‘A trek a year’ has been my life’s philosophy ever since I
did the legendary Roopkund trek in 2015. And so, in order to continue with the
tradition and not get bogged down by the last minute cancellation of the KGL trek, the research process started all over again.
Hampta Pass is where it finally ended..I had heard a lot
about the trek and frankly speaking, doing this well known Himanchali trek was
always on the cards..And boy..did I make a great decision..The trek surely
lived up to the expectations and provided some everlasting magical moments..
Now when I sit back and relish my Hampta Pass memoirs, here
are the five reasons that, I think, made this trek a truly unforgettable one:
1- A stunning cross-over trek
What you are left with is a visual extravaganza and
different shades of beauty. In fact, the trek gives you a ‘2-in-1’ kind of a
feel where you experience two drastically different settings within a span of
2-3 days..Its when you come in the vicinity of the 14000 ft Hampta Pass on the
third morning, that the landscape changes from green to a mixture of grey and
brown. And when you cross the pass, the jaw dropping Spiti Valley welcomes you
with open arms!!
2- Spell bounding Campsites
Shiagoru is probably the most beautiful campsite I have ever
encountered. A picture postcard setting, it is a huge meadow surrounded by
towering peaks, and a gushing river stream bisecting the meadow into two.
3- The awe-inspiring Chandratal Lake
Chandratal was not just a destination..it was an experience
of a lifetime. It was a gruelling 2.5 hrs drive into the heart of the mercurial
Spiti Valley, but just a glimpse of the serene turquoise waters of pristine
lake made me lay off all the hardships, and surrender myself to its cascading
spell. As I sat there on the shores of the lake, I could hear tranquility
speak. The kiss of the wind, and the ripples of the lake provided a kind of
companionship, the mortals seldom do!!
4- A fast paced Himalayan Odyssey
You start by cutting across the maple and cedar forest into
the vast open meadows sprinkled with multi colored wild flowers, only for them
to gradually disappear and make way to the barren valleys of the Spiti region.
Add to that, the thrill of crossing a high altitude pass at approx 14,500
ft..you realize you cant ask for anything more in such a short span..
5- Proximity to Manali
The proximity to Manali really widens your options to
explore the region further. After the trek’s completion, you have the option to
cover the nearby excursions like the Parvati Valley, or venture out to Leh if
the time permits. Or if you just wish to laze off and soothen up your tiring
body and soul, just take a chill pill and get lost into the lanes of Old
Manali.
Grab a beer pint, get into the groove of the live jazz in
the numerous pubs, and let the magical Manali evenings sway you away with its
ethereal charm and elegance..
Guest Post by: Rohit Singh
