Jwara - Wildflower meadow - Hampta pass trek blog

This blog series is dedicated to Hampta pass trek - a crossover trek from Kullu to Lahaul and Spiti valley at an elevation of 14,380 ft which is the best monsoon Himalayan trek. This blog post is the experience at the second campsite - Jwara Hampta pass trek.

Hampta pass blog series pitstops

1. How I prepared for Hampta pass trek
2. Jobra - the dream campsite of Hampta pass trek
3. Jwara - a wildflower meadow/ Jwara Hampta pass trek (you're here) and more to write.

It rained all night! The roar of the river kept echoing in my ears all night! A wake-up call at 6 am from the trek lead! Uncomfortable sleeping in the sleeping bags made me grab some more nap. But I was eager to watch out for a new day and new views of mountains. I woke up and it was still slightly dark, I grabbed my torch and trekking pole to trek to the washrooms :D Well, the water was chilling cold to even touch, brushed my teeth to the bare minimum required as the fingers were getting numb! Soon we had sumptuous breakfast and assembled to depart at 8 am. The trek lead was too strict on timings and was getting totally sarcastic! Anyways after a short warmup, we started to trek at 8:15 am from Jobra.

Early morning views of Jobra

Jobra to Jwara trek starts

We crossed the most photogenic bridge of Jobra in an orderly fashion. The initial stretch was mostly through the valley of plain land with occasional steeps.  The trek trail was mostly rocky, it ranged from small rocky particles to medium-sized boulders, So this demands great trek shoes. Otherwise, you might get ankle sprains and can be sent back to the basecamp. We had trekked for 1.5 hours and still, the Jobra campsite was visible to us! We had climb so far yet it was so near! :D

Hampta pass Bridge crossing

Jobra bridge

Initial stretch on plain land

Rocky trail with streams

Small and crystal clear water streams all along the way. They are too chilling to touch :) Meanwhile, I saw the first patch the snow/glacier, it was not as white as I had imagined! It has spots of brown due the mud deposits. Well, the views started getting better as we ascended! The monsoon rains started and we geared in raincoats, the temperature dropped drastically with mist covering all around. The visibility became less and we started trekking all as one group.

Several water streams on the way

The first patch of snow

The magic of monsoon rains at Jwara Hampta pass trek

We were completely drenched in the monsoon rains, a sense of satisfaction and fresh petrichor scent increased the special effects of this monsoon trek.  There was this bridge of wooden logs which was slightly challenging as the water flow was fierce. During winters the complete valley from Jwara to Hampta pass would be filled with snow! But in monsoons, the glaciers melt and flow as a river! That's when the opportunity for Hampta pass trek opens!

Wooden logs bridge used to cross the waterfalls

The roar still echoes in my ears

Rani Nallah river which flowed along a plain land started to gain heights as we ascended. There came a steep rock-cut waterfall which we had to cross. This needs help as it is quite steep, slippery and dangerous as the rock edges as sharp and can cut the skin if not handled properly. I made sure to pitch the trek poles right and a helping hand of co-trekker made it a good stretch. Once I crossed this, a beautiful view of Rani Nallah cascading from the mountains is a sight which is never forgettable.

Rock cut waterfalls

A tricky stretch to trek

A view which is remembered

Hampta pass river crossing - Jwara Hampta trek

The most thrilling part of the Hampta pass trek is the river crossing of Rani Nallah. The stretch is around 40 to 50 seconds with knee-length chilling water. As soon as we reached the river crossing, we wore the sandals (few crossed barefooted as they had got floaters, it's risky as you might get a skin cut) I just asked the trek lead whats the temperature of the river water. He mockingly said he doesn't have a thermometer. It felt the water was mostly 5 to 10 degrees celsius. We formed a human chain and started stepping into the water. The legs went numb and we were defending against the fierce force of nature! It was an adventure and thrilling at the same time. When I reached the other end, I started jumping just to feel my legs, they are dead numb! Frozen legs :D Hats off to the guides who helped us to cross the river. They were in the chilling river until all 25 people crossed! That's tough and not a joke believe me!

Hampta pass river crossing - Most thrilling

Arriving at Jwara Hampta pass trek

Further 10 minutes of the trek, We enter a beautiful landscape of wildflowers all over. I could spot more than 10 species of flowers all bright and fresh between the lush green all along the trails!  It is the most beautiful sight to behold in the mountains. Almost at 12:30 pm, I was able to spot the yellow tents and I awed! The trek trail was full of pink wildflowers almost waist length. There was no bound to happiness for floral lovers. This is known as the Valley of Flowers of Himachal.

As we entered the meadows

Wildflowers bloomed for us

They were bright and fresh!

This is one of my favourite campsite of all Hampta pass trek. I really loved the colour contrast nature added to mountains, greenery, flowers and waterfalls. It is at an elevation 11,072ft and we scaled this 5km stretch in 5hours. As soon as I reached the campsite I changed to dry clothes. A moment of good sunlight and clear sky helped us to dry the wet clothes. Soon the wildflower meadow became the DDLJ set and all Shah Rukh khans started the photoshoot! Well, this is worth taking a memorable shot!

The photogenic spot of Jwara

The wild mountain valley

Towards the other side of the camp, there is a waterfall at an elevation. We gotta climb a steep stretch to reach also it's going to be dangerous also. I recommend not to attempt but if you really need, make sure you go in a group with shoes and trekking poles. At 7 pm, we assembled for the dinner and played fun games and had a great time getting to know each other,  till we dozed off to sleep.

It's much better than Valley of flowers :)

Important tips

1. Wear dry fit trek wear during the trek and keep raincoats handy.


2. Change to dry clothes immediately once you reach camp if you are drenched. Otherwise, layer up for the night.


3. Carry Power sandals, because they can withstand the river crossing. Otherwise, you might have to cross barefooted.


4. Drink water as and when you stop during the trek. It's necessary to stay hydrated.


5. Cover your head and extremities to avoid heat loss from the body if the temperature drops.


6. Consider sharing food in the same tiffin box, because washing the boxes in cold water is a tough task.


7. Consider taking Diamox as per the trek lead's say! Also once started, continue it strictly. It increases the body's capacity to take in more oxygen. It increases urination rate and tingling sensation, which is normal. So no need to worry!


8. Carry dry fruits which can boost up energy when tired.


9. Please do not litter any waste in the mountains. Take them with you and dispose once you reach back. Please save it for future generations.

This was the second campsite Jwara Hampta pass trek experience. If you have any queries, please email me or add comments here.

Also, Sagar has compiled a great playlist of the Hampta pass trek experience. Subscribe to SakreCubes channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBpDVbQxzpQ&feature=youtu.be&t=219

Are you excited for the Hampta pass trek? Come let me take you there through this blog series!  Follow me on Instagram.

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Read other travelogues:

• How I prepared for the Hampta Pass trek


• Jobra - The dream campsite of Hampta Pass trek