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Himachali Guide
Hampta Pass trek
Kullu-Manali Moderate Featured

Hampta Pass Trek

Five days from the green Kullu valley over to the bare, rocky side of Lahaul, with Chandratal at the end.

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Overview

Hampta Pass at a glance

The Hampta Pass trek is a 5-day moderate trek in Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,270 m over about 26 km. It starts from Jobra, with pickup in Manali. The best time to go is June to September. Guided departures with Himachali Guide start from ₹11,500 per person.

Hampta Pass is the best-known crossover trek in Himachal. You start in the pine and deodar forests above Manali, climb through the flower-filled meadows of Jwara and Balu ka Ghera, and cross a 4,270-metre pass into Lahaul. Within one afternoon everything around you turns to bare rock, scree and glacier-fed streams.

Pass day is long. You climb steadily over moraine to a narrow col with views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan, then go down steeply into the Shea Goru valley. From the Chhatru roadhead we drive to Chandratal, the crescent-shaped lake at 4,250 metres, when the road is open.

For a first high-altitude trek in the Indian Himalaya, Hampta is one of the best. Daily distances are moderate, the camps are next to rivers, and the country changes a lot in five days.

Best time to go

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Logistics

Region
Kullu-Manali
Base camp
Jobra
Pickup
Manali
Group size
Up to 15

Highlights

  • Green Kullu meadows on one side of the pass, the cold desert of Lahaul on the other
  • Hampta Pass at 4,270 m with views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan
  • Riverside camps at Chika, Balu ka Ghera and Shea Goru
  • Drive to Chandratal, the crescent lake at 4,250 m, on the final day
  • Jwara meadows, full of wildflowers in July and August

Itinerary

5 days · tap a day to expand

  1. Day 1 Manali to Jobra by road, trek to Chika 3,100 m 2 km 2 hrs

    Meet in Manali at 9 am and drive two hours up the Hampta valley to Jobra. A gentle two-hour walk through maple and deodar forest brings you to the Chika meadow camp beside the Rani nala.

    • Lunch, Dinner
    • Tents at Chika
  2. Day 2 Chika to Balu ka Ghera 3,600 m 8 km 5.5 hrs

    Climb gradually along the river through Jwara meadows, crossing boulder fields and a couple of streams. Balu ka Ghera, the "bed of sand", is a wide flat camp at the foot of the pass.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Tents at Balu ka Ghera
  3. Day 3 Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass 3,900 m 9 km 9 hrs

    The big day. A steady climb over moraine to the narrow pass at 4,270 m, with views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan. A steep descent on scree and snow patches leads into the stark Shea Goru valley in Lahaul.

    • Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner
    • Tents at Shea Goru
  4. Day 4 Shea Goru to Chhatru, drive to Chandratal 3,300 m 7 km 4.5 hrs

    An easy walk down the valley with a cold river crossing to the Chhatru roadhead. If the road is open we drive to Chandratal lake at 4,250 m and return to camp at Chhatru.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Tents at Chhatru
  5. Day 5 Chhatru to Manali 2,050 m

    Drive back to Manali through the Atal Tunnel, reaching town by early afternoon. Plan onward travel after 3 pm.

    • Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Transport Manali to Jobra and Chhatru to Manali
  • Two-person tents, sleeping bags and mattresses
  • All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 5 breakfast
  • Certified trek leader and local support staff
  • Forest permits and camping fees
  • Oxygen cylinder, first aid and pulse oximeter
  • Mules to carry common equipment

Not included

  • Travel to and from Manali
  • Personal porter or mule for your backpack (available on request)
  • Chandratal visit if the road is closed
  • Travel insurance
  • 5% GST
  • Anything not listed under inclusions

Things to carry

  • Trekking shoes with ankle support
  • Backpack 40 to 60 litres with rain cover
  • Three warm layers (fleece, padded jacket, thermals)
  • Rain jacket and poncho
  • Trekking pole
  • Sun cap, woollen cap and gloves
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Two 1-litre water bottles
  • Head torch with spare batteries
  • Personal medicines and toiletries
  • Government photo ID

Frequently asked questions

Is Hampta Pass suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you prepare. You should be able to jog 5 km in about 35 minutes or walk briskly for an hour without strain. The pass day is 9 to 10 hours, so build stamina for six weeks before the trek.

Will we visit Chandratal?

Chandratal is included when the road from Chhatru is open, usually from mid June to early October. In heavy rain or early-season snow the drive can be cancelled for safety, in which case we return to Manali directly.

What is the weather like?

Days are 12 to 18 degrees at the lower camps and nights drop to 0 to 5 degrees near the pass. July and August see afternoon showers on the Kullu side; the Lahaul side is dry and windy. Carry proper rain protection.

Is there mobile network on the trek?

Network ends at Jobra on Day 1 and returns at Chhatru or Manali. Tell family you will be out of contact for four days.

Read before you go

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