in the Kullu area of Himachal Pradesh is an exciting yet scenic hiking route, not as well-known among hikers as others. This circular trek winds around Hamta Pass – popular among adventurers eager to experience meadows, forests, rivers, and high mountain passes quickly, offering both excitement and natural beauty along its journey. The Hampta Circle trek offers an ideal introduction to trekking in Kullu for beginners, taking them through some of its most unspoiled and beautiful forests from Jagatsukh to Prini, two of the area’s largest villages. On their trek, they may come across pine, deodar, oak, and birch trees along with piney deodars; along the way can also come across shepherds tending their flocks, brown bears, monals, choughs, and vultures can often be spotted. Finally, its picturesque meadows offer breathtaking views of Hanuman Tibba among other peaks in the Beas Kund range.
May through June is when snowy patches give way to vibrant spring meadows with vibrant hues.
September through November: After-monsoon weather with cool temperatures and stunning vistas.
Avoid hiking between July and August due to monsoon rains which could turn trails treacherously slippery and unsafe for hiking.
Winter (Dec-April): The Route is snowbound and therefore not recommended.
Day 1: from Manali to Jagatsukh by Drive up to Baggi (7857 meters). 3 km total distance covered today.
At 10 AM, we will meet in Jagatsukh for breakfast and preparation before beginning our trek. Jagatsukh, known for its apple orchards and ancient temples of Lord Shiva, lies only 7 Kilometres from Manali. Today’s journey will bring you through Jagatsukh and Bhanara villages, giving an insight into life there. Be prepared for several flights of stairs! Ascending from Jagatsukh to Bhanara will take approximately 25 minutes, passing beneath apple trees along your route. After Bhanara village, traverse a partially dense pine forest on stairs while ascending further. Within the forest, you’ll encounter oak, deodar, and chestnut trees before reaching the Takshak Nag Temple. As you explore further into the woods, a clearing will serve as your campsite for the day – take time to take in all that beauty around you and celebrate your first successful hike.
Day 2: Baggi – Saraha Baggi (10170 ft) – 6.5 km
Prepare yourself for an incredible adventure as today will take you trekking through forests, hills, open meadows with large boulders, Hanuman Tibba and the city from your campsite are on display; keep an eye out for Gujjar huts as well as locals harvesting herbs and roots along the trail which moderately ascends up Saraha Baggi where you will stay overnight.
Day 3: Saraha Baggi – Sarotu (10370 ft) – 4.5 km
Today’s campsite will surpass yesterday’s. Your journey will start amidst an oasis of yellow flowers with honey bees bustling about and beehives humming away, before reaching an oasis-like field filled with waterfalls that lead into dense forest cover. As the trail past the waterfall is narrow and may become muddy or slippery, take care. Your trek will wind in and out of forests, gradually ascending and descending – you might spot fallen chestnuts scattered on your route! At the Sarotu campsite site you will experience amazing beauty: lush green hills, towering mountains, shepherds tending their flocks. Enjoy camping overnight.
Day 4: Sarotu – Jobri (9270 ft) – 3.7 km
Today is a short trek, yet can be taxing on your knees due to its downward path from Sarotu hills, across a stream, and eventually arriving at Jobra Dam – marking both an end point for your trek as well as a starting point for those bound for Hampta Pass. Descending via gentle zigzag paths downhill makes for a manageable descent. Near Jobra, you will encounter local shepherds as well as eateries offering food. From Jobra, a vehicle will drive back up into Manali for one final journey before spending the night there, before heading onward to Hampta Pass or beyond.
By Road: By regular bus from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali.
From Manali, take advantage of a taxi service to reach Jagatsukh and Prini.
By Air: Bhuntar (Kullu), located 50 kilometres away from Manali, is the closest airport.
Taxi or bus services are available for trips from Manali and Jagatsukh.
By Train: Nearest Stations for Train Travelers are Chandigarh or Joginder Nagar.
Buses or taxis can transport travellers directly from here to Manali.
Director & Founder
With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, Preetam has summited multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
