From Forests to Frozen Valleys: My Hampta Pass Trek Adventure

I still remember the first time I saw a photo of the Hampta Pass Trek — alpine meadows, snow-covered passes, and a trail that looked like it belonged in a fantasy novel. Something about it stirred my soul. I had never done a high-altitude trek before, but there was a quiet voice inside me that whispered, “Go.”

So, in mid-June, with a backpack full of nerves and dreams, I boarded a bus from Manali to Jobra — the starting point of the Hampta Pass Trek. I didn’t know then that I was about to embark on one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

Day 1: Into the Wild – Jobra to Chika

The journey began at Jobra, a sleepy little spot nestled deep in the Himalayas. Surrounded by tall pine and maple trees, I took my first step on the trail with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The air was crisp, and the sound of the Rani Nallah stream followed us like a companion.

The walk to Chika was relatively easy and unbelievably scenic — lush green meadows, wildflowers blooming along the trail, and the occasional sheep grazing lazily. That night, as I lay in my tent under a sky full of stars, the city life I had left behind felt like a distant memory.

Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera – A Landscape from a Dream

The next day’s hike was a gradual ascent, and the landscape kept changing in the most surreal ways. We crossed icy river streams barefoot (yes, it was freezing!) and walked alongside cascading waterfalls. The trail led us to Balu Ka Ghera, a campsite surrounded by snow walls and boulders. The temperature dipped rapidly, and our breath became visible in the air.

We huddled around hot bowls of Maggi and ginger tea, listening to stories from our trek leader. The silence of the mountains at night is hard to describe — it’s peaceful, yet it humbles you in the most profound way.

Day 3: The Pass Crossing – Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass to Shea Goru

This was the day. The most challenging, most thrilling, and most emotional part of the entire trek. We began before sunrise, climbing towards the Hampta Pass. The trail was steep and covered in snow, and every step felt like a small victory.

Reaching the pass felt like standing on top of the world. At 14,000 feet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and clouds swirling around me, I felt a strange mix of triumph and surrender. I cried a little. Not out of exhaustion, but from pure awe.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any more dramatic, we began our descent into Lahaul Valley. The green valleys of Kullu were suddenly replaced by the stark, rugged beauty of Spiti. It was like walking from one universe into another.

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru – The Road Back, But Not the Same Me

The descent to Chatru was long but scenic. Our knees ached, but our hearts were full. Wild rivers, glacial streams, and a raw landscape that looked like it had never been touched by man.

At Chatru, we were back to civilization — well, sort of. There were jeeps and roads again, and we all sat quietly, sipping hot chai and watching the mountains fade into the distance. It’s strange how quickly we get used to silence, stillness, and the rhythm of our breath.

Bonus: Drive to Chandratal Lake (Optional but Magical)

Since the weather was kind, our group got the chance to drive to Chandratal Lake — a crescent-shaped alpine lake that looks like it was carved by the gods. The reflections of the mountains in the still water were so perfect, it felt unreal. If you ever get the chance, don’t skip this detour.

What I Took Back from the Hampta Pass

Trekking through forests, valleys, snowfields, and rocky trails, I realized something important — the Hampta Pass Trek isn’t just about reaching a summit. It’s about the journey in between. The strangers who become friends. The silence that teaches you to listen to yourself. The aching legs that carry a stronger soul back home.

I came back physically tired but emotionally recharged. And every time life feels heavy now, I close my eyes and remember that morning at the pass — the wind, the snow, and the quiet strength of the mountains.

Tips for First-Time Trekkers

• Best time to do the trek: Mid-June to early October.
• Difficulty level: Moderate. Basic fitness is a must, especially for the pass day.
• Altitude: Highest point is around 14,100 ft.
• Essentials to carry: Waterproof shoes, thermals, a good down jacket, energy bars, and sunscreen.
• Trek route: Jobra – Chika – Balu Ka Ghera – Hampta Pass – Shea Goru – Chatru.
• Add-on: Don’t miss Chandratal Lake if weather and time permit.