Hampta pass trek, a must do in summer.

"Mountains have always been special. The fact that they surprise you every time makes the journey more adventurous and YOU more richer with experiences"

This was my first solo trip and it taught me way more than books. I believe deciding to take a solo trip need guts but trust me it wont let you be the same after you come back. You become more humble, thankful and curious to explore the rest. If you want to take a solo trip one advise would be go with a trekking group as obviously you don't know the routes and the maps. As I chose "Renok Adventures" which has this great and helping crew. Also, the whole group was very caring and helpfull without them I could have not completed this journey. So Thankyou Everyone. And the rest of you don't think too much just book your leaves and reserve your seats because Hampta is waiting :) Also, avoid monsoons best time would be June and July to enjoy the nature.

AND NO, its nothing like shown in 'ye jawani hai deewani'.

Hampta

Hampta pass lies at an altitude of 14009 ft. Hampta pass trek is a part of Manali and Lahaul-spiti region of Himachal. The trek duration was 5 days and 4 nights. The beauty of this trek was every day you pass a completely different landscape. They say its a moderate trek but depends upon the fitness (as it was tough for me and that doesn't mean I am unfit :))

Day 1: Chika (10100 ft)

There was a drive from Manali bus stand to Jobra and then the trek starts to Chika. Chika was the first camping site along with river Rani, after passing through lush green forest. Also the thrill of crossing few bridges will raise the excitement.

Day 2: Balu ka gera (11900 ft)

6-7 hrs trek from Chika to Balu ka gera. As balu represents sand due to which the name of the place was Balu ka gera. It was monsoon then and raining constant so the wet sand/mud can bee seen in the below picture and the picture says it all :). The real adventure this day was crossing two rivers with ice cold water.

Day 3: Siagoru (12900 ft)

This is the BIG Day of crossing Hampta Pass (14100 ft). To reach the pass we have to walk on glaciers (around 2-3). And all you can see is White land. Since its freezing up there, hence the camping site was at Siagoru. Todays trek was not easy and took 8-9 hrs to reach the camping site. Also, the rain gods were way too happy and showering to make it more adventurous.

Day 4: Chatru (11000 ft)

As the major day passed, now we walk down the hampta valley which connects to Lahaul and Spiti valley. One of the best views will be seen of Himachal on this particular day (Guaranteed). With wide variety of wild beautiful flowers and amazindly beautiful sky with volcano of clouds.

Day 4 not ended yet : Chandratal lake

Drive from Chatru till Chandratal is one hell of a ride. It was unforgettable as need to cross HUGE waterfalls on this amazingly rocky road. We stopped at Batal for quick lunch. 3-4 hrs of crazy bumpy ride and then half an hour walk towards the serene blue water moon lake. And not just it there welcomes you this freezing cold fresh wind. by the evening drive back to Chatru where the camps were waiting.