Trek to one of the most dramatic crossover terrains of the Himalayas; from lush green meadows of Kullu to barren cold desert of Spiti.
Witness the confluence of three passes, Hampta Pass, Spiti, and Rohtang Pass as you descend towards Chhatru.
Behold the sight of the crescent moon-shaped Chandrataal Lake mirroring the ever-changing hues of the sky and the barren mountains.
Catch a glimpse of the sunset and sunrise over the mighty peaks of Deo Tibba and Indrasan, painting the sky with a palette of fiery colours.
About Hampta Pass Trekking
Hampta Pass trek is one of the most picturesque adventure in the Indian Himalayas that takes you through the lush green valleys of Kullu to the rocky, barren landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti.Thrillophilia’s Hampta Pass trek packages offer you to embark on a journey that gives you an essence of the true beauty of mountains.
Our all inclusive packages include all the travel arrangements starting from accommodation in hygienic campsites, transportation to and from the trek’s base camp and healthy meals. Thrillophilia operates the treks through a vast network of trusted tour operators who know bits and pieces of the journey, in depth. The highly experienced trek leaders guide you throughout the journey and often take you to offbeat places to soak in the best views.
The Hampta Pass trek route begins from the quaint village of Jobra from where you hike towards your campsite in Chika. The next day, start ascending towards Balu ka Ghera which is nestled amidst the alpine meadows and surrounded by the gigantic peaks all around. You will be rewarded with beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks and witness the terrain changing from meadows to boulders. You will then commence the final leg of your journey to reach your destination- the Hampta Pass, situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft. Spend some peaceful time there in laps of the Himalayas.
After exploring the remote village of Hampta, proceed to descend towards Chatruwhich is one of the main highlights of the trek. It is the junction point of the roads to Spiti Valley, Rohtang Pass and Hampta Pass.
So what are you waiting for ? Pack your rucksacks, tie up your trekking shoes and get ready for a life-changing journey through the deep gorges, lush valleys and rocky trails of upper Himachal.
Quick facts about Hampta Pass Trekking:
Start Point/End Point: Manali Base Camp
Duration: 4 Nights & 5 Days
Hampta Pass Trek Height: 14,100ft
Hampta Pass Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trekking Distance: 35kms
Best time to do Hampta Pass Trek: Mid June - September
Hampta Pass Trek Package Inclusions:
➔ All Veg Meals from Lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 5th.
➔ Morning, evening tea served with light snacks while on Trek.
➔ Facility to keep you extra luggage at the Reporting Base Camp
➔ The transfer cost from Manali Base Camp to trekking point – Jobra on Day 1
➔The transfer cost from Chatru to Chandratal/Manali Base Camp on Day 4 and Day 5
➔ All fees and permits for Indians are included in the Hampta Pass Trek package.
➔ Safety Equipment
➔ Basic First Aid Medical kits with Oxygen cylinder and Oxi Meter.
➔ Qualified and experienced Leader and support staff.
How to Reach Manali:
The Hampta Pass trek itinerary begins at Manali which also serves as the base camp. Manali is well-connected to most of the major Indian cities by air, rail and road.
By Air: The Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the nearest airport to Manali and is located at a distance of 50 km. Domestic airlines operate flights between Manali and Delhi, Chandigarh, and Pathankot. You can easily reach Manali from Bhuntar by taking a taxi or a bus which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station and Pathankot Railway Station are the nearest train stations from Manali located approximately 315 km and 290 km away respectively. Regular buses and taxis are available from Chandigarh and Pathankot to Manali.
By Road: Manali is well connected by road to all the major parts of the country. Chandigarh, Delhi, Ambala and Shimla serve as the junction points. Private Volvo bus services as well as government buses regularly operate between these cities and Manali. You can also take taxis or opt to drive private cars to enjoy the picturesque views of the roads.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Trek for Jobra to Chika
Distance: 2.5 km | Duration: 2 to 3 hours | Elevation: 10,100 ft
After getting briefed about the trek from the guide, begin your short hike from Jobra towards Chika. You will pass through towering pine trees and follow the stream of Rani Nallah.
As you soak in the beauty of the mighty Himalayas surrounding all around, you will feel the crispiness of the fresh mountain air. You will witness the stunning Dhauladhar mountain range on one side of the trail and the Pir Panjal range on the other during the first leg of your trek. Reach Chika and have an overnight stay in the campsite.
Day 2: Trek from Chika to Balu ka Ghera
Distance: 6 km | Duration: 4 to 5 hours | Elevation: 12,000 ft
Begin the second day of the Hampta Pass itinerary after having a hearty breakfast at the campsite. Today you will continue along the Rani Nallah for some time before seeing the lush mountains transforming into rocky terrain. On the way, you will cross a number of river streams and approach closer to the snow-capped mountains. Upon reaching Balu ka Ghera, you will have an overnight stay in camps.
Day 3: Trek from Balu ka Ghera to Sheo Goru via Hampta Pass
Distance: 14 km | Duration: 9-10 hours | Elevation: 14,000 ft
The third day marks the most important part of the Hampta Pass Trek route. Today you will cross beautiful alpine meadows and colourful flower beds while ascending towards the summit. After the initial climb to the first pit stop, you will be rewarded with the most amazing views of Deo Tibba Peak.
Push yourself to reach an altitude of 14,000 ft to the mighty Hampta Pass. Spend some time exploring the Hampta Village before descending down to your base camp at Siaguru. Have an overnight stay at your campsite in Shea Goru.
Day 4: Trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru
Distance: 6 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Elevation: 11,676 ft
This is the last day of your Hampta Pass trek itinerary wherein you will begin descending through rocky terrain and reach the lush meadows again. You will cross boulders of rocks and occasional river streams on the way.
Your journey will end upon reaching Chhatru which is the junction point of the roads connecting Spiti, Rohtang La and Hampta Pass.
Best Time for Hampta Pass Trekking:
The Hampta Pass trek can be done in any month of the year when it's operational. However, June to the end of October is considered to be the best time for the Hampta Pass trek.
The snow starts to melt from early June and the paths are almost clear by the middle of July. You can go for Hampta Pass trekking during May but you might encounter blankets of thick snow in the upper parts of the trail. Although you can choose to do the trek at any time of the year, it must be remembered that the overall experience varies every month with seasons.
Hampta Pass Trek in June
June is an ideal time to embark on the Hampta Pass trekking route if you want to avoid the extreme cold yet encounter snow. You can expect significant snow starting from Balu Ka Ghera onward. Visibility of snow begins just after the Balu Ka Ghera camp and continues up to the pass.
You'll encounter snow even as you descend on the Lahaul side, where the snow is scattered considerably on both sides. Even the meadows leading to the campsite at Siaguru might have snow patches.
The reason for such good snow, even in late June, is that the valley leading to the Hampta Pass is narrow and doesn't receive much sunlight, preserving the snow.
Hampta Pass Trek in July and August
In July, snow on the Hampta Pass begins to melt quickly, leaving good patches only at higher elevations. However, from mid-July onward, a magical landscape unfolds. The valley receives its first monsoon showers, causing wildflowers to bloom throughout the green belt on the Kullu side. Trekkers often have to traverse through beds of marigolds, ‘distorts’, and blue poppies lining the trail.
During these two months, grasslands flourish with vegetation, and slopes are alive with bright-coloured flowers. However, the skies are typically cloudy, so be prepared for rain showers lasting until mid-September. Overall, Mid-July to late August brings out the true beauty of the Hampta Pass itinerary.
Hampta Pass Trek in September
After mid-September, the skies clear out and autumn colours paint the slopes of Hampta Pass in green. You might end up catching the most mesmerising sunrises, sunsets, with the amazing backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
The trek during this time brings out the utmost beauty of the Indian Himalayas. Then follows October, with colder nights, below-zero temperatures, and dried-up streams. While Hampta Pass trekking in October is possible, it is not as fun as during the peak season.
Fitness Required For Hampta Pass Trek:
Preparing for the Hampta Pass Trek requires a moderate level of fitness due to its varied terrain and altitude changes. Hikers should be able to walk for several hours a day, often on uneven paths and steep ascents.
Building endurance through regular walking or hiking in the months prior to the trek is beneficial. Cardiovascular exercises like jogging, cycling, or swimming can improve stamina and lung capacity, crucial for higher altitudes.
Strength training, focusing on leg muscles and core stability, helps with ascending rocky terrain and carrying a backpack. Flexibility exercises such as yoga or stretching routines can prevent muscle strain and improve overall mobility during the trek. It's important to acclimatise gradually to higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness, staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet.
A positive mindset and determination are equally important, as the trek involves challenging sections. Prepare yourself mentally by setting realistic expectations, staying positive, and being adaptable. Practising mindfulness and meditation can also help improve your mental resilience.
With adequate preparation and fitness levels, adventurers can fully enjoy the beauty and adventure of the Hampta Pass Trek in the Indian Himalayas. By focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength training, flexibility, you can be fully ready to hit the roads.
Before embarking on the Hampta Pass Trek, it’s also advisable to undergo a medical check-up, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Discuss your trekking plans with your doctor and get advice on how to manage your health during the trek.
The standard 5-day and 4-night Hampta Pass trek cost on our website starts at INR 7,500 per person. It includes transfers from and to Manali, sightseeing, accommodation and meals. However, prices may vary depending on the duration of stay, accommodation and activities chosen.
Hampta Pass trekking can be done at any time regardless of the season. Still the most suitable to enjoy each moment of the trek are the months from Mid June to September. During this time, the temperature level will be an average of 12 to 18 degrees Celsius during the daytime and it drops from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius at night.
In October, the temperature drops even more. June has a special place in Hampta Pass trekkers' minds for the snow. So, a lot of adventure lovers have pointed out that mid-June can be considered the best time for a thrilling trek to Hampta Pass.
To reach the Hampta pass, you would first need to reach the base camp of the trek, Jobra. You can drive or take a cab from Manali to Jobra for the Hampta Pass Trek. It is about 18 km away and will take around 2 hours to reach. After that, you can start your 2-day trek to the Hampta Pass, where you will be walking and hiking for a total of 35 km to the pristine valleys.
The weather at Hampta Pass varies distinctively at different times of the year. Summers experience pleasant weather conditions with day temperatures ranging from 20-25 degrees Celsius. Nights are generally cold with average temperatures ranging from 5-10 degrees Celsius. Monsoon months of July-September experience rainfall and winters are chilly with occasional snowfall.
The Hampta Pass trek is about 25 km long and takes you to the beautiful segments of the Dhauladhar range. The trek begins from Manali and takes you to the Chikka which is located at an elevation of 10,100 ft. above the ground. On the second day, you can head to Balu ka Khera for about 5 hours where you can take a look at the snow-laced displays. On the final day, you will be heading to Shea Goru which will be your final camping destination. From here you can drive to Chadar Tal and gape at the constellations along with the stellar views of nature.
The total trekking distance of the Hampta pass trek is about 25 km which is to be covered on foot. The circuit of the trek is as follows: Manali - Jobra - Jwara - Balu ka Gera - Hampta Pass - Shea Goru - Chatru - Manali. For this trek, you will need four active days in which you can complete the entire trek. Make sure that you cross-check with the local guides as they can tell you the best about weather conditions and routes.
Hampta Pass Trekking is considered as a moderate trek. The major reason for this is the atmospheric pressure that changes as you trek higher. The weather conditions are also one of the reasons for the moderate difficulty of the trek. On this trek, you would be climbing up to 14,100 ft and will pass through several rivers, valleys, and thick jungles.
The trekking shoes offered by Quechua and Woodland are among the best shoes you can find anywhere in India. From their grip to their comfort, everything is just perfect. While choosing the perfect pair of shoes, ensure that you check for its grip, flexibility, ankle support, and water resistance.
Yes, the Hampta Pass Trek is a safe trek as no accidents are reported till now. Apart from this, there are slight rains that make trekking a little difficult but is doable. In the winter months, the trek is not safe as it is covered with deep snow and the routes are all blocked. Also, this is a safe trek for solo travelers as the routes are well-defined and you need not worry about avalanches or any other harm from the wildlife.
No, the Hampta Pass Trek is not doable in the winter months as the entire valley is snow-covered and the roads are all blocked. Whether it is the road connectivity or the route to the peak, both are inaccessible.
You can go for the Hampta Pass trek all through the year as it is a year-round experience. The months of July to August experience moderate to heavy rain which makes the trail slippery and difficult for trekking. However, if you wish to witness the monsoon beauty of Himachal, you can always go trekking with extra precautions. Hampta Pass trek prices also go down during this time due to less tourists and cheaper accommodation.
Yes, Hampta Pass Trek is a great trek for beginners. Considered to be one of the few moderate treks in the Himalayas, the Hampta Pass trek is located at an elevation of over 4,000 metres above the sea level.
The different terrains, changing weather conditions and low pressure might sometimes make it difficult for a beginner, but it is definitely do-able.
Hampta Pass is famous for its stunning natural beauty and exhilarating trekking experience. Trekkers flock to this Himalayan gem for its picturesque trails, including lush green valleys, towering snow-capped peaks, and the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake. The trek offers a unique journey through diverse terrain, providing adventurers with challenges as well as serenity.
Trekkers opt for the Hampta Pass trek usually in the summer months of the year. However, it is a year-round experience and can be undertaken at any time of the year depending on one’s own schedule and preference. In the monsoons, rainfall makes the trail a bit difficult but on the other hand offers some of the best views of the Himalayan Valleys. Costs also go down during this time making the overall experience a lot more affordable.
Yes, you can go for the Hampta Pass Trek in August. It is during this month that the snow completely melts away in the region, and lush green flora replaces the white blanket of snow. You can also see the bloom of the wildflowers on either side of the trail during this month. The cloudy skies add to the stunning backdrop and experience as well.
Hampta Pass trekking is a moderate trek in the Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 4270 m, the trek is pretty interesting as the rough terrain varies while you walk ahead. Also, the weather conditions and the low air pressure make the trek a little difficult. If there is snow present, you may have some difficulty in walking through it. But, a lot of seasoned trekkers, as well as beginners, succeed in finishing this trek.
Here is the list of best treks in Himachal that you can book from Thrillophilia: