5 Days / 4 Nights · Moderate

Hampta Pass Trek

A five-day crossover from the green Kullu Valley to the stark Lahaul landscape, with changing camps, river crossings and a high pass day.

Trek overview facts

Trek essentials

Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Group sizePrivate / small group
Best timeJune to September
Maximum altitudeAbout 4,270 m
Start pointManali / Jobra
DifficultyModerate
Trek overview

Everything You Need to Know

Hampta Pass is valued for the rapid change in landscape: forest and green valley on the Manali side give way to the drier mountains of Lahaul. The standard trek starts after a drive towards Jobra and progresses through Chika, Balu ka Ghera and the pass to Shea Goru and Chatru. The 4,270-metre crossing is non-technical in normal conditions but still demands steady fitness, cold-weather preparation and careful acclimatisation. Chandratal is a separate road excursion and must remain optional because access can close without notice.

Trek Highlights

  • Cross from Kullu Valley into the Lahaul landscape
  • Camp at Chika, Balu ka Ghera and Shea Goru areas
  • Climb to Hampta Pass at about 4,270 metres
  • Manage stream crossings and changing mountain terrain
  • Consider Chandratal only when the access road is officially open
Trail guide

Hampta Pass Trek Route and Distance

Hampta is a crossover trail from the greener Kullu side near Jobra to the drier Lahaul landscape at Chatru. A standard route progresses through Chika, Balu ka Ghera and Shea Goru, crossing the pass at about 4,270 metres. The Chandratal extension is a road excursion and remains conditional on road and weather access.

Choose your dates

Best Time for the Hampta Pass Trek

June to September is the main operating window. Early-season departures can encounter more snow, July and August bring greener valleys as well as rain on the Kullu side, and September often offers clearer skies with colder camps.

Day by day

Trek Itinerary

01

Day 1

Manali to Jobra and Chika | Complete briefing and equipment checks, drive to the roadhead and walk through forest to the first camp.

02

Day 2

Chika to Balu ka Ghera | Follow the valley, cross streams as directed and camp below the pass approach.

03

Day 3

Cross Hampta Pass to Shea Goru | Start early, climb to the pass and descend carefully into the Lahaul side.

04

Day 4

Shea Goru to Chatru | Walk down the valley to Chatru. Continue to Chandratal only when road, weather and timing permit.

05

Day 5

Return to Manali | Drive across the Lahaul route and Atal Tunnel to Manali, allowing buffer time for traffic and road controls.

What’s Included

  • Experienced local trek leader
  • Route briefing and safety support
  • Camping or accommodation stated in the final plan
  • Trek meals specifically listed in the quotation
  • Required local permits when included

Not Included

  • Travel to the reporting point unless listed
  • Personal trekking equipment unless specified
  • Insurance, evacuation and medical costs
  • Meals or accommodation not listed
  • Personal expenses and anything not expressly included

Stay, Meals and Transport

Stays & Meals

Expect simple mountain accommodation or camping and practical trek meals. Exact arrangements depend on the season, route permissions and final quotation.

Transport

Road transfers are confirmed separately. Trailheads and pickup points may change when roads, local rules or weather affect access.

Booking and Cancellation

  1. The trek operates only when weather, trail and local conditions are considered safe.
  2. The trek leader may change the route, campsite or turnaround point for safety.
  3. Travel insurance covering trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
  4. Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions before confirmation.

Hampta Pass Trek FAQs

How difficult is the Hampta Pass Trek?

It is generally graded moderate, but the pass day, altitude, cold and stream crossings require fitness and preparation.

What is the height of Hampta Pass?

Official trekking sources list the pass at about 4,270 metres, or roughly 14,000 feet.

Is Chandratal included automatically?

No. Chandratal is a road excursion that depends on road opening, vehicle rules, weather and available time.

Can a first-time trekker join?

A fit first-time trekker may join a well-paced guided departure after honest fitness and medical assessment.

How many buffer days should I keep?

Keep at least one or two days around onward travel because mountain roads and pass weather can delay the finish.