Hampta Pass Trek

Altitude: Manali 6,730 ft / 2,050 m, Jobra 9,800 ft / 2,987 m, Chika 10,100 ft / 3,078 m. Altitude gain: 3,070 ft / 937 m from Manali to Jobra and 300 ft / 91 m from Jobra to Chika. Distance: about 16 km by road from Manali to Jobra, then a 2 km trek to Chika. Total time: 4-5 hours including the drive. Trek grade: easy to moderate, a gradual ascent suitable for beginners and first-time trekkers. Pickup from Manali between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Drive to Jobra past forests and apple orchards. Trek from Jobra through pine forest, over wooden bridges and across open meadows. Reach Chika campsite beside the Rani Nallah stream. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Altitude: Chika 10,100 ft / 3,078 m, Balu Ka Ghera 11,900 ft / 3,627 m. Altitude gain: 1,800 ft / 549 m. Trek distance: 8.5 km. Trek duration: around 6 hours. Trek grade: gradual to moderate. After breakfast, start a mild hike that runs through forest for most of the way. The Dhauladhar range and snow-capped peaks come into view as you climb. Reach the meadows at Balu Ka Ghera and pitch tents for the night. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Altitude: Balu Ka Ghera 11,900 ft / 3,627 m, Hampta Pass 14,100 ft / 4,298 m, Sia Goru 12,900 ft / 3,932 m. Altitude gain: 2,200 ft / 662 m from Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass, then a 1,200 ft / 366 m descent to Sia Goru. Trek distance: 7 km. Trek duration: approximately 10 hours. Trek grade: moderate to difficult. Climb to Hampta Pass, with views of Indrasan Peak and its glacier. It is usually windy and cold at the top, so the group doesn't stay long. From the crest, look out over the barren landscape of Lahaul and Spiti. Descend to the Sia Goru campsite in about 2 hours. The path is slippery and rocky, so go carefully; the descent is hard on the knees. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight stay at the campsite.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours. Trek from Sia Goru to Chatru, a relatively easy descent through the Hampta Valley. The Pir Panjal range is ahead of you until you reach the Chatru campsite, with wildflowers and small streams along the path. Chatru is a junction on the routes to Rohtang Pass, Hampta Pass and Spiti. If road and weather conditions permit, travel from Chatru to Chandra Tal. After time at the lake, return to Chatru for the night. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight stay at the campsite.

Altitude: Chatru 11,000 ft / 3,353 m, Manali 6,730 ft / 2,050 m. Altitude difference: 4,270 ft / 1,303 m. Distance: 85 km by road. Time taken: approximately 4-7 hours. Drive from the Chatru campsite back to Manali. Reach Manali late in the afternoon, where the trek ends. Meals: breakfast only. Lunch on the way is not included.