Hampta Pass Trek

Overview

The Crossing

Hampta Pass (4,300m) is the most dramatic short crossover trek in Himachal Pradesh. Begin in lush pine forests of Kullu Valley and emerge into the stark cold desert of Lahaul. Optional extension to Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake) in Spiti.

At a Glance

Trek Facts

📍 Route: Manali → Jobra → Chika → Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru → Chatru

📏 Distance: 26–35 km over 4 trekking days

⛰ Summit: 14,100 ft (4,300m)

⛺ Base: Manali

Day by Day

Itinerary

Rest and acclimatize. Trek briefing with guide. Gear check.

Drive 18km (42 hairpin bends). Easy walk through pine, maple, birch forest alongside Rani Nallah. Camp at Chika meadow.

Terrain becomes rockier. Cross glacier-fed streams. Hampta peak comes into view. Open glacial bowl campsite.

Longest day: 9–10 hrs. Climb to 14,100 ft — snow-patched, wind-swept. Steep descent with glacier crossings into Lahaul.

Trek to Chatru. Drive to Chandratal Lake (4,300m) — crescent-shaped glacial lake of emerald water.

Drive back through Lahaul landscape. Arrive Manali by afternoon.

Key Highlights

What You Will See

⛰ Hampta Pass — standing on the continental divide at 14,100 ft

🌍 Two different worlds from the summit

🌙 Chandratal — the Moon Lake in Spiti

🦌 Wildlife: Himalayan tahr, pika, monal pheasant

🌊 River crossings with rope support

✨ Star gazing from Balu Ka Ghera

Be Prepared

Packing Checklist

Trekking Gear

Waterproof trekking boots (broken in)

Trekking poles

50–60L backpack with rain cover

Microspikes or gaiters

Head torch

Sleeping bag −5°C

Clothing

3-layer system (thermal / fleece / shell)

Spare dry clothes in plastic bag

Warm gloves and beanie

Floaters for water crossings

Health

Personal first aid kit

Diamox (consult doctor)

ORS / energy bars / glucose

Water purification tablets

Best Time to Go

June to October. July–August: lush and green. September–October: clearer skies. Snow on the pass in June and early October.