Ravindra Joisa: Hampta Pass

Showing posts with label Hampta Pass. Show all posts

Hampta Pass Trek | Scenic awesome campsites to relish

When it comes to Himachal treks, the Hampta Pass trip is one that no one forgets. At 14,000 feet, Himachal Pradesh's Hampta Pass is one of the Himalayas' uncommon and stunning pass crossings. To begin, the lush green valley of Kullu, with woods, grasslands, and flowers in bloom, is on one side of the route. Second, the scenery of Lahaul is virtually desert, with barren mountains on one side and scant vegetation on the other. In summary, the scenery on each side of the pass, as seen from the pass's summit, is a world apart.

Who can complete Hampta Pass trek

The hike may be accomplished in five days by an ordinary individual or a first-time hiker in the Himalayas. It's a medium-difficulty slope. In Hampta Pass, the weather is chilly yet manageable. Summer or monsoon season, which spans from June to September, is also the greatest time to go on a trek to observe the brilliant meadows. You can follow this day-by-day plan to get a feel of how the hike will progress.

Hampta Pass trek Itinerary

Day 1 – Start from Manali bus stand, drive uphill, and trek to Jobra
Day 2 – Cross the stream and hike to Jwara, pick wild strawberries
Day 3 – Hike to Balu Ka Ghera, spot the cave.
Day 4 – Hike to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass, a glimpse of Mt Indrasan
Day 5 – Cross Stream, hike to Chhatru Campsite, end of Hampta Pass trek
Day 6 - Explore Chandratal (lake) and Kunzum pass
Day 7 - Visit Rothang Pass or cross Atal Tunnel.

Ravindra Joisa after Crossing Hampta Pass in Himachal

Trek to Jobra, start of Hampta Pass trek

The journey begins at the Manali bus station and concludes at the hydel plant and reservoir. From here, you'll have to trek for another 45 minutes to get to basecamp. The route leads through pine trees and a few maple trees as you approach the woodland. In addition, the meadows form the final stretch as you exit the forest. For more details on day 1 of the Hampta Pass trek read trek to Jobra Campsite and watch this video. By the way, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel to support my work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdCWUqVIkm0

Trek to Jwara

The second day of the Hampta Pass route from Jobra to Jwara is empyrean. There's also the best landscape, a waterfall, a flower bed, a hiking trail right next to the stream, between the stones, and an ice-cold stream crossing. There's also a magnificent campsite where ice-capped mountains play hide-and-seek with clouds and fog. This is the best place for nature enthusiasts. For more details on day 2 of the Hampta Pass trek, read trek to Jwara Campsite and watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UII6FbTNqi8

Trek to Balu Ka Ghera

Balu ka Ghera campground is a somewhat difficult trek that leads to another wonderful camping. It begins with a brief meadow walk, followed by a two-hour boulder section, and then a route on loose rocks all the way to the campground. Jwara, by the way, is one of the most gorgeous Himalayan campsites. For more details on day 3 of the Hampta Pass trek, read trek to Balu Ka Ghera and watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYLOC_p3Ea8

Trek to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

It takes a couple of hours to climb to Shea Goru through Hampta Pass. After passing across the pass, the route descends steeply. When you're at the pass, you may view some incredible scenery, from the most gorgeous valleys to mountain peaks and glaciers. This is the most difficult day of the journey. It might be difficult and unsafe in certain situations. For more details on day 4 of the Hampta Pass trek read trek to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass and watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-HfEx4rZEU

Trek to Chhatru Campsite, end of Hampta Pass trek

The Chenab river is crossed on Day 5 of the Hampta Pass trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru camping. To begin, the hike from SheaGoru to Chhatru in Himachal Pradesh is a pleasant 2-2.5 hour walk over moraine and lost rocks on gradual inclines. Then, after crossing a few glacier flows, you'll descend to Chhatru. Furthermore, as you approach closer to the road, the drop becomes steeper and more difficult. Finally, the walk comes to a close adjacent to the Chenab river and concludes at the bridge. For more details on day 5 of the Hampta Pass trek read trek to Chhatru Campsite and watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3nNAmVfWZ4

Before you go on a hike make sure to check this out - some of the Absolute mandatory Hiking Accessories to carry.

A visit to the most picturesque lake - Chandratal

Chandra Taal is one of the most beautiful lakes located at an altitude of about 14,000 feet. Tso Chikgma or Lake of the Moon or Chandra Taal, or Chandratal is a lake in the Spiti part of the Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The lake is near the source of the Chandra River.

Moreover, it was designated as a world heritage site back in 2005. Despite the rugged and inhospitable surroundings at 4300 meters, it is in a protected niche with some flowers and wildlife in summer. Moreover, the lake is not too far from the Chhatru campsite. For more details on Chandra Taal (lake) read Chandra Taal, the most picturesque lake in Spiti valley, and in addition, watch this video. From Chandratal you can go back to Manali via Rothang Pass or the new Atul tunnel or go further to Leh which is another day of a journey by bus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1rUVWy_JKc

To conclude, this is one of the best Himalayan treks to start with. The trek is not too easy but at the same time not too challenging. Firstly, this is a no ordinary hike, and the experience you gain is worth the time and money you spend here. Secondly, if you are a landscape photographer then this is a must-visit place. Moreover, the trek isn't too expensive and the Hampta pass trek package will cost under ₹ 10,000 and totally worth it.

Chatru - A beautiful Campsite in Lahaul valley | Hampta Pass Trek | Day 5

Day 5 of the Hampta Pass trek is from Shea Goru to Chhatru or Chatru campsite crossing the Chenab river. Trek to Chatru Himachal Pradesh from SheaGoru is a moderate 2-2.5 hours of walking on moraine and lose rocks on gentle inclines. This is followed by a descent to Chatru across a couple of glacial flows. As you move closer to the road, the descent gets a steep and little tricky. The last stretch is right next to the Chenab river and the trek ends next to the bridge.

Checkout previous day: Shea Goru via Hampta Pass | Hampta Pass Trek | Day 4

Shea Goru Campsite

Even though Shea Goru campsite is just below the Hampta pass and in a valley, the evenings next to the stream can be beautiful. Golden hours can light up the snow cap mountains gold. The view of Mount Indrasan can be majestic from slightly above Shea Goru campsite. You can even spend the mornings and evenings with your legs dipped in the ice-cold stream. This is one of the most beautiful campsites of this entire trek. Also, you should feel great here as you have already crossed the Hampta Pass and is now at a viewable distance.

Crossing the ice cold stream

Our hike downhill on the next day starts with the crossing of an ice-cold stream, right next to the campsite. It is hard to cross the stream barefoot as there are sharp rocks underneath from the glacier above. From here it is a gradual descent, continuing to the valley below. By the way, we are now in the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal.

Lahaul Spiti Valley after Hampta Pass towards Chatru Campsite

The hike downhill towards Chatru

You will need to traverse the edges of rocks. Sometimes it might just be easier to get down into the river/glacier bed below to skip the rocky section and get back up. There are also a couple of places with slippery loose soil. Also, you get to see too many hiking trails here in the region. These are formed by the livestock raised by the locals. This section would take three hours when you are out of the mountains. You are still at a height but you have the road right across. The Chenab river separates you from the road. You can even see the vehicles appearing like a toy from here.

Himachal Public Bus from Kaza to Manali via Chatru campsite and the Chenab river below

Glacier View above Chatru

There are multiple huge glacial flows coming down from the mountains on the side of the Chenab river. Also, the view from this place of the glacier in front is breathtaking. Zoom in your camera to see the glacier in detail as shown in the image below. There isn't much human activity in this region other than a few shops which remain closed half the year. Moreover, the highway connecting Manali with Kaza has to be constructed every year because of the extreme weather.

The Glacier view as we hike downhill towards Chatru campsite

Where is Chatru located

Chatru is a green respite in the middle of the vast expanse of Himalayan snow. It is a little community of about 1000 people that serves as a stopover for several major hiking routes. The natural splendor of Chatru is beyond description. You may even start with the Hampta Pass trek from Chatru, cross the Hampta Pass on the second day, and then descend all the way to Manali valley by following the Rani Nala (stream) till you reach Jobra.

https://youtu.be/o3nNAmVfWZ4

Weather at Chatru campsite

Winter in this region is inhabitable and the roads remain closed. During the monsoon and summer, the Chenab river water level and the water current can be menacing. Continue to hike till you reach the bridge. You will find a few shops and dabhas here where you can have some hot tea and parathas. This is the Chatru village. You may camp here or go further to find some flat land to camp.

Where to stay in Chatru

The area is densely packed with Dabha and repair businesses. These stores even offer campgrounds within the Dabha where bikers and truck truckers may stay at a low price. If you continue on the road to Chandratal, you will come across some magnificent campsites where you may camp on your own next to some dabha or there are some decent pricey luxury campgrounds designed for visitors. These are temporary camps that will only exist over the summer.

Places to go in Lahaul Valley

Lahaul valley has some of the best landscapes and you will definitely love this place if you are a landscape photographer. If time permits then consider visiting the Chandratal (lake) and Kunzum Pass with incredible and stupendous views. You can plan to go to Leh from here. From Atal Tunnel instead of taking the tunnel road to Manali, continue further to Kelong and then to Leh.

https://youtu.be/h1rUVWy_JKc

To conclude, the last day of the hike can be much more relaxing as it is all downhill but can be exhausting as well as it is a long walk downhill. This is where you need to have a good pair of shoes else you can easily get blisters. Check out the video below and consider SUBSCRIBING to my YouTube channel.

Shea Goru via Hampta Pass with a stunning view of Mt Indrasan | Day 4

Trek to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass is a few hours of gradual ascent. The trail after becomes a steep downhill after the pass. You get to see some amazing landscapes when you are at the pass from the most beautiful valleys, to the mountain peaks and glaciers. This day of the trek is the most challenging. It can be tricky at some places and is dangerous as well.

Check previous day: Balu Ka Ghera – Hampta Pass Trek – Day 3

*To the right bottom is the Shea Goru Campsite, to the center, is the Hampta Pass. Photo: Ravindra Joisa*

The ascent to Hampta Pass

Day 4 of the Hampta Pass trek in the Himalayas, is an ideal trek for beginners who are completely new to high altitude Himalayan treks. The trail isn't super easy but not too complex either. But with zero practice, this slope can prove challenging. The trail from Shea Goru via Hampta Pass can be broken into two stages. The climb to Hampta Pass is moderately steep with few flat walks on snow patches, followed by a steep descent to Shea Goru. You will want to take a small break at the top of the pass, have lunch there and then start the descent.

On the way near Hampta Pass to the right. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

The Rock Fall area

You begin your day by heading towards the mountains from Balu Ka Ghera which is the day 3 campsite of Hampta Pass trek, check out the link above. You may get to see lots of tiny pink and yellow flowers growing by the side of the river. Move along the river for an hour after which you will be above it. In a rock fall-prone area to the left, the climb picks up. Be careful at the top of the pass as this is a rockfall area. Also, on the way to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass you might see some interesting patterns in the stones of the prehistoric lava flow.

The final ascent near Hampta Pass, crossing the snow patch full of rock and boulders. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

The Danger Zone and the Pass

Keep climbing up and you reach the Hampta Pass which is at 14,000 feet. Do not underestimate the altitude of Hampta Pass as there were incidents of death recently. High altitude sickness, rockfall at the pass, and narrow trail while descending can be notoriously dangerous at Hampta Pass. Two hours of a steep descent from the pass, followed by sliding on a snow patch and finally easing off into a flat walk till Shea Goru campsite.

When you are at the pass, you get to see some of the amazing valleys. Behind is the journey that you covered all these days from Jobra campsite, full of greenery. Moreover, to the left is the dry valley of Lahul Spiti. To the right is the Indrasan peak which stands tall at 6221 meters.

After crossing Hampta Pass, Peak at the center is Mount Indrasan. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

First glimpse of Shea Goru campsite

Just after crossing the pass, the view of Shea Goru, Lahul Valley, and mount Indrasan is breathtaking. The descent is slightly trickier than the ascent. You can see the Lahaul valley side of the pass below and to the left. Once you reach down the valley take a left. To the right is the Indrasan peak. By the way, you are now in the Lahul valley and expect dry weather. Because we are still in the mountains, Shea Goru's weather cannot be predicted.

The glacier near Shea Goru

This area near Shea Goru towards Mount Indrasan appears to be a glacier once. You get to see from above the valley just after crossing Hampta Pass. The glacier is hard to make out as it is covered with stones and huge boulders. But if you zoom your camera lens, then you can see huge crevices in glaciers. This is when you will realize that it is not the rock, but a glacier covered with dust.

On the other side of the river, Shea Goru campsite. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

Finally, we made it to Shea Goru. Shea Goru is an almost level walk from here next to the stream formed by the melting of glaciers ice. It should be an easy walk some may find it tiring after the long day traversing the pass.

Also read: Absolute mandatory Hiking Accessories to carry

Is Hampta pass a difficult trek?

The Hampta Pass trek is simple to moderate in difficulty. Including the difficulty of the Chandratal Lake hike. Making this hike, which is ideal for beginners. The Hampta pass hike lasts 5 days and 4 nights. Is Hampta worth a pass? - Hamta Pass is a beautiful pass in Himachal Pradesh. It is a worth visiting site in the Himalayas of India if you want to be away from the city crowd and experience true bliss. Shea Goru is one of the campsites in the Hampta pass hiking trail. We have Shea Goru on one side and Balu Ka Ghera on the other side. You cannot camp at the Hampta pass.

Firstly, choose a nice campsite close to the river and retire happily for the day after crossing the Hampta Pass. Secondly, spend less time inside the tent, and explore the campsite. Also, a climb to the nearby cliff to get a better view of the Indrasan peak. If you are a photographer like me, then you may want to go late in the evening or early morning for a better golden hour view of the peak.

Checkout next day: Chatru Campsite | Hampta Pass Trek | Lahaul | Day 5

Watch the video below and SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel. Also, consider subscribing to my newsletter for travel and photography tips and stories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-HfEx4rZEU

Balu Ka Ghera | Scenic campsite before an intriguing pass crossing

Trek to Balu ka Ghera campsite is moderate and is another beautiful campsite. It is a short meadow walk followed by a boulder section for a couple of hours, leading to a trail on loose rocks all the way to the campsite. By the way, Jwara is one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas.

Jwara campsite — Jwara Campsite - Hampta Pass Trek. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

Also read - previous day: Trek to Jwara – Hampta Pass Trek – Day 2

Hiking next to Rani Nalla

Firstly, a very gradual incline through the day right next to the stream. Secondly, During the monsoon, because of the rain, you get to see a lot of unnamed waterfalls. Just for fun, you are free to keep your own name to one of these waterfalls. On this day you will gain approx 1,500 feet and will hike right next to the Rani river. The melting of snow forms the stream and hence the river Rani, which flows down all the way to the Hampta Valley. In front are snow-clad mountains beyond which lies the Hampta Pass.

Rani River on the way to Balu Ka Ghera campsite — Rani River on the way to the campsite

A visit to Dabha

Visit the Dabha if it is open and have warm tea. Surprisingly, it is not overpriced considering the location of dabha. The Dabha owner can play mouth-organ. Request him as he is happy to play it for you and do not forget to appreciate it. On request, he kept us entertained with some melodious music, while we had snacks, hot spicy maggie, and much-needed warm masala tea on a rainy day. Make sure to go around the dabha and try to pick any leftover plastic items and keep the Himalayan slopes clean. We follow this in all the slopes.

Ravindra Joisa in front of Dabha - Hampta Pass trek

Valley before reaching the campsite

Walk along the Rani river heading into the valley. On your way to the campsite, you will find a variety of tiny flowers – purple, yellow, pink, etc. There are high chances of you finding some wild strawberries on the way. It takes about half an hour to cross the valley. After you come out of Jwara, you need to walk further along. The terrain flattens as you reach Chota Balu Ka Ghera where you can rest for a bit and have a packed lunch.

Continue further along the river, crossing small snow flows and jumping across rocks. Towards the end, the rocks are quite far apart, and jumping across the gets tricky. Soon after, you will reach your destination for the day. By the way, to the right of the trail just before the campsite is a huge cave. Explore this place if time permits.

Cave near Balu Ka Ghera Campsite. Photo: Ravindra Joisa — Cave near the Campsite. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

About Campsite

Balu Ka Ghera or the bed of sand is the last campsite before Hampta Pass. In addition, the ground is formed mainly by the sand and dust brought down by the mountain slopes and the streams around the campsite. The water is ice cold and if you can manage to walk in the sand bed then there is a stone at the center of the sand bed where you can sit for a while and enjoy the entire trail that you just covered.

It is level ground and behind you are the mountains you will traverse the next day to cross the famous Hampta Pass. Pitch your tent and enjoy a beautiful sunset behind the Bandarpunch peak. Moreover, you are now close to 12,500 ft (Balu ka Ghera altitude) above sea level.

Balu Ka Ghera or the bed of sand - Hampta Pass trek. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

In conclusion, this is a wonderful campsite to explore. Spend less time inside the tent and use it only to sleep. Spend all your time outdoor. Check out Trek to this campsite from Jwara, day 3 of Hampta Pass trek on my YouTube channel, and consider SUBSCRIBING.

https://youtu.be/NYLOC_p3Ea8

Why Jwara is an amazing campsite? - Hampta Pass Trek - Day 2

The second day of the Hampta Pass hike from Jobra to Jwara is a paradise. The most beautiful scenery, waterfall, flower bed, hiking trail right next to the stream, between the boulders, and icy-cold stream crossing. Furthermore, a lovely campground where clouds and fog play hide-and-seek with ice-clad mountains. A paradise for nature lovers.

Also read: Trek to Jobra Campsite – Hampta Pass – Day 1

Jobra campsite

The golden hours at Jobra campsite, in the evening and early morning, are ideal hours for photographers to get some amazing shots. The campsite at Jobra is just before the wooden bridge. Trekkers usually spend their time enjoying the view where they had come from on the previous day or next to this wooden bridge. 'Rani Nalla', the stream nearby is the main source of water at this campsite.

The first half of the trail

Jobra Campsite - Wooden Bridge - Rani Nalla

Day 2 of the trek starts from this wooden bridge and is almost a flat walk in the meadows, followed by a gradual climb uphill. This is where the trail gets narrower. The entire trail to the Jwara campsite is right next to the Rani Nalla. The trail is full of boulders and unnamed seasonal waterfalls.

Waterfall in the Hampta Pass Trail near Jobra

The ideal time to visit this place is during the monsoon when you get too many small waterfalls. Also, less snow in the lower region. During monsoon, you may expect snow only near the Hampta Pass and you may find a snow patch on the way up. In addition, as you walk along the banks of the Rani Nalla, you get to see the Maple and Pine forests around.

The tricky place

Jwara campsite - Tunnel View - Hampta Pass trek

The trail is slippery and right next to the stream. The trail is narrow, full of huge boulders, and can be tricky in some places. There is one place where you are directly under the waterfall. The view is breathtaking and you get to see wild horse grazing and also if you are lucky you even get to see vultures.

Once you reach the top of the stream is where the final adventure of the day begins. To reach the Jwara campsite, the crossing of the ice-cold stream is a must. Be prepared for a slow crossing in this ice-cold water as the stream is full of sharp stones. In addition, the current and water level might be higher. You may even find a tent where they sell toffees, biscuits, maggie, and cold drinks, but cannot be guaranteed.

Where to camp in Jwara

Once you cross the stream, the trail is a 20-degree gradual ascent to the Jwara campsite. The trail is full of wildflowers and meadows. If you look back at the trail that you had just covered, the view appears more like a tunnel where dramatic cloud movements are seen. Therefore, an ideal place to get some timelapse videos.

Meadows and wildflowers - Hampta Pass trek

Meanwhile, you may want to watch the YouTube video below where I have made some timelapse of this location. A few meters further is the Jwara campsite. In the evening, you may visit the nearby waterfall and go on handpicking wild strawberries.

https://youtu.be/UII6FbTNqi8

To conclude, the day is full of adventure and a short hike - with too many waterfalls, a slippery trail full of boulders, stream crossing. In addition, check out my YouTube video, and do not forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and to follow me on Instagram - @ravindra_joisa. Also, check out the remaining days of the trek by clicking here.

https://ravindrajoisa.com/hampta-pass/

Beautiful campsite of Jobra with breathtaking Valley view | Hampta Pass Trek | Day 1

Hampta Pass is a famous hike if you are in Himachal, India. Also, this is a 5-6 days hike and an ideal hike for beginners to get that true Himalayan hiking experience. Additionally, you will be covering the most picturesque lake after the trek. The trek starts from Jobra and ends at Chhatru. The trek has some breathtaking landscapes, stream crossing, and many more. However, I recommend a short weekend hike before attempting this trek. For instance, you might want to go for a weekend hike to the western ghats.

Pine forest in the Kullu Manali valley on the way to Jobra basecamp - Hampta Pass — Pine forest as you drive uphill to Jobra campsite. Copyright: Ravindra Joisa

In this post, I will be covering the first day of reaching the campsite located at Jobra, the basecamp for Hampta Pass. After that, I will be sharing more posts for each of my days spent on this slope. In addition, you might want to check the video on YouTube which is at the end of the post. So, consider subscribing to my channel - link.

Staying a bit outside of Manali town can keep you away from the tourist crowd. Also, booking a room on the mountain slopes with a beautiful view can be a memorable stay. Gather enough ration needed for your hike and pack your backpack. Because there are no shops on reaching basecamp or on the way up. However, you might find a few huts during the trek where you can have maggie, tea, and snacks.

Drive to Jobra campsite

There is no public transport available to reach the Jobra campsite. The only option would be to hire an expensive jeep drive to the top. This will cost around ₹ 2,600 per vehicle which you can share among other trekkers. However, if time permits, then it can easily be a one-day hike to the Jobra campsite. It is a picturesque drive from Manali to Jobra with some 40+ hairpin curves and a one-hour drive uphill. The panoramic view of Kullu valley with the mountain slopes full of pine trees is just breathtaking.

Rani Nallah. Trekker crossing over the stream. *Copyright: Ravindra Joisa*

The short trek to Jobra basecamp

The drive starts from the Manali bus stand and ends near the hydel plant and the reservoir. After that, you will have to hike for another 45 minutes from here to reach basecamp. As you enter the forest, the trail is through the pine trees, a few maple trees. In addition, the last stretch as you come out of the forest area is the meadows. The hike is right next to the Rani Nallah / stream. Likewise, the next three campsites are right next to this stream till you reach Hampta pass.

Jobra campsite - Hampta Pass trek in the Himalayas, India — Jobra Campsite - Day 1 of Hampta Pass trek. *Copyright: Ravindra Joisa*

To sum up, there isn't much of a hike on day one. It is more of an uphill drive followed by a short hike. But, the scenery that you get to see on the way is breathtaking. Also, even at the Jobra campsite, the view above the cloud is heavenly. Explore the campsite at Jobra. Spend some time next to the wooden bridge and a small waterfall nearby. Similarly, you get to see many unnamed waterfalls all along the trail.

My advice would be to spend less time inside the camp and explore the campsite around. Enjoy the clean air, morning mist, clear night sky, etc. It might rain at times. So, I recommend, carrying an umbrella or a rain cover. The temperature drops below 5 degrees Celcius. Therefore, having an additional layer of clothing is advised.