Hampta Pass to Chandra Taal Trek

BySoul Mountain Expeditions

Hampta Pass to Chandra Taal Trek

TREK INTRODUCTION: Hampta Pass to Chandrataal lake trek

This is one of the most picturesque treks in India which covers a wide variety of terrains, sights and altitude ranges in a very short time and hence is very popular with trekkers.  In this trek, we pass through grass and flower covered meadows, majestic snow covered mountains, dense pine forests, wild untamed rivers and cystal clear lakes. The starting point is Manali which is easily accessible by road and a short flight plus a hours drive from nearest airport.
Best For: Trekkers with moderate or no experience. Good fitness is must.

TREK SUMMARY:

Day 1:  Arrival – Manali
Day 2:  Manali – Jobra – Jwara
Day 3: Jwara – Balu Ka Gera (3350 m)
Day 4: Balu Ka Gera – Hampta pass – Shea Goru (4300 m)
Day 5: Shea Goru  – Chatru (3500 m)
Day 6: Chatru – Chandra Taal (4300 m)
Day 7: Chandra Taal – Manali
Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Best Season: Mid June till October.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Maximum Elevation: Kunzum La at 4650 m
Weather: Cold.
Getting From/To: Manali is approachable by bus from Delhi and nearby towns. Closest airport Kullu.
Cost: INR 16000 per person.

TREK ITINERARY :

Day 1: Arrival – Manali
On this first day, we will stay in Manali for rest, gathering of supplies and getting to know each other better. No strenous activity or walking. Guests are free to explore Manali town and it’s attractions like Hidimba Temple,  Vashisth Kund by themselves. Night in a local hotel.
Day 2: Manali – Jobra – Jwara
Morning start by drive towards Jobra where the trek trek actually starts along a mountain stream Rani Nala flowing through dense forest. There will be slight incline but nothing too strenous. Night camp at a small temporary settlement Jwara.
Day 3: Jwara – Balu Ka Gera
This day’s trek route stays along side Rani Nala, again on a light incline. The path will lead us to a valley covered by wild flowers and shrubs, a popular stop for shepherds. The  forest of pine and maple trees is now far behind but there is still lot of greenery for some time. The night camp will be ar Balu ka Gera, a sand bank made by the river deposits. It’s common to see massive glaciers making their way down the mountains.
Day 4: Balu Ka Gera – Hampta pass – Shea Goru
This day, the trail starts getting steep and air a lot thinner as we cross the tree line. Most of this area remains under the snow even in summers and a strong wind keeps on blowing almost all the time. We will reach Hampta Pass eventually after a hike of 3-4 hours which offers some amazing view of the Lahaul Valley. Our stop for the night will be Shea Goru on the foothills.
Day 5: Shea Goru  – Chatru
Chatru is a small semi-permanent settlement along Chandra river and it’s a downhill trek from Shea Goru. It’s a lovely camping ground with majestic views and numerous little mountain streams. After walking on a jungle trail for 3 days, you will have the first glimpse of a road and vehicles there.
Day 6: Chatru – Chandra Taal
A vehicle will pick you up and take you to Chandra Taal lake. You can either go there directly by car via Batal route or hike the last 9 kms via Kunzum La pass (4650 m). Our campsite will be at an distance of 3 km from the lake as camping is not allowed within that distance. Spend some time at lake before dark.
Day 7: Chandra Taal – Manali 
Hop in to the car and drive back to Manali via Rohtang Pass. Drop at bus stand in evening to end the journey.

PACKING LIST :

  • Small backpack to hold the day walk supplies.
  • Luggage in rucksack (60-70 ltr) suitable to be carried by self or porters.
  • Warm clothes, wind-cheater, scarf, hat, sun-glasses, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, thick socks, rain coat or poncho.
  • Personal medical kit, water bottle (with filter), snacks.
  • Toilet paper, wet wipes, soap.
  • Torch, multi-tool, trekking pole, basic cutlery, plastic bag
  • A bag to collect own trash.

GENERAL INFORMATION :

  • Travel itineraries in the mountains  may not necessarily run exactly as scheduled. Keep a buffer for delays due to weather, road conditions etc.
  • Any additional expenses caused by delays, medical condition, road blocks and other causes will be borne by the guests.
  • We recommend a comprehensive  travel insurance and a medical checkup before the visit.
  • This tour covers some remote destinations in Himachal Pradesh which have very limited phone coverage, unpredictable weather and high altitude.

INCLUSIONS

  • Pickup drop from Manali.
  • Accommodation in campsites and hotels wherever mentioned.
  • Meals, tea and non-bottled water in campsite. Bottled water not available during trek and not recommended for ecological reasons.
  • Camping equipment.
  • You can ask to rent or buy some personal trekking equipment like trekking pole, water filter etc.
  • Services of guides, mules, porters, cooks.
  • Trekking and camping permits.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Meals in Manali on first and last day.
  • Personal expenses, refreshments during road journey, alcohol.
  • Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
  • Porters or mules to carry your personal luggage.

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