The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most captivating and beginner-friendly high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas. Nestled in the stunning state of Himachal Pradesh, this trek offers a mesmerizing transition from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the stark, arid landscape of Lahaul. With such dramatic terrain changes, the question of accommodation becomes an important part of planning your trek. Where will you stay during the Hampta Pass Trek? Will it be tents, lodges, or homestays? This article dives deep into the various accommodation options you can expect before, during, and after the trek.
Understanding the Trek Route
Before we delve into accommodation options, it’s important to understand the route of the Hampta Pass Trek. Typically, the trek starts from Jobra and proceeds to Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, Hampta Pass, and finally descends towards Chatru. If you’re also planning to visit Chandratal Lake, which is often added as a bonus trip post-trek, your itinerary will be slightly extended. Most trekking companies take around 4 to 5 days to complete this route, and the type of accommodation will depend on the stopover points during each leg of the journey.
Pre-Trek Accommodation in Manali
Most trekkers arrive at Manali, which is the main hub before the trek begins. Being a popular tourist destination, Manali offers a wide range of accommodation options suitable for all budgets.
1. Budget Hostels and Guesthouses
If you’re a backpacker or traveling on a tight budget, you’ll find plenty of hostels and basic guesthouses in Old Manali and Vashisht. These places usually offer dormitory beds, common kitchens, and a cozy, traveler-friendly vibe. Examples include Zostel, The Hosteller, and Backpacker Panda.
2. Mid-Range Hotels
For those seeking a bit more comfort, mid-range hotels offer private rooms with amenities like Wi-Fi, hot water, and in-house dining. These are ideal for families or groups who prefer a balance between cost and convenience.
3. Luxury Resorts and Cottages
Manali also boasts luxury accommodations such as boutique hotels and mountain cottages that offer excellent views, premium services, and gourmet meals. These are perfect for those who want to pamper themselves before or after a strenuous trek.
Camping During the Hampta Pass Trek
Once the trek begins, the accommodation shifts from brick-and-mortar buildings to tent accommodations, which are usually arranged by your trekking company. The Hampta Pass Trek does not have permanent guesthouses or lodges along the trail, unlike some other Himalayan routes. Here’s a breakdown of the camping experience on each day of the trek:
1. Jobra to Chika (Day 1)
After a short drive from Manali to Jobra, the trek begins with a gentle hike to Chika, the first campsite. Located beside a flowing river and surrounded by tall pine forests, Chika is an idyllic spot for your first night under the stars.
Accommodation: Dome tents provided by the trek organizers. These are usually twin-sharing and come with sleeping bags, ground mats, and occasionally a foam mattress for added comfort. A separate dining tent and toilet tents are also set up at the campsite.
2. Chika to Balu Ka Ghera (Day 2)
The next stop is Balu Ka Ghera, which literally means “bed of sand.” This campsite is situated on a flat patch of land beside the river, just below the Hampta Pass.
Accommodation: Similar tent setup as Chika. Since Balu Ka Ghera is at a higher altitude, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so be prepared with adequate clothing and insulation.
3. Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass to Siagoru (Day 3)
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as it involves crossing the actual Hampta Pass. Once you descend from the pass, you camp at Siagoru, located in the Lahaul region.
Accommodation: Tents again are the only option here, and the conditions can be harsh due to cold winds and the dry landscape. However, the surreal beauty of the terrain makes it all worthwhile.
4. Siagoru to Chatru (Day 4)
After descending to Chatru, you reach a more accessible area with some road connectivity.
Accommodation: Depending on the trekking company, you may either camp here or be taken to a temporary dhaba tent accommodation. These roadside eateries in Chatru sometimes offer sleeping arrangements, but they are extremely basic.
Post-Trek Accommodation: Chatru or Chandratal
Once the main trek is over, many trekkers head towards Chandratal Lake, one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in the region. This optional trip extends your journey by a day and changes your accommodation options slightly.
1. Camping at Chandratal
Chandratal doesn’t have permanent structures for stay, so camping is the only option. The camps are set up at a designated camping ground a few kilometers away from the lake to protect its ecosystem.
Accommodation: These camps tend to be more luxurious compared to those on the trek route. They may offer larger tents with beds, attached bathrooms, and even small dining areas. However, weather conditions are unpredictable, and nights can be extremely cold.
2. Stay at Chatru
If you decide not to visit Chandratal, you may stay in Chatru for the night and return to Manali the next day. As mentioned earlier, accommodations here are basic—either tents or makeshift rooms inside dhabas.
Food and Dining Arrangements
While not exactly a form of accommodation, the availability and type of food can greatly impact your stay experience during the trek. Most trekking companies provide all meals once the trek starts. This includes breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner.
Meals are usually prepared fresh at each campsite and are vegetarian. A typical menu might include:
- Breakfast: Porridge, bread with jam/butter, parathas, and tea
- Lunch: Packed or cooked meals like pulao, chapatis with sabzi
- Evening Snacks: Soup or tea with biscuits
- Dinner: Dal, rice, vegetables, and sometimes dessert
All cooking is done by the trek staff, and hygiene is generally maintained to good standards.
Safety and Sanitation
Sanitation facilities during the Hampta Pass Trek are basic but functional. Toilet tents are set up at each campsite. These are dry pit toilets and require you to carry your own toilet paper and sanitizers.
In terms of safety, tents are usually pitched in safe zones away from potential landslides or water overflow. Guides and support staff are trained in basic first aid and often carry oxygen cylinders for emergencies. While accommodation isn’t luxurious, it is safe, reliable, and perfectly in tune with the natural setting.
What to Pack for the Best Stay Experience
To ensure your camping experience is as comfortable as possible, here are some essential items to pack:
- Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds warmth and keeps your sleeping bag clean.
- Thermal Wear: Especially useful for cold nights at Balu Ka Ghera and Siagoru.
- Headlamp or Torch: Campsites can be pitch dark at night.
- Personal Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, wet wipes, toilet paper.
- Power Bank: There’s no electricity at the campsites.
- Earplugs: For light sleepers; mountain winds can be noisy.
Conclusion
The Hampta Pass Trek may not offer five-star hotels or cozy wooden lodges, but the accommodation provided during the journey is more than sufficient for the adventurous soul. Tents nestled amidst pine forests, campsites under starlit skies, and a sense of community among trekkers create an experience that no luxury hotel can replicate. Whether you’re sleeping next to a gurgling stream in Chika or gazing at the vastness of the Lahaul desert in Siagoru, the accommodations are designed to blend with nature rather than fight it. So pack your gear, embrace the raw beauty of the Himalayas, and prepare for an unforgettable trekking adventure!
