Hampta Pass Trek To Chandertal with Kunzum La, Ki and Kibber

When I ventured into the adrenaline dripping world of trekking and climbing, a seasoned trekker told me that the trek to chandertal over Hampta Pass was a good point of initiation. And, of course he was right.

That being said now let me share some gyaan shyaan about this fabulous trek.

Kullu and Lahaul are two adjoining districts and are separated by the formidable Rohtang La. Rohtang La is snow bound from October to June. Both the valleys are geographically quite different. The Kullu/Manali valleys are green with thick forest cover and heavy rains. However, Lahaul is in a rain-shadow area with partial Trans-Himalayan barrenness. The trail to chandertal over Hampta Pass combines both these areas gives a wonderful walk with two completely different terrains to enjoy. 

Highlights:

• Hampta Pass
• Kunzum La
• chandertal 
• Ki Monastery
• Kibber
• Rohtang La
• 2 Nights Stay at Base Camp, Manali
• Camping at exotic locations
• Star gazing 

Trek Duration: 4 Night/5 Days
Maximum Altitude: 4590 m
Route: Manali – Chikka – Hampta Pass – Chattru – chandertal – Kunzum La – Ki – Kibber – Losar – Rohtang Pass – Manali.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 00 (Optional): Arrive in Manali - Stay at Base Camp

Reporting Time: 10:00 AM

The guests are requested to get dropped at the Patlikuhl bus stand (16 km short of Manali). A representative from the team will receive you at the bus drop point and drive you to Basecamp at Haripur, Manali. Unwind and refresh yourself at the Basecamp nestled in a beautiful apple orchard. Explore surroundings, Naggar Castle, Roerich art Gallery etc. Please ensure you are properly geared up for the trek. Any last minute shopping can be done from Manali. Guests will then meet the team and staff in order to get comfortable with them and to clarify any doubts. The guides and team leads will share the Dos and Don’ts of the trek. Enjoy some delicious dinner around a bonfire with the group and retire early. 

Day 01: Base Camp to Prini to Chikka (Altitude 3530 m - 90 min drive and then 4 hour walk)

Reporting Time: 09 AM at Prini, 2 km fro Manali market

In the morning, after breakfast we will drive 15 km to Prini, situated on the left bank of River Beas on the Naggar – Manali road. Those who have not stayed with us, join us here in Prini by 09:00 AM The trek start from Sethan (3000 mtrs), its a 12 km trek and will take about 3 hrs. The trail passes through thick forests to the Lahauli village of Hampta. The trail alternates between thick forests and open grounds for 12 km 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 camp here for the night.

Day 02: Chikka - Juara - Bhalu Ka Ghera (Altitutde 3627 m) 

Today we will gradually ascend the valley, 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. Bhalu ka Ghera, 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. After a trek of about 6 km, we will reach a lovely meadow called Ratni Thach (3800 mts). It is a beautiful camping spot and we will camp here for the night.

Day 03: Bhalu Ka Ghera - Hampta Pass (Altitude 4298 m) - Shiya Goru (Altitude 3597 m)

Start the day early by climbing up for about 2 km up to the Hampta pass (4270 mts) 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 snow-bound 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 Shiya Goru. We will camp in a beautiful meadow by the stream. 

Day 04: Shiya Goru to Chattru (Altitide 3360 m) - Batal (Altitude 3960 m) - Chandertal (Altitude 4300 m)

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 Chattru, we will stop here for tea and lunch break before driving to chandertal 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 chandertal, however the more direct approach is the road from Batal, going into the Chandra valley in the north. We wil 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 chandertal, from here you can see the panoramic view of the Chandra-Bhaga Range.

The emerald colored expanse is breathtaking. Spend the evening at leisure by the mesmerizing chandertal 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.

Day 05: Chandertal - Kunzum La - Ki, Kibber (highest village in the world - Rohtang - Manali - Base Camp

Early morning, by 4 am we start our road trip to heart of Spiti. Time to get trigger happy with your cameras, as we drive to Kibber over Kunzum La (4590 m) and visit Ki Monastery and Kibber, the highest village in the world before driving back to Manali via Chatru, Rohtang Pass (3980 m) and Marhi. We can trek back or drive to Batal and have lunch there or at Chatru. For the adventurous few who want to spike the adventure even more, there is the option of boarding the much sought after “Himachal Tourism” bus back to Manali. 

We will then head on to Manali. The trek ends here and those leaving the same day will be dropped in Manali to continue your journey back to Delhi. 

For rest of the trekkers, a celebratory dinner and bbq over bonfire awaits us at Base Camp

Day 06 (Optional): Base Camp - Departure

Relax at Base Camp or go paragliding, rafting or angling (some nice spots near our base) or just chill by the River - Get dropped to Patlikuhal bus station to catch your bus of onward journey.