The route of this popular trek goes along a trail, which the local inhabitants have used since time immemorial, to cross over to the high altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys from the lush upper Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Hamta Pass trek is one of the most delightful treks in the Manali region, affording views of verdant valleys, towering snow-clad mountains and barren crags & cliff’s with surrealistic forms and shapes. It is an excellent option for the trekker who is reasonably fit and desires to be in communion with nature. Leaving the Manali valley, the trek proceeds through forests of walnut, spruce, oak and the occasional alder and through alpine meadows, where nomadic shepherds graze their flocks. Once atop the Hamta pass (14,050 Feet), another spectacular panorama of peaks appears.
DAY 01: MANALI (2000M) – JOBRA (2707M) – CHIKHA (3000M) DRIVE/45 MINS & TREK/2 HRS
In the morning, we drive to the dam site at Jobra and from here walk through a very pleasant landscape. The walk initially will take us through a mixed forest having pines, spruce, deodar, chestnut and maple trees. We cross a beautiful meadow having a gaddi shepherd camp there. We will need to cross the river at a vantage point if the gaddis haven’t made a makeshift bridge somewhere along the river. We cross the river and climb to a beautiful meadow called Chikha along a side stream. Today’s hike is a gentle one and will take about 2 hrs. Having rested for some time one will be advised to walk up a short distance to a nearby waterfall which also plays host to a number of white capped redstarts. Overnight in tents.
DAY 02: CHIKHA (3000M) – BALU-KA-GHEERA (3600M) TREK/4-5 HRS
It’s an interesting day’s hike today. We cross the stream immediately after the campsite and start gaining height and moving towards a gorge section towards the right side moving along the river. We will walk through boulder sections, meadows filled with wildflowers, cross a waterfall and a side river which might require careful handling to reach our campsite for the day, Balu-ka-Gheera. This hike will take about 3.5 to 4 hrs with a few breaks in between. This campsite is along a network of river channels and has big mountains guarding it on all sides. Our guides might also take the decision to walk for an additional hour and reach an upper campsite also called by the same name. This will make next day’s climb a bit shorter. We rest and relax at the campsite and get charged for the next day’s climb to Hampta pass. Overnight in tents.
DAY 03: BALU-KA-GHEERA (3600M) – HAMPTA PASS (4300M) – BALU-KA-GHEERA (3600M) TREK/7-8 HRS
Today weather and trail conditions will decide what time we leave but it’s going to be an early morning departure for sure, between 5 to 6 a.m. The walk is in all probability going to be partially/completely on snow depending upon season and weather conditions. From the camp we start with a steep climb on scree slopes to reach a ridge and from here we continue climbing towards another ridge which leads to the pass. This climb will take about 4-5 hrs and one will be rewarded with absolutely out of the world views all around. Indrasan and Deotibba peaks completely dominate the landscape and the ranges towards Lahaul look quite majestic. We spend some time at the top taking pictures and to have lunch and having regained our energy start climbing down back towards Balu Ka Gheera. This descent will take about 2-3 hrs. Overnight in tents.
DAY 04: BALU-KA-GHEERA (3600M) – CHIKHA (3000M) – JOBRA (2707M) – MANALI (2000M) TREK/5-6 HRS
On this day we trek back to Jobra via chikha. This will take about 5-6 hours. From Jobra we board the vehicle and drive back to Manali. The trek ends here.
Cancellation Policy :
Up to 30 Days :- 90% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refund.
Between 21 – 30 Days :- 60% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refund.
Between 20 – 11 Days :- 30% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
Less than 10 Days :- No refund.
Any additional costs due to weather / unforeseen situations, will have to be borne by the traveller.
Our team reserves the right to change the plan in case there is danger involved for the group or whenever the trek leader deem it necessary.
Final word of the trek leaders will have to followed by all the members.
No show and trek changes/cancellation due to bad weather or natural calamity will be non-refundable.