Hampta Pass

Manali to Jobra and Trek to Chika

• Drive from Manali to Jobra: 1 hour
• Trek from Jobra to Chika: 2 hours
• Elevation: 10,100 ft (3,078 m)

Journey

1. Arrival in Old Manali: Reach by 10 AM to meet your guide. You’ll receive an overview of the trek, including essential rules and details.

2. Meet Fellow Trekkers: Engage with fellow adventurers who will join you for the next five days of trekking.

3. Departure to Jobra: Board SUVs for a scenic 16 km drive (about 1 hour) to Jobra, which sits at 9,482 ft (3,000 m). This is the starting point for your trek to Chika.

4. Trek to Chika: Embark on an easy 2 km trek (approximately 2 hours) to Chika, where you’ll reach an elevation of 10,100 ft (3,078 m).

5. Overnight Stay: Settle in for a cozy night at Chika with a delicious dinner. Rest well, as tomorrow’s trek to Balu Ka Ghera awaits!

Notes:

• After disembarking, cross the road and take a brief trek into a pine forest, where you may spot occasional maple trees. Their fresh green leaves provide a lovely contrast to the surroundings.
• About 20 minutes in, you’ll encounter a bend with a large rock that overlooks a stony meadow -a perfect camping spot for the night. Here, enjoy views of hills with rocky faces and the Rani Nallah (Rani River) flowing nearby, along with grazing cows and sheep.
• You can either cross the meadow or hike up the left hill for a slightly shorter path, with the river flowing below. Take a moment to relax and soak in the scenery!

Trek from Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

• Distance: 5.8 km
• Duration: 5 hours
• Elevation: 12,000 ft (3,657 m)

Journey:

1. Morning at Chika: Wake up at your beautiful campsite, refreshed from a good night’s sleep, and prepare for the trek to Balu Ka Ghera.

2. Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before packing your gear and receiving the day’s instructions.

3. Trek Overview: The trek features an easy to moderate gradient, including 2 hours of climbing with some rocky sections, followed by 1-1.5 hours of descent. You’ll then experience a short walk through meadows, another rocky stretch, and a path over loose stones.

4. Hydration: Ensure you carry enough water from Chika, as you can refill your bottles from the river along the trail.

5. Scenic Journey: Embark on a 5-hour hike through lush rhododendron forests, enjoying views of the Dhauladhar peak and crossing small streams. You’ll pass a waterfall and the vibrant valley of Jwara, adorned with colorful flowers.

6. Arrival at Balu Ka Ghera: Reach your destination at 12,000 ft, where a steaming lunch awaits. Take in the stunning mountain scenery and unwind in the tranquility of nature.

7. Evening Relaxation: Spend a relaxing evening with your fellow trekkers. Share stories, enjoy dinner, and prepare for another exciting day ahead by getting an early night’s sleep.

Trek from Balu Ka Gera to Hampta Pass to Siagoru

• Distance: 7 km
• Duration: 8 hours
• Elevation: 14,100 ft (4,270 m) at Hampta Pass

Journey:

1. Morning in the Valley: Wake up in the stunning valley and enjoy a hearty breakfast—fuel up for the day’s trek!

2. Scenic Journey: Prepare for breathtaking landscapes and the unique, barren terrain of Lahaul and Spiti as you set out.

3. Ascent to Hampta Pass: Tackle the steep climb to Hampta Pass, reaching an elevation of 14,000 ft. Here, take a moment to rest and soak in the beauty surrounding Hampta Village, from which the trek gets its name.

4. Descent to Siagoru: Begin your sharp descent to Siagoru (12,300 ft). Along the way, marvel at snow-patched vistas and the majestic Deo Tibba peak.

5. Cultural Experience: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the valley, meet local people, and spot shepherds navigating the high-altitude pass. Your campsite will be set up at Siagoru.

6. Lunch Break: Relish a well-deserved lunch after conquering one of the most thrilling parts of the trek.

7. Afternoon Relaxation: Take some time to relax and appreciate the beauty of Siagoru.

8. Evening Gathering: Share dinner with your fellow trekkers and prepare for the descent to Chatru the following day.

9. Preview of Tomorrow’s Trek: Anticipate a 1900 km downhill journey through exciting mountain ridges of the Pir Panjal range, with slippery slopes and views of the Chandra River below. You’ll cross multiple glaciers before reaching Chatru, your next camping spot.

Detailed Notes:

• The trek can be divided into two segments: the ascent to Hampta Pass and the descent to Siagoru. The climb is moderately steep, so take a break upon reaching the top.
• Aim to reach the pass by lunchtime, then start your descent.
• After departing from Balu Ka Gera, you’ll encounter beautiful pink and yellow flowers alongside the river. The trail may vary in condition, so stay vigilant and stick with your group.
• The initial climb will take about 30 minutes to reach the first plateau, where you can see Deo Tibba peak. In early summer, the region is often blanketed in snow, while other seasons may reveal only patches.
• Continue your ascent in two stages until you reach the ridge, taking 20-30 minutes. Enjoy panoramic views before beginning the descent.
• The descent can be tricky, especially if the trail is snowy, so sliding may be an option. After reaching the pass, turn right to explore the Lahaul side.
• The initial downhill section is about half an hour, then trek straight downhill or follow a zig-zag route to the valley, which will take about 1.5 hours.
• As you approach Siagoru, keep the river to your right. Choose a campsite close to the river for a well-earned rest.

Trek from Siagoru to Chatru and Drive to Chandrataal

• Trek Distance: 6 km
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Elevation: Descending from 12,300 ft to 10,898 ft

Journey:

1. Morning at Siagoru: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Siagoru.

2. Trek to Chatru: Begin your trek, covering 6 km in about 4.5 hours as you descend to Chatru, which is a stunning campsite nestled at the intersection of Hampta, Rohtang, and Spiti passes.

3. Lunch and Relaxation: Enjoy lunch at Chatru and take some time to relax and unwind.

4. Drive to Chandrataal: After lunch, embark on a scenic 4.5-hour drive to the breathtaking Chandrataal Lake, situated at an elevation of 14,000 ft.

5. Explore Chandrataal: Visit this enchanting lake, which is accessible only in the summer months. The mesmerizing river and the stunning reflection of the Himalayan ranges in the lake will captivate you.

6. Evening at Chandrataal: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Chandrataal before settling in for dinner and an overnight stay at the camps in Chandrataal or Chatru.

Drive from Chatru/Chandrataal to Manali

• Duration: 4-5 hours

Journey:

1. Morning at Camp: Wake up and savor breakfast at your camp in Chatru or Chandrataal.

2. Drive Back to Manali: Set off for a scenic 4 to 5-hour drive back to Manali, arriving by late evening.

3. End of Journey: Your adventure concludes here! You can choose to book a train or take some time to explore the vibrant town of Manali.