Hampta Pass Trek to Chandertaal 2020

Meeting Point: Hotel Kalinga, Prini at 09:00 am

The participants are requested to gather at Prini, 2km from Manali, by 9 am. Here you will be received by our team. Then we drive to Jobri, from here we will start the trek. The trail alternates between thick forests and open grounds to Chikka. The trek crosses many glacial streams over improvised wooden bridges. Beautiful snow-capped peaks are visible from Chikka after 3 or 4 hrs of scrambling. From here, we will get an excellent view of Deo Tibba and Indrasan group of peaks. We arrive at Chikka by lunch time. Say in comfortable tents.

Activities : Camping , Hill Stations & Valleys , Lakes & Rivers , Trekking , Mountaineering

Accommodation : Tents [ 3 Star ]

The trail continues to the alpine meadows which are full of interesting flora, crossing stream at Juara, glacial features of the surrounding mountains can be seen along the way. Bhalu ka Ghera, also known as the Bear’s Circle, is the place where brown bears are said to hibernate during winters and during the season, several species of wild flowers can be seen. It is a beautiful camping spot and we will camp here for the night.

Activities : Camping , Hill Stations & Valleys , Lakes & Rivers , Trekking , Mountaineering

Accommodation : Tents [ 3 Star ]

Start the day early by climbing up for about 2 km up to the Hampta pass (4270 mts) while walking on the snowfields. It is now time to get shutter happy with your camera. The final ridge is a little steep to climb and when snow-bound you will you will have to cut steps in the ice up the pass. The view from here is jaw dropping. The peaks of in Lahaul, particularly in the Kulti valley and of the Chandrabhaga group, are seen as a huge cluster, with peak of Mulkila IV raising its head above them. From top of the pass you can see the majestic Mt. Deo Tibba (6001 m), Indrasan (6221 m) and the mighty Greater Himalayan and Pir Panjal Range. A short descent leads to the campsite at Shiya Goru. We will camp in a beautiful meadow by the stream.

Activities : Camping , Hill Stations & Valleys , Lakes & Rivers , Trekking , Mountaineering

Accommodation : Tents [ 3 Star ]

Today’s trek begins with crossing a small stream and a walk following the valley stream down to the mighty River Chandra. The descent to River Chandra is a bit steep and follows a long ridge. Once in the valley you will rejoin the road which crosses the bridge across the river to Chatru. However gentle the river appears, do not try to ford the River Chandra. This deceptive river has swept away many trekkers trying to take a shortcut. Arriving by the side of Manali-Spiti road at Chattru, we will board the waiting vehicles and drive to Chandertal.

There are lovely views of the “Chhota Shigri” (small glacier) and “Bara Shigri” (big glacier) along with several high peaks of the Chandrabhaga Range. From Batal onwards it can be very windy as the valley opens up here. The road climbs steeply around many bends to Kunzum La in the east. This road leads to Spiti valley. There is a new footpath leading from Kunzum La that descends to Chandertaal, however the more direct approach is the road from Batal, going into the Chandra valley in the north. We will be driving along the left bank of River Chandra after crossing a bridge near Batal. The trail continues for about 14 km to the bank of Chandertaal, from here you can see the panoramic view of the Chandra-Bhaga Range. After spending sometime here we’ll head back to our campsite in Chattru.

Activities : Camping , Hill Stations & Valleys , Lakes & Rivers , Trekking , Mountaineering

Accommodation : Tents [ 3 Star ]

Then, as all adventures come to an end to make way for new ones, we drive back to Manali via Chatru, Rohtang Pass (3980 m) and Marhi. We can trek back or drive to Batal and have lunch there or at Chatru. For the adventurous few who want to spike the adventure even more, there is the option of boarding the much sought after “Himachal Tourism” bus back to Manali. ☺ That is what I did and it was great fun. Rohtang Pass offers splendid view of the Lahaul Valley.
We will then head on to Manali by 9 am and reach anytime between 4 pm to 6 pm depending upon weather, road and traffic conditions.
This is where the trip ends.

Activities : Camping , Hill Stations & Valleys , Lakes & Rivers , Trekking , Mountaineering

Accommodation : Tents [ 3 Star ]