Hamta Pass

Hamta Pass lies at an altitude of 4270 m (14039 ft) on the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas. It is a small corridor between Lahaul's Chandra Valley and the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The nomenclature of the trek was derived from Hamta Village, located below Sethan village, as part of the trek route. This pass is frequently used by shepherds of the lower Himalayan region, seeking high altitude grasslands in the summer, when the dry cold desert of Lahaul is barren.

Hamta Pass
Mountain Pass
Nickname(s): 
Hamta
Hamta Pass
Hamta Pass
Coordinates: 31.963024°N 77.453296°E / 31.963024; 77.453296
CountryIndia
StateHimachal Pradesh
DistrictKullu
Elevation
4,270 m (14,010 ft)
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
 • RegionalKulvi

About the Hamta Pass trek

Numbers of wildflowers and herbs grow at the altitude between 3000 meters to 3800 meters. Vertical rock walls, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, pinewoods, rhododendron forests, open meadows, tiny lakes and peaks rising above 6000 metres are the main characteristics of this trek.[1] The trek begins in the green Kullu valley and crosses over, through Hamta Pass, into the drier region of Lahaul.

The trek takes climbers over glaciers, fast-flowing rivers, and challenging terrain, but is nevertheless regarded as suitable for fit beginners. Beyond Hamta Pass, trekkers can choose to extend their trek towards the beautiful Chandrataal lake.[2][3]

The nearest hub is Manali, in Himachal Pradesh. Most itineraries include transport from Manali to Jobri, from where the trek begins. Depending on the trek itinerary, it takes 3–4 days to complete the trek. Some of the stops are naturally done at Chika, Balu ka Gera, Chatru, etc.[4]

Standard trek itinerary

Day 1 (Manali to Jobri, 19 km, drive 45 mins. Jobri to Chikka, 3–4 hours): Short drive from Manali, passing Prini, Sethan, and Jobra. The road ends at Jobri, and climbers will cross a small river and begin the trek from here. The route goes through mixed forests of pine, maple and birch trees, and eventually runs along the Hamta river. The day's trek ends at Chikka, where there is a waterfall close to the campsite.[5]

Day 2 (Chikka to Balu ka Ghera, 5–6 hours): Today's route is a gradual ascent along the Hamta river to Jwara meadows. There is a shepherds' hut and a tea shop here, so this spot is usually a refreshment or lunch stop. The trek proceeds from here to Balu ka Ghera. This is usually the stop for the night. It's also the spot from where trekkers get their first views of Hamta pass.

Day 3 (Balu Ghera to Shea goru, cross Hamta pass, 7–8 hours): The climb for today starts off as fairly gradual, but can get steep as climbers approach the pass. It will take about 3-4 hrs to reach Hamta Pass. From the pass, climbers will be able to see Indrasan Peak and a few more famous peaks. It is usually windy and cold in the Pass, so most groups don't stay for long. There is a steep descent of about two hours from here into the Lahaul valley. After that, the trail opens up and becomes easier. The campsite at Shea Goru plain is the stop for the night and is considered one of the most scenic campsites on the trek.

Day 4 (Shea Goru to Chhatru, 5 hours): Cold glacial melt stream crossing near Shea goru and further trail descend through boulder of rocks, moraine to the valley floor. Next along the left bank of Chandra River to Chhatru. The trek ends at Chhatru. Many itineraries include a visit to Chandratal lake. Chhatru to Chandratal distance is 46 km. Those looking to visit Spiti valley. There is a bus between Manali - Kaza, which runs every day. All you have to do is find your seat. Chhatru to Kaza distance is 119 km. Those who want to visit Keylong and further travel to Leh. First, need to come to Gramphoo 17 km or further 5 km to Koksar. Numbers of buses run to Keylong from Manali.[6]

  • Hamta Pass corridor
  • Chhatru Settlement in the Spiti Valley from Shia Goru
  • Valley
  • River
Panorama view (3777m)
The Panorama of Balu Ka Gera

References
  1. "The Manali Diaries - Hampta Pass Trek". Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  2. Lonely Planet
  3. National Geographic Traveller India
  4. The Ghumakkads
  5. "Hampta Pass - A Dramatic Crossover Trek From Manali To Spiti". Indiahikes. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  6. "Hampta Pass Trek, Trekking In Himanchal". Trek The Himalayas. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
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