Hampta Pass - Chandertaal

The route of this popular trek goes along a trail, which the local inhabitants have used since time immemorial, to cross over to the high altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys from the lush upper Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Hamta Pass trek is one of the most delightful treks in the Manali region, affording views of verdant valleys, towering snow-clad mountains and barren crags & cliff’s with surrealistic forms and shapes. It is an excellent option for the trekker who is reasonably fit and desires to be in communion with nature. Leaving the Manali valley, the trek proceeds through forests of walnut, spruce, oak and the occasional alder and through alpine meadows, where nomadic shepherds graze their flocks. Once atop the Hampta Pass (4,270 Mts), another spectacular panorama of peaks appears.

After crossing this lofty pass, we descend into the rugged Chandra valley and further continues to the picturesque, almost ethereally beautiful Chandrataal – ‘The moon lake’. Chandrataal (4,270 Mts) is a high altitude lake located in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is so breathtaking in its beauty… that it seems to be a like a jewel set in the crown of the Himalaya. Ensconced between lofty mountain ranges whose snow-mantled peaks find a near perfect reflection in its emerald waters, Chandratal is a magical place and one feels like spending an eternity here.

The grassy shores of this lake are carpeted with a wide array of delightful alpine flowers in summer and are visited regularly by a host of itinerant birds. It is not that uncommon to see the occasional nomadic ‘Gaddi’ shepherd, in the meadows surrounding Chandertaal, tending to his peacefully grazing flock and playing a haunting pahari tune on his flute. There are some fantastic views of the CB range of the Himalaya, including that of the splendid CB-13 and CB-14 peaks, from the lake. One is also mesmerized by the amazingly beautiful sweep of the Samundra Tapu glacier, which is visible from here.


Itinerary

DAY 01: NAGGAR - SETHAN - JOBRI NALA - UCHUNG BIHADI / CHIKKA (3,100 Mts ) (3/4) Hrs
The steepest part of the trail earlier used to take about 2 – 3 hours to negotiate. Now, however, there is a road, which goes up to the Jobri nala, where the headwaters of the newly created AD hydro electricity project are located. It passes through apple orchards and forests of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. The villages through the trail passes are – Chhalet, Hampta and Ghoratbari – have an interesting legend. They are believed by locals to lie on the gateway to heaven (which a local peak ‘Inderkilla’ is considered to be). Hike through alpine meadows and forests of Spruce, Chestnut and Birch to reach the campsite at Uchung Bihadi/ Chhika. Overnight stay at camp.

DAY 02: UCHUNG BIHADI/ CHHIKA - BHALU KA GHERA (3,530 Mts ) (4/5 Hrs)
The trek passes through some spectacular landscape just below the Hamta Pass, on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs next to a mountain stream. The impressive grandeur of immediate surroundings, the nearness of the Tokru-Shakru peaks, the wonderful coloring of the rocks and mountainside, all make this one of the best campsites on the route. Chikka also has the river, Alain Nullah, which has its snout in the Hamta Pass. The trail now begins to ascend towards Hamta Pass and reaches ‘Bhalu Ka Ghera’, which in the local dialect means ‘Bears den.’ Himalayan Brown Bear sightings can happen here, if one is exceptionally lucky. Overnight stay at camp.

DAY 03: BHALU KA GHERA - HAMPTA PASS (4,270 Mts) - SHELAA GHORU (4.000 Mts) (7/8) Hrs
From here a steep ascent takes one up to the Hampta Jot (Jot means ‘Pass,’ in the local dialect). From this lofty pass, which has traditionally been used by shepherds to cross over to the Lahaul valley from the Kullu valley, a majestic panorama of mountain peaks opens up. One can have close views of the Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the pass. Also visible from here, is a vast swathe of the rugged peaks of Lahaul rising tier upon tier. After spending some time at the pass, a steep descent & a stream crossing brings one to the campsite at Shelaa Ghoru, considered to be one of the coldest places on the route. Overnight stay at camp

DAY 04: SHELAA GORU - CHHATRU (3,500 Mts) (4/5 Hrs)
After breakfast, it is a leisurely trek down to the road-head at Chhatru, in the Chandra valley. A stream crossing is involved during this descent and the stream has to be negotiated with care, if the water level is high. Chhatru is a small settlement located on the banks of the roaring Chandra river and is populated by a few tented Dhabas, which usually supply refreshments and lodging to travelers from Manali to Spiti. Overnight stay at camp

DAY 05: CHHATRU - CHANDEATAAL LAKE (4,270 Mts) - MANALI/NAGGAR
After an early breakfast, we drive along the bank of Chandra river to reach Chandertaal (43 KM) via Batal. After spending some time at the lake we will drive back the same way to Manali/Naggar. Programme concludes.

WHAT IS INCLUDED :
Accommodation at Up North’s base camp, as per the itinerary.
Accommodation in Alpine tents ( 3/4 men ) during the trek in higher camps (Separate toilet tent facility is provided).
Sleeping bags (Holofill).
Trekking mats.
A variety of wholesome hygienic vegetarian meals.
Transportation/ transfers as per the itinerary.
Services of qualified instructors/ guides, cook, kitchen helper and mules to carry camping equipment.
First aid kit. (Oxygen cylinder and Portable altitude chamber (PAC) for high altitude treks only)


WHAT IS EXCLUDED :
Transportation to reach Up North’s base camp and back to your destination. However, arrangements of travelling can be made on request.
Any accidental, emergency, travel or medical Insurance.
Any expenses of a personal nature.
Beverages or drinks of any sort, including soft drinks or bottled / mineral water.
Any charges to visit monument/ heritage buildings and photography or camera charges.
Any transportation charges or transfers which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
Any charges for a manual or helicopter evacuation, hospitalization in case of a medical emergency or the like.
Any additional activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
The Personal porter/ horses for carrying of individual kit or baggage.

RECOMMENDATION FOR FITNESS:
Physical fitness is most important for every person, keen to do any trek in Himalaya. we suggest you the following basics.
Begin with long walks and continue jogging everyday with slow pace and keep increasing your pace day by day. Walk stairs, do squats and stretching exercises.

RECOMMENDED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING:
Valid identity card
Backpack with rain cover
Day Pack with rain cover
Good pair of trekking shoes
Walking Stick (optional)
Cotton and woollen socks
Thermal inner wear
Cotton pants/trek pants
Cotton shirts/ sweat shirts
Fleece Jacket/Woollen pullover
Feather/ Hollofill Jacket
Woollen cap
Sun Cap/Hat
Waterproof gloves
Cotton/ Fleece gloves
Light rain coat/Poncho
Flip-flop / chappals
Light towel
Water Bottle
Sunglasses
Sun block cream
Vaseline/cold cream
Needle with thread
Toiletries
Notebook & pen
Personal medical kit
Headlamp/torch with extra batteries

Policy
In case request for cancellation is received before 30 clear days or more in advance before the scheduled date of reporting, 80% of the advance taken will be refunded.
If the request for cancellation is received between 15 to 29 days, 50% of advance taken will be refunded.
No refund will be given, if the cancellation intimation is received less than 15 days before the reporting date.