For a true trekker, seeing and experiencing the Himalayas is a must. For trekkers who want to explore heaven on earth, Hampta Pass is one of the best places to visit. It looks like a paradise that contains all the beauty of nature. If you are a true nature explorer, missing out on the Hampta Pass trek would be a huge loss. The Hampta Pass appears to be the lowest altitude point to cross the mountain range. This area between the mountain range is known as “Hamta”; hence, the route is called Hamta Pass.
The Hampta Pass trek is a mystical route that takes you through everything from lush green pastures to rocky terrains. Situated at 4,272 meter the Hampta Pass connects the Kullu Valley and the Lahaul Valley. This trek takes place in the Himalayas, which is perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers due to its moderate difficulty level and the beauty seen along the trek. The route passes through stunning scenery, including forests, meadows, waterfalls, glaciers and the beautiful Chandratal Lake. This trek is called the Valley of Flowers of Himachal, surrounded by colourful Himalayan meadows and flowers. The effort-to-reward ratio is excellent throughout the journey. You will hear the sound of waterfalls on the left and the Beas River on the right.
Some of the things you can expect from the Hampta Pass:-
Hampta Pass is a Himalayan pass in the Pir Panjal Range of Himachal Pradesh. It is between the Spiti district’s Kullu Valley and the Lahaul Valley. The pass is named after the village of Hampta, located below Sethan Village. It connects the lush green valleys of Kullu to the arid desert-like region of Spiti. The pass is about 4,272 meters (14,015 ft.) above sea level.
The Hampta Pass Trek is a cocktail of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The trails start at the green paradise of Kullu Valley and then move further to the barren and arid zones of Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. One of the most sought-after treks in the Indian Himalayas, this trek is a physical and visual feast.
Get mesmerized by a wonderful amalgamation of landscapes ranging from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the barren, rugged terrains of Lahaul.
Explore a breathtaking view of the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake with its turquoise waters that sometimes take the form of stark waters.
The trek passes through deodar, pine, and maple forests, where you can spot various wildlife, including Himalayan birds and animals like the Himalayan blue sheep.
Reaching an altitude of around 14,100 ft, the Hampta Pass offers a thrilling, high-altitude trekking experience suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Trekkers can experience the rich cultural diversity of Himachal Pradesh by starting from the lush green Kullu Valley and entering the Lahaul Valley.
The route involves crossing several rivers, most notably the Hampta River, which adds an element of adventure to the trek.
Depending on the season, trekkers may see snowfields and small glaciers, especially near the pass.
Beautiful campsites like Chika, Balu Ka Gera and Shea Goru offer quiet overnight stays surrounded by natural beauty.
With a moderate difficulty level, the Hampta Pass trek is accessible to beginners with good physical fitness, making it an ideal introduction to high-altitude trekking.
Several trekking agencies offer guided tours, providing logistical support and experienced guides and ensuring a safe and well-organized trekking experience.
Day 1: Manali – Jobra – Chika
The Hampta Pass trek starts from Manali, where you will gather and prepare for the trek. Our team will be there to guide you; after the briefing, we will drive to Jobra, the starting point of the trek. Jobra is the starting point of the Hampta Pass trek from where the trek begins, which is the initial trek to Cheekha. The trail is an easy 2 km walk through lush green forests with an elevation gain of about 100 meters. This short trek allows you to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
As you proceed, you will see the majestic Dhauladhar range on one side and the Pir Panjal range on the other. Keep an eye out for different flora and fauna along the way.
At Chikha, our team has already arranged for you to stay in the camp for the night. The serene atmosphere and the starry sky will make for a memorable evening. You will also get to know your fellow trekkers while enjoying hot and delicious food prepared by the trekking staff.
Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
We will cover the entire trek early in the morning, starting from Chikka, located at 10,100 feet (3,078 m). After breakfast, we will begin our trekking towards Balu Ka Ghera. The trek will take around 5-6 hours, with relatively easy slopes, making it an enjoyable day of walking through some of the most beautiful terrain in the region.
The meadows are filled with vibrant wildflowers, creating a stunning contrast with the greenery and enhancing the overall visual experience. These crossings add a touch of adventure to the trek, requiring careful navigation through flowing water. The crisp, clear rivers provide refreshing moments to cool off and enjoy the pristine environment.
Balu Ka Ghera is a vast, open plain surrounded by high mountains, giving a feeling of solitude and peace. Upon reaching here, you can set up camp and relax while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The region is known for its beauty and tranquillity, making it a perfect place to relax after trekking. Relax in the sandy surrounds, as the next leg of your journey will test your endurance and determination. The breathtaking views from the top of Hampta Pass and the unique experience of being transported to a different world will make all the efforts worthwhile.
Day 3: Balu ka Ghera to Hamta Pass to Siagoru
This day will be the main day of the trek as we will cross the Hampta Pass. The trek is divided into two parts: ascent and descent. The climb from Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass is 4 km, with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet. The first kilometre is a gentle climb, but the last two require a lot of effort due to the steep descent. Once you reach the pass, you will get breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. After a short rest, you will descend to Siagoru, covering a distance of 3 km with a slope of 1,200 feet. The first kilometre is steep, but the remaining two are easy to walk. At Siagoru, you will set up camp and rest after a challenging day.
Day 4: Sivaguru to Chatru
Trek to Chatru via Hampta Pass and reach the lower part of Spiti Valley; descend further into the valley. The fourth day of the Hampta Pass trek takes you from Shivguru to Chatru, a journey as challenging as it is thrilling. In this part of the journey, you must descend from the high Hampta Pass into the beautiful Lahaul Valley. The dramatic change in the landscape from greenery to dry, rocky terrain is the highlight of this day. The lifeless landscape of Spiti contrasts with the lush environment of Kullu Valley. The route includes river crossings and views of the Chandra River.
Day 5: Chatru to Chandratal and back to Manali
On the 5th day of Hampta Pass Trek, you will start your day with breakfast at Chatru and prepare for the journey to Chandratal Lake. The beautiful drive to Chandratal takes about 3-4 hours, covering a distance of about 70 km. Once you reach the “Moon Lake” in the morning, you will have time to see the spectacular views of this high-altitude glacial lake, take pictures and explore the serene surroundings. Around noon, enjoy lunch by the lake, enjoying the serene atmosphere and pristine beauty. Start the return journey to Chatru so that there is enough time to reach Manali by evening. Reaching back Chatru, you can relax and refresh yourself with some tea and snacks before heading to Manali. This fantastic trek will end once you reach Manali.
1. Base Layers:
2. Insulation Layers:
3. Outer Layers:
4. Trekking Pants:
5. Footwear:
6. Accessories:
1. Backpack:
2. Hydration System:
3. Navigation Tools:
4. Shelter:
5. Cooking Equipment:
6. Safety and First Aid:
Booking Terms:
You must pay 30% of the booking amount to book a journey. Upon receipt of this payment, you will receive a confirmation shortly. The balance amount should be paid on the day of arrival before commencing the journey.
Cancellation Terms:
Refund Terms: If your booking is canceled, any applicable refunds will be processed within 10 business days using the original payment method.
Confirmation Policy:
Cancellation Policy:
The best time to start trekking Hampta Pass is mid-June to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, and the trails are snow-free, making them passable. The winter months (June to August) are green, and September to October provides clear skies and relatively calm weather to enhance the travel experience.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, located around 50 km from Manali. Bhuntar is connected to most important Indian cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by daily flights.
By Road: Manali is well connected to many major cities by road. It is around 540 km from Delhi, 310 km from Chandigarh and 250 km from Shimla. Regular Volvo bus services ply on these routes.
By Train: The nearest most important railway station is at Chandigarh, which is around 310 km from Manali. From Chandigarh, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Manali
No, prior trekking experience is not obligatory. However, an excellent level of physical fitness is essential because of the trek's slight issues.
The Hamta Pass is moderately difficult in terms of distance. The daily distance covered during the trek is manageable, but it becomes a bit more challenging from the Hampta Pass base camp.
During the hiking season, daylight hours temperatures vary between 12-20°C, while midnight temperatures can drop to zero-five°C, specifically at higher altitudes. Proper layering is critical to staying warm and snug.
Essential items consist of:
The maximum altitude of the trek is 4272 meters, wherein a few trekkers may experience moderate symptoms of altitude sickness, complications, and nausea. Living hydrated, ascending progressively, and aware of the signs is critical. If symptoms persist, descending to a lower altitude is necessary.
Although experienced hikers may choose to go solo, hiring a guide or joining a hiking group is recommended for safety and convenience. Guides provide valuable insight into the terrain, help with navigation, and handle logistics such as permits and camp scheduling.
Yes, a permit is required to walk in this county. Trip Tradition usually arranges these or are available from local authorities in Manali.
Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as running, cycling or swimming, helps build endurance. Practising strength training, especially for the legs, and hiking with a loaded backpack prepares you for hiking.
Most of our Hampta Pass trek packages include food. It is advisable to inform trip tradition in advance of dietary restrictions. Healthy snacks like fruit, chocolate, and energy bars are also good ideas.
Accommodation during the trip is usually in tents. The campsite is beautiful and well equipped with basic amenities. Some travellers prefer to stay in hotels in Manali before and after the trip.
Trip Tradition carries basic first aid kits and has policies for emergencies. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude travel is essential. Satellite phones or other communication devices can also be used in remote areas for instant communication.
