Hampta Pass Trek – A Mesmerizing Crossover Between Two Worlds

If you’re seeking a trek that blends lush green valleys, dramatic landscapes, river crossings, and snow-covered mountain passes — look no further than the Hampta Pass Trek. Located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, this trek is often called the “Valley-to-Desert Crossover” for a good reason.

Traversing from the green Kullu Valley to the barren, stark beauty of Lahaul, the Hampta Pass (4270 meters) offers a cinematic experience that feels straight out of a Himalayan fairytale. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trekker, this moderate-level trek packs in everything — adventure, beauty, and raw Himalayan charm.

What Makes Hampta Pass Trek Unique?

• ✅ Dramatic Terrain Shift: Trek through pine forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and high mountain passes, ending in the cold desert of Spiti.

• ✅ Ideal for Beginners: It’s one of the best Himalayan treks for first-timers looking to experience high-altitude trekking without going extreme.

• ✅ Chandratal Lake Add-On: Many packages include a drive to the enchanting Chandratal Lake, a stunning crescent-shaped lake in Spiti Valley.

• ✅ Rich Flora and Fauna: Spot Himalayan birds, wildflowers, and unique forest ecosystems.

Hampta Pass Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights Short Itinerary

✅ Day 1:

Manali to Jobra (Drive) → Trek to Chika

• Drive: 27 km | Trek: 2 km

• Altitude: 2,050 m → 3,078 m

• Stay at Chika campsite

✅ Day 2:

Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

• Trek: 8.5 km | 6 hours

• Altitude: 3,078 m → 3,783 m

• Stay at Balu Ka Ghera

✅ Day 3:

Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

• Trek: 7 km | 9–10 hours

• Altitude: 3,783 m → 4,287 m (Pass) → 3,921 m

• Stay at Shea Goru

✅ Day 4:

Shea Goru to Chhatru → Optional Drive to Chandratal & Return

• Trek: 6 km | Drive: 70 km (optional)

• Altitude: 3,921 m → 3,322 m (Chhatru)

• Stay at Chhatru

✅ Day 5:

Drive from Chhatru to Manali via Atal Tunnel

• Distance: 90 km | 4–5 hours

• Trip ends at Manali

Hampta Pass Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights Itinerary

Trek Region: Himachal Pradesh
Max Altitude: 4,287 m / 14,065 ft (Hampta Pass)
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Total Trek Distance: Approx. 27.5 km
Best Season: Mid-June to September

🗓️ Day 1: Arrive in Manali → Drive to Jobra → Trek to Chika Campsite

• Altitude: Manali (2,050 m / 6,726 ft.) → Chika (3,078 m / 10,100 ft.)

• Drive: 27 km | 1.5 hrs (Manali to Jobra)

• Trek: 2 km | 1–1.5 hrs

• Stay: Campsite at Chika

Arrive at the base camp in Manali by 8:00 AM. Post registration and briefing, drive to Jobra Roadhead, the starting point of the trek. Begin a short but beautiful hike through forests and streams to reach your first campsite, Chika, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.

🌲 Highlights: River Rani Nallah, pine forests, and peaceful campsite under the stars.

🗓️ Day 2: Trek from Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

• Altitude Gain: 3,078 m / 10,100 ft → 3,783 m / 12,411 ft

• Trek Distance: 8.5 km | 6 hours

• Stay: Campsite at Balu Ka Ghera

Today’s trek follows the river upstream, passing through boulder fields and open meadows. The landscape begins to open up and the air gets thinner. Balu Ka Ghera, meaning “bed of sand,” is located just below Hampta Pass and is often surrounded by snow walls, especially in early season.

❄️ Highlights: Water crossings, scenic valleys, and view of the Hampta Pass ridge ahead.

🗓️ Day 3: Trek from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

• Altitude Gain & Loss: 3,783 m / 12,411 ft → 4,287 m / 14,065 ft (Hampta Pass) → 3,921 m / 12,864 ft

• Trek Distance: 7 km | 9–10 hours

• Stay: Campsite at Shea Goru

The most adventurous and rewarding day of the trek! Start early for the steep ascent to Hampta Pass, your highest point. After enjoying panoramic views of the Lahaul valley and snow-covered peaks, begin a steep descent into Shea Goru, the first campsite in the Spiti region.

🏔️ Highlights: Breathtaking pass views, glaciers, and a dramatic landscape transition from Kullu to Spiti.

🗓️ Day 4: Trek to Chhatru → Drive to Chandratal Lake (Optional) → Return to Chhatru

• Altitude: 3,921 m / 12,864 ft → 3,322 m / 10,898 ft → 4,300 m / 14,100 ft (Chandratal)

• Trek Distance: 6 km | 4–5 hours

• Drive: 70 km round-trip (Chhatru to Chandratal and back) | 4–5 hours

• Stay: Camp or guesthouse at Chhatru

Descend to Chhatru, a rugged base point with views of waterfalls and barren mountains. After lunch, if roads and weather permit, take a jeep ride to Chandratal Lake, one of the most surreal high-altitude lakes in India. Return to Chhatru by evening.

🌙 Highlights: River trail, optional visit to Chandratal Lake, and the start of your return journey.

🗓️ Day 5: Drive from Chhatru to Manali via Atal Tunnel

• Altitude Loss: 3,322 m / 10,898 ft → 2,050 m / 6,726 ft

• Drive Distance: 90 km | 4–5 hours

• Route: Chhatru – Gramphu – Atal Tunnel – Manali

Enjoy the scenic drive back to Manali via Atal Tunnel, which cuts through the Pir Panjal range. Expect to reach Manali by early afternoon, ending the trek with incredible memories and soul-refreshing views.

🚗 Highlights: Mountain drive, river views, Atal Tunnel experience.

How to Reach – Hampta Pass Trek (Manali Basecamp)

By Road (Most Convenient Option)

• From Delhi/Chandigarh:

  • Regular Volvo and deluxe buses run from ISBT Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali.

  • Travel time: 12–14 hours from Delhi | 8–10 hours from Chandigarh

  • You’ll be dropped near Beas Bridge / Manali Bus Stand.

Pro Tip: Book an overnight bus so you reach Manali by early morning.

By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar (145 km) or Chandigarh (310 km)

• From either station, hire a cab or take a bus to reach Manali.
  (Trains are not the most convenient option for Manali treks.)

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) – 50 km from Manali

  • Connected via flights from Delhi & Chandigarh

  • Taxis available from airport to Manali (1.5–2 hour drive)

Trek Start Point:

Jungle Line Campus, Manali (Trip On Himalayas pickup point)

• Reporting Time: 8:00 AM on Day 1

• Optional pickup from Beas Bridge, Manali at 7:00 AM (₹1,000 per vehicle shared)

Inclusions:

1. Accommodation. (All Day Stay All Day Camp)
2. Meals Vegetarian All Day breakfast, Lunch and Dinner .

3.All necessary permits and entry fees.
4. Experts guide and Support staff.
5. Transport According itinerary.

Exclusions:

1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.

5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.

Note: Normally Trip on Himalaya expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule. .

INR 2500/- this payment you paid directly mules owners.

The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs.

Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

When to Book:

It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organizing your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)

TERMS FOR CANCELLATION & REFUND:

Customer is suppose to make a full payment in advance for the confirm bookings. If in case a confirmed booking needs to be cancel than below are the refund policies

1. Prior 30 days of the confirmed date, 50% of the total amount would be refunded

2. Prior 25 days of the confirmed date, 40% of the total amount would be refunded 

3. Prior 20 days of the confirmed date, 30% of the total amount would be refunded

4. Prior 15 days of the confirmed date, 20% of the total amount would be refunded

5. Prior 10 days of the confirmed date, 0% of the total amount would be refunded

Note: After the said time the Trip on Himalaya would not be entertaining any cancelation and no amount would be refunded whatsoever.

Trekking Gear

1. Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
2. Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
3. Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
4. U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1
5. Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

1. Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
2. Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

1. Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2
2. Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
3. Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
4. Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
5. Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
6. Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
7. Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
8. Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
9. Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
10. Woolen cap. Qty-1
11. Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

1. Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream etc.)
2. Sun screen lotion small pack . Qty -1
3. Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

1. Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
2. Plate. Qty- 1
3. Spoon.Qty-1
4. Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

1. Camera (Optional)
2. Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
3. Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

Fitness For Trekking

Tips to get fit for Trekking

Experiencing trek is almost everyone’s passion or dream. But before starting or planning for a hike, you must be aware of the during and post-trek pain of your body. It is essential to be strong enough to enjoy your whole trek without any disruption of body ache. One book or decide several months before going on a hike, so you have a significant amount of time exercising your body and training it to become flexible for the trek.

Following are some advantages of training yourself before trek:

• It fosters aerobic fitness.
• It improves blood circulation and breathing functions as well.
• It makes the heart strong, preventing it from any problem.
• It helps in toning legs.
• Muscles get build-up which is very beneficial.

Therefore, one must do practice to gain all these benefits. It is not only for the trek but for lifetime fitness also.
Let’s have a look at some factors which must be kept in mind to practice before trek:

Importance of Stretching

It helps the body become flexible and allows you to move your body in any direction you want quickly. It helps make the joints such as shoulders, elbows, hips and knees stronger to prevent any mishappening. It provides much relaxation to your body and relieves the pain. And if you are going on a trek, it is essential to practice stretching way before your hike. It will help you in moving to the higher altitudes region more efficiently.

Sleep like baby

It is always said that one must sleep like a baby. It means sleep without any worries. This makes you have an adequate amount of sleep which is a significant factor in daily life. So, practice it daily and also before your trek. Try to make yourself comfortable to sleep at higher altitudes.

Good Shoes-Good Trek

It is so evident that one has to walk and only walk while Trekking, so it is far more essential to have a good pair of trekking/hiking shoes. Practice walking by wearing your boots before the trek to make yourself used to them. You may opt for an option to keep an extra pair in your bag while trek to help yourself in the opposite condition.