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PriceNote – Listed Price & Customisation Rules:
The listed trek price applies to our fixed departures for the specified itinerary. Trek fees including any add-ons for customized groups may vary based on your preferences, ensuring every adventure is tailored to your needs.

Group Booking Offer:
For groups of 8 or more booking together, the trek fee for 1 participant will be waived as a token to encourage shared adventures.

Scholarship for Kids:
Children under 15 years receive a 30% discount on the trek price, making it easier for families to explore the Himalayas together.

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Transport Price Note:
The transport price mentioned is only an indicative estimate per person, assuming a small vehicle shared by at least 4 participants.
Fewer participants → cost rises;
More participants → cost decreases.

Transport Selection During Booking:
Selecting transport during booking informs us of your preference. No payment is collected at booking.

Final Cost & Payment:
Final transport cost will be communicated before departure and to be paid directly to the cab driver.

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Itinerary Note:
This itinerary represents the most updated plan, but minor adjustments may occur due to operational needs or mountain conditions.

Hampta Pass Trek

A Dramatic Himalayan Crossover

Gallery

Trek Overview

  • Trek Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
  • Trek Grade: Moderate
  • 🏔️ Max Altitude: 14,100 ft (Hampta Pass)
  • Trek Distance: 26 Km
  • 🌤️ Best Time: July to October
  • 🗺️ Region: Crossover from Kullu valley to Lahaul valley, Himachal Pradesh
  • 📍 Start Point: Jobra Dam (Near Manali)
  • 🏁 End Point: Chatru
  • 🧥 Cloakroom facility: Not available

Price starting from ?

INR 11,900 * Manali to Manali (including Chandratal)

Terms & Conditions | Inclusions & Exclusions | Cancellation & Refunds

Addons (Optional)

  • Offloading-Bags – INR 2,800 (* Maximum weight 9kg /bag)

Customize your trek to suit your preferences.

Sign up for our fixed departure dates below.

Registration Dates July 2026

11 Jul - 15 Jul Loading…

Registration Dates August 2026

Registration Dates September 2026

Registration Dates October 2026

Walking The Trail

Imagine stepping onto a trail where every single day introduces you to a brand-new Himalayan world.
The Hampta Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh begins deep inside the lush Kullu Valley, where pine forests, maple groves, and apple orchards wrap the trail in shades of green. The early sections feel warm and welcoming — gentle gradients, forest canopies, and the soft roar of the Rani Nala accompanying you through the first stretch.
As you climb higher, the landscape unfolds into wide alpine meadows, carpeted with monsoon wildflowers and crisscrossed with snow-fed streams. These meadows — especially around Jwara — are among the prettiest on any Himalayan trek, and they offer crystal-clear views of the surrounding Pir Panjal range.
The climb towards the pass brings a dramatic shift. The valley narrows, the terrain becomes glacial, and the mountain walls rise sharply on either side. This is where the Hampta Pass trail begins to feel truly alpine. As you gain height, two iconic Himalayan giants — Mt. Deo Tibba (19,688 ft) and Mt. Indrasan (20,413 ft) — stand proudly over the horizon. Their hanging glaciers and sharp ridgelines dominate the skyline, adding a thrilling high-altitude backdrop to the final approach.
At Hampta Pass (14,000 ft), everything changes. Standing on the saddle feels like stepping across a natural border between worlds. Behind you lies the lush greenery of Manali and Kullu; ahead lies the stark, moon-like desert of Lahaul–Spiti. The contrast is so sudden and so intense that it feels almost unreal — barren ridges, rugged cliffs, brown mountains, and vast open valleys stretching endlessly into Spiti.
The descent towards Shea Goru and Chhatru takes you through dramatic glacial terrain, moraine fields, and icy river crossings — the kind of variety few short Himalayan treks offer.
And then comes the perfect finale: A scenic drive to the legendary Chandratal Lake — the high-altitude, crescent-shaped blue lake tucked deep within Spiti. Visiting Chandratal after the Hampta Pass trek is like walking into a different dimension — turquoise water, snow peaks reflecting in the lake, and the crystal-clear Spiti sky arching overhead. Many trekkers consider this the highlight of the entire Hampta experience.
In just 5 days, the Hampta Pass trek packs in forests, meadows, waterfalls, river-crossings, glacial valleys, high-altitude pass, and the crossover into Spiti — making it one of the most cinematic, diverse, and rewarding treks in the Indian Himalayas. Add the views of Deo Tibba & Indrasan, and the optional visit to Chandratal Lake, and this becomes a must-do trek for anyone seeking adventure, variety, and unforgettable Himalayan landscapes.
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Highlights

✅ Start from the green forests and meadows of Jobra near Manali

✅ Walk through lush valleys filled with wildflowers, waterfalls, and river crossings

✅ Camp at stunning locations like Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, Shea Goru, & Chatru

✅ Cross the thrilling Hampta Pass at 14,100 ft for a 360° view of the Himalayas, including peaks like Indrasan and Deotibba

✅ Witness the dramatic shift from the green Kullu Valley to the barren Spiti landscapes

✅ Detour to the crystal-blue Chandratal Lake, a jewel of Spiti (optional as add-on)

✅ Ideal trek for beginners looking for their first high-altitude Himalayan experience

Itinerary

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• Drive: ~2 hrs through dense pine & deodar forests | Trek: ~3 km / 2–3 hrs along the Rani Nallah stream.
• Your journey begins with a short but scenic drive from Manali to Jobra, where the thick pine, deodar, and maple forest immediately give the trek a refreshing start. Once you step onto the trail, the walk feels gentle, calming, and steadily immersive — the sound of the Rani Nallah flowing beside you becomes your constant companion. The forest gradually opens into the broad Chika meadows, surrounded by tall cliffs, waterfalls, and distant snow peaks. This easy first day helps your body settle into the altitude while offering a perfect introduction to the serene beauty of the Hampta Valley. Overnight stay in the quiet, open grasslands of Chika.
• Trek: ~9 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs across meadows, river crossings & wildflower zones.
• The morning begins with a gentle walk across open meadows before the trail narrows and leads to a series of lively river crossings over boulders and wooden bridges. During July–September, carpets of wildflowers line the valley, filling the landscape with colour. As you climb higher, the forests fade and wide alpine basins take over. The final approach to Balu Ka Ghera — the ‘bed of sand’ — is scenic and peaceful, with the mighty Hampta Pass ridge towering above. This flat, sandy campsite sits at the very base of the pass and offers panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains. A cold, beautiful night awaits.
• Trek: ~10 km | Duration: 8–9 hrs, steep ascent to the pass followed by a sharp descent.
• This is the most demanding yet rewarding day of the trek. The route climbs immediately from Balu Ka Ghera, weaving through steep switchbacks, snow slopes (depending on season), and narrow ridges. The moment you reach the top of Hampta Pass, an entirely new world opens up: lush Kullu Valley behind you, stark Lahaul-Spiti desert ahead. Many trekkers consider this one of the most dramatic crossovers in the Himalayas. From the pass, a long and careful descent leads you into the cold desert basin of Shea Goru — a surreal glacial valley bordered by dark rock walls and flowing glacial streams. Expect some of the coldest temperatures of the trek here.
• Trek: ~7 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Optional Chandratal drive: ~3 hrs round trip.
• The day begins with the classic icy river-crossing adventure — the water only ankle-deep, but sharp and freezing as it flows straight from the glacier just above Shea Goru. Once across, the trail settles into a relaxed walk along the riverbed as the valley widens and the raw Spiti landscape takes over — barren slopes, scattered boulders, and rugged mountains stretching endlessly ahead. The descent is comfortable, eventually bringing you to the remote campsite of Chatru, alonside Chandra river, situated at the confluence of three major valleys: Hampta, Spiti, and Rohtang. If weather and road conditions allow, you can take the iconic detour to Chandratal Lake — the jewel of Spiti at 14,100 ft, known for its crescent shape and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Overnight stay at Chatru.
• Drive: 5–6 hrs via Atal Tunnel or Rohtang Pass (depending on road conditions).
• The final drive retraces the dramatic landscapes of Lahaul before gradually blending into the greenery of the Kullu Valley. The route passes through stretches of barren Spiti cliffs, glacial streams, and wide valleys before entering the lush, forested slopes near Manali. By afternoon or evening, you reach Manali — marking the end of the Hampta Pass adventure. The drive is a perfect moment to look back on the changing landscapes you walked through: meadows, forests, snowfields, high passes, and the desert beauty of Spiti.

Packing list

For a comprehensive packing list, download the PDF below: Download Packing List

Did you know?

Hampta Pass was once a traditional route used by shepherds to cross from the lush Kullu Valley to the dry grazing pastures of Spiti.
The name “Hampta” comes from the tiny village of Hampta near Sethan, which lies on the trail.
Chandratal Lake, is one of the highest altitude lakes in India and is often called the 'Moon Lake.'
Though relatively easy, Hampta Pass offers one of the most dramatic crossovers in the Indian Himalayas — perfect for first-time trekkers!
On the Kullu side, you’ll walk through forests of oak, pine, birch and rhododendron, where wildflowers bloom in meadows through summer.
Crossing the pass into Spiti, the landscape shifts dramatically — barren cliffs and alpine deserts, where you may spot blue sheep, marmots, and even elusive birds like the golden eagle.
The trek gives you a glimpse of both Himachal’s rich greenery and the stark, surreal beauty of Spiti — all in one short, accessible adventure.

Map

How to reach

✈️ Air: Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) – 50 km from Manali. You can take a cab or local bus to reach Manali from the airport.

🚆 Train: Nearest major railway station: Chandigarh Railway Station. From Chandigarh, take a Volvo bus or private cab to Manali (~8–10 hrs).

🛣️ Road: From Delhi: Overnight Volvo buses (12–14 hrs) regularly ply to Manali. From Chandigarh: 8–10 hrs by cab or bus. Manali is well-connected and has frequent bus services.

🗺️ Travel Tip: Arrive in Manali a day before the trek for better acclimatization and to avoid delays.

TrekFAQs

  • This trek is ideal for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. With its moderate difficulty level, anyone with basic fitness and stamina can do it. Expect long walking days (6–9 hours) and a challenging pass crossing, so preparation is important.
  • You’ll need layered clothing (thermals, fleece, padded jacket, rain gear), waterproof trekking shoes, trekking poles, and a 50–60L rucksack with a rain cover. Nights can be very cold, especially at Shea Goru. A detailed seasonal packing checklist is available in the PDF above.
  • Yes, offloading (mule/porter service) is available at an additional cost (₹3200 approx). You must inform the trek organizer in advance if you want to avail this facility.
  • Mobile coverage is limited. Airtel and Jio work in Manali and Jobra, but beyond that the signal is weak to non-existent. Shea Goru and Chatru have no coverage. Inform family and friends about the blackout period.
  • You’ll need forest entry permits and camping fees for the Himachal region. These are usually arranged by the trek organizer, so you don’t have to apply separately.
  • Chandratal Lake detour depends on weather and road conditions. If the road from Chatru to Chandratal is open and safe, the trek organizer will arrange a drive. If not, it may be skipped for safety reasons.
  • Temperatures can drop to 0°C or lower at higher camps like Shea Goru, even in summer. Carry proper layering, gloves, and a woollen cap. Expect colder nights in September–October.
  • Yes, it’s strongly recommended to arrive in Manali a day before the trek. This helps your body adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

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How Our Treks Are More Than Just a Trek

Every journey with us is carefully crafted for a deeply personal mountain experience.

Not Just a Trek — A Journey That Stays With You

Every trail we walk is a carefully chosen path into the heart of the Himalayas — not just to witness their grandeur, but to feel them under your skin and soul. Our treks are designed not as bucket list checkmarks, but as life-affirming journeys. At Planethimalayas, we believe a mountain journey is deeply personal — and that belief runs through everything we do.

Individual Care, Every Step of the Way

We keep our groups small and intimate so we can focus on you — your pace, your concerns, your joy. From pre-trek guidance to trail-side support, our leaders walk with intention, offering safety and attention without intrusion. It’s this deep care that turns strangers into friends and walks into memories.

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Experience the difference of trekking with genuine mountain experts who truly care.

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Led by certified mountaineers with wilderness first aid training, ensuring your safety and confidence at every step.

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Our mountain crew comprises local experts who bring unmatched experience, warmth, and deep knowledge of the region.

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We cap our group departures at just 8 trekkers — ensuring individual attention, deeper connections, and better trail discipline.

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From personal well-being to technical preparedness, we maintain the highest safety standards — using certified high-altitude gear and comprehensive safety protocols to ensure a secure and reliable Himalayan experience.

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