Just another trek post

My first blog post was a travelogue – I started writing blogs because there was so little information on the web on these places where I visited. This post is a throwback to those posts.

Anyone who knows me, knows how I love the mountains. And how I like a little physical outdoor activity like trekking. Since our marriage, I have taken Smita to two treks – the first one resulted in us returning in two days from the hills of Dzongri / Goecha la. The second, to Sandakphu and was a grand success. Since then, due to our daughter being very young, we have not planned treks at all, although it was always my wish to do a proper trek alone, since Smita doesn’t really enjoy them. After planning and pondering for over two years, finally booked a trek to Hampta pass, a popular trek near Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The trek takes one from the green Kullu valley to the dry Spiti valley.

Took a flight to Delhi on 15^th June and an overnight bus to Manali the same day. Checked in to a backpacker’s hostel (my first time) in Old Manali and roamed around the city a bit. The next morning, started the trek from Prini, a village nearby where we met our fellow trekkers. The first part of the journey was a ride to Jobra from Prini, negotiating 40 odd hairpin bends on the road. From Jobra, the trek to Chikha campsite was an easy one, and covered in about three hours with at least 6 – 7 breaks! The Chikha campsite was in a valley, right next to the Jobri river. The evening was spent roaming around the campsite, crossing over the river for a stroll, and generally getting to know our fellow trekkers better.

Next day was slightly longer with the hike taking us about 6-7 hours. The highlight of the day was crossing of the river near Jwara just before lunch, and the pretty site where we had our packed lunch. The campsite at Balu ka Ghera was once again in a valley and next to the river. The evening was a blast thanks to all the singing and games we played before an early dinner.

Next day we started early as there was a long way to Hampta Pass and cross over to Spiti valley onward to the next camp site at Shea Goru. The trek was slightly tougher than the other days, with a lot of boulders to negotiate. There were few patches of snow which we had to cross too. The final approach up to Hampta Pass was also covered with snow and it slowed the entire group down. Once we reached Hampta Pass, it started to rain with ice crystals. We had our lunch of Veg Biryani in the rain and started the steep descent towards Shea Goru. The first segment was slippery with a lot of mud and slush, and then there was a section where a steep slope full of snow was traversed with sliding on the snow. The last section was a gradual slope down the hill and on to the valley where the camp was set.

Hampta Pass

The next day started with crossing of the river – and this was some cold water. The fingers instantly went numb, and even after several minutes, could not feel the feet. The walk thereafter was through gradual slopes and ridges, and with the sun shining bright, was an easy walk, especially compared to the previous day. We reached the campsite at Chhatru, and soon took the waiting cars for a drive to Chandrataal, a high altitude lake about 50 km away.

Chandrataal

Next day, the same cars took us back to Manali via Rohtang Pass. Enjoyed Manali through the day and just roamed about leisurely. The old trees in this city simply makes a great sight and makes one realize how mountains are meant to be. Wrapped the trip by meeting few friends in Delhi, which is always a joy for me.

His Majesty, @Chhatru

Manali (2000m) - Jobra (2707m) - Chikha (3000m) - Balu - Ka - Gheera (3600m) - Hampta Pass (4270m) - Shea Gahru (3700m) - Chatru (3300m) - Chandratal (4250m) - Chatru (3300m) - Manali (2000m)

Hidimba Mandir, Manali