Hampta Pass Trek

Day 1: DRIVE FROM MANALI (6,725 Ft) TO JOBRA (9000 Ft) AND TREK FROM JOBRA (9,000 Ft) TO CHIKKA (10,000 Ft) 
Distance: 3 Kms
Duration: 1 Hrs drive + 2 Hrs trek
After the meet-up at Manali, we will be driving all the way to Jobra the start point of the trek.
The drive is very scenic through sharp curves and bends. The actual trek for Hampta Pass begins
from Jobra. After settling down in Jobra, we start walking through a lush green forest filled with
maple, deodar, and oak trees. This day is easy as we cover a distance of 3 kilometers in 2 hours.
At the end of the forest line, the trail opens up to the valley towards Chikka. There are small
flowers and shrubs alongside the river and horses by the dozen grazing through the shrubs in
free spirit.

Day 2: CHIKKA (10,000 Ft) TO BALU KA GHERA (11,811 Ft)
Distance: 6 kms
Duration: 7 Hrs
Today, we cover a distance of 6 kilometers in 7-8 hours and gain a bit more altitude (600
meters). After an early start at around 8 AM, we cross a small wooden bridge and begin our
ascent. Because of the persistent and unpredictable rains, the first 2 kilometers of moderate
ascend are likely to be filled with mud and slush.  This river crossing is a gateway to the colorful
meadows of Jwara, a huge stretch packed with flowers that boast of all the hues of the colour
spectrum. Lunch break at Jwara is equivalent to a picnic at a park. The trail from Jwara gets easy
with minimal ascends and runs closer to the river. It turns completely flat 4 kms from here. This
magical pathway leads us straight towards Balu Ka Ghera, the second campsite.

Day 3: BALU KA GHERA (11,811 Ft) TO HAMPTA PASS (14,000 Ft) TO SHEA GORU (12,795 Ft)
Distance: 9 kms
Duration: 7 Hrs
Day 3 is the longest and toughest day of the trek. Today, we cover 9 kilometers in 7 hours and
gain an altitude of 600 meters. Early in the morning, we leave Balu Ka Ghera at 6:30 AM and
walk along the Rani nallah. For 1 kilometer, the trails are paved in a zigzag manner because of
the huge boulders. After a while, the valley opens up and a huge frame of the river runs parallel
with us. When we cross 2 kilometers, the trails get steeper and steeper with heavy ascents and
turns. The last source of fresh water and greenery ends at the 3km mark and a dry trail of snow
and rock begins. The path on the snow is vigorous and the weather is likely to be unpredictable
for the next kilometer. Hampta Pass lies at the end of this trail. The trails directly descend with
a 50-degree steep slope from the pass. This descent continues for the next 3 km. Loose sand,
mud, and big boulders can make the stretch challenging to navigate during rains. It leads us
directly towards Shea Goru, the third campsite.

Day 4: SHEA GORU (12,795 Ft) TO CHHATRU (10,990 Ft) TO CHANDRA TAL
Distance covered: 5 km (trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru) + 70 km (drive to Chandra Tal Lake)
Duration: 4 hour trek + 3 hour drive
The second river crossing of the trek happens on the glacial stream near the campsite. Crossing
through the river from Shea Goru is one of the most adventurous assets of the Hampta Pass
trek. The powerful Chandra river rushes on our left-hand side. Expect to reach the campsite,
Chhatru, around 11 AM. At Chhatru, we assemble in the nearest roadway and start driving
towards the stunning Chandra Tal Lake. It takes 3 hours and 70 kilometers to reach the
lake. The serene lake is situated at a height of 14,000 ft and after a brief stop, we return to our
campsite in Chhatru by night.

DAY 5: CHHATRU (10,990 Ft) TO MANALI (6,725 Ft)
Distance covered: 60 kms
Duration: 1.5 hours
On the final day, we pack and leave early for Manali by around 7 AM. The distance between
Chhatru and Manali is 60 km and it takes 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Manali bus stand. On
the way, while we exit Spiti, we find many army tents and small check posts. Close to 45
minutes into the drive, we enter the infamous Atal tunnel. We reach the final stop before noon;
you may plan your return journey accordingly.