Region
Pir Panjal Range
Total Drive
245 km
Total Trek
28 km
Trek Difficulty
Moderate to Difficult
Max. Atltitude
14,000 ft.
Trek Duration
4 Nights & 5 Days
Railway Station
Chandigarh / Joginder Nagar
Nearest Airport
Bhuntar (Kullu)
Key Highlights
- ✅ Perfect for Beginners & Experienced Trekkers
- 🌿 Stunning Contrasts: Lush green Kullu Valley to stark, arid Lahaul Valley, all in one trail
- 🏔️ Glacial Crossings & Snow Fields: Perfect for snow lovers (especially in June–July)
- 🏕️ Campsites Like No Other: Scenic camps at Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, and Shea Goru, under the stars
- 🌸 River Crossings & Waterfalls: Multiple thrilling river crossings and cascading waterfalls on the way
- 🏡Bonus Visit to Chandratal Lake (Optional) visit the ethereal moon-shaped lake in Spiti
Short Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Drive from Manali to Jobra (16 km, 1 hr) & trek 4 km to Chhika (2 hrs). Overnight camp stay.
✅ Day 2: Trek from Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera (8 km, 5-6 hrs). Stay at a scenic campsite.
✅ Day 3: Trek from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass (10 km, 10 hrs). Enjoy breathtaking mountain views.
✅ Day 4: Trek from Shea Goru to Chatru (6 km, 5 hrs) & drive 50 km to Chandratal (if weather Allows).
✅ Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali (65 km, 5-6 hrs). Bid farewell to the mountains.
Why choose HAMPTA PASS TREK?
Hampta Pass Trek – A High Altitude Crossover Adventure in Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 14,100 ft | Region: Himachal Pradesh | Best Time: June to September
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most dramatic and rewarding crossover treks in the Indian Himalayas. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, this trail connects the lush green valleys of Kullu to the stark, high-altitude deserts of Lahaul and Spiti, offering a rare dual experience in just five days.
Two Worlds, One Trail
The trek begins in Manali, leading you into the forested trails of Jobra and Chhika, where pine, maple, and birch trees line your path. As you ascend, meadows full of wildflowers, gushing streams, and grazing sheep bring the Kullu Valley to life.
But as you cross Hampta Pass, everything changes. The green valleys give way to barren, rugged landscapes of Lahaul, where towering mountains and glacial valleys dominate the scene. This sudden transition is what makes Hampta Pass one of India’s most visually unique treks.
Brief Itinerary
Manali to Chhika via Jobra
Altitude: Manali – 2,100 m | Jobra – 2,800 m | Chhika – 3,100 m
Drive: 16 km (1 hr) | Trek: 4 km (3-4 hrs)
Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Manali to Jobra, winding through pine forests and crossing multiple hairpin bends with views of the Kullu Valley. From Jobra, the trail follows the gentle Rani Nallah, passing through alpine forests to reach Chhika, a serene meadow and your first campsite.
Highlights:
- Trek through maple and oak forests
- River-side camping under starlit skies
- Great views of Deo Tibba and Indrasen in the distance
Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera
Altitude: 3,600 m | Trek Distance: 8 km | Duration: 5-6 hrs
Today’s trail opens up into the expansive Jwara valley, where snowmelt feeds mountain streams and wildflowers bloom in summer. The path gently ascends towards Balu Ka Ghera, a vast, sandy plain once believed to be home to brown bears.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Dhauladhar Range
- Wildflower meadows and cascading waterfalls
- Ideal acclimatization at high altitude
Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
Altitude: Hampta Pass – 4,300 m | Shea Goru – 3,900 m
Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 8-10 hrs
This is the most exhilarating part of the trek. A steep ascent takes you to Hampta Pass, the highest point, where you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Lahaul’s moonscape and distant snow-capped peaks. After soaking in the beauty, descend through icy slopes and moraines to Shea Goru, a scenic campsite on the banks of a glacial stream.
Highlights:
- Cross snowfields and rugged ridgelines
- Magnificent views of Indrasen and Deo Tibba
- Thrilling descent into the Spiti landscape
Shea Goru to Chatru | Drive to Chandratal (Weather Permitting)
Altitude: Chatru – 3,350 m | Trek Distance: 6 km | Drive: 50 km (optional)
Time: 5 hrs trek + 3-4 hrs drive
The trail descends gradually into the barren beauty of Lahaul, crossing rocky paths and icy streams. At Chatru, your trek concludes but if roads are clear, you can drive to the iconic Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake), known for its surreal blue waters and mystical charm.
Highlights:
- Scenic glacier crossings
- Optional Chandratal Lake excursion
- Drive along the dramatic Spiti road
Chatru to Manali
Drive: 65 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs
Enjoy a final breakfast in the mountains before your drive back to Manali. Pass through Rohtang Pass or the Atal Tunnel, depending on weather and road conditions, soaking in your last views of the Himalayan landscapes.
Things to Carry
- 🧥 Clothing: Layered wear, waterproof jacket, thermals
- 🥾 Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- 🎒 Essentials: Backpack (40-50L), trekking pole, headlamp
- 🥤 Hydration: Water bottle, ORS sachets
- 🍫 Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits
- 🩹 Medical Kit: Personal medicines
Includes All
- ✅ Accommodation (Guesthouses/Camps as per itinerary)
- ✅ All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- ✅ Transportation (Manali to Chatru & return)
- ✅ Experienced trek leader & support staff
- ✅ Permits & entry fees for the trek
- ✅ Trekking equipment (Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses)
- ✅ First aid medical kits & oxygen cylinder
- ✅ Bonfire (wherever allowed)
Excludes All
- ❌ Personal expenses (Laundry, Phone calls, Tips, etc.)
- ❌ Porter & Luggage Offloading
- ❌ Any kind of insurance (Travel/Accident/Medical)
- ❌ Bottled water, beverages, or personal snacks
- ❌ Anything not specifically mentioned in the "Includes" section
Detailed Video
- Hampta Pass Trek - Gallery
Group Photo
Beside the cold, flowing river along the Hampta Pass trail, the group pauses to breathe and gather for a timeless photo with the mountains.
Dinner at Campsite
Under a sky full of quiet stars, the group gathers for a simple mountain dinner that somehow feels warmer than home.
River Crossing
The first icy river crossing on the way to Hampta Pass awakens your senses, marking the true beginning of the mountain adventure.
Plateau
Before reaching Balu Ka Ghera, the trail spreads into a wide, mist-covered ground where drifting clouds and quiet mountains slow the journey into pure stillness.
Summit Point
Crossing the summit of Hampta Pass, where lush green valleys fade into the stark beauty of Spiti’s high-altitude desert.
Shea Goru Campsite
Beside the gentle mountain river at Shea Goru, the campsite rests in complete silence, surrounded by the raw and untouched beauty of the high Himalayas.
ChandraTal
After crossing the wild trails of Hampta, the journey finds its calm reflection at Chandratal Lake, where turquoise waters rest beneath silent Himalayan skies.
F.A.Q
Yes! While it has some challenging sections, the trek is perfect for beginners in good health.
Expect mild days (12-18°C) and cold nights (as low as 0°C), with chances of rain or snow at higher altitudes.
Yes, especially between June and early July. You’ll likely cross snow patches near Hampta Pass.
You should be able to walk 5-6 km with a 5-7 kg backpack. Regular cardio and strength training 2-3 weeks before is recommended.
Not always. It depends on timing, weather and road conditions, your trek leader will decide for safety reasons.
