Hampta Pass Trek

Region

Himachal Pradesh

Duration

5 days

Max. Altitude

14100 ft.

Trek Distance

24 kms

Grade

Easy to Moderate

Fixed Departures

August - 2026

₹12000

+5% GST / Person

Highlights

Add-ons

Add on information

Hampta Pass Trek Overview

Why is Hampta Pass a Must- Do Trek?

Major Attractions of the Hampta Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek – A Journey Through Two Worlds

The Hampta Pass trek is one of the most dramatic and equally breathtaking treks in India. It is also called a “crossover path” because it connects two entirely different Himalayan landscapes in a single trip. It offers a visually captivating transition from lush green Kullu Valley into the barren, moon-like landscapes of Lahaul Valley. One moment you are walking through dense forests, mesmerizing waterfalls, and flower-laden meadows, and the next you are surrounded by rocky mountains and cold desert terrain.
Hampta Pass is the perfect balance of adventure, beauty, and accessibility for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. This striking contrast makes it truly special, which is why the route remains visually rich throughout the journey. The biggest attraction of the trek is crossing the Pass itself. Standing at the top provides you with incredible views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and deep valleys. The sense of accomplishment at the pass is unforgettable.
This trek is also famous for its scenic campsites, which are surrounded by steep mountains, glacial rivers, and open meadows. You have to cross the freezing waters of different streams a couple of times, which adds an exciting adventure to the journey. Finally, the excursion to the Chandratal Lake is the icing on the cake. This lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue water and stunning mountain reflections.

Eligiblity for Hampta Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek Itinerary

01. Drive from Manali to Jobra and Trek from Jobra to Chhika

Note: Reporting Time: 12:00 PM, Place: Rambaugh near Mall Road Manali, Drop Time: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Timings are subject to change based on weather and road conditions). Today’s lunch will be borne by the participants.

02. Trek from Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera

03. Trek from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

04. Trek from Shea Goru to Chatru and Drive to Chandratal

Note: The drive to Chandratal and back to the campsite will be done either on day 4 or day 5, depending on road and weather conditions.

05. Drive from Chatru to Manali

Note:

Drive from Manali to Jobra and Trek from Jobra to Chhika

The Hampta Pass trek begins with a scenic drive from Manali to Jobra, a beautiful trailhead situated at an altitude of approximately 9,300 feet. The drive distance is around 16 km, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hrs, and follows winding mountain roads. Dense forests of pine, maple, deodar, and silver oak mostly dominate the route. This lush vegetation offers a stunning glimpse into the rich Himalayan ecosystem.
One of the unique attributes of this drive to Jobra is the breathtaking “42 curves”, which offer an astounding bird’s-eye view of the Kullu Valley. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, cooler, and perceptively fresher. Kullu Valley. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, cooler, and perceptively fresher.
After reaching Jobra, the actual trek begins; it is roughly 3 km and takes around 2 hours at a comfortable pace. The starting point of the trek is the Allain Duhangan Hydropower Plant that lies just by the main roadhead. The climb is short and gradual, but more importantly, it serves as an effective acclimatization walk. Twenty minutes into the trek, and you will arrive at the bend that overlooks a lush meadow.
After passing through the meadow for a while, the Rani Nallah comes into view, which flows right through the middle. Chhika campsite, situated at around 10,100 feet, lies beside the Rani Nallah stream. The evening atmosphere is serene, with mist drifting through the valley and temperatures dropping significantly after sunset.
Thus, geographically, Day 1 introduces you to the green Kullu Valley landscape characterized by forests, river-fed meadows, and moderate Himalayan terrain.

Trek from Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera

Day 2 marks the transition from forested valleys into the more rugged high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas. The trek from Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera is approximately 7 kilometers and generally takes 5 to 7 hours, depending on weather conditions and the group’s pace.
Starting from an altitude of around 10,100 feet, you have to gradually ascend to nearly 11,900 feet by the time you reach the campsite. From the direction of the trail, you can guess that the campsite falls on the right-hand side.
The entire stretch of the river’s right bank is lined with amazing dwarf rhododendron trees. These trees will cover the lower and the central regions, and a cluster of silver birch trees covers the upper region.
Right at this point, behind you is a breathtaking panorama of the snow-covered Dhauladhar range. A short distance ahead, you’ll spot a clear stream and waterfall on the left—the perfect place to refill your water bottles.
Actually, the entire trek is all about hopping across streams with several cascading waterfalls, especially in monsoons.
As you walk past the waterfall, the trail progresses along the left side of the river. So, to get to the other side, you’ll need to wade through the icy stream, so be prepared to get your feet wet. The water is biting cold, which stings like a bee. Make sure to carefully jump upon the rocks that are scattered across the stream.
By the time you reach Jwara, you will have completed nearly half of the day’s trek. Jwara is a beautiful valley that is surrounded by snow-laden cliffs on one side and gentle slopes on the other. The serene beauty of this place is complemented by the melting snow being fed into the river. You can also witness cattle peacefully grazing across the meadows.
Ahead of this U-shaped valley leading to Balu Ka Ghera, you’ll see snow-clad peaks rise dramatically. The trail winds along the riverside, and this stretch is stunningly adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers.
The last traces of the tree line fade behind you. It takes roughly half an hour to reach the far end of the valley, marking the final stretch of Jwara. Beyond this point, the trail transitions into a snowy and rocky slope.
Before approaching Balu Ka Ghera, the path levels, but it’s composed of rocks and boulders. The term “Balu Ka Ghera” translates roughly to “bed of sand,” accurately describing the geography of the campsite. Located in a wide river basin surrounded by barren mountains, the area consists largely of sandy and rocky terrain deposited over centuries by glacial activity.

Trek from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

Today’s trek is probably the most demanding as well as the rewarding one. Covering approximately 7 to 8 kilometers over 9 to 10 hours, the day involves crossing the holy grail of this journey, Hampta Pass (14,100 ft), and then descending into the stark landscape of the Lahaul region. The trek starts by heading towards the mountains you witnessed the moment you entered the valley. The views from Balu Ka Ghera are unmistakably stunning, as you can see a clear transformation from lush meadows to rocky moraine sections.
The trail runs along a river that takes you to the base of Hampta Pass. After an hour of trek from here, you’ll reach the first plateau, which is completely covered by snow in winter. After some time, you reach another plateau and then a ridge. Then, from the first ridge, trek further up to the second ridge. Hampta Pass is just a few meters and a bend away from the second ridge.
Reaching Hampta Pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of two different regions simultaneously the lush-green Kullu Valley on one side, and the barren, cold terrain of the Lahaul region. One of the striking features you witness here is the Hampta glacier hanging from a mountain. You can also see the Indrasen Peak from here. As you cross the pass and start descending, Shea Goru looks absolutely incredible from a bird’s-eye view. Gradually, the route enters the Lahaul valley region, known for its dry, rocky, and sparsely vegetated geography. At an altitude of 12,900 feet, Shea Goru is a picture-perfect glacial valley with a glacial stream cutting right through it.
The terrain on this day showcases one of the most remarkable geographical transitions in the Himalayas. Within a single day, you witness multiple terrains – green ecosystems, rocky cliffs, glacier-fed rivers, moraine deposits, and snow-covered slopes.

Trek from Shea Goru to Chatru and Drive to Chandratal

Day 4 offers a comparatively easier trekking experience but introduces you to some of the most dramatic cold-desert scenery in Himachal Pradesh. The trek from Shea Goru to Chatru covers around 7 kilometers and usually takes 4 to 5 hours. From Chatru, you will drive to the famous Chandratal Lake, depending on road and weather conditions.
The trail descends steadily along the Chandra River basin through rocky and barren terrain. Unlike the green valleys seen earlier in the trek, this region belongs to the rain-shadow zone of the Himalayas. Vegetation is minimal, and the mountains display shades of brown, grey, and rust due to exposed rock formations and sparse plant life. The geography here is shaped largely by glacial erosion and extreme climatic conditions. Water sources remain available throughout the trek, although the water is icy cold due to direct snowmelt. One of the main attributes of this day is the continuous presence of glacial streams flowing into the Chandra River.
As you approach Chatru, the valley opens up and reveals sweeping views of barren Himalayan landscapes intersected by winding rivers. Chatru itself is a small seasonal settlement located at approximately 11,000 feet and acts as an important junction connecting routes toward Spiti, Rohtang, and Lahaul. There is also a unique landmark near Chatru – a mighty stone bridge that appears to have been built hundreds of years ago.
The drive to Chandratal is an adventure in itself. The route is uneven and rough and goes through high-altitude terrain with sharp cliffs, river crossings, and glacial valleys. Located at around 14,100 feet, Chandratal Lake — meaning “Moon Lake” – is famous for its crescent shape and crystal-clear blue waters.
The night by the Chandratal Lake offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution and extremely clear mountain skies.

Drive from Chatru to Manali

The last day of the Hampta Pass trek involves a visually spectacular drive from Chatru back to Manali. It’s a 65 km journey that usually takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. The drive is essentially a memorable conclusion to the expedition through some of the most varied Himalayan landscapes.
The landscape remains rugged and dry, which is a characteristic of the cold desert geography of a typical trans-Himalayan region. Roads are rough and narrow with sharp bends that appear like being carved into steep mountain faces. To some extent, the drive is as adventurous as scenic.
One unique aspect of this day is the opportunity to witness the trek’s full geographical diversity in reverse order. You are basically moving from high-altitude deserts through mountain passes and eventually into lush Himalayan valleys in a single drive. More importantly, it offers ample opportunities for photography and reflection on the journey completed over the previous days.
Note: The visit to Chandratal Lake will be either on Day 4 or Day 5, which is 70 km from the Chatru campsite. We can visit Chandratal only if the road and weather conditions permit it. If not, we will have to drive directly from Chatru to Manali and skip Chandratal altogether.

Health and Awareness

Important Links

If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking. Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form

How to Reach:

How to Reach Manali
How to Reach Manali
Manali Chattru Hampta Pass

Pickup Information

Arrival by Bus

If you are taking a bus for Manali, then try to take the bus from Chandigarh, as it’s more convenient.
(We highly recommend choosing government buses over private ones; based on our experience, private buses are more prone to delays.) Government buses are generally more reliable. Whichever option you choose, ensure you reach Manali by 10:00 AM on the pickup day.

Arrival by Air

For all the international trekkers opting for flight, it is the most preferred option to reach Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport).
Location Travelling Guide/Travel Instruction
DELHI The Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, is the prime airport that offers a direct flight to Bhuntar Airport.

As for the airlines, the major airline that offers a direct flight to Manali is the “Alliance Air”. Other than that Air India, IndiGo, and others also operate on this route.

From Delhi Airport, you can also opt to travel by bus as mentioned above.
CHANDIGARH Since Chandigarh is a better option and it takes less time from here then you can book a connecting flight to Chandigarh via Delhi/Hyd/Pune/Mumbai and then book a cab or take a bus to reach Manali.

The distance between the Chandigarh Airport and Chandigarh Bus Stand is 14 km.
After arriving at the Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), you can either take a bus or book a cab to reach the pickup point (Woodbine Hotel).
Note— The flights to Bhuntar are highly dependent on the weather conditions and seasonality. So, we firmly advise you to arrive a day or two before your trek.

Arrival By Train

There is no railway station in Manali, so there’s no direct train that goes there. The nearest major railway stations are: Joginder Nagar (145 – 160 km), Chandigarh (260 – 270 km), Ambala Cantt (320 – 330 km), and Pathankot (390 – 400 km).
From a connectivity point of view, Chandigarh railway station is ideal for reaching Manali. To know more about the train schedule, you can visit the IRCTC website. From Chandigarh Railway Station you need to travel to ISBT Sector 43 (approximately 10–11 km), and then you can take an overnight bus to Manali.
Note: If you prefer to travel on your own, you can choose between a government bus or a private cab. Your trek coordinator will assist you with all the necessary details and guidance for arranging the bus or cab booking.

Drop-Off Information:

Hampta Pass Trek Cost Terms – Inclusions & Exclusions

1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary)

2. Meals (Veg + Egg)

3. Support

4. Trek Equipment

5. First Aid

6. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.

7. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage.

8. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian.

9. Services from Manali to Manali.

10. Trek Completion Certificate

Trek Essentials

Backpack with rain cover(40 – 50 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack with rain cover20 – 30 ltr (If off-load opted)
Walking stickAdvisable (At least one)
Water Bottle / Hydration pack2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask.
Small size tiffin/lunch box1 Nos
SnacksEnergy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical KitConsult your doctor
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)2 Full & 2 Half sleeves
Fleece T-shirt2 Nos
Fleece jacket1 Nos
Windproof Jacket1 Nos
Down feather / Hollow jacket1 Nos
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower)1 Pair
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)2-3 Nos
Fleece Pant1 Nos
Waterproof gloves1 Nos
Fleece / woollen gloves1 Pair
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant1 Nos
Head torch1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch)
Sun cap1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap1 Nos.
Balaclava1 Nos
Buff / Neck-gaiters2 Nos.
SunglassesUV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles – (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses
Trekking shoes1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters / flip-flops1 Pair
Cotton socks6 pairs
Woollen socks2-3 pairs
Gaiters1 Pair (WTM provides when required)
Micro spikes1 Pair (WTM provides when required)
Sunscreen cream1 Nos
Moisturiser1 Nos
Chap-stick / Lip balm1 Nos
Toothbrush and toothpaste1 Nos
Toilet paper & Wipes1 Nos
Soap / hand sanitizers1 Nos
Antibacterial powder1 Nos
Quick dry towel1 Nos

Gallery

Cancellation Terms

To request a cancellation, please email us at info@walkingthemountains.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 28 days from the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation between 27 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation between 14 days and 8 days to the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation less than 7 days to the start of the trek.

Refund Options

Itinerary and Modifications

Cancellations and Refunds

Force Majeure

FAQ’S

Hampta Pass trek is considered a moderate difficulty trek. It is not too easy, but not extremely hard either. Most people with average fitness can do it with some preparation. The trail includes a mix of easy walks and a few tricky sections, especially while crossing the pass itself. Since it is a high-altitude trek, you may feel breathless or tired quickly, so proper acclimatization and a steady pace are important. Overall, with the right mindset, physical readiness, and guidance, the Hampta Pass trek is a beautiful and manageable adventure for many trekkers.

The height of Hampta Pass is 4,300 m / 14,100 ft, which is also the highest point during the Hampta Pass Trek.

No, you will not get mobile network coverage during the Hampta Pass trek. The last place where you’ll find a proper signal is in Manali. Once you begin the journey and move towards the mountains, there won’t be any mobile network. It’s a good idea to inform your family and friends before starting the trek and enjoy a peaceful, disconnected experience in nature.

Yes, someone above 60 years of age can do the Hampta Pass trek, but they need to be physically fit and well-prepared. If the person has done trekking recently and is used to walking in the mountains, it will definitely help. However, even without recent trekking experience, they can still do the trek if they have good stamina and strength.

To check their fitness level, they should be able to jog 5 kilometers in around 33 minutes without feeling too tired, or walk 10 kilometers in about 75 minutes without stress. If they prefer cycling, they should be able to cycle 15 kilometers in 45 minutes comfortably. The Hampta Pass trek involves walking at high altitude, so it’s important to prepare the body through regular walking, jogging, or cycling before the trek. With the right preparation, age is not a barrier, and anyone who is determined and fit can enjoy this beautiful journey.

No, there is no electricity available at the campsites on the Hampta Pass trek. Since you’ll be staying in remote mountain areas, it’s best to carry fully charged power banks to keep your phone or camera running. Try to save battery by keeping your devices on airplane mode when not in use.

Yes, offloading services are available on the Hampta Pass trek. This means you can hire a mule or porter to carry your backpack, so you can trek more comfortably. If you feel your bag is too heavy or you want to enjoy the trek without carrying much weight, offloading is a helpful option.

Yes, you can usually find snow on the Hampta Pass trek during June and early July. However, the presence and amount of snow depend largely on the weather conditions of that particular year. In some seasons, snow may linger longer, while in others, it might melt earlier. Always check recent weather and trail updates before planning your trek.

Here are some other treks in Himachal you can consider:
Sar Pass Buran Ghati Chandrakhani Pass Bhrigu Lake Rupin Pass
Each trek offers beautiful views, unique trails, and a great adventure in the mountains.

The best time to do the Hampta Pass trek is from mid-June to September. June offers snow, July–August brings greenery, and September gives the clearest weather. This time period offers you a lot of things, such as frozen streams, icy crossings, colorful wildflowers, fresh greenery, and crystal-clear mountain views.

No prior trekking experience is required for the Hampta Pass trek. However, to enjoy your trip fully, it’s better to possess a reasonable level of physical fitness. The trek has challenging and rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents.

Hampta Pass is widely known for its dramatic landscape transition — from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the barren mountains of Lahaul in just a few days. One moment you are walking through dense forests, mesmerizing waterfalls, and flower-laden meadows, and the next you are surrounded by rugged mountains and cold desert terrain.