Hamta Pass and Chandrataal 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Reporting at Rumsu base camp. Acclimatization walk. Orientation for the trek in the evening.

All the participants will report at Rumsu base camp by 8 AM and will undergo the registration process. Freshening up and breakfast will happen at the base camp. Post breakfast we will go for an acclimatization walk.

Lunch at 1 PM. Post lunch orientation. Orientation will cover all the general instructions that could be helpful for the trek like backpacking, marching technique and medical awareness. Post snacks we will have an ice breaking session.

Overnight stay at Rumsu base camp.

Day 2: Drive to Hamta dam and trek to Chikka | 9,514 feet | 2 hours.
After breakfast we will start the day’s trek with a beautiful drive to Hamta dam from Rumsu at 8 am. The trek to Chikka starts from Hamta Dam and is easy. It takes around 2-3 hours to complete it. There is a small forest patch followed by two wooden bridges before you reach the campsite. Chikka has big rock boulders and a beautiful waterfall and offers an amazing experience of riverside camping.

Overnight in tents at Chikka.

Day 3: Chikka to Balu ka Ghera | 11,900 feet | 5 hours.
After breakfast we will start the trek for Balu Ka Ghera. Trek duration is around 5 to 6 hours from Chikka to Balu ka Ghera, scaling to an altitude of 11,900 feet. The initial part of the trek goes through the right bank of Hamta river crossing a few rock boulders. There is a water stream that needs to be crossed on the way followed by a 3 hours trek to Balu Ka Gera.

Balu ka Ghera is a large plain ground on the bank of the river and camping at this spot is a dream in reality. One can spot Indrasan, the highest peak of Manali valley from here. Overnight camping at Balu Ka Ghera.

Day 4: Balu ka Ghera to Shia Ghoru | 14,009 feet | 8 hours.
Today’s trek starts early as we will try covering the maximum snow patch before sunrise. The trek route  from Balu Gehra towards Shia Ghoru is a moderate climb, scaling more than 14,000 feet. The trek duration is relatively long and starts by 5 am in the morning from Balu ka Gera. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach the top of the Hamta Pass. The aerial views of Spiti valley from Hamta Pass are quite breathtaking. We will then descend from Hamta top towards Shia Ghoru. The descent is steep and at times when snow is abundant one can slide down to reach Shia Ghoru. Overnight stay at Shia Goru.

Day 5: Shia Ghoru to Chandrataal to Chatru  | 12,450 feet | 3 hours trek and 6 hours Jeep ride.
After breakfast we will start the trek to Chatru which takes around 3 hours. From Chatru we will drive in vehicles to the majestic Chandrataal lake. The ride takes you to one of the most famous high altitude roads of India connecting Manali to Kaza. Chandrataal, with its clear water presenting one of the most sublime views of a beautiful lake amidst the arid mountains of Spiti valley.  Participants will get their deposited luggage at Chatru while they will return all the issued gear. Overnight stay at Chatru.

Day 6: Jeep Ride from Chatru to Manali bus stand | 6,550 feet | 6 hours Jeep ride.
After morning breakfast we will start the jeep ride to Manali via Atal Tunnel. We will be reaching by 1pm to Manali. While booking return bus tickets, book a volvo after 7 PM from Manali to keep some buffer time as there are chances of traffic while driving down towards Manali.