“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” These are the words of Edmund Hillery, the man who conquered Mount Everest for the first time. Being from Himachal, mountains have always allured me. Since I frequent Manali most of the time, the common question that my friends put to me is, “What is Hampta Pass trek best time?

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My first rendezvous with trekking began when I was barely 14, as I had the opportunity to trek to Churdhar peak, which is the highest mountain peak in Lower Himalayas.

To come to the point, the Hampta Pass trek has always been on my priority list, and if you ask me Hampta Pass trek best time would be throughout the year except for harsh winters as the region is inaccessible. This pass can be considered as a small gully between the Lahaul and Manali region and the lush greens of Manali would change into the barren landscape of Lahaul by the time you complete this trek.

Hampta Pass Trek Best Time

I have done this trek thrice, and as per my experience the Hampta Pass trek best time is from mid-June to September. However, I did it once in October too, but you will have to be amply prepared both physically and mentally to brave the chill.

Significance of the Hampta Pass Trek

No doubt Hampta Pass trek from Delhi, if you are coming so would be the most unique trek of your life. The historical perspective of this trek is equally important, though. This pass was also an important trade route that linked the Manali region with Lahaul Spiti. Wool, Silk, Spices and what not used to be transported from this pass.

With Kullu and Lahaul being on its two boundaries, you can well understand the cultural significance of Hampta Pass. A mere look at the Hampta pass trek map gave me an insight into this fact as I began scrolling through the same early morning of July 2018 to look for some new and unexplored route to crisscross the trek.

Why Hampta Pass

A lot of questions like “What would be the Hampta pass trek temperature?”, “What would be the Hampta Pass trek difficulty level?” would come to anyone’s mind. It is quite obvious, and such questions would strike your mind too if you are doing it for the first time.

However, believe me, such thoughts will go away once you begin the Hampta Pass trek. This is a moderate-level trek and I personally like this one owing to the challenges that this trek offers. Lush green valleys, scenic landscapes, and snow-covered peaks are some of the specialties of this trek that you will simply fall in love with.

So, all these questions that crop up in your mind like it did in mine would make you think, “what would be Hampta Pass trek best time”. Well, if you want to explore all the greens, snow peaks, and meadows, come in September!

Those of you who are seeking some new challenges to accomplish will find the Hampta Pass trek as the pinnacle of your trekking journey, as did I. You will be able to test your physical and mental abilities to their best when you undertake the Hampta Pass trek.

Preparation for the Hampta Pass Trek

When you decide to come for this trek, there are many companies that deal with Hampta Pass trek booking. The Hampta pass trek booking price also varies depending if you book it from Delhi or local vendors in Manali.

An overnight journey from Delhi will bring you to Manali, and there are numerous options to travel, including through Himachal Road transport Corporation buses or through private Zing Bus from Delhi, which offers some of the best comfortable ride which you could ever envisage.

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Manali to Hampta Pass Base Camp

Hampta pass trek distance from Manali is 18 Km, and you can take a taxi to the base camp from where the real fun will begin. The base camp is at Prini, and when I reached here, some more trekkers, mostly first timers, were waiting. As these are the Hampta pass trek best time, you will find groups of trekkers everyday at the base camp. No surprise, a group of 40 was already present when I reached.

One thing I realized on reaching base camp is that you should always travel light when on a trek. Many had come with big baggage, which would end up being the cause of concern for them. Moreover, you should have a good fitness level when going on such a moderate level trek. Thankfully, being from Himachal, I knew all these facts beforehand! In other cases, too, you must learn to anticipate all the challenges that would come your way.

Hampta Pass Trek- Day 1

As the altitude increases suddenly and oxygen supply goes down, the first day should go towards acclimatization, and you should know about Hampta pass trek temperature and other problems that would come your way.

To prepare yourself physically and mentally for his trek, you should do a 3–4-hour moderate trek on the first day at the basecamp. I always do so as it gives you ample time to prepare for the upcoming week in this Himalayan territory.

At times, I have seen that some travellers withdraw from this trek as it tests their mental and physical limits to the extreme. In case you feel so on the first day, it is better that you do not proceed further.

Luch time is the perfect occasion when new stories build up during this trek, and I have seen some of these friendships turn into a lifetime relationship! Well, if you aspire to a luxurious lunch, you will have to suffice with a vegetarian lunch during the Hampta Pass trek booking package, and the food is limited to potatoes as you climb further as getting fresh supplies becomes increasingly difficult. Be prepared for such an adventure when you venture on the Hampta Pass trek.

The day will end with a briefing for the coming days, and I still remember one such briefing in which many faces fell pale as they knew and understood the gravity of the trek!

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Day 2- Prini to Jobra

We had an early breakfast on the second day of the trek, and each one of us had at least 7-8 Kg of baggage. This has to be carried all along, and you need a lot of mental strength to accomplish such a task. My experience says that you should carry all your minimal essentials and this can reduce your burden for the journey.

You can take a bus from Prini to the beginning point of the Hampta Pass trek, which is known by the name of Jobra. It is an exact hairpin bend of 40, which makes this one-hour drive truly mesmerizing. You would be lucky if you could get the window seat as it gives you the opportunity of experiencing the beauty of the raw Himalayas.

Day 3- Jobra to Sethan

The actual trek to Hampta Pass begins from Jobra, the distance of which is 29 Km. At the beginning of the trek, you will come across pine, oak, and maple forests, which will energize anyone as it has been doing so for me every time I cross this patch of forest.

Pine trees have an essence of their own and you shall feel the same irrespective of the time of the year you take this trek. Otherwise, Hampta pass trek best time is from June to September, and you shall feel the freshness of Pine leaves during this time too. This trek to Sethan village at a distance of 8 Km takes 4-5 hours depending upon the pace you choose for this patch. Apple orchards on the way shall make you stop at every turn; however, it would seem kind if you pluck any apple only after permission of the owner!

Sethan is the last village on the Hampta Pass trek, and further up, you will have to pitch a tent only for night. Permission from the Forest department is needed to go further up, and you can seek the same through your camp operator before the trek.

Stay is available at Sethan, and when you trek through the Hampta pass trek package, all such essentials shall be covered. For any adventure seeker like me, a simple conversation with the villagers can do the trick, and accommodation is available in the village itself.

Staying with villagers has its advantages as you will get to understand the local culture and explore the local cuisine too.

Day 4- Sethan to Chika Campsite

Day four of this trek is generally from Sethan to Chika campsite. The difficult part of the trek, or if I say the opportunity to connect with nature, comes at this point. As there is no provision of electricity further up, so optimal use of sun has to be done. This means rising at sunset and sleeping by sunset. Mobile phones also become true watches beyond this point as signals vanish suddenly!

As I felt thirsty there were numerous waterfalls and streams on the way. The freshness and taste of water is so unique that you will forget all your pain. The trek to Chika is 8 Km, and by the time one reaches Chika, the altitude is 10,824 feet.

Chika is a vast meadow with a river flowing alongside it! In other words, a perfect place for pitching your tent. This has made Chika a perfect campsite. Bonfire, food being cooked on a raw fire make it a perfect experience for any trekker, and Hampta Pass trek booking agencies will take care of these essentials if you come through them.

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Day 5- Chika Camp to Balu ka Ghera

Day five is the most challenging one as the trek begins from the edge of the Rani River. Balu ka Ghera is 13 Km from here. I still remember the freshness of rhododendrons, which you will find all along this trek.

For those who have an interest in Fauna, this region has snowcocks, Monals and Eagles. You will also find a range of Himalayan flora here, including Blue Poppy and Primrose.

By the afternoon, you will be at Jwara Valley, which offers splendid views of the snow-capped Himalayas. This is a perfect place to rest and while and the landscape changes from lush green to Rocky Mountains, once you climb further to Balu ka Ghera.

Balu ka Ghera is at 11,808 feet and would be your campsite for the night.

Day 6- Balu ka Ghera to Hampta Pass

As you reach Balu ka Ghera, you will know the true essence of Hampta pass trek best time. This is so because the true colours of nature are evident only when you trek at the right time of the year. Other things apart, day 6 is the most challenging part of the trek. The 9-hour trek includes a climb along the Hampta Pass. Further down, I remember is the steep descend to Siagoru.

The first hour of trekking took us to a point from where Deo Tibba Peak was visible. One more plateau has to be crossed along with some ridges, and Hampa Pass is in front of you. The trek is tough but once you are at 14,100 feet and on top, it feels that the world has been accomplished.

Only a few moments can be spent here, and the descent is quite fast as one has to go downhill. From the base, trek has to be done to Siagoru which is quite simple now since you would have crossed numerous challenges.

Day 7- Siagoru to Chatru

Day 7 takes one from Siagoru to Chatru. While Siagoru is at 12,900 feet, Chatru is at 11,000 feet, and the trek down feels quite a breeze. You will trek mostly alongside river and streams, which will keep you fresh and chilling!

The evening is at Chatru on the ends of Chandra River. A perfect place to chill and unwind!

Day 8- Chandratal to Prini

This is the last morning of the trek and time to recollect all the memories of the past six days. Trekking to Chandratal is the final phase of this trek and is quite easy. Once at the lake edge, you would want to remain there forever as the site is so mesmerizing. There are few campsites here too and in case you wish to relax here and unwind here, 1-2 days can be spent here too, else the option of returning to Prini always remains open.

Hampta Pass trek is a journey of a lifetime. Once in a while, if you love to explore the Himalayas this trek should be on your wishlist.

FAQs

Can the Hampta Pass trek be done by Beginners?

This is a moderate difficulty level trek. If you have not done trekker prior to this one, it should be avoided as it is a 7-day trek if done at a slow pace. You need to be acclimatized to trekking on easy and moderate trails.

What needs to be carried for the Hampa Pass Trek?

If you have done the Hampta Pass trek booking through an agency, they will ensure that all essentials like tents, camping gear, and sleeping bags are provided. All you need to bring is warm clothes and good trekking shoes.