Himachal Pradesh has some of the most picturesque trekking trails in India. The routes have become popular among trekkers as they are taken through the dramatic stretches of scenery that change only in mere moments. The heavy contrast between Himachal's lush green valleys and barren mountain slopes, sparkling blue river water, and snow-capped massifs never fails to attract thousands of visitors every year.
The Hampta Pass Trek is one such crossover trek in Himachal that offers the best of both worlds. It is the narrow corridor between the Chandra Valley of Lahaul and the Kullu Valley, located at 4287 meters. With the beautiful verdure of Kullu, accompanied by the River Beas, one crosses the Hampta Pass only to encounter the arid expanse of the Spiti Valley with barren mountainous slopes.
Salient points of the Hampta Pass Trek
Some of the main highlights of the trek are given here.
Variety of the crossover landscapes:
The Hampta Pass trek route starts by hiking through forests of pine, birch, oak, and rhododendrons, dotted with the occasional maple trees. This alpine vegetation slowly morphs into grasslands rolling down the valleys with several streams running side by side. Colorful wildflowers like marigolds, blue poppies, and long pink flowers called 'distorts' grow here in late July. The fallow grey Chandra Valley lies on the other side with its rugged beauty.
The Himalayan ranges and peaks:
Many famous peaks can be seen throughout the trek to Hampta. Mt. Indrasan (6221 meters), Mt. Deo Tibba (6001 meters), Indrakila (4940 meters) can be viewed closer from the pass.
The Pir Panjal Range of the Lesser Himalayas stands guard at the sides of the Kullu and Chandra valleys that the trekker crosses. The impressive Dhauladhar, Mulkila, and Chandrabhaga ranges can also be seen from here.