Indian Himalaya Trek

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Welcome to incredible India! Upon our arrival at the airport in Delhi, our representative will greet and escort us to the hotel. After checking into our hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the local area or relaxing in the hotel. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand to assist. Tonight, we have the option of enjoying a special 'Namaste' welcome dinner in one of New Delhi's many fine Indian restaurants. This is dependent on flight arrival times. There is also the option of enjoying the welcome dinner in Manali the following night. Overnight: Hotel, New Delhi

Day 2

Dehli - Chandigarh - Manali (2050m)

Fly to Chandigarh in the early morning and drive to Manali from the airport. This scenic drive follows the Beas River and passes through one of the most beautiful gorges that Himachal Pradesh has to offer. Sit back and admire the stunning views as we travel in comfort through what is known as the 'Valley of the Gods' There is the option of enjoying the welcome dinner tonight if time did not permit in Delhi. Overnight: Hotel, Manali

Day 3

Manali (2050m)

We will spend the morning sightseeing in Manali, including a visit to the hot water springs in Vashist (walking tour) to soothe our muscles before we start the trek. We will then explore the exotic charm of old Manali and visit the Manu Hadimba Temple. In the afternoon we will meet our trekking guide for a pre-trek briefing. The rest of the day is at our leisure to explore this picturesque town or to take a well-deserved rest. Manali also has a range of restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Overnight: Hotel, Manali

Day 4

MANALI – JAGAT SUKH – TILGAN THACH (2650m)

We will start our first day of trekking with a short drive to the village of Jagatsukh. This is where we will meet our team and start the trek. Our first rest break is near an old wooden temple situated in a forest – a quaint setting. Today is mostly uphill and the trail passes through a typical Himalayan landscape of small villages, pastures, and alpine forests. After crossing the tree line, we will set up camp in an open meadow with beautiful views down the valley. Overnight: Camping, Tilgan Thach Driving time: 40mins -- Trekking time: 5hrs.

Day 5

DAY 5: TILGAN THACH – SAROTU (3300m)

Trekking time: 7hrs. Our trek today gradually ascends through high-altitude open meadows providing great views of mountain ranges and peaks. Along the way, we hope to meet the Gaddi, who are local nomadic herders, and their flocks of sheep and goats. There is a small river to cross around midday then we pause for lunch to enjoy these beautiful green meadows. The trek continues to Sarotu, a natural grazing area used by the Gaddi, where we camp for the night. Overnight: Camping, Sarotu

Day 6

SAROTU THACH – MARHI (3350m)

Trekking time: 5hrs. Today we start our day by trekking downhill to the base of the valley. We ford a stream of icy cold water to the other side of the valley. We continue walking up the Jobri valley, famous for its summer flowers, before breaking for lunch. After lunch, we ascend to our beautiful camp at Marhi which has a magnificent view of the famous peak of Deo Tibba. Overnight: Camping, Marhi

Day 7

MARHI – PIYANGNIRU (3600m)

Trekking time: 3hrs. Today is a short day with spectacular views of the high-altitude peaks of the Pir Panjal Range. We reach our camp under the shadow of Deo Tibba Peak around lunchtime. After lunch and setting up camp, we have the options of further exploration of a nearby glacier with close views of the Himalayan peaks or having a restful afternoon lazing around camp. Overnight: Camping, Piyangniru

Day 8

PIYANGNIRU – CHHIKA (3300m)

Trekking time: 6hrs. Today is an early start as we continue through the valley floor alongside the Jobri River, which originates from the Deo Tibba Glacier. As the view of Deo Tiba disappears, we continue and cross the stream several times. Some of the crossing points have small wooden bridges but others will require us to wade through the water. After these crossings enter the Hampta Valley area. After lunch, we continue uphill towards the Chhika camp in Hampta Valley. Overnight: Camping, Chhika

Day 9

CHHIKA – JWARA – BALU KA GHERA (3650m)

Trekking time: 5hrs. This morning starts with walking through rough terrain including large boulders. As we continue, we reach a waterfall and after crossing beneath it, the route continues towards the left of the river. As we walk, notice on the opposite side of the river that the entire stretch is lined with amazing dwarf rhododendron trees. These trees cover the lower and the central region and a cluster of silver birch trees cover the upper region. It is a lovely scene to witness. We stop for lunch at the entrance to Jwara Valley. Jwara is a beautifully scenic, sheltered valley; with huge snow-clad rocks at one side and the valley drops down to the river on the other side. From here, the trail winds beside the river which leads to another valley. After Jwara, the path follows a slope covered with snow and rocks. The terrain flattens out as we progress towards Balu Ka Ghera and the path is made up of rocks and boulders. The rocky terrain lessens as we progress towards Balu Ka Ghera. Our campsite is on flat ground surrounded by mountains. Overnight: Camping, Balu Ka Ghera

Day 10

BALU KA GHERA – CROSS HAMPTA PASS (4270m) – SHEA GORU (3200m)

Trekking time: 6hrs. Today’s trek is two stages - the climb to Hampta Pass which is moderately steep, and later followed by a steep descent to Shea Goru. We begin our day by heading towards the mountains from Balu Ka Ghera. After an hour of a gentle gradient in a rocky area, the ascent steepens. Half an hour into the climb, we reach the first plateau. From here we get to see Deo Tibba peak. From the top of the ridge, we will see another parallel ridge, which is our next objective. Hampta Pass is a bend away from the top of the second ridge. We expect to reach the pass around midday, have lunch then start the descent. The descent is a zig-zag route hugging the right side of the mountain. In an hour and a half, we will be at the base of the valley where tall snow-clad mountains surround us from three sides and the open side leads us to Shea Goru. Shea Goru means ‘very cold place’ because it is adjacent to the glacier. During summer it is a grazing pasture for the flocks of the Gaddi shepherds. Overnight: Camping, Shea Goru

Day 11

SHEA GORU – CHHATRU (3330m) – MANALI via ATAL TUNNEL

Trekking time: 3hrs -- Driving time: 3hrs Our last day of the trek takes approximately 4 hours of easy downhill trekking. Shea Goru is 3930 metres and Chhatru at 3330 metres. The trail is by the side of the river valley between mountain ranges. Chhatru can be seen from a distance, but we still need to cross two small glaciers to reach there. No vegetation can be seen in the barren mountains. Care is needed as the trail is narrow, along a ridge and can be slippery in parts. Getting down the mountains will take another two hours. We will see the Chandra River flowing below and a road that follows alongside. Chhatru is where we are picked up by prearranged vehicles and driven to Manali. Overnight: Hotel, Manali

Day 12

MANALI – CHANDIGARH – DELHI

Driving time: 6hrs -- Flying time: 1hr 40mins. After breakfast, drive to Chandigarh airport for our flight back to Delhi. Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 13

DEPART DELHI

Tour concludes after breakfast. We will transfer to the airport for our onward international or domestic flight.

Pricing

From $4,950 per person, twin share
Single Supplement: $860

Tour Inclusions

Fully accompanied by a representative of Back Track Adventures
Met by a Back Track Adventures representative at the airport in Delhi*
Arrival & departure transfers* – Delhi airport/tour hotel
* included for arrival/departure up to 2 days pre-/post-tour
Local English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour (Delhi to Delhi)
7 nights twin share tented accommodation while trekking, all meals, guides, and porters for the duration of the 8-day trek
5 nights’ accommodation in hotels with complimentary breakfast
Return domestic flights – Delhi to Chandigarh
Transfers to and from regional airports
Transfers from Chandigarh to Manali and Manali to Chandigarh
All transfers and sightseeing by private A/C vehicles
Welcome and farewell dinners
Tips for trek crew
Tips for hotel staff and drivers

Trek Inclusions

Experienced professional mountain guide, cook, baggage mules, camping in 2-person or 4-person tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping bag, liner, mattress, and chairs
All meals: Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Italian cuisines are served plus hot drinks and boiled water. There is an emphasis on variety, hygienic preparation, and nutrition
Transportation: to the starting point at Jagat Sukh village and pick up from the finishing point at Chhatru to Manali
Basic medical kit & oxygen cylinder
Camping charges
Insurance of Trekking staff and trekking tour guide
Forest department fee

Exclusions

International airfare
Indian visa
Meals outside of stated meal inclusions
Any costs incurred due to weather-caused delays or disruptions, adverse trail conditions, client’s ill health, flight delays or cancellations or events beyond Back Track’s control
Any costs incurred due to client’s emergency rescue, evacuation, hospitalization, etc.
Any other expense not mentioned in the ‘cost includes’ column
Any costs incurred due to early cessation of the trek (due to any reason) outside the scheduled itinerary
Donations
Personal medical kit
Bottled water and other beverages not included with meals

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Hampta Pass Circuit

1st – 13th September 2024

Challenging trek requiring endurance fitness and a positive attitude