Hampta Pass Trek, Manali

Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.It acts as the connecting link between Kullu Valley and Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Being an ancient trade route, it was well maintained by the natives. The generic name of the pass suggests that either the pass was the oldest and the most used pass. With the increase of visitors every year, the fragile mountain ecology will be in threat, environmentalists worry.But the exciting beauty of the mountain terrains seen from the top of the pass is indescribable and flamboyant. The Indian Government started building a tunnel which is 8.5 km long to bypass Rohtang pass in order to reduce the travel time and distance to Keylong, Lahaul and Spiti and Leh. The tunnel promises to reduce the distance by 50 km and the time by five hours between the south and north faces of Rohtang pass. Currently, the time taken to ascend and descend the pass itself is 5-6 hours.Height: Rohtang Pass is located at an altitude of 3978 meters above the sea level in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.Location: The pass is located about 51 kms away from Manali and you can reach the pass if you take Leh- Manali Highway.Best time to visit: The pass will be open from the months of May to October as the snow starts melting and the paths will be cleared.

Apart from Khardung La or Baralacha La, Ladakh has numerous other passes at great heights which stand as Ladakh’s pride for centuries now. The glitters of other passes may be diminished by Khardung La mainly but all the other passes are equally important. Lachulung La is a single example. The elevation of this pass is 5059 meters above sea level which is considered to be a dangerously exciting height for any pass after Khardung La. Lachulung La is on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Also, it separates the valleys of Tsarap Chu and Tozay. If you take Leh-Manali highway, you will be able to cross this pass that has other names such as Lachalung La, Lungalacha La etc. A fact that to be remembered before you head to visit this pass is, it is open only for four and a half months during summer. Any traveler should be prepared not to fall sick during the conquering of Lachulung La because its geographic status, the height, the rugged pathways and the remote villages it goes through may cause dramatic influence on your body. Being one of the most adventurous passes in Ladakh, Lachulung is a favorite stop avid adventure lovers. Also, the surroundings are quite fictional as the towering Himalayan passes and the nature lying in correspondence to them are creating soothing visuals. Trekkers should be very careful while climbing the altitude up as altitude sickness is assured at the top and keep hydrated to maintain your body conditions with respect to the climate. But the descent is smooth and easy so that you will feel overjoyed till the end.Height: 5059 metersBest time to visit: May to OctoberHow to reach: Take Leh-Manali highway, from Sarchu 54 KM and from Pang, 24 Km

As important as the other major passes in Jammu and Kashmir, Nakee La situated at an elevation of 4769 meters above the sea level is a potent competition to Khardung La and similar ones in terms of adventure. On the Leh-Manali Highway, from Manali to Taglang La is Nakee La and it is the third pass among the five passes that to be crossed during the travel from Manali to Leh. The previous travelers shared the experience of driving down the pass was quite dramatic; the expert drivers also find it challenging to steer past the uneven, rugged and off-road paths. But the traversing time would be filled with excitement and thrill if you really love adventure at its level best.The frequent sections of ice are another impediment during the journey as well as an avalanche, heavy snowfalls etc can be expected anytime making the process of crossing the pass difficult. The climate is very dry over here and the harsh cold conditions make the pass a challenge to overcome for many. 21 Gata loops is a repeatedly heard word during the tour of Leh and the ascent to Nakee La is known in the special name. One have to overcome the 23 km ascent that starts from 4250 meters to 4980 meters conquering the 21 tricky hairpin bends. There is also a rumor you can hear about the pass is that the pass is haunted by a ghost of a tourist who was buried here.Height: Nakee La is located at an elevation of 4769 meters above the sea level.Location: Nakee La is located on the famous Leh-Manali National Highway. While you travel from Manali to Leh, you would come across Nakee La.Best time to go: The summer is the best time to visit Nakee La since during winter there would be heavy snowfall and landslide.

While Himachal Pradesh is home to a dozen different monasteries, this spectacular place is not just the biggest, but also the oldest one around. A must visit tourist place in Spiti Valley, the Key Gompa is encircled by picturesque mountains and soothing valleys. A wonderful example of monastic architecture and decorated with beautiful paintings, murals, manuscripts, and wind instruments – the Kye attracts history and cultural buffs round the year. If you are seeking spiritual enlightenment, the monastery is home to a large number of nuns, monks, and lamas who receive their religious education here. If you plan to visit during June-July, you’ll also get to witness the beautiful festival involving Chaam dancers, lamas and a devil made out of butter!Location: Spiti Valley, Lahul.Best time to visit: May to October.

Established in the year 1984, this is one of the biggest national parks located very close to Kullu. It is considered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers a total area of 1171 square kilometers. You can go for all kinds of trekking experience here. The mountain trails offer all types of difficulties for amateur, average and experienced trekkers and it is one of the best Kullu tourist places.The trekking experience will leave you awestruck. This park is considered as one of the most idyllic tourism places in Kullu to visit and enjoy a trek. There are a lot of things that can be enjoyed in this Great Himalayan Park. Food is prepared using firewood in the campsite by the authorities and provided to the campers. You just can carry some snacks to have on your way. The special guidance is provided by the Himalayan National Park guides and trek planners so that your trip runs smoothly. The authority of Great Himalayan National park takes various measures to make the trip wonderful for the visitors. Visiting the park is a great experience for tourists of all ages. The calm atmosphere at night with a crystal clear sky showcasing the stars of Milky Way will take your breath away.  Location: Kullu District, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh, 175126. Distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Great Himalayan National Park: The distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Great Himalayan National Park is 51.9 km. Opening and Closing Times: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Perched at a staggering altitude of 4200 meters above sea level, you have to witness the unparalleled beauty of Chandratal to believe it. A sanctuary from the lightning fast city life, this lake is slowly becoming one of the most attractive tourist places in Spiti valley. With the spellbinding backdrop of majestic mountains and meadows covered with gorgeous wildflowers, the lake is the perfect place to click some Instagram worthy pictures for photography enthusiasts.Besides, if you have an adventurous spirit, take the scenic trekking route from Batal to the lake and camp under the stars on the banks of the lake. Experience nature in its most glorious splendor at Chandrataal.Location: Spiti part of Lahul, Keylong.Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM round the week.

Raghunath Ji is the chief deity of Kullu and the Raghunath Temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Kullu. Raghunath is another name of Lord Rama and the temple is dedicated to him. It is one of the oldest temples present in Himachal Pradesh. The high-rise temple is present on a hillock and provides visitors with the magnificent view of the valley. The compound of the temple is huge. It covers the entire peak of the hillock. The temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century. It is a mix of both pyramidal and Himachali style of architecture.Raja Jagat Singh built this temple as an apology for all the sins he has committed in his lifetime. According to the mythology, it has been believed that the idol of Raghunath in this temple was used by Lord Rama in the Ashwemedha Yaga. The idol was brought from Ayodhya and has been established here. There are a lot of stories around this temple and you can hear them from the guides who are present in the temple. The temple is a beautiful piece of ancient architecture and is one of its kinds.Location: Near Post office, Sultan Pur, Himachal Pradesh, 228001.Distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Raghunath Temple: The distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Raghunath Temple is 600 meters and it takes merely two minutes for the transportation.

India's highest cold valley National Park, this place was constructed to preserve the unique natural flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh and is named after the gorgeous Pin River and acts as an interface between the Lahul and Spiti Valley. Against a backdrop of barbarous, rugged snow-covered mountain peaks of the Spiti Valley, the national park is home to Himachal's ferocious predators, the snow leopards, and their prey, the ibex.The terrain is rough and precarious, so train hard and get into those fitness programs before you undertake this captivating journey. The sanctuary also witnesses a strong spiritual influence due to the presence of Buddhist monasteries around the area. Location: Near Kaza.Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM throughout the week.