Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal tour

Kullu and Lahaul are two adjoining districts of Himachal Pradesh, separated by high mostly snowbound Rohtang Pass. These valleys are geographically quite different, the Kullu/Manali valleys are green, with excellent forest cover and heavy rains, where as Lahaul is in rain shade barren and arid area. A trail combining both these areas by crossing the Hampta Pass Trek gives a spectacular walk into two different terrains. The trail also offers gorgeous views of Dhauladhar, Chandra Bhaga and Mulkila range and the high peaks of Indrasan, Deo TIbba, Shigri Parvat, Kullu Pumori and few other peaks. The Hampta Pass trek has surprises of crossing turbulent streams, Snow Bridge, walking on glaciers and boulder zone. At the end of the trek, visiting the “Moon lake” Chandratal or Kunzum pass is a delight. Area is known for rich Himalayan flora and fauna and is a birder’s paradise. Hampta Pass is indeed a compact but almost “All in One” trek.

Hampta pass is an essentially river valley trek where you approach to the pass following Hampta nallah (a tributary of Beas River) amidst green Kullu valley. Descending from pass is also following a river valley a tributary of Chandra River. This time through a contrasting landscape which is barren and rocky in Lahoul. The valley remains in bloom for a considerably time from late summer to as late as September. Abundance of streams along the trail keep the valley well fed.At the end of the Hampta Pass trek there is a surprise, a visit to Chandratal lake by car. The dirt road to this famous moon lake opens around mid of June. The stunning contrast of the landscape of this area bordering Lahoul and Spiti is hard to believe. The road from Chhatru to Batal following Chandra River is arid, barren and full of rock debris. The  area surrounding Chandratal (~ 4200 m/13780 ft) is a typical Spiti moonscape with vivid colours.