Start with breakfast at Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted in Old Manali; allow about 45 minutes and budget roughly ₹300–₹600 per person. Since cafés may not be serving early enough for your trek pickup, check the opening time the evening before or ask your operator to arrange a takeaway. From Old Manali, the drive to Jobra takes around 1–2 hours on a narrow, winding mountain road; leave a little buffer for traffic and road conditions.
At Jobra, take about 30 minutes to sort your layers, water and daypack, and follow your trek guide’s briefing before setting off. The trail climbs gradually through woodland and opens into meadows; allow roughly 3–4 hours to reach Chika, with a short rest by Rani Nallah. The streamside stretch is a good place to pause, but keep to your guide’s instructions around the water and avoid leaving any litter.
At Chika, settle into camp beside the meadow and river, then warm up with the trek crew’s camp-kitchen dinner, typically included in the package. June conditions can still bring cold evenings and changing weather, so keep a warm layer and rain protection handy, and check with your guide before wandering away from camp.
Have the trek crew’s breakfast at Chika and take about 45 minutes to repack: keep a waterproof layer, warm layer, water, and snacks handy, with heavier luggage packed as your operator directs. Check your boots and poles before setting off after breakfast with your guide. There are no road transfers or separate transport costs for today’s walk; the trail to Balu Ka Ghera usually takes 4–6 hours including breaks.
Follow the Hampta Valley trail at the guide’s pace. The climb is gradual but the path can be wet, rocky, or crossed by small streams, so use trekking poles and avoid rushing through breaks. The landscape opens from woodland into broad alpine meadows, with mountain views changing as you gain height. On arrival at Balu Ka Ghera, settle into camp and spend the late afternoon resting near the river; keep warm layers close, as temperatures can drop quickly.
Dinner is served at the Balu Ka Ghera camp kitchen and is usually included in your trek package. Eat well, refill water as your crew advises, and organize the clothing and essentials you’ll need for tomorrow’s pass crossing before turning in early. Follow your guide’s instructions on wake-up time and weather—the next day is long, and a good night’s rest matters.
Eat breakfast at Balu Ka Ghera with the trek crew, allowing about 45 minutes, then set off with your guide while it’s still early. This is a long, strenuous day—typically 8–10 hours on foot—and conditions can change quickly, so follow your guide’s call on pace and weather. Keep water, snacks, gloves, and a warm waterproof layer within easy reach; don’t linger at breaks if the group needs to keep moving.
The climb to Hampta Pass is the day’s big effort. Take a short rest at the top to catch your breath and enjoy the sweeping views across the valleys, but keep it brief: wind and cold can make the exposed pass uncomfortable, even in summer. The descent toward Shea Goru is steep and may be snowy or slippery, so use your poles, watch your footing, and let the guide set a steady pace. Plan on reaching camp later in the afternoon, with timing dependent on trail and weather conditions.
At Shea Goru, change into dry, warm layers as soon as you arrive and give yourself time to recover; the campsite is remote, with no café or shops to rely on. Have dinner at the Shea Goru camp kitchen—typically included in the trek package—and keep the evening quiet. Drink water, sort out anything you’ll need in the morning, and turn in early.
Have breakfast at Shea Goru with the trek crew, then allow about 45 minutes to pack and get ready. Set off with your guide in the morning; the descent to Chatru takes roughly 3–4 hours, with breaks depending on the trail and conditions. Keep your waterproof layer and warm layer handy, and follow your guide’s advice on footing—the route through the Chandra River valley is rugged, and stream crossings or loose ground can make the pace variable.
On reaching Chatru, check in with your guide and take time to rest at camp. This is a small, remote roadside settlement rather than a place with a reliable set of shops or services, so keep essentials from your trek kit close by and don’t count on mobile coverage. If a roadside dhaba is open, settle in for a simple hot meal or tea; budget around ₹200–₹500 per person, though choices and opening times are seasonal.
Leave Chatru in the morning with your driver for the return to Manali via the Atal Tunnel. The drive usually takes 4–6 hours, but road or weather conditions can add time; confirm the vehicle and route with your trek operator the evening before, and keep a warm layer and snacks handy. After arriving, take a little time to freshen up before heading out.
Stretch your legs at Hadimba Devi Temple in Old Manali, set among tall cedar trees; allow about 45 minutes. It’s generally open during daylight hours, with no entry fee, though timings can vary. From there, continue to Manu Temple and leave another 45 minutes for the hillside visit and a wander through the surrounding lanes. The uphill approach is a bit steep, so take it slowly after the trek and wear shoes you can walk comfortably in.
Finish with dinner at Johnson’s Cafe in Siyal, a relaxed place to settle in after several days on the trail. Budget around ₹800–₹1,500 per person, and check current hours or reserve ahead if you’ll arrive late—your drive may run longer than expected.
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