Exploring the Enchanting Hampta Pass Trail: A Weather and Temperature Guide
Hampta Pass is a haven for the passionate trekker as he gets the opportunity to view breathtaking visions of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges and a variety of flora and fauna. But little pre-planning is to be done beforehand to check if it would be possible to venture through the trails by checking the Hampta Pass weather and temperature. It contains much detail about the climatic and temperature conditions of Hampta Pass Trail, so you will not miss a successful joint on your trek.
Where Is Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass is a pass in the Himalayas that serves as a corridor between Chandra Valley (Lahaul) and Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. There is Hamta Village below Sethan Village; hence the name Hampta Pass.
Hampta Pass Weather and Best Time to Visit Hampta Pass
The best time to take this trek across the Hampta Pass would be between May and June and from September to October. This time has pretty moderate weather, with warm temperatures that get along well with all trekking requirements. However, it should be known that the time of high rain that occurs during July and August causes landslides and more complications on the trail. Avoid trekking in the winter since the track is snow-covered and pretty dangerous. While planning your trek, it is sensible to plan a trip in the recommended months, of course checking on the weather forecast before doing so.
Height and Altitude of Hampta Pass
The pass itself has a height of 14,037 feet while the starting point is at an altitude of 8,000 feet.
Situated in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Pass trek is one of the most desirable trekking trails India is blessed with. With an elevation of about 4,270 meters or almost 14,010 feet, Hampta Pass connects the lush green Kullu Valley to the dry Lahaul Valley. Standing at an approximate distance of 35 kilometres, the trek takes around 4 days.
Because it is at such a high altitude, the climatic conditions of the Hampta Pass can be very different from time to time. The best time to trek via Hampta Pass is mid-June to mid-October. The temperature, during the daytime, lies between 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. But it would be best not to go in monsoon season. It usually rains heavily during July and August, and the trail will be slippery and hard to trek.
Acclimatization at high altitudes is highly imperative before attempting the Hampta Pass trek. It would be advisable to spend at least a day or two in Manali, where the trailheads are, and nearby places before the start of the trek. Sipping enough water, not indulging in alcohol and smoking, and taking acute mountain sickness medicine also provide some amount of acclimatization.
The safety measures to be taken would be the first aid kit, good-quality trekking shoes, warm clothing, and rain gear. Moreover, it is always advisable to go trekking in groups and company of qualified trekking guides. The trail at Hampta Pass was challenging with steeper ascents as well as descents, and at least preparation on the part of trekkers to get ready for both physical as well as mental toughness.
There are three ways to access the Hampta Pass trek and the starting point is at Jobra; the taxi and bus route from Manali is the only available access. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which can be reached at approximately 52 km and 32 miles from Manali.
While that is another version of the Hampta Pass trek, which also takes you to Chandratal Lake. This one is a bit longer at 35 kilometres or 21 miles and is undertaken over four days. Another worth-mentioning comparison is there with The Bhrigu Lake Trek. As the course cuts across Himachal Pradesh, it has both aesthetically beautiful views and challenging on-ground conditions.
Altitude Acclimatization Tips
Acclimatization remains the backbone of high-altitude hiking, more so when you are speaking about demanding treks like Hampta Pass. The following will help you acclimatize better:
Gradual Ascent: Ascend step by step, especially for the first two days, so your body gets accustomed to the altitude and can minimize the chance of getting altitude sickness.
Hydrate: Drink lots of water so that you are not dehydrated. It may create a bigger problem in high altitudes. At least try to consume three to four litres of water a day.
Carbs: Your body needs more energy at a higher level. Pasta, rice, and bread would give you the much-needed power and keep your stamina going at the same pace.
Take Breaks: Do not exert your body much. Take frequent breaks in the first two days, just giving your body enough time to acclimatize.
Know Altitude Illness Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath are symptoms of altitude illness. If you experience any of these, inform your trek leader and rest until you recover.
Safety Precautions for the Trek
Always, safety is the number one priority while planning for the Hampta Pass trek. Here's what you need to know for the same.
Time for Going: May-June and September-October are ideal periods for visiting the place of Hampta Pass trek as the time dictates excellent weather conditions.
Accumulation of acclimatization: Within the trek, acclimate at high altitude by spending a day or two in Manali or nearby places before initiating the trek.
Carry Basic Accessories: Don't forget to carry all accessories like a first aid kit, warm clothing, rain gear, and good-quality trekking shoes. One needs to wear layers because sometimes the weather conditions can change in a moment.
Follow All Safety Measures: The whole trek is marked with marks. In the monsoon, it is pretty tough to identify because of the falling debris and rockfalls. So it is essential to stay only on the marked trails throughout the whole trek.
Trek in Groups: Always do the trek in a group, share your itinerary with someone, and carry a first aid kit with all the required medicines and bandages.
How to Reach Hampta Pass Base Camp
Hampta Pass trek starts from Manali in the Himachal Pradesh state. To reach the base camp, follow these instructions:
How to reach Manali: Manali is on an improved road network with Delhi at 550 kilometres and Chandigarh at 310 kilometres. From there, one can take public or private buses as well as taxis, subject to open roads.
From Manali to Jobra: The trek begins from Jobra, which is 18 km from Manali. One can hire a taxi or bus from Manali that will drop you at Jobra. It takes an hour's journey.
Through Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, which is at a distance of 52 km from Manali. There are taxis from the airport that will take you up to Manali.
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh (350 km), and Ambala (360 km) From the railway stations, you can take a bus, taxi, or a chartered flight to Manali.
Distance and Route of Hampta Pass
Hampta Pass Trek: A Rightly Sought Trek in India, Himachal Pradesh The trekking trail of Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most sought trekking trails in India, located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a mountain pass that connects the otherwise lush green Kullu Valley with the arid Lahaul Valley. It stands at an elevation of approximately 4,270 meters or 14,010 feet above sea level. It is about 35 kilometres and takes about four days to finish the trek.
Therefore, climatic conditions differ in the weather and temperature of the Hampta Pass due to their extreme altitude. The climatic conditions are quite favourable for the Hampta Pass from mid-June to mid-October as it remains sometimes sunny and pleasant when day temperatures range between 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. Avoid this trek during monsoons mainly July-August when the rains make the trail slippery enough for a trekker.
Acclimatize to a high altitude before embarking on a Hampta Pass trek. It would be best to spend a day or two in Manali place where the trailhead is located or surrounding areas before heading out for the trek. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and smoking, and take altitude sickness medication.
Regarding safety measures, it is always good to carry a first aid kit, some warm clothing, rain gear, and good trekking shoes. It is further advisable to trek in groups under the supervision of a certified trekking guide. Hampta Pass trail is fairly physically demanding with steep ascents and descents, so the trekker must prepare himself and his mind for it.
Reaching trailhead of Hampta Pass can be reached by Taxi/Bus from Manali to Jobra, the starting point of the trek. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport. Bhuntar airport is 52 km from Manali.
There is a variation of this trek too called Chandratal Lake and Hampta Pass Trek wherein you pay a visit to the picturesque Chandratal Lake. Variation: A bit longer one, that is, 35 kilometres or 21 miles -- it takes four days of trekking. There are comparisons between the Bhrigu Lake trek that lies in Himachal Pradesh and, with all said, views worth seeing and tough.
Will I see snow at the Hampta Pass?
If you are a snow maniac, then May-June and September-October are the best times to do Hampta Pass trek. It would give you a chance to see the beauty of snow without it getting this harsh and appalling as winter. The middle of July to August is when it is the sunniest; however, the chances are high for heavy rains afterwards. Therefore, the time window is not so long but it's surely worth it.
Is Hampta Pass Open in January?
Snowfalls heavily in October after which the Hampta Pass is closed. The temperatures also drop to the lowest of 5°C with extreme weather conditions. Hence it would not be wise to visit the Hampta Pass in the winter season.
How to Reach Manali
By Road: The destination is well connected to Delhi (550 km) and Chandigarh (310 km). Buses and taxis can be easily hailed from Kashmiri Gate, Majnu ka Tila, and RK Ashram in Delhi. A person can board a bus from Sector 43, Chandigarh.
By Air: Bhuntar is the nearest airport, which is 50 km from Manali. You have to make reservations on different dates since there are so many flights. It is very much recommended to book a cab in advance from the airport. The fare from Bhuntar to Manali is around Rs. 2500. Your hotel can also help you in booking a cab.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are Chandigarh (350 km) and Ambala (360 km). From there take chartered taxis or buses up to Manali or opt for Himalayan Bulls, a private 8-seater charter service between Chandigarh and Kullu.
Travel Guide
It is a very winding road to Manali hence very picturesque. In case you are prone to motion sickness you should carry along with you the necessary medications. It is also advisable that you hire an experienced driver who is well conversant with mountain roads.
Hampta Pass vs Hampta Pass Chandratal Lake
Hampta Pass makes sense of the difference between Hampta Pass Trek and Hampta Pass with Chandratal Lake Trek. Hampta Pass is one of the treks most trek enthusiasts want to do. Before planning to trek to Hampta Pass, it would be worth knowing what makes the Hampta Pass trek with Chandratal Lake different from the classic Hampta Pass trek. The Hampta Pass trek generally falls in May June through September-October and happens to be one of the most popular treks that trail through lush forests, meadows, and snowy mountains in some pretty stunning background. Hampta Pass with Chandratal Lake is a little longer but too enthralling, with the views surrounding it and the lake that it has.
It would be of great use if you knew the weather together with the temperature conditions at Hampta Pass. Weather conditions at Hampta Pass are quite erratic: one is bound to experience the high to be 15°C during the day and much lower than zero degrees at night, especially above higher altitudes. Provided that it is adequately prepared for such weather and temperature situations, you can easily trek through such places.
Hampta Pass located near Manali in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh is a trek route of two kinds. Both of these treks start from Manali but the classic distance of the Hampta Pass trek is about 35 km and the distance for the Hampta Pass with Chandratal Lake trek is covered over 48 km.
Both treks require a little acclimatization preparation since the altitude will run between 12,000 ft to 14,000 ft. The hikers will require carrying many glasses of water, sleep when the need arises, and not overstress for them to execute themselves at such high altitudes.
Lastly, it is up to you to choose between the two. This will be either trekking from Hampta Pass or Hampta Pass along with Chandratal Lake, as you will have decided on which one of them is of more use to you in terms of time, preference, and experience of trekking. Whichever route, get ready for the magical Himalayan experience because the weather of Hampta Pass and also the temperature goes a long way in deciding your experience of trekking.
Conclusion
This is one of the enthralling activities that Hampta Pass will treat you to towards having some of the most scintillating views in the Himalayas. Equally, the knowledge of the weather at Hampta Pass and temperature together with the tips and precautions provided above will guarantee a safe trekking tour. Whether you take the normal Hampta Pass trail or opt for more time as you hike for Chandratal Lake, this trek will certainly make some quite enduring memories and leave you deeply appreciating the beauty of the Himalayas.