Name: Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake trek
Brand: The Great Next
SKU: hampta-pass-and-chandratal-trek
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (18 reviews)

Question 1

Is the Hampta Pass trek difficult?

Accepted Answer

The Hampta Pass trek is suitable for fit beginners. It is not too hard, but there are some stretches that can be quite challenging, especially the steep slopes as you get to the Pass. However, if you’re fit and active, you’ll be able to manage this trek.

When is the best time to go for the Hampta Pass trek? The best season for the Hampta Pass trek is from May to September, when the trail is green and lovely in Himachal, and stark and dramatic in Spiti.

Question 2

Can I camp next to Chandratal Lake?

Accepted Answer

No, camping at Chandratal Lake is not allowed, for environmental reasons. Most campsites are set up at Chatru (about 40 km away), and trekkers will be driven to Chandratal to visit. Some operators have permission to camp about 3 kms away from the lake, but this changes from season to season.

Question 3

What should I carry for the Hampta Pass trek?

Accepted Answer

Your operator will provide you with a full list of everything you need to pack for the trek. However, do make sure you are fully equipped for cold nights and warm days. You’ll have to dress in layers, so that you can add or remove clothing as the weather changes. Don’t forget to take a poncho, as well as rain covers for your backpack and day pack. The trail sees some rain showers now and then.

Question 4

When is the season for the Hampta Pass trek?

Accepted Answer

The Hampta Pass and Chandrataal trek season is from June to October.

Question 5

When is the best time to visit Hampta Pass?

Accepted Answer

The best time to do the Hampta Pass and Chandrataal trek is between late June and mid September. The season for Hampta Pass trek is from June to early October. Doing the trek slightly later in the year and avoiding going too late in the year ensures that the Pass is clear of snow and poor weather.

Question 6

Where is the Hampta Pass trek located?

Accepted Answer

The Hampta Pass trek is located in Himachal Pradesh. For most departures the group first meets in/near Manali. If the trek includes visiting Chandrataal, note the lake is located in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh.

Question 7

Can solo travellers join this trek?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Solo trekkers can definitely join any of the fixed departures we offer for the Hampta Pass trek. Almost all our trekking partners have departures that have 10-20 trekkers. As a solo traveller you are more than welcome to join. You might just find other solo trekkers on the trek.

Question 8

Can I join the Hampta trek with my family?

Accepted Answer

The Hampta Trek is popular with families with slightly older children, of age 9-10 or older. But we do not usually recommend this trek for first timers, whether adults or children. Ideally it is better to do a few shorter treks before attempting this. Also, we recommend that you choose the Hampta Pass and Chandrataal trek if your fitness is good and your regularly exercise.

Question 9

How long do we have to walk/trek each day?

Accepted Answer

All our trips have a detailed day wise itinerary including approximate day wise trekking distance and estimated time. For the Hampta Trek, on average, you will walk for 5-7 hours a day and cover almost 8-9 kms a day. Please however refer to the different Hampta Pass itineraries as some itineraries, especially ones that are shorter, have longer trekking times and distances per day.

Question 10

What is the cost for Hampta Pass Trek?

Accepted Answer

Cost of treks can vary depending on several factors. Location, travel time by road, group size, guide/trekker ratio, services offered on the trek, quality of equipment used on the trek, quality of trek meals, tent sharing ratio, and many others.

Budget trek options: Typically have higher trekker to guide ratios, twin or triple sharing of tents, simpler meals, fewer toilets per group, budget road travel options, etc. We offer several budget trek options that are cheaper, but also offer limited services. Please ensure you check your inclusions before booking there.

Mid-range cost trek options: Some of the budget options offer some additional services like an upgrade to single sharing or twin sharing. Some mid range priced treks also offer more comfortable road travel options.

Premium treks: Treks offering premium services have limited fixed departures. Please reach out to us for options for premium treks.

Exact costs for any of our treks are constantly changing. Please refer to the actual trip pages to get a better idea of of the cost for the Hampta Pass trek.

Question 11

Can we change the itinerary?

Accepted Answer

We offer multiple itinerary options for Hampta & Chandratal trek. We have options that only include Hampta Pass, which duration is obviously shorter and the cost is cheaper. With Chandra Taal included, also there are 2 minor variations in the itinerary. Rare itinerary options include a visit to Kaza. Check our trip section to see different trek itinerary options. Most itineraries for Hampta Pass and Chandrataal are for 6 days. Hampta Pass trek only is usually 5 days from Manali to Manali.

Question 12

Where should I report on day one?

Accepted Answer

You need to report to Manali. The confirmed time and exact meeting point location will be given to you on your trek booking confirmation email.

Question 13

Are personal porters available?

Accepted Answer

For most Hampta Pass Trek options, you are expected to carry your own bag. Common luggage like tents, rations, toilet tents, sleeping bags, etc will be carried by porters. If you would like a personal porter to carry your own bag, it can be arranged for a small additional cost. Please let The Great Next consultant know that you’d like to have a personal porter for your booking.

Question 14

What food do you serve on the trek?

Accepted Answer

Freshly cooked vegetarian meals, and eggs on request. Depending on the operator you choose, some operators offer more variety in meals. Some even offer fancy desserts at some camps.

Question 15

Do we get a water bottle on the trek?

Accepted Answer

While you will be expected to carry your own bottle, fresh boiled water will be provided to all trekkers daily and once camp is set up.

Question 16

Does a doctor accompany us on the trek?

Accepted Answer

Most treks do not have the budget to carry along a doctor for the trek. Most operators’ trek leaders are well versed in managing emergency situations and most are even trained in emergency first aid. However basic fitness is necessary before you embark on the trek. In the event of an injury, either a guide or a porter or both will accompany the trekker back to the start point and reach him/her to the closest hospital. In most cases, trekkers will have to bear the cost of returning back early, that of reaching the hospital and subsequent medical expenses.

Question 17

What kind of vehicles do you use for transportation?

Accepted Answer

Type of transportation completely depends on the group size. Tempo travellers are the most commonly used. However other SUVs and MUVs like Scorpio, Bolero, Innova, Sumo, etc are also used often by some operators of the Hampta Pass Trek.

Question 18

Do all Hampta Pass treks include Chandratal?

Accepted Answer

The Hampta Pass trek is located in Himachal Pradesh. For most departures the group first meets in/near Manali. Not all itineraries for Hampta Pass include Chandratal, but it is worth visiting if you have the time. Do note that if the trek includes visiting Chandratal, you'll be crossing over into Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh.

Question 19

How to reach the Hampta Pass trek

Accepted Answer

Most Hampta Pass trek itineraries will begin in Manali. Your travel from there to the start point of the trek will be arranged for by your operator. Manali is one of the most popular adventure and tourist destinations in India and has excellent connectivity to the major cities of India.

Air travel is by far the most convenient if you aren’t within comfortable driving distance from Manali. The closest airport is the Bhuntar Airport, located about 50 km from Manali. The airport is connected to major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Chandigarh by frequent flights. You can continue your journey from the. Airport onward to Manali via state busses or cabs.

Travelling to Manali by road is an ideal road trip, if you’re up for one. The roads are beautiful, flanked by lush forests and mountains all around. Manali is well-connected to many Indian cities with a good network of highways. You can drive down yourself (or take your bike out for an epic motorbiking trip), hire a cab, or ride private/state busses for an economical option.

Do note that Manali does not have its own railway station owing to its hilly location. You can take a train to the nearest railway stations at Jogindernagar, Ambala or Chandigarh, and travel onwards to Manali by road.

Question 20

What to carry for the Hampta Pass trek

Accepted Answer

Your operator will provide you with a full list of everything you need to pack for the trek. In general, do make sure you are fully equipped for cold nights and warm days. You’ll have to dress in layers, so that you can add or remove clothing as the weather changes. Additionally, you’ll need a poncho as well as rain covers for your backpack and day pack. The trail sees some rain showers now and then. Read on for a more comprehensive list of trekking essentials and how to choose the right one for you.

Question 21

Why is the Hampta Pass trek famous?

Accepted Answer

The Hampta Pass trek is a unique crossover trek that takes you from the lush, green valleys of Kullu to the stark, arid valleys of Spiti. The pass serves as a corridor between both these valleys, giving you a one-of-a-kind experience of witnessing the change in landscapes over the course of your trek. Another spectacular highlight of the trek is the turquoise Chandratal, a high-altitude moon-shaped lake (“Chandra” meaning moon, and “tal” meaning lake).

Question 22

Is there snow on the Hampta Pass trek?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you visit between May and early July. It snows heavily in May, increasing the difficulty of the trek, and sometimes even rendering the Pass inaccessible. You can easily trek in June and still witness snow especially as you near the Hampta Pass since the sun cannot completely melt the snow in the deeper parts of the valleys. Most of the snow gradually melts away towards the end of July, so you may still see some patches of snow in the beginning of the month.

Question 23

What is the Hampta Pass trek height?

Accepted Answer

The Hampta Pass is located at height of approximately 14,000 ft above sea level. The Chandratal Lake is at a height of 14,100 ft above sea level.

Question 24

What is the temperature on the Hampta Pass trek?

Accepted Answer

The temperature at Hampta Pass in June remains at an average of 15°C, slowly climbing up to 20°C in August. By September, temperatures start dropping rapidly to 10°C, and even lower as October draws in. Be prepared to layer your clothes as the temperatures may drop at night and you will need extra layers to keep you warm.