Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta Pass Trek
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most scenic treks in Himachal Pradesh, connecting the lush Kullu Valley with the stark landscapes of Spiti Valley. Reaching an altitude of 14,100 ft at Hampta Pass, the trek offers a striking contrast of green meadows, conifer forests, and cold deserts. Graded as a moderate trek, it is suitable for beginners with basic fitness and is best done between mid-June and September, covering around 25–30 km in 5 days while experiencing the charm of local Himachali culture.
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Itinerary
Activity: After pickup in Manali, drive to Jobra (approx. 16 km, 1 hr), the trek’s starting point. The trail then leads through a beautiful forest of pine, deodar, and maple trees alongside the Rani Nallah river to the Chika campsite.
Distance/Altitude: 3 km trek, 2-3 hours | Altitude: ~10,100 ft (3,078 m).
Activity: The trek continues along the river, involving a few stream crossings and passing through vibrant green meadows (Jwara) filled with wildflowers. The trail is a gradual ascent to the flat ground of the Balu Ka Ghera campsite, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Distance/Altitude: 6-7 km, 5-6 hours | Altitude: ~11,800 ft (3,600 m).
Activity: This is the most challenging day, featuring a steep ascent to the Hampta Pass summit, which offers panoramic views of the Pir Panjal mountain range, including Deo Tibba and Indrasan Peaks. A tricky, steep descent then leads into the stark, bare landscape of the Lahaul valley to the Shea Goru campsite, the coldest part of the trek.
Distance/Altitude: 7-9 km, 7-10 hours | Altitude: ~14,100 ft (4,300 m) at the pass, descending to ~12,900 ft (3,900 m).
Activity: An easy downhill trek through moraines and boulders along the Chandra River valley leads to Chatru, a meeting point for the Hampta, Rohtang, and Spiti passes. From Chatru, a scenic but bumpy jeep ride takes you to the stunning, crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake before returning to Chatru for the night.
Distance/Altitude: 5-7 km trek, 4-5 hours; 50-70 km drive, 3-4 hours one way | Altitude: ~11,000 ft (3,350 m) at Chatru, ~14,100 ft (4,300 m) at Chandratal.
Activity: Drive back to Manali from Chatru via the Atal Tunnel (or Rohtang Pass, depending on conditions), enjoying the views of the Kullu Valley on the way back.
Distance/Altitude: ~65 km drive, 4-6 hours | Altitude: ~6,700 ft (2,040 m) in Manali.