Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal and Kunzum La, Ki and Kibber

This is one amazing trip that covers Hampta Pass trek, camping at Lake Chandratal, the highest village in the world Kibber, Ki Monastery and Spiti road trip with truly amazing photography opportunities. 

Kullu and Lahaul are two adjoining districts and are separated by the formidable Rohtang La. Rohtang La is snowbound 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 Chandertaal over Hampta Pass combines both these areas gives a wonderful walk with two completely different terrains to enjoy. 

Highlights:

• Camping at Chandratal
• Hampta Pass
• Kunzum La and Rohtang La
• A trip to highest village in the world, Kibber
• Ki Monastery and Spiti
• 1 Night Luxury Swiss Tents before the trek
• 1 Night at Base Camp Manali in comfortable rooms
• Awesome Food, choice of veg/ non-veg
• Smaller Group Size: 6 - 10 participants 

Duration: 5 Night/6 Days
Maximum Altitude: 4590 m
Route: Manali - Pirni - Chikka - Hampta Pass - Chattru - Kunzum La - Chandertaal - Kaza - Kibber - Losar - Rohtang Pass - Manali.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Manali - Prini - Sethan | 1 Hrs Drive

Reporting time at Prini: 12 pm

Day 2: Sethan - Jobri - Chikka - Bhalu Ka Ghera (3627 m) | 8 Kms - 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 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 the peak of Mulkila IV raising its head above them.  From the 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 4: Shiya Goru - Chattru - Chandratal (4270 m) | 4 Hrs Trek and 2 Hrs 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 Chattru, we will stop here for tea and lunch break before driving to Chandertaal 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 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 Chandratal, from here you can see the panoramic view of the Chandra-Bhaga Range.

Day 5: Chandratal - Kunzum La - Ki Monastery - Kibber - Losar - Batal - Rohtang - Manali