Meghavi's Journey of Self-Discovery: Hampta Pass Trek Review with Thrillophilia
‘I arrived into the heart of the Pir Panjal, where the wild winds play,
Hampta Pass whispers secrets of the night and day.
With each step I take, my spirit learns to soar, a journey of the soul, forever craving more.’
Such were the words of Meghavi, while she sat with her friends, talking about the trip she just returned from. Although her body was still recovering from the exhaustion of her first-ever trek, her heart felt lighter than ever.
Meghavi has forever been a mountain-girl, but she had always dreamt of exploring the corners of the Himalayas on foot. So, after a lot of research and months of procrastination, she signed up for her first trek with Thrillophilia to Hampta Pass, without knowing it would be more than just a journey through rugged trails and majestic landscapes. It rather unfolded into a journey of lasting friendships, newfound strength, and memories that will never fade.
The Beginnings
As Meghavi packed her backpack and laced up her trekking shoes, she felt a quick rush of nervousness and excitement. She had never been on a trek before, but surely knew how beautiful the Himalayas were.
Their journey started in Manali, where she and her group met the experienced and friendly crew from Thrillophilia.
A short drive took them to Jobra, the starting point of their trek. The trek to Chika, located at an altitude of 10,100 feet, was a gentle introduction to the world of trekking. The trail was scenic, lined by towering deodar trees, and the calming sound of the Rani Nallah stream flowing nearby.
Though the initial hike was manageable, Meghavi felt the physical strain of walking uphill. However, the support of the crew and the company of fellow trekkers eased her apprehensions. She met people from different walks of life- software engineers, teachers, freelancers- all bound by the same sense of adventure.
As they reached Chika, a beautiful campsite with the river gurgling beside them, Meghavi knew she was in for something special.
The Ascent
Their next morning began with warm tea and breakfast as the group prepared for a five-hour trek to Balu Ka Ghera, a beautiful campsite at 11,900 feet. The trail was moderately challenging, winding through grassy meadows, rocky paths, and icy streams.
With each step, she connected more with nature, surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar ranges. The scenery shifted from lush greenery to rugged terrain, revealing the wilderness's beauty.
During the trek, three of the trekkers faced altitude-related health issues. The crew quickly offered them support, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated and adjusted their pace. This was something which truly impressed Meghavi and she couldn’t help but appreciate them for their care and professionalism.
As they reached Balu Ka Ghera, tired but happy, a sense of achievement filled the air. That evening, Meghavi sat by the stream, watching the sunset transform the mountains into shades of pink and orange, feeling a deep sense of peace.
The Ultimate Challenge
Day three was the big day!
Meghavi’s group would ascend to the highest point of the trek- Hampta Pass at 14,100 feet. The long, challenging trail tested their physical endurance and mental grit.
But Meghavi pushed forward, step by step, her eyes on the path ahead. The encouragement from the crew and her fellow trekkers kept her going. There were moments when she thought she couldn’t take another step, but the sight of the snow-capped peaks and the words of the group made it all worthwhile.
On the very summit, Meghavi stood tall as she watched the taller peaks surrounding all around!
'This is exactly like the one I dreamt of, on a night when my heart was just counting days for this trip!’, she breathed heavily!
The sweeping views of the barren Spiti Valley on one side and the lush Kullu Valley on the other took her breath away. It felt surreal, standing at the top of the world, surrounded by nothing but RAW, untamed beauty.
"At that moment, I realized the mountains don't care about your limitations; they only care about your persistence." Meghavi murmurs.
After spending some time at the pass, the group began their descent to Siagoru, their campsite for the night. The descent was easier, and the sight of their tents far away in the valley was a relief after an eight-hour trek.
The Beauty of Spiti
While Meghavi and her group trekked from Siagoru to Chatru, they felt a sense of relief as the trail was much easier compared to the previous days. They easily jumped over the boulders and walked through the rocky path.
Meghavi could now notice the contrast of the landscapes of Spiti and Kully Valley. Unlike the lush greenery of Kullu, this barren terrain had its own kind of beauty- raw and wild. It reminded her that beauty isn't always green; sometimes, it lies in the stark, still desolation of places like this.
Chatru marked the end of the trekking trail, but the adventure wasn’t over yet. The group drove to the enchanting ChandraTal Lake, a crescent-shaped lake at 14,100 feet. The drive was bumpy, navigating through the rough roads of Spiti, but the sight of the alpine blue lake surrounded by barren mountains made it all worth it.
‘At Chandratal, every ripple tells a story, every breeze carries a wish’.
That’s true.
Sitting by the lake, Meghavi felt a deep sense of peace and silence wash over her. The reflection of the mountains on the still waters of the lake was mesmerizing.
A Lookback
On the final day, the group made their way back to Manali via the famous Rohtang Pass. They even stopped at the Atal Tunnel to click some pictures with the engineering marvel. As they descended back into civilization, Meghavi couldn’t help but look back at the last few days.
She had started the trek as a novice, unsure of what to expect. But with each step, she discovered a new facet of herself; for she didn’t know she was this strong.
"The mountains may seem like an escape, but they often bring you back to yourself."
As Meghavi said her goodbyes and boarded the bus back to her daily life, she knew one thing for sure- this was just the beginning of her love affair with trekking. Hampta Pass had ignited a spark, one that would take her to many more summits in the future!
Read more: Thrillophilia Himalayan Trek Reviews