Hampta Pass and Chandratal - Manali

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The route of this popular trek goes along a trail, which the local inhabitants have used since time immemorial, to cross over to the high altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys from the lush upper Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Hamta Pass trek is one of the most delightful treks in the Manali region, affording views of verdant valleys, towering snow-clad mountains and barren crags & cliff’s with surrealistic forms and shapes. Leaving the Manali valley, the trek proceeds through forests of walnut, spruce, oak and the occasional alder and through alpine meadows, where nomadic shepherds graze their flocks. Once atop the Hampta Pass (4270 Mts.), another spectacular panorama of peaks appears. After crossing this lofty pass, we descend into the rugged Chandra valley, where we camp for a night. The next day, a three hour jeep safari and a pleasant trek (of similar duration), brings us to the picturesque, almost ethereally beautiful Chandrataal – ‘The moon lake’. Chandrataal (Alt. 4270 Mts.) is a high altitude lake located in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is not that uncommon to see the occasional nomadic ‘Gaddi’ sheepherder, in the meadows surrounding Chandrataal, tending to his peacefully grazing flock and playing a haunting pahari tune on his flute.

Fees

Pune To Pune: ₹ 23,000
Delhi To Delhi: ₹ 21,500

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Trek Schedule : Hampta Pass and Chandratal - Manali

Boarding Preference:
Pune To Pune
Delhi to Delhi
  • 1

    Arr. Delhi and proceed to Naggar.

  • 2

    Arr. Naggar early morning at Naggar Base Camp. Acclimatization day. The first half of this day is spend in the heritage village of Naggar, to give you an exposure of local life and culture. We enjoy an adventure movie in the evening and then get ready for the next few days right in the Himalayan ranges

  • 3

    Manali - Settan – Jobri Nala – Uchung Bihadi / Chikka (3100 Mts.) The trek begins with a hour long jeep ride that passes through apple orchards and forests of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. On reaching the roadhead, we hike through alpine meadows and forests of Spruce, Chestnut and Birch to reach the campsite at Uchung Bihadi for nighthalt.

  • 4

    Uchung Bihadi – Bhalu Ka Ghera (3530 Mts.) The path to Bhalu Ka Ghera is through Chhika. The trek passes through some spectacular landscape to 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. Chikka 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

  • 5

    Bhalu Ka Ghera – Hampta Pass (4270 mts.) – Shelaa Ghoru (4000 Mts. ) From here a steep ascent takes one up to the Hampta Jot (Jot means ‘Pass,’). 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 descent & a stream crossing brings one to the campsite at Shelaa Ghoru, considered to be one of the coldest places on the route.

  • 6

    Shelaa Goru – Chaatru (3500 Mts.) After an early breakfast, it is a leisurely trek down to the road-head at Chaatru, in the Chandra valley. A stream crossing is involved during this descent and the stream has to be negotiated with care, if the water level is high. Chattru 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 camp at Chattru.

  • 7

    Chaatru – Batal - Chandrataal (4270 Mts.). Today we drive along the bank of Chandra river to reach Chandertal Nalla (near Chandertaal ) via Chattru and Batal. After pitching the tents, we’ll go for a trek around the Chandertaal lake. After spending some time we will come back to Chandrataal camp.

  • 8

    Chandrataal – Manali. After breakfast we drive from Chandrataal to Manali via Batal and Chattru through the Chandra valley till the road joins with the main Manali – Leh Highway near Gramphu. From here it is an uphill drive of 16 km going through numerous hairpin bends to reach the mighty Rohtang pass. From the pass, drive down to Manali and witness the miracle of nature with incredulity as you pass through lush green alpine vegetation and forests of Spruce and Deodhar again. Overnight stay at Manali.

  • 9

    Explore Manali town in the morning and dep. for Delhi by Volvo in the evening. Overnight bus journey.

  • 10

    Reach Delhi by 8 am at Hotel Sunshine, Karolbaug. End of Trek.


Location


Things to Carry: Hampta Pass and Chandratal - Manali

  • Backpack (40 to 60 Ltrs)
  • Trekking Shoes (with rubber sole)
  • 3-4 Cotton shirts 
  • 2 Trekking Pants or track pants
  • Sweater / Pullover / Jacket
  • Thermal wear (optional)
  • Daypack (optional if your offloading the backpack)
  • Waist Pouch (to keep important things handy)
  • Woolen Scarf or Buff
  • Woolen & Cotton socks (4-5 Pairs)
  • Chappals 
  • Gloves (1 pair wollen, 1 pair waterproof)
  • Light raincoat or Poncho
  • Headlamp or Led Torch (with extra batteries)
  • Trekking Pole (optional)
  • Water Bottle
  • Lunch Box
  • Electoral Powder or ORS or Glucon-D
  • Sewing Kit (Thread, Needle, Buttons)
  • Sun glasses (Avoid Blue Shade)
  • Note book & Pen
  • Camera (optional)
  • Toiletries (Sunscreen, Cold Cream, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, etc.)
  • Small and big plastic bags
  • Backpack Raincover
  • Personal medical Kit (Pain Killer, Band-aid, antiseptic cream, cotton)

Important Notes: Hampta Pass and Chandratal - Manali

Important Note

  • The above fees include the entire transportation and common accommodation from Pune to Pune and vegetarian meals along the trek route from the Base Camp to Base Camp..
  • The fees however do not include the meals during transit from Pune to Base Camp and back, any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sightseeings, and any other expenses of personal nature.
  • An important meeting shall be organized prior to the departure where all the do’s and don’ts will be discussed at length. The venue and timing of this meeting will be communicated well in advance to all the participants and attendance to this meeting will be compulsory.

Kindly Note

    The railway reservations begin 120 days prior to the date of departure. Hence, all the participants who wish to join this programme from Pune are requested to confirm their participation immediately to facilitate railway reservations.