Hamta near Manali, Himachal Pradesh | The Travelling Slacker

This is a guest post by Suman Doogar, a fellow traveler and quizzer who has recently completed some impressive solo trips in Himachal and Ladakh. Here she shares her experience in Hamta, a small village near Manali.
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This is the fringe of heaven. If you are looking for a vacation spot where you can sit back and soak yourself in the surroundings, then you are at the right place. Hamta is a small village about 2 km away from Manali in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. One can reach Hamta via Pirni Aleo Hydro Power Plant and start the curvy clamber towards the lush green mountain top that overlooks the Manali City.

Tired of the Delhi heat, I decided to go on a solo trip to Himachal Pradesh. I was looking for an escape away from the forever crowded city of Delhi, and decided to start my journey from Manali. Once there, I stayed two days in Old Manali and explored places like Gulaba, Kothi, Vashisht etc. It was then that I stumbled upon a lesser known village called Hamta. It was the deep valley with lush green trees, candy flossed clouds, tranquil Beas River and the silence of the mountain that I instantly fell in love with Hamta.

I stayed at Backwoods Mountain Camp and Café, a humble abode surrounded by apple trees and the gleaming sight of nature`s beauty at its full bloom. Vikas, the owner of Backwoods Mountain Camp and Café is a gentleman; he is friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to do anything to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Deepak, the care taker of the camp is a wonderful cook and he will make sure that the guests are having the time of their lives. There is more to this place than just a camp, so get ready to discover more than you expected. Bring out the creative adult in you in this glorious surroundings with the most amazing view of the landscape. Draw the surrealistic shapes of the valley, paint the snow capped mountains, write your next book, compose a song or just read a book. Hamta is THE vacation spot if you are looking for some alone time.

One can also take up activities like trekking, photography or mountain biking. You can start with a light hike to a nearby waterfall, take a dip in the freezing water and enjoy your picnic basket. If you are a serious trekker then walk all the way over to the base of the Himalayas, the Pir Panjal Range. You can you have enough days on hand you can complete the whole Hamta Pass Trek. Make sure to take breaks in between and recharge yourself with some soupy maggi or a hot glass of tea.

I am sure reading this has excited your insatiable appetite for adventure and fun, then what are you waiting for, take the next bus to Hamta and experience nature`s splendid beauty in its raw form.

Happy travelling!!