Hamta Pass-Baralacha La Trek

Altitude: 2900 Meters. Duration: 6-7 Hrs. Today leaving Manali, we drive 3 km south of Manali on the left bank of Beas River to Prini village. Continue to drive through the Prini village and temple located above the village. Arriving at Hamta village and Sethan village. Sethan village is small settlements of early horseman known as Khampas of Tibetan origin. Who are mainly dealt with trekking mules up today, 45-minute walk through alpine forest to the Panduropa, Panduropa is known for the small paddy field - where Pandavas of Mahabharata during their exile, spent a part of time in this region and said to be cultivated crops at Panduropa. Now we trek 3 hrs. Horizontally through thickly forested area with abundance of flowers until reaching the campsite of Chikka.

Altitude: 3400 Meters. Approx. Duration: 6-7 Hrs. Today leaving Chikka we follow the left banks of Hamta. Later we cross Hamta stream by bridge. Another wooden bridge at short distance. Around Chhika some fantastic view of Rocky Mountains. After crossing the second bridge we climb gently to Jwara for 2 hrs. walks. Where we will pass beneath the waterfall. The next adventure is going to be a stream crossing just before Jwara. With the help of Guide and if not, with the help of riding horse you may cross the stream. Now the trail gently climbs to Balu Ka Ghera campsite. From where we will have first view of our next day crossing of Hamta pass. It’s a beautiful campsite close to crystal clear water. Be aware of Bear in this area by early season trek and late season trek. The area itself is known for Bears Den. Keep exploring surrounding of you for a rare view of Bear.

Altitude: 3600 Meters. Duration: 5-6 Hrs. A gradual climb begins after Balu Ka Ghera (bears den). Balu ka Ghera is known for wildflowers, rocks and caves. A further 1:30 hrs. trail takes you to Hampta pass. From Hampta pass fantastic view of Inderkila, Deo Tibba (6001 m) and Indrasan (6220 m). Which is superb to see. After crossing the Hampta pass, one enters the Lahaul valley. Walk down to the campsite near the stream. Overnight camp.

(Duration 3-4 hrs.) Cross-stream near the camp and follow the right bank until it joins the Chandra River. Again, cross the same stream by small wooden bridge. Now follow the left bank of Chandra River. 30 minutes later a motor able bridge to be cross to reach at the campsite of Chhatru. After some break, we drive from Chhatru to Chota Dara campsite. Which is situated along the Chandra River with breathtaking view of Bara Shigri peaks.

Leaving Chota Dara behind we continue along the right bank of Chandra River. Good view of Bara Shigri glacier on the left side. All above the glacier, which is 12 km in length longest in Himachal, peaks of White Sail, Shigri Parbat, and Kullu Makalu where daring mountaineers touch the sky can widely be seen. Crossing bridge soon after Batal, we drive towards Kunzom la following small stream, which originated above pass. Arriving at pass has a glimpse of Spiti valley, which runs 170 kms towards south. We take a path, which goes to Lake 8 kms approach large meadows - a favorite area with a multitude of shepherd’s huts. Passing and crossing a long stretch of stony ground and small stream arrive at the lake. Across Chandra river most fascinating sight of Samudra Tapu glacier, North Dakka glacier, South Dakka glacier and Silver glacier. Above the glaciers towering mighty peaks of Moulkila and C.B. peaks. Leaving Kunzom we trek to Chandratal which is 8 kms long and has a wide panoramic view of Chandra Bhaga peaks all around. Camp after Chandratal.

A long exhausted trek but well worth, because occasionally trekkers encounters patches of green pastureland. This stretch is about 14 to 16 km. The trail starts with a series of ups and downs through steep ravine and boulders - stream fields. As you progress, a flat grassy land, which slopes up to snow, clad ridge. Snow cock can be heard has heard and even sighted, if you are lucky. After 3 hrs the trail winds down a knoll, which has a steep precipice to the river far down to the left. Cross the stream if the water is low or find Snow Bridge up near the source. Or camp and cross next morning as earliest.

Trek through a narrow valley flanked on both sides by snow capped mountains. Star walk early as possible, since this stream to be cross, while the flow of the water is less early in the day. A short walk after crossing the river, here the valley opens out on a broad plateau where camp is set on a delightful grassy patch.

Today early departure from camp towards Baralacha la pass, which is 7 km long, gives the source of three rivers - Chandra through South, Bhaga through upper Lahaul and Yunam towards Zanskar. A splendid view of M-4, which is the highest in the Moulkila range, can be seen from the trail as well as of Keorang range of Great Himalayas. On the pass, join the main highway. We will be pick up by our vehicle here and drive to Manali.