manali to hampta pass distance
Hampta Pass trek is a moderately difficult hike with picturesque views of serene valleys, rustling mountain streams, and meadows filled with wildflowers. The best time to do this trek is from mid-June to early October when the snow starts melting.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir
It is best to prepare your body for this trek by regularly walking, jogging or cycling. This will help you acclimatize to the altitude.
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How to reach Manali?
The Hampta Pass trek is a breathtaking adventure that immerses you in the grandeur of the Pir Panjal Range. Featuring diverse landscapes, challenging terrains, and stunning vistas, this trek is a perfect choice for amateur and advanced trekkers alike.
The route begins from Manali, a charming hill station that delights visitors with its apple orchards and serene rivers. From there, the trek offers a variety of experiences that keep you enthralled throughout the trip. Changing landscapes, river crossings, and glaciers are some of the highlights that make this trek unique.
After a day of trekking, you reach Balu Ka Ghera, where you pitch your tent. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Deo Tibba and Indrasan Peak.
On the second day, you will begin your ascent towards Hampta Pass. Once you have reached the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Himalayan peaks and mountain valleys. Once you have explored the pass, you can return to your campsite and enjoy a relaxing evening.
The third day is a leisurely walk through the picturesque pasturelands that will lead you to Chhatru. Afterwards, you will take a drive to Chandratal Lake. The final day of the trek is a scenic drive back to Manali via Rohtang Pass, which will provide you with one last dose of the magnificent mountains on your Himachal tour packages.
Manali to Jobra
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most beautiful high-elevation treks that you will ever encounter. It is not only moderately challenging but also combines the perfect mix of adventure and scenic beauty to leave you completely mesmerised at every turn. It is a trek that is designed for amateurs as well as experienced mountaineers.
The journey starts from Manali, which acts as the base camp for most trekking organisations. The picturesque drive from Manali to Jobra, which boasts 42 hairpin bends, offers breathtaking panoramas of the Kullu Valley. This makes for an unforgettable experience before your adventure begins!
After a brief stop at the top, the trek begins and will soon bring you to Shea Goru. You will find tall snow-clad mountains surrounded on all sides, with the Hampta Pass in the middle.
If you’re a nature lover, the best time to trek the Hampta Pass is from mid-July to the first week of October. It is during this time that the grasslands of Shea Goru are a vibrant green and the slopes are dotted with swaying wildflowers.
Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountaineer, the Hampta Pass trek is a must-do for any avid hiker! Just remember that this is a moderately difficult trek and it’s important to prepare yourself for it. Be sure to get enough cardio and do some strength training to avoid any injuries.
Jobra to Chhatru
The Hampta Pass Trek is an adventure that combines the beauty of Himachal Pradesh with the challenge of high-altitude trekking. The trail varies from verdant meadows to towering peaks, and from sparkling rivers to glaciers. This trek is moderately difficult and requires a reasonable level of fitness. To prepare for the trek, it is best to get some cardio in – think running and cycling – as well as some strength training. Also, it is important to acclimatise to the altitude by taking short hikes before your trip.
The trek begins from the hill station of Manali, which abounds in apple orchards and serene rivers. From here, the trail leads to Jobra, which acts as a base camp for most trekking organisations. The scenic drive from here is worth the trip, with 42 hairpin turns and breathtaking views of the Kullu Valley.
From here, the trek begins with a walk through enchanting landscapes adorned with bright rhododendron forests and shimmering lakes. The trail becomes steeper as you reach Balu Ka Ghera, and the final ascent to Hampta Pass is a challenging one that takes you through rocky and snowy paths.
The trail then descends to Shea Goru, and once you are at Chatru, you can take a drive to Chandratal Lake if the weather permits. There is no mobile network coverage at the campsites on this trek, so it is best to disconnect from your phones and enjoy a peaceful experience in nature.
Chhatru to Manali
The Hampta Pass trek is moderately challenging and offers a perfect combination of adventure and beauty. From the lush grasslands of Kullu to the rugged Himalayan peaks of Lahaul and Spiti, this route showcases a diverse range of landscapes that capture trekkers’ imaginations. It also acts as a natural corridor between the two valleys and is home to numerous species of wildflowers.
The journey to the base camp of the Hampta Pass trek begins in Manali, which acts as the headquarters for most trekking organisations. From here, you’ll drive to Jobra, the starting point of the trek. The road journey to Jobra takes about two hours and boasts breathtaking landscapes. Once you arrive at the destination, you’ll start your trek by trekking towards Chika.
From Chika, the trail begins to climb upwards and the altitude increases gradually. Then, you’ll reach the campsite at Balu ka Ghera. This campsite is located in an Eden-like setting with river streams and is one of the most scenic high-altitude camping sites.
The next day, you’ll trek towards Sia Goru. The trail is a moderate challenge with a few inclines and some loose rocks to traverse. The final descent to Chhatru is across a couple of glacial flows that will require some careful footwork. The trail is surrounded by the most mesmerising views and will leave you speechless.
The Charm of the Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta Pass Trek is a perfect balance of challenge and beauty, offering trekkers the chance to experience diverse landscapes, from dense pine forests to sandy plains, rocky terrains, and snowy stretches. The trek’s allure lies in the natural beauty that unfolds at every turn. The changing scenery—from lush green grasslands to icy, barren stretches—keeps trekkers mesmerized, allowing them to immerse in the serenity of the Himalayas. This variety makes the trek accessible to all levels of trekkers, offering an enriching experience without overwhelming difficulty. The trek’s landscape, coupled with the adventure, provides a rejuvenating break from the usual routine and is ideal for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
The Scenic Route to Jobra
The journey from Manali to Jobra is one of the highlights before even starting the trek. This road trip offers panoramic views of the Kullu Valley, which are a visual treat for travelers. The 42 hairpin bends provide continuous stunning views of snow-capped peaks and the Rani Nallah River, which adds a touch of magic to the journey. The picturesque route sets the tone for the adventure ahead, allowing trekkers to experience the beauty of the Himalayas even before stepping onto the trail. The drive is a reminder that sometimes, the journey itself is as rewarding as the destination.
Chika: A Peaceful Retreat Under the Stars
After a long trek, Chika, the first campsite on the Hampta Pass Trek, offers a much-needed respite. Surrounded by towering mountains and set beside the sparkling Rani Nallah, Chika is a peaceful meadow perfect for unwinding. Spending a night here under a starlit sky amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas is an unforgettable experience. The tranquility of the place, combined with the beauty of nature, offers a sense of peace and solitude that many trekkers yearn for. It is not just a stopover but an experience that rejuvenates the soul.
Balu ka Ghera: A Unique Landscape Transition
The trek from Chika to Balu ka Ghera introduces trekkers to a dramatic change in landscape. Moving from lush green pastures to a sandy, rocky terrain, the shift signifies the beginning of the more challenging phases of the trek. The change in scenery not only adds variety to the journey but also enhances the trekker’s experience of the Himalayan wilderness. The campsite here is uniquely situated by a stream, with the contrast of lush wildflowers on one side and barren landscapes on the other, creating a picturesque atmosphere that’s perfect for reflection and rest.
Hampta Pass Summit: A Rewarding View
Reaching Hampta Pass is the highlight of the trek, offering trekkers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Standing at 14,100 feet, the summit of Hampta Pass is a place where trekkers feel both insignificant and empowered. The majestic views of Mount Indrasan and Deo Tibba leave trekkers in awe, making every difficult step along the way worthwhile. This moment of achievement, surrounded by the vast Himalayan range, provides a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature that stays with trekkers long after the journey ends.
The Best Time to Trek Hampta Pass
The ideal time to embark on the Hampta Pass Trek is between May and October, when the weather is most favorable. During this period, trekkers can experience a comfortable temperature range between 12°C to 20°C during the day and chilly nights that drop to near-freezing levels. This season allows trekkers to witness the changing hues of the landscape, with some snow visible in the early months of May-June and in September-October. The sunny month of August provides excellent weather for those who prefer to avoid the cold but still want to experience the beauty of the trek. This window offers the best of both worlds: pleasant weather and stunning landscapes.
