Hamta
Pass is not only famous for its scenic beauty but also for the treks which
start from Manali. For adventure lovers, Hamta Pass is a perfect
destination to discover and explore nature. And one of the best and short treks
in Manali. Manali to Hamta Pass is single day trek but if you want to cover
Spiti region and Chandra Taal Lake than at least 4-5 days are required. Hamta
Pass is at 14380 feet and on the way, there is a beautiful forest of the maple tree
and Himalayan Birch tree or Bhojpatra tree in Hindi. The bark of Bhojpatra tree in
ancient times used for writing scripture and texts.
Earlier there was no road connectivity for
Hamta Pass, but after the construction of A. D. Hydro Project is easily
approachable by road. Distance from Manali to Hamta Pass is around 20 kms. The road is up to a place called Jobra from where the water of the river is channeled for Hydro
Project. On the way, there is a small beautiful village called Sethan where some tea stalls are also available. Nearest places for accommodation are Hotels in
Manali but you can also get Home Stay option in Sethan Village.
“According to local
residents and some books of Himachal Tourism, legend associated with Hamta Pass
is that the soul of people travels to heaven or hell on this route. Mount Indrasan is said to be the gateway to the other World. Many people say that
they hear happy and sad voices here. Happy voices and trumpets signify that a
person is going to heaven whereas the crying sounds signify that the person on
the way to hell. Another legend is that Pandavas had sown rice here during
exile. That place is called Pandu Ropa and till now you can find these fields
there”.
Moving further from Jobra next place is called
Balu Ka Gera whose one side is high rock mountain and other side is beautiful
meadows and between them a water stream flowing between the mountain and
meadows. Balu Ka Gera is the best place for camping and spending the night here. You
can also see lots of shepherds and their flock nearby Hamta Pass and during
winter season they move down the hill as the road is closed due to heavy snowfall.
The slopes of the meadows are perfect for skiing and when the road is closed
adventure activities lover come here by helicopter and enjoy heli-skiing too.
After crossing the Hamta Pass, the Spiti region
begins and geographical conditions and atmosphere are totally different. Below
are some images of Hamta Pass during various seasons.
