Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Hamta Circle Trek
Often mistaken for the slightly more challenging the Hampta Circle trek is a short yet equally beautiful trek that traces a more unexplored trail. You get stunning views of the lofty Bara Bhangal, Dhauladhar, and Pir Panjal Ranges even without the difficult climb to Hampta Pass. Placed in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, the trek plunges into the beautiful forests of pine, oak and deodar, lush meadows and through some of the most beautiful mountain villages. The trail begins from Jagatsukh and ends at Prini village. This 4 days trek is enjoyed best when done during the months of May and June when a blanket of pristine snow shrouds the trails. If you're unable to spare the required days for the Hampta Pass trek, or just wish to dip your toes into Himalayan trekking, you should seriously consider the Hampta Circle trek.
Day 1 : Drive from Manali to Jagatsukh; Trek to Baggi
Drive to Jagatsukh from Manali in the morning. The village is known for its beautiful apple orchards. We start trekking post breakfast. The trek takes us through Bhanara village within a half-hour, and this ascent includes a great number of steps to climb. A canopy of apple trees can line our trail now, and we continue past the village and into a lovely pine forest through yet another bunch of stairs. Takshak Nag Mandir is a beautiful Shiva Temple that falls en route our trek today. We resume trekking after a short halt here. The trail soon opens up into a beautiful clearing which is our campsite for the night.
Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 2.5 hours
Altitude : 7,857 m
Distance : 3 km
Day 2 : Trek from Baggi to Saraha Baggi
Day two of the trek is relatively moderate but equally thrilling. We continue further into the heart of the forest until the tree line is left behind and a sweeping meadow pops up. A few minutes into the trail and the majestic Hanuman Tibba rises to greet you. We also come across some temporary Gujjar huts, from where the path climbs uphill to Saraha Baggi. Behold the wonder of the city unfolding before your eyes in entirety, while distant Himalayan peaks watch over you. Explore around the site to your heart’s content. This is our campsite for the night.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 3 hours
Altitude : 10,170 ft.
Day 3 : Trek from Saraha Baggi to Sarotu
We leave behind one beautiful campsite and make for another. The trail unfurls over a lush green path, crisscrossed by a variety of bright yellow flowers. After an hour, we reach a gushing waterfall, from where the trail climbs into a dense forest. The trail near the waterfall must be traversed with caution, as it is narrow and likely to be slippery and muddy. The trail maybe, depending on the season, laden with crisp chestnuts or a fine carpet of snow. And if you though Saraha Baggi was beautiful, today’s campsite will leave you stunned! The trail soon leads to Sarotu, the most beautiful campsite of our trek. Guarded by massive Himalayan neighbors, you can see numerous shepherds with their flock nearby. The beauty of this campsite is overwhelming. Camp at Sarotu for the night.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tents
Altitude : 10,370 ft.
Distance : 4.5 km.
Day 4 : Trek from Sarotu to Jobra; Drive to Manali
Despite being the shortest day of the trek, the descent may exhaust your knees. Maintain a steady pace while descending, making sure you don’t put a lot of pressure on your knees. Trek past Sarotu hills, and cross a gurgling stream to arrive at the Jobra Dam, from where the Hampta Pass trek begins. This officially marks the end of your trek. Freshen up and rest a little at Jobra, then drive back to Manali.
Meals : Breakfast Only
Accommodation : Not Included
Distance : 4 km