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HOW DIFFICULT IS HAMPTA PASS? KNOW THE ESSENTIALS AND CHALLENGES ..
“Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” — Unknown
Hampta Pass Trek is one such place where you can see the world as well as look inwards for reserves of strength that you never knew you had.
Hampta Pass is located altitude of 14107 feet in the Himalayan Pin Panjal range. It connects Kullu and Lahaul in Spiti valley. The trek has a dramatic twist midway as the landscape changes from trees and greenery to rock and bareness in a matter of inches!
It was a trade route at one point of time in history. Now the shepherds go from the tree line towards Lahaul in search of fodder for their animals.
This particular trek has a magnetic pull though, making you to come back again and again. Mountain however are hard task masters, your climb experience is not same on every trip You may reach the summit first time but the second time you could return mid way due to vagaries of nature.
The trek can be completed in 5 days travelling beyond Hampta Pass. You can go solo if you have experience of trekking before. First timers are advised to go in a group with experienced tour guides.
Jobra Base camp is the starting point; you can start your scenic journey from Manali to Jobra by bus or car. The journey of 2 hours include around 42 hair bends, changes in scenery from apple orchards to tall confers and remarkable transformations in temperature.
Day 1: Starting point Jobra/Jobri to Cheeka camp
Jobra is a small village with knowledgeable populace that can tell you how to advance in the prevalent weather conditions.
Walking alongside the river for 3 kms, crossing small bridges and silver birches’, maples and other tall trees you arrive at the first camping site Chika. The river is a source of fresh water and you can replenish your water bottles from it.
Day 2: Cheeku to Balu ka Gera 8 kms 4 - 5 hours trek
On the second day you are still walking along the river and get to see lots of shimmering waterfalls around.
En route to Balu Ka Gera the Dhauladhar range with its snow peaks attract attention.
While you traverse ice cold water of the river the tree line ends and alpine meadows begin… There are lots of sheep and mules grazing in the Jawara grasslands. The meadow is filled with colors of pretty flowers -primrose, Himalayan windflower, marigolds, blue poppies, Geranium, pink distorts and more,
AMS hits many first time trekkers as the trek reaches great heights from here. Some precautions can be taken to avoid it. Of course there are remedies too.
Next stop is Balu ka Ghera which is 5 kms away and the dramatic part of the trek is ready to unfold!
The glacier and higher altitude mountains come into view. And suddenly you will see greenery on one side and bleakness of rocks and mountains sans green on the other. The transformation is so sudden that first timers are taken by surprise!
Snow cover begins from here. You have to tread carefully as the advancing sun could have melted some parts of the glacier which is not visible until too late.
Day 3: Balu ka Gera to Hampta Pass and from here to Shea Goru camp 12 kms 6 - 7 hours
In Balu ka Ghera you will find a bed of sand, the residue of eroded rocks brought down by the river. The golden views of the sun setting down Hanuman Tibba peak is a perk in you should not miss!
The climb further is steeper than when you began. Hampta pass appears after few inclines. The Lahaul side of the pass is also visible now.
Taking some U-turns and descending you will reach Shea Goru. The river is meandering along and you can set camp for the night beside it
Day 4 Shea Goru camp to Chatru camp 5 kms trek 3-4 hours and then drive back to Chandratal and Chhatru camp
There are lots of rocks and slippery soil at this stage of journey. Once you arrive at Chandra River you can set camp at Chhatru campsite. The altitude of this place is 14,100 feet.
Day 5: Trek from Chatru camp to Manali via Rohtang pass
The final day involves a journey from Chatru camp to Manali via Rohtang Pass and thus ends an amazing journey to Hampta Pass.
At every stage your grit and confidence levels are tested. Weather vagaries may prove problematic, especially when it rains or when the snow melts and you may have to return halfway.
Essentials
So, to attempt this journey and be successful, you need the following:
- Fitness is a must to attempt any trek in any part of the world, more so on the Himalayas.
- Light weight dehydrated food can keep you hunger free when travelling solo. If you have hired services of a tour company than everything is provided for already.
- Wollen cap, sleeping bag or mat, neck warmer, T shirts, padded jacket, fleece jacket, socks, head lamp, Trek poles, sun glasses, toiletries, food, cutlery, Medical kit, sunscreen and moisturizer, towels and toilet paper are some essentials that should be in your backpack
- Going solo you have to take utensils and gas stove on your own back. In a group, these services are provided by the tour group
- Enough water is very important
Challenges
“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.” — Hermann Buhl
This trek does not take more than 16-17 hours walking for a trek distance of 25-28 kms in total excluding the food breaks and camping breaks.
But there are many challenges on the way…
- If you are going through snow area, beware of sunshine as it melts the snow resulting in your feet sinking into the snow
Start early before sun up to reach the summit safely and on time.
2. You may have to cross river streams. If there is high water pressure due to inflow of excess water resulting from snow melts, crossing becomes a challenge.
Tour guides can help you solve this issue
3. AMS hits many people near camp Jawra and beyond.
The atmospheric pressure is low and oxygen levels differ at high altitudes resulting in breathing difficulties for few. Some symptoms of AMS are- headache, nausea, lack of sleep and appetite loss.
To save yourself – drink enough water. Put up lots of layers and climb gradually
- People coming from warmer climes like south India may experience difficulties in adjusting to the cold climate.
They should acclimatize in Manali for one day to avoid this situation.
- Injuries such as sprain, bruises and fractures may occur due to different trekking
The tour company will have trained professionals who can manage minor injuries and provide first aid before climbing down the mountain for further treatment.
The Best time to visit is between June to September.
Kashti Adventures is tour operator with immense experience in the field of trekking. The company was founded with “a vision to utilize the power of exposures, connections, travelling and ultimately, the nature to provide a wide range of unforgettable experiences.”
Hampta Pass Trek Highlights of Kashti are as follows
Duration 4 Nights and 5 days round trip Manali to Manali
Base camp: Manali
Best time: June – September
Trek distance – 29 kms
Group size 5 to 15 max
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek altitude: 4319 meters
Age : 6 to 65
INCLUSIONS
Tents – Twin/Triple/Quad share basis
Meals – all meals breakfast, lunch, tea. Coffee, snacks, soup and dinner
Forest permit and other charges
Experienced trek leader, guide, support staff
Toilet tents – separate for men and women
Medical amenities
EXCLUSIONS
Insurance
Other personal expenses
Unscheduled or extended stay due to any reason
Evacuation cost during emergency
Kashti personnel are trained to handle issues:
- AMS – first aid kids, oxygen cylinders
- Weather vagaries
- Injuries – first aid kits, equipments for fracture available
You can avail our services at +91 9971355865 or info@kashtiadventures.com
How to reach Base camp
Flights
- There are many Air India flights from Delhi towards Bhuntar airport. Bhuntar is 52 kms away from Manali and taxi drivers can take you from the airport to Manali at charge of Rs.2800/-
- You can take flights from Chandigarh airport as well but frequency is less
Road
Bus
- Private and state buses are best available until 8.30 pm
- Volvo buses also make trips from 5 am to 11 pm
Car
Manali is connected to various cities such as Chandigarh, Delhi, Dalhousie, Dehradun, Dharmshala, and Shimla
Rail
Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station to Manali and is well connected to Chandigarh, Ambala and other major cities.
Pic courtesy: Internet
