Hampta Pass Trek with Camping at Chandertaal and visit Kunzum La

Day 00 (Optional at extra cost): Arrive in Manali – ‘dA Base’ – acclimatization hike – Himalayan village culture experience – angling/ziplining 

The participants will deboard the Bus at 15 Mile’, 14 kms short of New Manali Bus stand. From this pick-up point, the guests will be driven to our Base in Haripur, near Manali. After refreshments and breakfast hike 2 hrs to ‘the Kkoott’ - Himalayan Jungle Lodge in Soil, the oldest village of this valley. Unwind at Himalayan Jungle Retreat located in a massive orchard by the stream on the edge of the forest. After lunch explore surrounding or go angling if you like. Return back at base to chat with the team over bonfire and dinner. Next morning will drive to Jobri for the trek.

Or

Cab can be organised for you to explore Naggar and visit Naggar Castle, Roerich art Gallery etc. you can also choose to explore Manali and check out the must see attractions like Hadimba temple, Manu temple, old Manali etc. Back in time for relaxed evening over bonfire and early dinner to get up early in the morning. For the adventurous we have the option of paragliding and zip-lining. 

Day 1: Pickup from 15 Mile bus stop, dA Base - Prini - Jobri - Chikka | 40 Mins Drive and 3 Hrs Trek

Get down at 15 Mile bus stop, here you will be received by our team and drive to'dA Base’, our Basecamp. unwind and refresh after the long drive. The guides and team leads will share the Dos and Don’ts of the trek. Once all the group members have come-in, we'll drive to the trek starting point Jobri (In the spirit of trekking, we'll wait for the whole group to come-in before the trek starts, that said, drive to jobri will start latest by 11 am).

The trekking trail alternates from thick forests and open grounds till Chikka. We will be crossing few glacial streams over improvised wood bridges. After 3-4 hrs into the trek, we'll greeted by beautiful forested peaks, visible form Chikka. From here we also get an excellent view of Deo Tibba and Indrasan group of peaks. We'll be in Chikka by lunch time. Overnight camping in Chikka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Stay: Camping

Travel: Drive and Hiking

Day 02: Chikka - Juara - Balughera (3530m)(3-4 Hours)

After an early breakfast, we will start the trek. The trail alternates between thick forests and open grounds to Chikka. The trek crosses many glacial streams over improvised wooden bridges. Beautiful forested peaks are visible from Chikka after 3 or 4 hrs of scrambling. From here, we will get an excellent view of Deo Tibba and Indrasan group of peaks. When we arrive at Chikka, we will break for lunch and head onto Balughera. The trail continues to the alpine meadows which are full of interesting flora, crossing stream at Juara, glacial features of the surrounding mountains can be seen along the way. Balughera, also known as the Bear’s Circle, is the place where brown bears are said to hibernate during winters and during the right time of the year, several species of wild flowers can be seen. It is a beautiful camping spot and we will camp here for the night. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Stay: Camping 

Travel: Hiking

Day-3: Balughera - Hampta Pass (4298 m) to Sheagoru (3597 m) - (5 km - 6 hrs trek)

Start the day early by climbing up for about 2 km up to the Hampta pass, while walking on the snowfields. It is now time to get shutter happy with your camera. The final ridge is a little steep to climb and when snowbound you will you will have to cut steps in the ice up the pass. The view from here is jaw dropping. The peaks of in Lahaul, particularly in the Kulti valley and of the Chandrabhaga group, are seen as a huge cluster, with peak of Mulkila IV raising its head above them. From top of the pass you can see the majestic Mt. Deo Tibba (6001 m), Indrasan (6221 m) and the mighty Greater Himalayan and Pir Panjal Range. A short descent leads to the campsite at Sheagoru. We will camp in a beautiful meadow by the stream. 

Stay: Camping 

Meals: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and refreshments (freshly cooked veg)

Travel: Hiking

Day-4: Sheagoru to Chatru (3360 m) to Chandratal (4270 m) (4 hr trek and 2 hr drive) 

Today’s trek begins with crossing a small stream and a walk following the valley stream down to the mighty River Chandra. The descent to River Chandra is a bit steep and follows a long ridge. Once in the valley you will rejoin the road which crosses the bridge across the river to Chatru. However gentle the river appears, do not try to ford the River Chandra – always use a bridge. This deceptive river has swept away many trekkers trying to take a shortcut. Arriving by the side of Manali-Spiti road at Chatru, we will stop here for tea and lunch break before driving to Chandratal via Chhota Dhara (3517 m) and Batal.

There are lovely views of the “Chhota Shigri” (small glacier) and “Bara Shigri” (big glacier) along with several high peaks of Lahaul. From Batal onwards it can be very windy as the valley opens up here. The road climbs steeply around many bends to Kunzum La in the east. This road leads to Spiti valley. There is a new footpath leading from Kunzum La that descends to Chandratal, however the more direct approach is the road from Batal, going into the Chandra valley in the north. We will be driving along the left bank river Chandra after crossing a bridge near Batal. The trail continues for about 14 km to the scenic campsite at the bank of Chandratal, from here you can see the panoramic view of the Chandrabhaga Range.

Stay: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and refreshments (freshly cooked veg) 

Travel: Hiking and Driving

Day-5: Chandratal - Kunzum La - Batal - Rohtang - Manali 

The emerald colored expanse is breathtaking. Spend the morning at leisure by the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake. Situated in a bowl and in a beautiful crescent shape, it offers a view of many peaks. The massive Samundri Tapu glacier joins the valley from the west. It is linked with some major peaks and the Mulkila group at its head. Witness the grandeur of the mighty Himalaya as we drive to the Kunzum La (4590 m) pass. You will witness majestic landscape of the high altitude dessert adorned with glaciers. Mingle with the locals to learn about their culture and lifestyle. 

Brilliant photography opportunities to get those national geographic like pictures 

Stay: 'dA Base' in comfortable rooms on triple sharing 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and celebratory dinner over bonfire (veg/non-veg) 

Travel: Driving

Day-6: Explore Manali - Ziplining, Paragliding and departure 

After a leisurely breakfast, Zipline (the highest in country) and paragliding (highest and longest in manali) or rafting can be arranged for those interested. Transport will be arranged to drop participants in Manali. Explore Manali/ Old Manali before getting on the Volvo to continue your journey back to your destination.

Meals: Breakfast 

Inclusions 

● Stay in comfortable tents during the trek on triple sharing 

● Stay in comfortable rooms on 3 sharing basis at dA Base. 

● Pick up and drop from 15 Mile bus stop 

● Meals included - Starting from Lunch on day-1 to breakfast on day-6 (veg/non-veg freshly cooked)

● Celebratory Dinner at Base over bonfire n woodfire bbq 

● Services of experienced MOI/ BMC qualified lead guide and qualified assistant guide. 

● Kitchen equipment, high altitude cook and helpers. 

● All the Camping arrangements 

● Wildlife/ environmental permits and other permits & levies. 

● All transportation as per itinerary in local cars / jeeps 

● First-aid medication with oxygen cylinder and all emergency back ups.

● ‘Leave No Traces’ protocol charges.  

 Cost of travel to and from your city.

● Food at dhabas during the road trip 

● Cost of any form of insurance (Personal/Baggage/Medical) 

● Cost of rescue, evacuation, hospitalization, etc. 

● Any expenses of purely personal nature like laundry, phone/fax calls, tips to drivers, guides, any beverages. 

● Any expenses that arise due to change in itinerary and increase in no. of days because of natural forces like landslides, weather, roadblocks, flight cancellations, sickness etc. 

● Cost of any optional activity we offer, like paragliding, angling, rafting etc. 

● Porterage for your personal bags 

• All participants are recommended to have a travel insurance that covers trekking and wilderness travel.

• We recommend guests arrive a day before the trek. All guests are welcome to stay at Mountaineerz Base in Haripur, Manali in rooms on sharing basis. Unwind, relax, go paragliding, rafting or angling and later interact with the team over BBQ and bonfire (**) before commencing the trek next morning and also on the day of return.  

• Trekking programs in the Himalaya not necessarily would always run exactly as scheduled. Allow for unplanned long days or early camps due to weather disruptions or similar causes. 

• Stay at ‘dA Base’ in Manali on first come first served basis if base is full then arrangement will be in a nice property near the base

• Wear shoes and clothes you are comfortable in and do not forget waterproof jackets and warm clothing. 

• Do not litter the environment. Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be littered or burned and should be carried back.

(complete details with all that you need to know and get shall be shared with you after you have booked the trek)