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Hampta Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

A Dramatic Himalayan Crossover

Trek Overview

  • Trek Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
  • Trek Grade: Easy to 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 (Near Manali)
  • 🏁 End Point: Chatru
  • 🧥 Cloakroom facility: Available

INR 11,500

* Manali to Manali (including Chandratal)

Addons (Optional)

  • Offloading-Bags – INR 3,200

Terms & Conditions | Inclusions & Exclusions

Registration Dates October 2025

05 Oct - 09 Oct Loading…
Imagine stepping into a trail where every day feels like a new world. The Hampta Pass trek begins in the lush Kullu Valley, where pine forests, maple groves, and apple orchards line the trail. As you climb higher, the landscape transforms into alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, pristine streams, and snow-fed waterfalls. The approach to the pass unveils sweeping views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, while the crossing itself feels like a gateway into another planet. On the other side lies the stark, high-altitude desert of Spiti — barren cliffs, rugged ridges, and surreal, moon-like valleys that stand in striking contrast to the greenery left behind. In just 5 days, Hampta captures the best of Himachal’s diverse landscapes — from forests and meadows to glaciers and deserts — making it a perfect choice for trekkers seeking variety, adventure, and a truly cinematic Himalayan experience.

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

📅 Day 1: Drive from Manali (6,700 ft) to Jobra (9,800 ft) → Trek to Chika (10,100 ft)

• Drive: ~2 hrs on winding mountain roads through pine & deodar forests.
• Trek: ~3 km / 2–3 hrs along the Rani Nallah stream.
• Trail passes through thick pine, maple, and birch forests, opening into vast meadows.
• Gentle gradient, perfect acclimatization day.
• Overnight camping at Chika meadow with views of snow-clad peaks.

📅 Day 2: Trek from Chika (10,100 ft) to Balu Ka Ghera (11,900 ft)

• Distance: ~9 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs.
• Initial stretch includes river crossings over boulders and wooden bridges.
• Trail moves through meadows carpeted with wildflowers in season (July–Sept).
• Gentle ascent with occasional rocky patches.
• Balu Ka Ghera literally means 'bed of sand'—a flat campsite at the foot of Hampta Pass.
• Overnight stay with panoramic views of snow-covered mountains.

📅 Day 3: Cross Hampta Pass (14,100 ft) → Trek to Shea Goru (12,900 ft)

• Distance: ~10 km | Duration: 8–9 hrs (longest & toughest day).
• Early start required; trail includes steep switchbacks and snow patches (depending on season).
• Breathtaking 360° view from the pass—lush Kullu Valley on one side, stark Lahaul-Spiti on the other.
• Sharp descent into Spiti side, often slippery with scree and snow.
• Shea Goru campsite is set in a cold desert landscape beside a glacial stream.
• Expect very low night temperatures here.

📅 Day 4: Trek from Shea Goru (12,900 ft) to Chatru (10,800 ft) → Optional Drive to Chandratal Lake (14,100 ft)

• Distance: ~7 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs.
• Easy descent along the river bed, with moraine and scree terrain.
• Valley widens, with rugged mountains typical of Spiti.
• Chatru is a remote camping ground at the confluence of Hampta, Spiti, and Rohtang valleys.
• If weather and road conditions permit, drive to Chandratal Lake (round trip ~3 hrs).
• Overnight camp at Chatru or Chandratal.

📅 Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali (6,700 ft)

• Drive: 5–6 hrs via Atal Tunnel or Rohtang Pass (road conditions may vary).
• Scenic drive through barren Spiti terrain gradually merging into green Kullu valley.
• Trek concludes at Manali by afternoon/evening.

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.

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.

Packing list

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

FAQs

  • 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).

Why choose us

Trek Leader & Guide

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

Cook & Support Staff

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

Small Group Size

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

Safety Standards

From camping to technical gear, we use only certified, high-altitude-tested equipment suited for extreme Himalayan conditions.

24x7 Online Support

We’re always available — before, during, or after your trek. Reach out anytime, and you’ll always hear back from a real human.

We Care for the Mountains

We strictly follow Leave No Trace ethics. Limited group sizes and mindful practices help protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.