Overview

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
DAY 02: UCHUNG BIHADI/ CHHIKA - BHALU KA GHERA (3,530 Mts ) (4/5 Hrs)
DAY 03: BHALU KA GHERA - HAMPTA PASS (4,270 Mts) - SHELAA GHORU (4.000 Mts) (7/8) Hrs
DAY 04: SHELAA GORU - CHHATRU (3,500 Mts) (4/5 Hrs)
DAY 05: CHHATRU - CHANDEATAAL LAKE (4,270 Mts) - MANALI/NAGGAR

Inclusions/Exclusions

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.

How to Reach

Up North base camp is located at Ghurdaur near the heritage village Naggar .

By Air:
The Kullu – Manali Airport at Bhuntar is approximately 30 Kms. from Up North base camp.

By Road:
The distance from Delhi to Naggar is around 540 Kms. There are overnight buses (semi deluxe, deluxe, air-conditioned and Volvo) from Delhi to Manali. You can de-board the bus at Patlikuhal from where you can hire a taxi (4 Kms) to Up North Campsite at Ghurdaur.

By Train:
The nearest railway station which is well connected is Chandigarh/Ambala is approximately 8/9 hours drive.

Policy

(Cancellation request will only be accepted by email)

  • 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.