Hamta Pass lies at an altitude of 4270 m on the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas. Trek starts from Manali through lush green forest, alpine meadows (in summer full of wild flowers) to the semi-desert regions of Lahaul over Hampta pass. On a clear day, one can have an excellent view of Indrakila, Deo Tibba and Indraasan.
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Season | April to October |
| Region | Manali |
| Activity | Trekking |
Highlights
- Chhika: Sacred place dedicated to Takshak Naag
- Hamta: Corridor between Lahaul’s Chandra Valley and Kullu valley
Cost Includes:
- Accommodation during trekking in Twilight camping on twin/ triple sharing basis.
- Camping gears
- Proper food menu followed based on each trek- its altitude, weather, no. of days, or health of trekkers.
- 3 Meals + evening meals
- First aid
- Permits
- Trek leader, Guide & support staff
- Local transfer to & fro Prini to Jobri
Cost Excludes:
- Insurance
- Medical expenses
- Personal expenses
- Porters or Ponies
- Transportation charges from the starting point to back to pick up point
- Beverages
- Food other than the menu decided
- Any other costs involved due to any kind of natural calamities, forced circumstances are out of our control.
1
Day 1: Trek to Chika (10,100ft) Via Jobra (9,700 Ft)
All participants are expected to gather at Prini, in Manali. Once everyone has arrived by 8-9 am, we drive to Jobra. After prepping and a small orientation at Jobra, we start trekking to Chika. On the way, we pass through dense forests of maple, oak and pine trees, cross few streams, walk on dilapidated wooden bridges all while enjoying the cacophony of various Himalayan birds. The grasslands of Chika welcome us in 3-4 hours with breath-taking views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan group of peaks. We camp there for the night with Rani ka Nallah stream flowing beside us. The night is alive with bonfire (Subject to availability) and new friendships form over good food, music and stories.
2
Day 2: From Chika to Balu Ka Gera (11,900 Ft) (4-5 Hrs Trek)
Contrary to popular belief, Balu ka Gera is not named after bears (Bhalu) but after the sand and dust deposited in the valley by the river. Balu ka Gera literally translates to “Mound of Sand.” Trekking from Chika to Balu ka Gera takes 4-5 hours of steep ascent with two river crossings, which we do by forming human chains. The largest one is at Jwara Nallah. The valley is carpeted with little yellow, white and purple flowers with rocks and few boulders strewn all over the place. We might find some patches of snow as well signifying we are touching the snowline. We camp overnight at Balu ka Gera.
3
Day 3: Trek from Balu Ka Gera to Hamta Pass (14,100 Ft) And Back To Balu Ka Gera
This is the day for which we have been toiling so hard. With a rich breakfast and lots of motivation, we move forward to conquer the Hamta Pass. It equally requires both physical and mental strength. Climbing the steep slopes and ridges, walking on the tricky snow patches, regular ascending and descending takes a toll on you but you should always keep your eyes on the prize. When you finally reach the pass, you will be exhilarated with joy and realise it wasn’t all for nothing. We spend some time there before returning back to Balu ka Gera, our campsite for the night.
4
Day 4: Balu Ka Gera to Jobra - Drive To Manali, 6/7 Hrs Trek, 1 Hrs Drive
Around 8 am, we leave Balu ka Gera to descend down to Jobra. It will be an emotional day for all the members since it will be the last day of the trip. Descending down is as tricky as ascending and requires a lot of stamina and presence of mind. You can’t afford to lose your balance. After reaching Jobra, everyone is driven to Manali by 1-2 PM and to continue his or her own journey from there.
