
Trek with the heights to find the moon
Maximum Altitude
14,100 ft.
Trek Duration
4N / 5D
Trek Distance
26 Km
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate
Start/End Point
Manali
Nearest Airport
Bhuntar Airport, Kullu Manali
Best Season
June to September
Accommodation
4 night at dome style tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner
Permits
Forest Department & Trekking permit
Temperature
12°C to 18°C (day) ; - 2°C to 6°C (night)
Snow
November to May
At an altitude of 14,100 feet (4,270 meters) above sea level, the Hampta Pass Trek is often considered one of the most spectacular cross-over treks in all of the Indian Himalayas. Known as the Gateway to the Pir Panjal, the Hampta Pass trail provides trekkers with the unique opportunity to trek between two incredibly different geographical environments in a matter of just a few days. The trek begins in the lush, green forests and fields full of wildflowers along the banks of the Kullu Valley, and within days changes dramatically from that environment into the barren high-altitude desert of Lahaul and Spiti. The portion of the Hampta Pass Trek where this transformation occurs at the summit (or top) of Hampta Pass where trekkers have an immediate view of the dramatically different environment just seconds after they step off the summit is the most memorable moment of the entire trek. The incredible geologic features created by the Himalayan rain shadow make this an unforgettable experience for trekkers. The trek is characterized by two complementary experiences throughout, such as going through vast boulder fields and then crossing icy cold glacier rivers, and then ending the trek with the exhilarating experience of glissading (sliding) down snowy slopes in early summer. Curry and churros are the two most recognizable meal items served at Chatru, which serves as the starting point for most trekkers completing this trek as well as the starting point for most trekkers trekking to Chandratal Lake, also known as Moon Lake, completing a remarkable ecological journey.
1. The Phenomenal Spectacular Crossover
This is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding examples of the Himalayan Rain-shadows effect in the world, revealing two unique landscapes both geologically and climatically all created by location and topography. The trek culminates on the narrow, windy ridge of the 14,100 ft. (4,270 m.) summit, where you are at once at both a geographical and meteorological border. Behind you is the Kullu Valley - a green, vertically-vegetated basin filled with both moisture and forested, emerald-green trees, and directly in front of you, the Lahaul Valley looks like a stark, monochromatic, high-altitude cold desert, with no greenery. In fact, the entire transition from a vertical environment of lush greenery to a horizontal moonscape of reddish-brown rock occurs as an extraordinary revelation within one afternoon of trekking time.
2. A Technical Sampler Platter
Categorized as a moderate trek, Hampta Pass has the capacity to introduce trekkers how to perform techniques that are typically only used by professional mountaineers over a short period of time. This will require an active engagement with the elements where you will have an opportunity to cross glacial rivers (the frigid temperature of the Rani Nallah River will challenge your nerve), negotiate to traverse glaciers (natural snow bridges) with large amounts of water roaring beneath the glacier, and finally, slide and glide down the steep slopes of Lahaul Valley for approximately 500 m. in total with a great deal of speed because the slide is accelerated by the thrill/excitement generated from this technique only.
3. Base to Summit Logistical Efficiency
Most high-altitude treks require grueling, 10-12 hours of trek to reach a remote trailhead. The leg to the trailhead for the Hampta Pass trek begins in Jobra which is just a short 60 minute drive from Manali. The route consists of 40 wild hairpin turns from Manali to Jobra. In less than 1 hour you move from dynamic Manali at 6,700 feet to the wilderness of Jobra at 10,000 feet. The result is that you are in the middle of the high alpine environment in no time at all.
4. Ancient and Living Cultural History
The Hampta Pass trail follows an ancient trade route that Gaddi and Gujjar shepherds have used for centuries to migrate their livestock across The Pir Panjal Range. During your trek you will encounter these semi-nomadic people moving thousands of sheep and goats across the rough, high pass in search of greener feed. Many Vedic Mythologies also run along this trail. For example, you will trek across Panduropa (a high marsh where the Pandavas are said to have cultivated rice while in exile) as well as follow the same path that Yudhisthira was said to have taken to walk to Heaven.
5. Elite Astro-Photography at the Shea Goru
The camp here at Shea Goru is a unique geographical anomaly due to the fact that this particular campsite is located deep within a glacial valley and on the leeward side of the rain shadow. Given that the atmospheric water content is virtually non-existent, and that the air is extremely thin and clear, this makes for world class conditions for photographing the milky way and deep sky objects. There is also no light pollution or humidity present to interfere with your view of the stars, which appear incredibly bright and dense, and are capable of casting faint silver shadows on the rocky floor of the valley.
6. The Spiritual Finale at Chandratal (Moon Lake)
Part of the journey will be a rugged drive to the mystical Chandratal, or Moon Lake. Chandratal is located at an elevation of 14,100 feet (about 4,267 meters) and has been declared a Ramsar Protected Site, the only Ramsar Site in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This glacially-formed, crescent-shaped wetland glimmers like a jewel as the sun arcs through the sky, reflecting its ever-changing shades of blue and green upon its surface. The Chandratal Lake, ringed by the towering, jagged peaks of the Chandra Bhaga Range, serves as both a symbol of physical exertion and an incredible alpine mirror by offering the final reward of your spiritual journey after crossing over the mountain pass at high altitude.