Hampta Pass Trek
Pickup/ Drop Point
Manali
Duration
5D-4N
Valley of Flowers Trek Package Highlights
- Services Manali to Manali | Included Transport
- Complimentary cloakroom at base camp for safe storage.
- Pickup Location: Manali
- Drop Location: Manali
- Pickup: 11:00 AM | Drop: 5:00–6:30 PM (traffic/river activity dependent)
- Keep a buffer day and arrive a day early to avoid delays due to traffic, weather, or local conditions.
- Booking Policy
- Cancellation Policy
- Terms & Conditions
Overview
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most scenic and popular treks in Himachal Pradesh, offering a unique journey between the lush green Kullu Valley and the rugged, barren landscapes of Lahaul. Beginning from Manali, the trail passes through dense forests of pine and deodar, beautiful alpine meadows, river crossings, and glacial valleys, providing trekkers with constantly changing views and landscapes.
The trek covers approximately 25–30 km over 4–5 days and reaches a maximum altitude of around 14,100 ft at Hampta Pass. Considered a moderate trek, it is suitable for beginners with a good fitness level as well as experienced trekkers. The route includes gradual ascents, rocky trails, snow patches, and breathtaking mountain vistas, making it an exciting Himalayan adventure.
One of the biggest highlights of the trek is the dramatic transition from the green valleys of Kullu to the stark, high-altitude desert terrain of Lahaul. Trekkers can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildflower-covered meadows along the way. Many itineraries also include an optional visit to the spectacular Chandratal Lake, famous for its crystal-clear blue waters. The combination of diverse landscapes, moderate difficulty, and unforgettable scenery makes the Hampta Pass Trek one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the Indian Himalayas.
Itinerary
Day 1: Manali To Jobra To Chika
- Distance: 2–3 km Trek
- Duration: 2–3 Hours
- Altitude: ~10,100 ft
- Begin with a scenic drive from Manali to Jobra, the starting point of the trek.
- Walk through dense forests of pine, deodar, and maple trees.
- Cross wooden bridges over crystal-clear mountain streams.
- Follow an easy trail with gradual ascents and descents.
- Enjoy beautiful views of the Rani Nallah flowing through the valley.
- Emerge from the forest into vast green alpine meadows.
- Witness the first panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Reach Chika, a picturesque riverside campsite surrounded by mountains.
- Spend the evening relaxing and acclimatizing to the higher altitude.
- Overnight stay in tents at Chika campsite.
Day 2: Chika To Balu Ka Ghera
- Trek Distance: ~7–8 km
- Duration: 5–6 Hours
- Altitude: ~11,900 ft
- Start the trek from Chika campsite along the Rani Nallah valley.
- Gradual ascent through wide open alpine meadows and river crossings.
- Walk alongside the glacial stream with mountain views opening up.
- Witness changing landscapes from greenery to rocky terrain.
- Enjoy panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Continue steady climb with multiple scenic stops.
- Reach Balu Ka Ghera, a vast flat campsite near the river.
- Set up camp in the open valley surrounded by mountains.
- Spend the evening resting and acclimatizing to higher altitude.
- Overnight stay in tents at Balu Ka Ghera campsite.
Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera To Hampta Pass To Shea Goru
- Trek Distance: ~12–14 km
- Duration: 8–10 Hours
- Altitude: ~14,000 ft (Hampta Pass)
- Start early from Balu Ka Ghera campsite.
- Gradual ascent through rocky terrain and glacial landscapes.
- Climb steadily towards snow-covered slopes near the pass.
- Reach Hampta Pass, the highest point of the trek.
- Experience dramatic views of both Kullu Valley and Spiti Valley sides.
- Begin steep descent from the pass into the barren landscape of Spiti.
- Navigate rocky trails and scree sections carefully.
- Continue long descent towards Shea Goru campsite.
- Reach Shea Goru, a cold desert valley campsite near the river.
- Set up camp in a stark, high-altitude landscape.
- Overnight stay in tents at Shea Goru campsite.
Day 4: Shea Goru To Chatru To Chandratal
- Trek Distance: ~7–9 km
- Duration: 4–5 Hours
- Altitude: ~11,000 ft (Chatru)
- Start from Shea Goru campsite with a gradual descent through rocky terrain.
- Follow the river valley as the landscape slowly opens up.
- Walk through the dramatic cold desert scenery of the Spiti side.
- Reach Chatru, a small junction point surrounded by barren mountains.
- From Chatru, optional drive towards Chandratal Lake depending on road conditions.
- Experience changing landscapes as greenery gives way to stark Himalayan terrain.
- If accessible, visit Chandratal Lake, known for its crescent moon shape and clear blue waters.
- Enjoy sunset views before heading back or staying near Chatru/Chandratal area.
- Overnight stay in tents or basic camps at Chatru or near Chandratal.
Day 5: Chatru To Manali
- Drive Distance: Chatru → Manali (approx. 65–70 km via Atal Tunnel route)
- Duration: 6–8 Hours (depending on road and weather conditions)
- Start early from Chatru after breakfast.
- Drive through the rugged landscapes of Lahaul Valley.
- Pass through the Atal Tunnel and re-enter the lush green Kullu Valley.
- Enjoy changing scenery from cold desert mountains to pine forests.
- Stop en route for scenic views and short breaks.
- Reach Manali by afternoon or evening.
- End of Hampta Pass trek journey.
Inclusions
- Transport (Manali to Jobra & Chatru to Manali)
- Camping accommodation in tents (twin/triple sharing)
- All meals (Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast)
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Trek guide and certified trek leader
- Support staff and kitchen team
- Camping equipment (tents & dining setup)
- Trek permits and forest entry fees
- Basic first aid and emergency oxygen support
Exclusions
- Personal travel to and from Manali
- Trekking shoes, backpack, and personal gear
- Personal snacks and beverages
- Travel insurance
- Chandratal permission fees
- Emergency evacuation or rescue costs (if required)
- Tips for guides, porters, and staff
- Any personal expenses not mentioned in inclusions
- GST or taxes (if applicable, depends on operator)
Other Info
Must Carry
- Valid Government ID Card / Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Personal medicines (if any)
- Energy snacks (dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars)
- Cash for emergency or remote area expenses
- Travel insurance copy (recommended)
Travel Essentials
Gears
- Medium size trekking bag and cabin bag
- Reusable water bottle
Clothes
- Sun cap
- UV protected sunglasses
- Cotton shirts, T-shirts, and shorts
- Jeans and cotton pants
- Sets of undergarments
- Pair of socks
- Small towel or beach towel
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Swimwear
Footwear
- Proper trekking shoes
- Flip flops or sandals
Medication
- Glucose powder
- Medicines for headache, diarrhoea, motion sickness
- Dettol
- Bandages
- Cotton
Personal Accessories
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Paper soap or sanitizer
- Sunscreen (minimum SPF 40), lip balm, cold creams
- Body spray
FAQ's
Why is Hampta Pass called a “crossover trek”?
Hampta Pass is one of the few Himalayan treks where you walk from the lush green Kullu Valley into the stark, desert-like landscape of Lahaul in just a few days, experiencing two completely different ecosystems on a single trek.
How cold does it actually get at the campsites?
Night temperatures can drop close to 0°C in June and even below freezing in September at higher camps like Balu Ka Ghera and Shea Goru, so proper layering is essential.
Are the river crossings on Hampta Pass scary?
The crossings are often the most memorable part of the trek. During peak summer and monsoon, glacial streams can be knee-deep and extremely cold. Trek leaders usually guide trekkers through the safest crossing points.
Can first-time trekkers complete Hampta Pass successfully?
Yes, many beginners do complete it. However, good fitness is important because the pass day involves a steep ascent above 14,000 ft and long walking hours at high altitude.
Which day of the trek is considered the toughest?
The summit day from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass is generally the most demanding due to altitude gain, rocky terrain, snow patches, and weather exposure.
Is there mobile network coverage during the trek?
Mobile connectivity becomes unreliable after the initial stages of the trek. Most campsites beyond Chika have little to no network coverage, making it a true digital detox experience.
What makes the Hampta Pass landscape so unique?
The trek crosses the Pir Panjal Range, which acts as a climatic barrier. One side receives monsoon rainfall and remains green, while the other lies in a rain shadow and appears barren and rugged.
Do I need to worry about altitude sickness on Hampta Pass?
Although categorized as a moderate trek, the highest point is around 14,000 ft. Some trekkers experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, especially on summit day, making acclimatization and hydration important.
Is Chandratal Lake included in every Hampta Pass itinerary?
Not always. Many operators add a visit to Chandratal Lake after the trek, but access depends on road and weather conditions, especially early in the season.
What is the biggest mistake trekkers make on Hampta Pass?
Many underestimate the weather. Sunny mornings can quickly turn into rain, hail, strong winds, or fog, so waterproof gear and warm layers are crucial even during summer. Conditions near the pass can change rapidly.
- Partial payment will be enabled on final payment page.
Starting from
₹5,500/- pp
- Partial payment will be enabled on final payment page.
Starting from
₹5,500/- pp
Valley of Flowers Trek Package Highlights
- Services Manali to Manali | Included Transport
- Complimentary cloakroom at base camp for safe storage.
- Pickup Location: Manali
- Drop Location: Manali
- Pickup: 11:00 AM | Drop: 5:00–6:30 PM (traffic/river activity dependent)
- Keep a buffer day and arrive a day early to avoid delays due to traffic, weather, or local conditions.
- Booking Policy
- Cancellation Policy
- Terms & Conditions