Hampta Pass Trek - A Moderate Grade Trekking Expedition To Experience The Beauty Of Trekking In The Himalayas

Almost all trekkers drool over the idea of trekking in the Himalayas. Indians especially are quick to rush to the Himalayas for trekking and adventure purposes. While trekking in the Himalayas requires a great deal of grit and vigor, fortunately enough, there are several trekking expeditions that leap into the lower Himalayas, span over roughly a week, cover an average distance, and offer exotic experiences of a lifetime.

The Hampta Pass trek is one of the few easy-moderate grade trekking expeditions that is known for its splendid trails, variety of landscapes, and most importantly excellent views of mountainscapes from the summit.

It is surprising how the trek encircles almost all aspects of high mountain pass treks, unfolds into the most bewildering and jaw-dropping sceneries, and also remains suitable for amateur as well as determined trekking enthusiasts — the Hampta Peak rises to an exhilarating altitude of 14,100 ft and is reached in five days by covering an approximate distance of 26 km.

While the reasons to hop onto this trek are innumerable, mentioned below are some of the many many fascinating aspects of the Hampta Pass Trek -

1) The fascinating trek from Chika to Balu Ka Ghera -

On the second day of the Hampta Pass Trek, as you walk away from Chika towards Balu Ka Ghera distanced 8.5 km away, you will witness a spectrum of landscapes. Starting from lush green sceneries, you will trek parallel to a few fiercely splattering streams to enter tree lines of the admirable Oak and Rhododendrons with the mind-blowing snow-laden Dhauladhar Ranges in the foreground. The landscape will have changed to rough terrains by now. You will come across gravel and boulders en route and soon after reaching the charming Jawra Village, you will eventually reach Balu Ka Ghera, at 11,900 ft.

2) The thrilling Hampta Pass crossing -
 Of course, the Hampta Pass Crossing remains the most rousing, breathtaking, and transfixing aspect of the entire expedition. On the third day of the expedition, as you walk away from the beautiful campsite of Balu Ka Ghera towards Siagoru, you will traverse the Hampta Pass en route. The trails ascend gradually initially but quickly escalate to steep ascents as you reach closer to the Pass. With snow smeared all over, as far as the eye sees, the view before you remains exceptionally cinematic as you climb upwards. You will hop from one plateau to another to discover the Deo TIbba Peak gloriously lying in the forefront. From here you will hop from one ridge to another, to finally reach the sharp Hampta Pass. The experience is thoroughly challenging yet equally adventurous and soul-filling. The descent from the Hampta Pass to Siagoru is also exceptionally steep and remains one of my most favorite parts of the expedition. You will either have to use ropes or slide down to descend to the mountain base. The Siagoru camp is also one of the most beautiful camps that I have camped at.

3) The trek from Siagoru to Chatru — 
 Siagoru marks the apparent shift in the landscape. You will not be able to find much greenery from here on. In fact, as you trek away from Siagoru towards Chatru, the landscape will appear bleak and arid. As you head towards the desert valley of Spiti, you will find a complete shift in the overall ambiance of the landscape. You will encounter huge moraines covered by patches of snow. The glacier crossings en route make the walk downhill an outstanding one. After crossing the second glacier you will finally reach the mind-blowing campsite of Chatru at 11,000 ft.

4) The visit to Chandratal -

Also known as the moon lake, the Chandratal is a marvelous, emerald blue lake that remains encapsulated by the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a treat to the eyes and remains heartwarming as it gracefully reflects its surroundings. The visit to this serene and pristine lake after the exhausting and thrilling expedition appears refreshing and enlivening. There simply could not have been a better way of bringing the Hampta Pass Trek to a better end than this.