Shea Goru via Hampta Pass with a stunning view of Mt Indrasan | Day 4

Trek to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass is a few hours of gradual ascent. The trail after becomes a steep downhill after the pass. You get to see some amazing landscapes when you are at the pass from the most beautiful valleys, to the mountain peaks and glaciers. This day of the trek is the most challenging. It can be tricky at some places and is dangerous as well.

Check previous day: Balu Ka Ghera – Hampta Pass Trek – Day 3

To the right bottom is the Shea Goru Campsite, to the center, is the Hampta Pass. Photo: Ravindra Joisa
To the right bottom is the Shea Goru Campsite, to the center, is the Hampta Pass. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

The ascent to Hampta Pass

Day 4 of the Hampta Pass trek in the Himalayas, is an ideal trek for beginners who are completely new to high altitude Himalayan treks. The trail isn’t super easy but not too complex either. But with zero practice, this slope can prove challenging. The trail from Shea Goru via Hampta Pass can be broken into two stages. The climb to Hampta Pass is moderately steep with few flat walks on snow patches, followed by a steep descent to Shea Goru. You will want to take a small break at the top of the pass, have lunch there and then start the descent.

On the way near Hampta Pass to the right. Photo: Ravindra Joisa
On the way near Hampta Pass to the right. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

The Rock Fall area

You begin your day by heading towards the mountains from Balu Ka Ghera which is the day 3 campsite of Hampta Pass trek, check out the link above. You may get to see lots of tiny pink and yellow flowers growing by the side of the river. Move along the river for an hour after which you will be above it. In a rock fall-prone area to the left, the climb picks up. Be careful at the top of the pass as this is a rockfall area. Also, on the way to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass you might see some interesting patterns in the stones of the prehistoric lava flow.

The final ascent near Hampta Pass, crossing the snow patch full of rock and boulders.
The final ascent near Hampta Pass, crossing the snow patch full of rock and boulders. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

The Danger Zone and the Pass

Keep climbing up and you reach the Hampta Pass which is at 14,000 feet. Do not underestimate the altitude of Hampta Pass as there were incidents of death recently. High altitude sickness, rockfall at the pass, and narrow trail while descending can be notoriously dangerous at Hampta Pass. Two hours of a steep descent from the pass, followed by sliding on a snow patch and finally easing off into a flat walk till Shea Goru campsite.

When you are at the pass, you get to see some of the amazing valleys. Behind is the journey that you covered all these days from Jobra campsite, full of greenery. Moreover, to the left is the dry valley of Lahul Spiti. To the right is the Indrasan peak which stands tall at 6221 meters.

After crossing Hampta Pass, Peak at the center is Mount Indrasan. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

First glimpse of Shea Goru campsite

Just after crossing the pass, the view of Shea Goru, Lahul Valley, and mount Indrasan is breathtaking. The descent is slightly trickier than the ascent. You can see the Lahaul valley side of the pass below and to the left. Once you reach down the valley take a left. To the right is the Indrasan peak. By the way, you are now in the Lahul valley and expect dry weather. Because we are still in the mountains, Shea Goru’s weather cannot be predicted.

The glacier near Shea Goru

This area near Shea Goru towards Mount Indrasan appears to be a glacier once. You get to see from above the valley just after crossing Hampta Pass. The glacier is hard to make out as it is covered with stones and huge boulders. But if you zoom your camera lens, then you can see huge crevices in glaciers. This is when you will realize that it is not the rock, but a glacier covered with dust.

On the other side of the river, Shea Goru campsite. Photo: Ravindra Joisa
On the other side of the river, Shea Goru campsite. Photo: Ravindra Joisa

Finally, we made it to Shea Goru. Shea Goru is an almost level walk from here next to the stream formed by the melting of glaciers ice. It should be an easy walk some may find it tiring after the long day traversing the pass.

Also read: Absolute mandatory Hiking Accessories to carry

Is Hampta pass a difficult trek?

The Hampta Pass trek is simple to moderate in difficulty. Including the difficulty of the Chandratal Lake hike. Making this hike, which is ideal for beginners. The Hampta pass hike lasts 5 days and 4 nights. Is Hampta worth a pass? – Hamta Pass is a beautiful pass in Himachal Pradesh. It is a worth visiting site in the Himalayas of India if you want to be away from the city crowd and experience true bliss. Shea Goru is one of the campsites in the Hampta pass hiking trail. We have Shea Goru on one side and Balu Ka Ghera on the other side. You cannot camp at the Hampta pass.

Firstly, choose a nice campsite close to the river and retire happily for the day after crossing the Hampta Pass. Secondly, spend less time inside the tent, and explore the campsite. Also, a climb to the nearby cliff to get a better view of the Indrasan peak. If you are a photographer like me, then you may want to go late in the evening or early morning for a better golden hour view of the peak.

Checkout next day: Chatru Campsite | Hampta Pass Trek | Lahaul | Day 5

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