In an effort to make popular tourist place Hamta near Manali more tourist friendly with care for environment, Kullu administration has not only limited the daily quota of number of vehicles that can visit the area but also made it mandatory to seek only permit after paying congest charges.
The vehicles can go to Hamta only between 6am and 6pm. The daily limit of vehicles will be 520 which includes 400 light vehicles, 100 motorbikes and 20 travellers (mid size vehicles). The light vehicles will have to pay Rs 250 and travellers will pay Rs 500 as congestion charges. The motorbikes will be charged Rs 200 for one trip.
The visitors will have to apply online at kullupermits.in where they will have to fill in the required details and pay congestion charges. They will then get a permit with QR code which will be their entry pass to Hamta.
Kullu deputy commissioner Ashutosh Garg said there were already some restrictions to visit Hamta but now some more rules will have to be followed by the visitors. “The visitors will have to show the congestion fee receipt with QR code at the barrier of tourism development council. They will scan it and will allow the vehicle. The vehicles will be allowed only between 6am and 6pm. The vehicles going to hotels built on this road will be allowed upto 10pm,” he said.
As Hamta area is religiously important for residents of nearby villages, the DC said residents of Prini and Chachoga panchayats will be allowed without restriction but according to rules framed by SDM, Manali. “The barrier at Prini village will be manned by three home guard jawans from tourism development council, one policeman besides management support from AD Hydroelectric project who maintains the road for its project. Wireless and other facilities will also be provided here,” he added.
It was observed that three dhabas were operating legally on this road, so the DC directed Manali SDM to keep an eye on the area so that no more dhabas, shops, or commercial activities come up here illegally. SDM, Manali, will have right to stop or regulate vehicular movement at any time.
The DC said that money collected as congestion charges will be spent on strengthening the tourism infrastructure in the area. He said if anybody stays at Hamta beyond the fixed time or is caught littering will be fined Rs 5,000.
The road to the base of the Hamta pass was built by AD Hydroelectric project management nearly 15 years back for construction of a reservoir and a tunnel. Later the road was opened to tourists with some restrictions. The area at altitude above 10,000ft is extremely beautiful and soon became a tourist hotspot. Hampta pass is also a popular trekking route. As large numbers of tourists are visiting the area, administration has put some permanent restrictions to regulate tourism in the area. The DC said that all required facilities for tourists like toilets and parking are available here.
Q. How to book a permit to visit Hamta pass in Manali?
Ans: You can book a permit to Hamta online by visiting the official website. Fill in the vehicle details and pay the congestion charges. Take the print out of the receipt.
Q. What is the website to book a permit to Hamta Pass?
Ans: https://rohtangpermits.nic.in/HamtaPass/InformatoryScreen
Q. Should I carry the printout of the permit?
Ans: Not necessarily. You can keep the permit in phone. But, cops will scan QR code on your permit before letting you in.
Q. Where will be my permit checked?
Ans: A check post has been established at Prini village to check the permit. A magistrate/police/tourism dept official can check your permit anytime on the road to Hamta to ensure fake permits are not being issued or people are not travelling without permit.
Q. Can I go upto Hamta pass?
Ans: No, Hamta pass is not connected by road. You can go to the base of the Hamta, little beyond Sethan village. Tourists are allowed to go upto the water reservoir.
Q. Is there any timing to visit Hamta pass?
Ans: Yes, vehicles will be allowed to go to Hamta only between 6 AM and 6 PM.
Q. What is the cost of the permit?
Ans: Here is the congest charges/fee to visit Hamta.
- Motorbikes: Rs 200
- Light vehicles: Rs 250
- Tempo Travellers: Rs 500
Q. What is the daily limit of vehicles to visit Hamta?
Ans:
- Light vehicles: 400 vehicles
- Motorbikes: 100 bikes
- Travellers: 20
Q. Is it Hamta pass or Hampta pass?
Ans: The accurate name is Hamta pass. The tourists, mostly trekking tour agencies from other states, wrongly pronounce is Hampta pass. Now many tourists call it Hampta pass while locals call it Hamta pass.
Q. How can I reach Hamta pass?
Ans: Trekking/Hiking is the only way to reach the Hamta pass. However, vehicles can reach it’s lower parts (Jobra).
Q. when was Hamta road opened for tourism?
Ans: Hamta road was opened for tourist vehicles in 2016.
Q. What is the popular legend about Hamta pass?
Ans: A local legend is that Hamta pass is a path to heaven or hell. All, after death, have to come to Hamta. The people claim to have listened strange voices coming from this place. Locals say if the voice is that of a crying person, this indicates he/she is going to hell and if sound is of trumpets then the person is going to heaven. The Hamta area remained virgin since century until recent when a hydel power project built a road till lower region and Himachal government opened the road for tourism purpose in 2016. Majority of area is still accessible only through trekking.
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