Hampta Pass trek is one of the most dramatic moderate-level crossover treks in Himachal Pradesh. It connects the lush green Kullu with the stark, rugged beauty of the Lahaul region. At about 14000 ft., the Hampta Pass is a spectacular portrayal of peaks and valleys of the Himalayas.
It is great for every Indian trekker who wants to experience the high-altitude pass without much difficulty. Before you head to Himachal, read on to learn the best time to visit, different ways to reach, and top attractions in the Hampta Pass for a stress-free adventure.
Quick Information of Hampta Pass Trek
Hamta trek is one of the most picturesque and famous trekking destinations in the Indian Himalayas. Here’s the quick information about Hampta Pass trek distance, duration, and permits required:
| Location | Kullu & Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh |
| Altitude | 14,065 ft (4,287 metres) |
| Trek Duration | 5–6 days |
| Trek Distance | 24-26 km |
| Trek Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Starting Point | Jobra (near Manali) |
| Ending Point | Chatru (Lahaul Valley) |
| Best Time to Visit | From mid-June to September |
| Permits Required | An Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Lahaul Valley and a Rohtang Pass Permit for Chandratal visit. |
| Famous for | The contrasting valley crossover, beautiful Chandratal lake, and breathtaking mountain views. |
Best Time to Visit Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta pass trek best time to visit is from mid-June to September. In these months, the trail is easily accessible and safe. The optimal window depends on what you want to experience, such as:
- June to early July for snow.
- July to August for greenery and flowers.
- September for clear skies and comfortable trailing.
| June to Early July | Perfect time to experience the snowfields and walk through the snow bridges. The pass area is still blanketed with winter snow. |
| July to August | The monsoon rains turn the Kullu region a lush green paradise. Its surroundings are absolutely pleasing to the eyes with colour, life, and charm. However, trails can be slippery, and river crossings may be challenging. |
| September | This is one of the best places to visit in September in India. It offers the preferred time to trek as the monsoon recedes, leaving behind its greenery. This time also offers clear skies, dry and clean trails, and pleasant weather. |
| May or October | It’s better to avoid the journey in these months. In May, the snow buries most of the trail, making it hard to reach the pass. October is dicey; you might get pleasant weather, but the early winter snow can make the trekking difficult. |
The trek is closed and inaccessible from November to April. The heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures make it impassable.
How to Reach Hampta Pass Trek?
To reach the base camp in Manali, you can travel to the Kullu Manali Airport, Chandigarh Railway Station, or by the overnight bus from Delhi. From Manali, take local transport to reach Jobra, the starting point of the trek.
By Air
The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar, which is about 50 km away from Manali. The airport has limited connections primarily to cities like Delhi and Chandigarh and regional hubs such as Dehradun, Amritsar, and Jaipur. After reaching the airport, take a taxi or local bus from Bhuntar to Manali, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Many travellers prefer flying to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi or Chandigarh Airport and taking a bus to reach the final destination for better connectivity.
By Train
There are two major railheads. One is Chandigarh Railway Station (approx. 310 km away), which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow. Another is Ambala Cantt (approx. 320 km away), which is connected to cities including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar. Hire a taxi or bus from the station to Manali that will take about 8 to 10 hours.
By Road
Manali is easily accessible by highways from the major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Catch an overnight Volvo or bus from these cities to reach the Manali area. The distance from Delhi to Manali is about 530-550 km, and from Chandigarh, it is 270-310 km.
Once you reach the base camp in Manali, your trek organizer or the local cabs will take you to Jobra, where the trek begins (approx 15-16 km away).
Top Attractions in Hampta Pass Trek
The Hamta Pass trek is famous for the valley crossover that offers a contrasting beauty between Kullu and Lahaul. Trekkers also love the scenic campsites at Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, and Shea Goru and Himalayan mountain views. Let’s see the top attractions in this trek:
1. The Valley Crossover
The best part about the journey that travellers notice is the sharp, dramatic contrast between the green Kullu valley to the cold desert of Lahaul and Spiti. As the trek starts, you will experience the pine forests and alpine forests that will turn into barren, rugged terrain as you head towards the Lahaul side.
2. Scenic Campsites
Another wonderful aspect of the Hampta Pass trek package is the opportunity to camp at some of the most picturesque spots. Whether it’s the open green meadows of Chika, where you may relax with the sound of a flowing river, or balu ka ghera that is surrounded by the snow-laden peaks, or the remote setting of shea goru, each site carries the beauty of its own.
3. Chandratal Lake
Chandratal Lake is a high-altitude lake that is also famous as the Moon Lake. It is usually visited via Chatru after crossing the Hamta Valley. True to its name, it offers an otherworldly charm with its striking blue and green colours. The lake’s clean water reflects the changing colours of the sky. Reaching this place is no less than a dream for travellers with peaceful and calm memories.
4. Mountain Views
Trek the Himalayas Hampta Pass for the close-up sights of the mountain peaks. Throughout the journey, the scenery constantly changes from the snow-covered peaks to glacier fields and deep valleys. Spot the towering Himalayan giants such as Indrasan and Deo Tibba. These places not only give the chance of excellent photography but also a deep sense of connection to the nature around you.
5. River Crossings
One of the most adventurous parts of Hampta Pass trekking is crossing the river with the help of a rope. While trekking from Chika to Balu Ka Gera and Shea Goru to Chatru, you will have to cross the fast-flowing streams and the icy rivers. This will add to the thrilling experience, portraying teamwork and courage.
Detailed Itinerary of Hampta Pass Trek
A classic Hampta Pass itinerary needs about 5-6 days. It is famous for the dramatic crossover from the green Kullu Valley to the barren and cold Lahaul and Spiti region. In about 26 km, trekkers pass locations like Jobra, Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, Hampta Pass, Shea Goru, and Chatru. Let’s see the Hampta Pass trek map and day-wise itinerary plan:
Day 1: Drive from Manali to Jobra and Trek to Chika
Arrive in Manali a day in advance and start the adventure by reaching Jobra. The drive from Manali to Jobra offers panoramic views of the Kullu Valley with about 42 hairpin turns. From Jobra, hit the trail through the thick forests of oak, pine, and maple trees. Here, the trek is easy, guiding towards the Chika campsite along Rani Nallah river.
- Drive Distance: 16 km ( about 1 hour)
- Trek Distance: 3 km (around 2 hours)
- Altitude Gain: 6,730 ft (Manali) to 10,100 ft (Chika)
Day 2: Trek from Chika to Balu ka Ghera
The second day trail moves alongside the river through the sprawling meadows of Jwara. Here, you will experience the first river crossing, a stretch of boulders, and first glimpses of the snow-capped mountains. The campsite at the balu ka ghera is flat and surrounded by the mountain peaks.
- Trek Distance: 7 km (around 5-6 hours)
- Altitude Gain: 10,100 ft to 11,900 ft (Balu ka Ghera)
Day 3: Trek from Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
Day 3 Hampta trek is broken into two parts: the ascent to the Hampta Pass followed by the steep descent to the Shea Goru. Start your day from the balu ka ghera towards the pass, passing through the visuals of pink and yellow flowers alongside the river.
Reach the pass by lunchtime, have lunch there, and enjoy the views of Lahaul on one side and Kullu on the other. From there, a steep descent will take you to the camp at Shea Goru.
- Trek Distance: 7-8 km ( about 9-10 hours)
- Altitude Change: 11,900 ft to 14,100 ft (pass) to 12,900 ft (Shea Goru)
Day 4: Trek from Shea Goru to Chatru and Drive to Chandratal
Now the descent gets a bit trickier, traversing by the edges of the rocks until you reach the roadside of Chatru. It is a lovely camping site with the Chadra River flowing right below it. Take a jeep ride to the moon-shaped Chandratal Lake. After spending time by its colour-changing water, drive back to the tents at Chatru by night.
- Trek Distance: 7 km (4-5 hours)
- Drive Distance: 70 km (4-5 hours)
- Altitude Drop: 12,900 ft to 11,000 ft. (Chatru)
Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali
Drive back to Manali from Chatru through the Atal Tunnel, leaving the Lahul Valley and returning to the Kullu region. Most operators drop the trekkers back to Manali by early evening.
- Drive Distance: 65 km (4-5 hours)
- Altitude Drop: 11,000 ft to 6,730 ft (Manali)
Packing and Gear List for Hampta Pass Trek
Trekkers are advised to pack essentials like weather-appropriate clothing, trekking and gear bags, footwear, and accessories. You should also carry personal hygiene and toiletries like a toothbrush, sanitizer, and moisturizer.
- Trekking and Gear Bags: Your main backpack must have a rain cover and hip support. Carry a daypack to offload the main bag and to carry water, jacket, and light snacks.
- Clothing: Pack quick-dry thermals, sweaters, a padded down jacket, water-resistant and windproof pants, and full-sleeve dry-fit tees.
- Footwear and Socks: Keep high-anchor waterproof boots, woolen socks for warmth at night, and cotton socks for comfortable trekking.
- Headwear and Accessories: Pack a sun cap, woolen cap, sunglasses, neck warmer, and gloves.
- Personal Hygiene and Toiletries: For personal care, keep sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer, sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a quick-dry towel.
Safety and Preparation Tips for Hampta Pass Trek
There are some essential tips that every trekker should follow to ensure safety and be well prepared for the journey. For instance, cardio training, carrying medical first aid and personal documents. Also, during the trek, stay hydrated and follow the instructions of the guide.
- Cardio Training: Run or jog for 3-5 km daily 3 weeks before the trek to build lung capacity and cardiovascular endurance.
- Acclimatization: Walk slowly as you climb to let the body adjust to the thin air and prevent altitude sickness.
- Medical First Aid: Carry your personal medical kit including general medicines, ORS, and band aids.
- Personal Documents: Keep personal documents like valid ID proof, medical certificate, insurance copy, and a permit copy.
- Hydration: Drink water throughout the day from a refillable bottle to keep energy levels high.
- Stay with the Team: Always stay with your team and never wander off far away from the group. Follow the guide’s instructions to ensure safety.
Final Words
Hampta Pass trek is exciting and full of surprises, connecting two starkly different landscapes. Traditionally, it is famous as a summer trek, but it offers an equally amazing experience during the monsoon as well. If you are planning your visit for the first time, you will definitely enjoy exploring Chandratal Lake and breathtaking mountain views.
Explore Manali tour packages for an affordable and hassle-free experience. Also, don’t forget to pack the essentials and follow the safety and preparation tips for no-fuss travel.
How difficult is the Hampta Pass trek?
Manali Hampta Pass is considered a moderate difficulty level trek, great for beginners who want to experience the high-altitude Himalayan crossing.
What is the Hampta Pass trek duration?
The overall trek duration takes about 5-6 days.
What is the Hampta Pass trek distance?
It is approximately a 24-26 km route, taking about 4-5 days to trek comfortably.
What is the Manali to Hampta Pass distance?
The distance between Manali and Jobra is about 16km. From Jobra, the trek to Hampta Pass begins.
Can I visit the Hampta Pass trek in April?
No. You cannot visit the pass in April. The trail is completely closed this month due to heavy snowfall and freezing sub-zero temperatures.
What is the Hampta Pass height?
Hampta Pass height is about 14,065 ft (4,287 metres) above sea level.
