Kareri Lake Trek

There are several reasons why you should embark on the Hampta Pass Trek. Apart from the continuous interplay of the oak, birch, and maple trees after the forests of deodar and apple orchards, you witness the stark contrast of the Kullu and the Lahaul valleys. While the former is lush green with dense forests, trees, and grasslands, the latter has a chocolaty barren texture. It is one of the high points of this crossover trek with a stark difference in scenery. Besides, dramatic pass crossings and mountain ledges the trail goes through out-of-the-world settings like gorges, snow caves, waterfalls, snow-white glaciers, deep brown walls, and ice columns on both sides.

One of the most significant upsides with the Hampta Pass Trek is that it can be done for a considerable part of the year. This high-altitude crossover trek that takes you to a maximum altitude of 14,100 feet or roughly 4270 meters covers a distance of 35 kilometers and spans for 5 to 6 days. The Hampta Pass Trek best time falls ideally between June to September. The trekking season might extend till October. However, every month between June to September/October presents you with a different scenic splendor and great experience. Some expert mountaineers and hikers consider trekking the Hampta Pass during the middle/end of May, but the snow level is too high for a comfortable pass crossing.

If you are trekking the Hampta Pass in June, you can expect a massive depth of snow, starting from Balu ka Ghera to the pass itself. The snow begins to melt from July to August, and the valleys get the first showers of monsoon. It turns the valleys into vibrant, lush greenery with wildflowers growing all around. During September and the first strike of autumn, the skies become clear, and the entire region is at its colorful best. October trekking is also adventurous and fun, but the air gets a little nippy, and the high-altitude campsites are almost unbearably cold at night.

If you are traveling with a registered or licensed tour operator/travel agency, your Hampta Pass Trek cost will include accommodation and meals. However, it is good to do some personal research and plan a Hampta Pass Trek budget on your own.

Your basic trek gear should contain a 50-60 liter backpack (with comfortable shoulder straps and rain cover), a 20-30 liter daypack (with rain cover), an immensely sturdy and well-made walking stick, along with quality, waterproof hiking shoes with robust ankles and grips. You can also carry a headlamp with spare batteries, water bottles, or hydration packs. When it comes to clothing, pack comprehensively. Carry upper and lower thermal inners along with full-sleeve t-shirts, fleece jackets, woollen sweaters, a down feather jacket, and windcheaters along with waterproof jackets. Like your full-sleeved t-shirts, you should carry hiking pants that are quick-dry and waterproof. To be on the safer side, take a poncho. Apart from these, your headgear should comprise a suncap, sunglasses, woollen cap, balaclava, and neck gaiters. Always carry excess pairs of synthetic and woollen gloves, innerwear, socks, etc.

Next on the list comes your health and hygiene essentials. Carry your personal medications and a first-aid kit for any emergency. Apart from these, you should carry all essential toiletries like excess toilet paper and wet wipes, biodegradable soap, quick-dry towel, hand sanitizers, antibacterial powder, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Your list should also contain moisturizers, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.

The Hampta Pass Trek is an easy to moderate trek. Though you will trek across majestic landscapes, the terrain is not much hazardous. The elevation of nearly 4270 meters might cause you acclimatization problems. So, it is always good to get yourself acclimatized at high altitudes to prevent AMS. Before the trek, you should also do a good amount of cardiovascular and endurance training along with your regular fitness regime. You can also customize it to the trek’s requirements.