Introduction

Embarking on a Hampta Pass Trek is an exhilarating experience no matter what season you decide to visit. In the summer months, the days look beautiful and sunny with spectacular views of the lush green meadows and snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The temperatures are perfect for trekking, making it one of the most popular times to go. In the winter months, the days look frosty and magical with snow-covered valleys and frozen waterfalls. Whether you decide to go in summer or winter, the Hampta Pass Trek is a unique adventure that you will never forget.

The Hampta Pass Trek is a popular hiking trail in the Himalayas, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The trail is usually open for trekking from mid-June to mid-October, which is the summer and autumn season in India.

The trek takes around 5 days to complete, covering a distance of about 25 km. The starting point of the trek is the beautiful town of Manali, located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Day 1 - Manali to Jobra

The first day of the Hampta Pass trek is an exciting start to your adventure. If you're trekking in the spring, you'll notice the days are a bit cooler with some occasional snow. The journey from Manali to Jobra takes approximately 2-3 hours, and you'll drive through some beautiful landscapes.

As you start your trek, you'll come across the Rani Nala, which is a small river that you'll need to cross. From there, you'll gradually ascend towards Jobra. In autumn, the days are sunny, and the weather is pleasant. You'll get to see the surrounding hills in their full glory with the bright blue sky overhead.

The first day of the trek is relatively easy, and you'll get to enjoy some spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. The Jobra campsite is located at an elevation of 9,800 feet, you'll experience the stunning beauty of the region as you trek from Jobra to Chika. The days look different depending on the season you visit in. In spring, you'll see lush green meadows and forests blooming with colorful flowers, while in autumn, the trees change their hues, giving you a breathtaking view of golden foliage. The trail is relatively easy and covers a distance of around 2.5 km, taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

As you start your journey, you'll witness the stunning views of the Dhauladhar Range and the Manali Valley. The trail is lined with dense forests, and you'll come across a few small streams along the way. After trekking for about an hour, you'll reach the open meadows of Jobri Nallah. This meadow is also a perfect camping spot, where you can rest and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Continuing your trek, you'll come across the beautiful Rani Nallah and Chika Nallah. These waterfalls are a sight to behold and will undoubtedly rejuvenate your spirit. From here, you'll finally reach the picturesque campsite at Chika. This beautiful campsite is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. It is the perfect spot to relax and spend the evening in the midst of nature.

In summary, Day 1 of the Hampta Pass trek is a delightful experience with its scenic beauty and serene surroundings. Whether you visit in spring or autumn, the mesmerizing views and the unique experience of trekking in the Himalayas will undoubtedly leave you spellbound.

Day 2 - Chika to Balu Ka Gera

On day 2 of the Hampta Pass trek, you will experience the beautiful transition from the lush greenery of Chika to the barren landscape of Balu Ka Gera. While the trek may look very different during different times of the year, the journey from Chika to Balu Ka Gera is always a memorable one.

In spring, the trees and meadows of Chika are in full bloom, with colorful flowers dotting the landscape and the sound of birds filling the air. The trail is mostly uphill and can be quite steep at times, but the gorgeous views along the way make it all worthwhile.

In autumn, the leaves of the trees have started to turn a beautiful golden color and the weather is usually clear and cool. As you make your way towards Balu Ka Gera, you'll notice a gradual change in the landscape. The greenery gives way to rocks and boulders, and you'll start to feel the altitude a little more.

At Balu Ka Gera, you'll be surrounded by mountains on all sides, and the view is truly breathtaking. This is where you'll be spending the night, so take some time to relax and soak in the natural beauty of your surroundings. It's a great place to stargaze at night and reflect on your journey so far.

Whether you're trekking in the spring or autumn, the Chika to Balu Ka Gera leg of the Hampta Pass trek is an unforgettable experience. It's a true test of your physical endurance, but the reward is more than worth it. Be sure to pack warm clothes as it can get quite chilly at night, especially in the autumn.

Day 3 - Balu Ka Gera to Siagoru via Hampta Pass

Day 3 of the Hampta Pass trek is often considered the most challenging but also the most rewarding. It is on this day that you will cross the majestic Hampta Pass, which sits at an altitude of 14,100 feet.

How your day will look like will depend on when you do the trek. Days look different in spring versus in autumn. In spring, the trail leading to the pass will be covered in snow, making it a thrilling experience. However, in autumn, the trail is dry, and you will be treated to sweeping views of the mountains in their fall colors.

Regardless of the season, you can expect to spend a considerable amount of time on this day's trek, as the climb to the pass is steep. However, as you ascend, the views of the surrounding landscape become increasingly stunning, making the effort more than worth it.

Once you reach the top of the pass, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the landscape. You will be able to see snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and expansive meadows. Afterward, you will descend to Siagoru, where you will set up camp for the night.

Day 3 of the Hampta Pass trek is sure to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your journey. Whether you choose to do the trek in spring or autumn, the views and memories you will make on this day will last a lifetime.

Day 4 - Siagoru to Chatru to Chandratal Lake

As you embark on Day 5 of your Hampta Pass trek, you'll notice a distinct change in the landscape. While the first few days may have felt like a gentle incline, Day 5 will require you to traverse rocky terrain and cross streams.

If you're trekking in the spring, you'll witness a vast expanse of green meadows dotted with flowers in full bloom. The hills will be alive with the sound of gushing streams as snowmelt flows downstream. In contrast, if you're trekking in the autumn, you'll notice the landscape transform into a golden canvas as the foliage turns into shades of yellow, red, and orange.

No matter the season, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment as you arrive at Chatru, the last pitstop before the final stretch of the trek. It's an excellent opportunity to rest and rejuvenate before the next day's challenge. Set up camp, catch up with fellow trekkers and indulge in some hearty meals.

Day 4 is a reminder that the journey can be just as exciting as the destination. Enjoy the varied terrain and ever-changing vistas along the way, and before you know it, you'll be ready to tackle the final stretch of the Hampta Pass trek.

As you continue on your Hampta Pass trek, you'll soon find yourself heading towards the stunning Chandratal Lake. The journey from Chatru to the lake will take you around 5-6 hours, so it's important to start your day early and take in the breathtaking scenery as you go.

If you're lucky enough to trek during the spring season, the days are longer and warmer, allowing for a leisurely hike towards Chandratal. You'll cross the Chandra river, and pass through lush meadows dotted with wildflowers before you reach the glacial moraine. As you climb higher, the air gets cooler and crispier, and the sight of the glacial lake becomes clearer.

During the autumn season, the days start to get shorter and cooler, so it's important to bundle up and get an early start on the day. The trail towards the lake will take you through rocky terrain and across streams that may be challenging to navigate, but the view of the snow-capped mountains and the serene blue lake at the end makes it all worth it.

No matter what time of year you visit, the Chandratal Lake is a sight to behold. Surrounded by high peaks and situated at an altitude of over 14,000 feet, the lake has a unique aura of calm and tranquility that makes it a popular destination for trekkers. Take some time to soak in the views, snap some photos, and enjoy the serenity of the lake before continuing your journey back to Manali.

Day 5 - Return to Manali

As your Hampta Pass trek comes to an end, it's time to reflect on the journey you've had over the past week. On your return to Manali, you may notice some changes in the landscape that you didn't see at the beginning of the trek. Depending on the time of year, the scenery may look quite different.

In the spring, the hillsides are often covered in a blanket of vibrant wildflowers. The air is fresh and crisp, and you can hear the sounds of the flowing river and chirping birds. The warm sunshine fills you with energy and a sense of rejuvenation.

In the autumn, the foliage takes on a whole new color palette, with oranges, yellows, and reds creating a beautiful contrast against the blue sky. The cool breeze is a refreshing break from the heat, and the clear air makes for stunning panoramic views of the mountains.

No matter the season, the final day of the trek brings a sense of accomplishment and a new appreciation for the beauty of nature. As you return to Manali, you may find yourself already planning your next trekking adventure, eager to see how the landscape will change with each passing season.

Conclusion

The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, including lush green forests, gushing rivers, and snowy peaks. As you hike along the trail, you'll experience different altitudes, terrains, and weather conditions.

During the spring season, which is from March to May, the landscape of the trail is covered in snow. This can make the trekking experience even more challenging, but also incredibly beautiful. The snow-capped peaks, frozen rivers, and pristine white surroundings offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

In autumn, which is from September to November, the weather is pleasant and the views are stunning. The autumn foliage makes the surroundings look like a painting. The clear blue sky, bright sunshine, and colorful leaves offer a mesmerizing view. The temperatures during this season are comfortable, and the trek becomes even more enjoyable.

Overall, the Hampta Pass Trek offers an unforgettable experience, no matter which season you choose to trek in. Each day on the trek presents its own challenges and rewards, making it a unique and rewarding adventure.