The Hampta Pass trek is one of the best treks in the Himalayas. At 14,100 feet, the pass connects the Kullu Valley to the Spiti Valley, winding across the Pir Panjal Range, in the foothills of the Himalayas. You’ll get to see the green valleys of Kullu and Manali before moving into the more arid, desolate landscape of Spiti. The showstopper; however, is the visit to the turquoise Chandratal Lake.
There are many reasons that make this one of the best loved treks in the Himalayas. It is a moderately difficult trek that includes the thrill of being able to scale a pretty high mountain pass, but is easy enough that beginners are able to tackle the challenges of the trail. Find out more in our blog post Five Reasons You’ll Love the Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake trek.
The Hampta trek starts from Kullu, near Manali. It is a popular trek for first-time trekkers in India because it winds through green valleys and mixed forests of spruce, pine, maple and oak. You will spot shaggy sheep dogs and goats dotting the lush meadows. You'll also see a colourful abundance of wildflowers depending on the season.
As the Hampta trek progresses, the ground changes underfoot as you progress through the days. From lush green meadows, you will move into the strikingly bare landscape of the Lahaul region. Lahaul is known for its pristine beauty and if luck finds you, you'll be walking on snow on the Pass day. The varying landscape makes it one of the finest summit climbs for beginners.
One of the highlights of the trek is Chandratal or moon lake - one of the finest high-altitude alpine lakes in the country. Your Chandratal lake trek will end on a high note at a gorgeous campsite that is a short trek away from the lake.
Apart from the heavenly sight of the Chandratal lake, the Hampta Pass trek offers incredible views of glacial valleys, thick pine forests, open meadows, adrenaline pumping waterways, the fjords at Balu ka Gera and an adventurous crossing of the high-altitude pass. When you come back home, you’re going to have a hard time deciding which part of this trek you loved best!
Want to know about more adventures in Himachal Pradesh. Read our blog about The Top Adventures in Himachal Pradesh.
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 on the steep slopes as you get to the Pass. However, if you’re fit and active, you’ll be able to manage this trek without much difficulty.
The best time to go for the Hampta Pass trek is between June and September, though the pass remains open from May to October. However, there is a chance that the trek may be too difficult, or the pass may become inaccessible due to the high levels of snowfall that the area receives in the months of May and October.
Despite being a high-altitude trek, the Hampta Pass trek is an extremely safe trek. The Hampta Pass trekking route, for the most part of the trek, is easy to cover. You will also be accompanied by an experienced trek guide who is equipped to assist you in case of any emergency.
However, it is important to note that there are certain sections of the Hampta Pass trekking route that may be tricky and require particular attention. You will need to cross streams both on your journey to and from the Pass that may have a strong flow, be slippery, and be icy cold.
As per your guide’s discretion, you may have to form human chains or walk across thin temporary bridges to cross these streams. The descent from Hampta Pass is also particularly slope-y, and it can be more difficult to trek on in the snowy months of June and July. Please follow the instructions of your trek guide to the T to ensure you’re safe, even on these tricky patches of the Hampta Pass trek.
Day 1: Manali to Chikha – Green meadows, nice breeze, hot chai and tents at 9,800 feet.
Day 2: Chikha to Balu Ka Ghera – Breathtaking views of the valley and river.
Day 3: Hampta Pass Day – Reach Hampta pass and revel in its beauty.
Day 4: Trek to Chatru and visit Chandratal – Admire the river and glaciers.
Day 5: Return to Manali – soothe your eyelids, take more pictures.
Day 1: Manali to Chikha – Green meadows, nice breeze, hot chai and tents at 9,800 feet.
You need to reach your pick up point at Manali before 10:00 hours where you will be driven to Jobra at 9800 ft, in private vehicles. You will begin your trek at this altitude and today will be a relatively trek. Shortly after your trek begins, you will be witness to beautiful views of sparkling streams against vast lush green meadows. You'll trek through this picturesque backdrop and reach to your first campsite at Chikha. Overnight in tents.
Day 2: Chikha to Balu Ka Ghera – Breathtaking views of the valley and river.
Today you start on the Jwara trail which goes through a lovely sheltered valley. The path trails alongside a river making it a surreal trek surrounded by scenic beauty. With a gradual descent and a relatively easy trek, you will reach an altitude of almost 11,000 ft. You will reach your next campsite at Balu ka Gera by afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty of the landscape. You will be camping here at Balu ka Gera in tents tonight.
Day 3: Hampta Pass Day – Reach Hampta pass and revel in its beauty.
Ensure you start early today with a hearty breakfast as you will be taking the challenging trail to reach the Hampta Pass today. You begin again walking beside the river and the trek gets steeper as you approach the pass. The final stretch is tough and challenging and more thrilling if there is snow as well. With some effort and navigation skills, you will finally make it to the pass.
Spend some time here and relish this feeling of a small victory for reaching some of the most beautiful heights of the Himalayas. Make sure to capture the stunning views from here and spend a few moments absorbing the magic of the mountains. Soon you will begin your descent back to your campsite at Balu ka Gera. End your day sharing your experience of the Pass day and turn into your tents for the night. Rest well.
Day 4: Trek to Chatru and visit Chandratal – Admire the river and glaciers.
You will start your return journey today towards Chatru. It is a mix of easy and challenging sections that will take you past the Chandra river, few arduous glaciers that need a bit of manoeuvring, and of course, unending views of the pristine beauty. After an exciting 4 hour trek, you will reach Chatru.
Depending on the weather and road conditions, you may board vehicles to be driven to Chandratal. Spend some time to relish this beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by barren hills. A beautiful sight to behold indeed. You will return to your campsite at Chatru for the night in tents.
Day 5: Return to Manali – soothe your eyelids, take more pictures.
Today you will take the scenic drive back to Manali. Keep your cameras loaded and ready as the drive itself is breathtaking. Once you reach Manali, your trip ends here. You are free to explore further on your own or return to your base city.
The Hampta Pass experiences cool weather throughout the year and the best season to visit is between May to September. There are some campsites on the Hampta Pass trek that are cold and windy; however, your operator will ensure that you are equipped with good quality tents and sleeping bags. Dress in warm layers and remember to keep your hands, head and feet warm.
Hampta Pass trekking usually opens up in the month of June, when it sees higher footfall than super snowy May. The weather in this month is incredible, with temperatures hovering around 15°C. Along with the mellow sun, you will see a lot of snow on your trail, especially as you get closer to the Pass. Some frozen streams melt and begin flowing with icy cold water again, adding a bit of challenge to your trek as you cross them. Some of the snow thaws in patches in vast meadows, making for ideal campsites to rest at the end of your day.
If you visit in the last few days of June, you’re likely to witness the beginning of the blooming season of the Hampta Pass, and see lush greenery slowly creep its way onto the white landscapes.
July marks the beginning of the flowering season in the Hampta Pass. The crossover from the Kullu to Spiti Valleys starts growing more and more stark as greenery starts sprouting all over the Kullu Valley. Wildflowers begin dotting both the valleys, painting the scenary in a wide array of colours.
The temperature becomes warmer, but you will still see a little bit of snow, especially in the early days of the month. However, that completely melts away with the advent of the monsoon season towards the end of July. The Hampta Pass trekking route becomes slightly easier as much of the snow has cleared from the paths and meadows but be prepared for occasional rain.
The Hampta Pass trek in August is sunnier, with no snow on the trail, but much more frequent rainfall. The temperature touches 20°C during the day but remains cloudy. This month showcases the beauty of the Hampta Pass trek in all its glory, with rivers and streams flowing in full spate, lush meadows seeing new flowers bloom and fade on the daily, and a frenzy of colourful wildflowers basking in the sun even in the more arid Lahaul-Spiti region.
Despite the sheer beauty of the Hampta Pass trek in August, do keep in mind that the trail gets muddy and slippery in the monsoons, making it harder to trek on. Additionally, glaciers in streams that would’ve helped you to cross them have completely melted away, adding to the force of the streams, making it a bit more difficult to cross them.
The monsoon departs from the Hampta Pass by mid-September, leaving trekkers with vibrant green meadows as far as the eye can see. The trail gets drier and easier, speckled with the last flowers of the season. Temperatures begin dropping again, touching even 10°C during the day.
Mid-September gives you the perfect conditions to trek in, paired with otherworldly views of distant snow-capped mountains against lush green fields. Do note that the region grows much colder towards the end of September, with footfall thinning out almost completely by early October, which is when the snowfall renders the Pass inaccessible.
The weather on the Hampta Pass trek depends entirely on the month you visit. May remains snowy and is a difficult month to trek in, with no guarantees of the Pass opening up. In June, the Pass becomes more accessible as snowfall reduces, the temperature touches 15°C but your surroundings will still remain snowy. As July begins, the temperatures rise and the snow begins to melt away. July also marks the beginning of the flowering season.
August becomes sunnier, with temperatures reaching 20°C, melting away all the snow. The region receives plenty rainfall from end-July to mid-September. Around the middle of September, temperatures drop down to about 10°C and create an ideal trekking window with no snow or rain, but lush greenery all around.
Towards the end of the month and well into October, the temperatures drop rapidly, and the region receives snowfall again, making it difficult to trek or even render the Hampta Pass inaccessible. Be prepared to layer your clothes as the temperatures may drop at night and you will need extra layers to keep you warm.
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.
20-08-2019
Tour booking was helpful. Manthan assisted in every query raised by me. Tour operators Kailashrath took care of everything from our trek to Hampta Pass.
14-01-2021
One of the best adventure experience aggregators in Mumbai. Well written travel experiences and packages for Hampta Pass. Prompt replies to any questions you might have. Highly recommend
10-05-2019
Excellent management team.
06-05-2019
We went to Hampta Pass trek booked through TGN. Our tour operator was Kailashrath which conducted the trek very well. It was a great experience.
Pathetic experience. They are broker they dont do anything . These guys just do the tie up with local treakking group who are responcible for all the activitites. They tie up with cheaper treakking group and they provide worst quality of food, worst tent, worst and dirty sleeping bags .
the service is good and the payment process is smooth. but they are just aggregators and you will be pooled to other service providers. I need to go on long treks to experience more about The Great Next services
'The experience with The Great Next was amazing, start from the planning part to the last day of the trek. The spokesperson was easily accessible and was more than happy to answer any question.. All the do's and dont's were clearly explained right before the trek.. Everything was well arranged , supportive local staff , beautiful memories! It was just perfect..!! A trek to be remember always. Kudos to The Great next for the well-arranged trek. Looking forward for my trek with The Great Next.'
It was a phenomenal experience. My first trek and it was way above my expectations. You guys were so warm and friendly, it felt like we've known each other for a long time. Thankyou for making my first experience a memorable one.
We've 5 day for frozen river trek.its a great experience. With good team and good take care from the staff make this trip is memorable journey for me.( 5star for food, tents and sleeping bags��.)
Very well organised. Ours was a last minute request but they were very helpful in arranging it seamlessly. The entire trek was very smooth. What was promised was delivered. The food could have been better but I am not complaining. On the whole a great experience.
'Wonderful !!! shout-out to my man Mr. Venkat for arranging the best trekking experience..'
Very polite and trained leads. Service was fantastic, food was on point. The trek was beautifully crafted by them. Can't wait for my next trip
'Honestly the experience was quite amazing and totally satisfied. Provided with premium quality of services and very responsive to the queries. It was my first time Manali trek with TGN and it was really a memorable experience for me. The quality of food, tents and all the amenities were quite satisfactory. Venkat, frankly speaking you're very responsive.. thank you Venkat for your support.. thank you TheGreatNext'
TGN has a very sophisticated and concise web page along with many optional details and information. This is one of the few sites that provides information about the operator. All the operators they recommend are safe, well-trained and reliable. They are easily accessible and offer reasonable deals. I've booked a trekking and river rafting trip with them already, and it was a very good experience. I'll always choose The Great Next to plan my adventure trips.
'The Great next is a great platform to discover, explore and book some of the best trails and treks nature has to offer! Although our trek group was managed by the amazing 'Renok adventures' , it was the great next that put us through to them. Thank you !'
'When I bored of daily routines and surfing for some exciting trips or outings, I came across this website. I gave them my contact details and soon I got a prompt call from Mr.Raul from TGN. From then to till end of the trek they guided. coordination is appreciable. And trip was amazing with crazy trekmates and trek leads. It was one of my best well spent weekend. I would love to suggest TGN to you too...'
First of all thanks to Venkat from the TGN team for helping me out in planning the Hampta pass trek. In the end I got a customized date, best price possible with GIO adventures. The entire trek was very well organized and also very good in terms of facilities. Was very impressed by the food too. Hopefully the TGN team would help me in my future travels too. Big thanks and cheers !
Been there in hampta pass and guess what these guys even briefed about the extra snack bar i had to carry...I called them up multiple times sometime even at midnight and always they were a helping hand trust me guys they have made my first experience of trekking the best one !
Manali is one of the most popular adventure and tourist destinations in India. Hence, it has grown to have excellent connectivity to the major cities of India. You can reach Manali either by flight or by road.
Of the two ways, flying to Manali is the most convenient if your base city is far away from Delhi. The closest airport to Manali is the Bhuntar Airport, located 50 km from Manali. The airport is connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by daily flights and to other major cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, etc. by regular flights. But due to erratic weather, there can be flight delays. From the airport, you can either take a cab or a local bus to reach Manali.
Reaching Manali via road is thrilling and fun as you get to cross winding roads through mountains and lush forests. Manali is connected to most major cities and towns of North India by a rich network of highways. You can either take a private cab or a state/privately run buses. You can even drive your own car or motorbike if you enjoy driving. The Himachal State Transport buses are excellent and economical way to travel.
Since Manali does not have its own railway station due to the mountainous location, you cannot reach there by train. You can take a train to the nearest railway stations, such as Jogindernagar, Ambala or Chandigarh, and travel onwards to Manali by road.
Trekking in the Himalayas calls for prudent choices in terms of apparel and gear. While we all itch for that selfie atop a snow-capped peak, it should not come in the way of basic safety guidelines. Here are some must-haves that you simply can’t ignore:
T-shirts, trekking pants, windproof jacket (preferably with a hood), warm and thick fleece, full-sleeves woollen sweater, thermal inner wear (upper and lower), woollen cap, woollen gloves, woollen and regular socks, scarf/muffler (optional), comfortable trekking/hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended) or comfortable sports shoes with good grip, raincoat/poncho.
For holidays in the hills, it’s best to avoid certain favourites that we use back home as part of our urban lifestyle, such as: Expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trek, heavy luggage, hard suitcases etc.
Your trekking shoes need to have a strong and sturdy sole, have good ankle support, and fit you perfectly. They need to be waterproof as you will be crossing streams or trekking in the rain. There is no particular brand that you should pick – you can choose any based on your budget. Most importantly, make sure that you purchase your shoes at least one month prior to your departure and wear them, exercise in them, walk in them daily to break them in before your trek begins.
You will need several pairs of quick-dry trekking socks for the day. Make sure they cover your ankles securely, aren’t too tight or too loose, and are made from quick-dry materials that keep your feet dry. Carry thicker socks for the night to keep your feet warm. We strongly recommend that you carry antiseptic or wet wipes to clean your feet before changing into your night socks. Check for any shoe bites, blisters, or other injuries and apply Band-Aids before you sleep.
Your trekking pants need to be quick-dry, water-resistant, and comfortable. If you go on the Hampta Pass trek in June, you will need to wear thermal layers beneath your trekking pants. From the end of July to mid-September, you will also have to layer on some rainproof pants.
Keeping in mind the different layers you may need in different seasons, your trekking pants need to fit you well enough to accommodate the extra layers. Carry thicker pants for the night to keep you warm.
For the Hampta Pass trek in June, you will need synthetic trekking gloves as well as woollen gloves. They need to be waterproof and quick-dry. The synthetic gloves protect your hand and provide grip, whereas the woollen gloves keep your hands warm. Make sure your gloves fit you well and aren’t too tight or too loose. You don’t need woollen gloves after June, but it’s always a good idea to wear the synthetic gloves.
The Hampta Pass receives ample rainfall from July-end to mid-September, and some light showers before and after the peak monsoon season. Please buy purely waterproof accessories and not simply water-resistant products. Thin jackets, windcheaters, and umbrellas will do you no good and leave you and your belongings wet.
You will need a rain jacket or a poncho (we prefer ponchos as they have ample room to cover you and your daypack), rain pants that go over your trekking pants, rain covers for your daypack and backpack that fit them securely and don’t fall off, and rain protection for your shoes.
Round the trekking season of the Hampta Pass trek, we recommend carrying a quick-dry sun cap and a woollen cap. In the colder months, please also carry a balaclava.
Your sun cap should fit you well, have a brim at the front, and a flap at the back that covers the back of your neck, protecting it from sunburn. We recommend carrying a few handtowels that you can soak with water and lay them on the back of your neck in case you do suffer from a sunburn.
Your woollen cap should be made from thick and good quality quick-dry material that can insulate heat well. It should fit your head snugly and cover your ears to protect you from cold winds. The same applies for your balaclava.
If you’re doing the Hampta Pass trek in July, the days will be warmer, while the nights will get chilly and cold. Make sure all your layers of clothing are easy to put on and remove as you may need to keep switching them up.
Your innerwear and thermals should be well-fitting and close to your body, comfortable, and quick-dry. Wear a thin, quick-dry, full-sleeved sports t-shirt beneath your t-shirt to protect your arms from harsh weather conditions and injury, and give you an extra layer of warmth.
When doing the Hampta Pass trek in June, it will be snowy, and you will need added insulation layers including a thick sweater or fleece jacket and fleece pants. Also carry outer layers that protect you from wind and cold, like a thick, insulated puffer jacket.
If you do the Hampta Pass trek in August, you will also need to carry a rain jacket or poncho and rain covers for your backpack and daypack.
Here are the basic essentials that can’t be skipped and are best not shared. So here’s the list you need to cover:
Carry a daypack or a small bag to keep your essentials, a small lightweight towel made of quick dry material, sustainable water bottle and a leak-proof lunch box along with a set of plate, spoon and a mug. Protect yourself and carry a sunscreen lotion, lip balm, sunglasses, cap, walking stick or trekking pole and a pair of lightweight sandals/floaters.
Do carry a torch / flashlight (with extra batteries) and please do not forget to carry your personal medicines, toiletries and definitely ensure you carry your camera with fully charged batteries and a couple of extra ones as you will not get to recharge any electronics during the trek in the mountains.
Check with your operator to choose the right size of the backpack you’ll need to carry, then purchase an appropriately sized rain cover for your bag that fits it well and ensures that it stays completely dry. Few weeks before your trek, CHECK YOUR BAGS! Fill it up completely and wear it on your back. Examine all straps, zips, and velcros of your bag and make sure they’re in good condition and are able to support the weight of the bag. If you find anything that needs fixing, get the mends done and recheck your bag.
Generally, your backpack will be carried by a porter (don’t forget to cover your backpack before handing it over to them). You will only have access to your backpack when you reach the campsite for the day, which is why you need to carry a daypack for your water bottles, snacks, emergency and prescription medicines, camera, extra batteries, headlamp, basic toiletries, jackets, etc. A few weeks before your departure, check your daypack as you checked your backpack.
Disposable plastic or reusable synthetic bags are essential to keep your wet and soiled clothes separate from other clean items in your bag, so carry a good amount of those to last you the entire trek.
To protect yourself from the sun, we recommend carrying sturdy, UV resistant, plastic-framed sports sunglasses as metal frames tend to get very cold. They should fit you well and not be too tight or too loose. If you wear prescription glasses, check if your sunglasses have the same updated prescription. Carry sturdy cases to store your sunglasses and prescription glasses.
A headlamp is strongly recommended to bring with yourself on the Hampta Pass trek. It comes in handy if you need to find your way back to your group, find the washroom at night, or trek after sundown due to unforeseen circumstances. Make sure your headlamp fits your head comfortably, is functioning properly, and has fresh batteries. Do carry some extra batteries just in case you run out.
A trekking pole can be very handy on the Hampta Pass trek, especially when trekking on the trickier sections of the trail. It helps in evenly distributing the weight and helping you gain balance, keeping you comfortable and safe. Make sure your pole is sturdy, has a good grip, and is collapsible so you can easily fit it in your daypack. In case you don’t wish to invest in a trekking pole, you can ask your operator to rent one out to you at an additional cost.
Carry enough of the following toiletries in a waterproof pouch to last you the duration of your trek, and then some more. There is a possibility of not coming across any shops at all where you can purchase these from:
We recommend carrying at least 2 one-litre reusable water bottles per person. It’s preferable if one of your bottles is thermally regulated as you may need to sip on warm water or soup when it gets cold (your trek staff will give you the boiled water or soup). If you don’t want the bulk of carrying water bottles, you can opt for hydration packs that you can wrap around your chest and back. They should be able to hold at least 500ml of water and should fit you well. We would still recommend also carrying at least one thermal flask for the hot water/soup.
Yes, you should always carry a basic pen knife with a pair of scissors, a knife, toothpick, screwdriver, etc. You can use it to dislodge peddles stuck in your soles, make minor fixes to you backpack and daypack, cut open snack packets and fruit, and more.
Carry any pills prescribed to you, the same brand that you’re used to. We don’t recommend starting any new medication while on a trek in case it doesn’t sit well with you. Pack enough to last you all the days of your trek and then some extra in case your trek gets stretched beyond what was planned.
Your trek guide will be carrying a first aid kit, but you should also carry a personal first aid kit with gauze, sprain bandage, antiseptic liquid, cotton, muscle relief spray, and loads of band aids. Also carry altitude sickness pills (please consult your trek guide before taking one) and pills for headaches, an upset stomach, cold, cough, allergies, and nausea. Do check your medical kit for stock and expiration dates well in advance.
This is an easy to moderate trek with some stretches that have steep climbs and challenging terrain. In case of snow, the difficulty increases. However, even beginners can do this trek with a decent level of fitness regime prior to the trek.
You must be able to walk at least 7 to 8 km at a stretch and carry 15kg on your back. You should be able to climb over gradual terrain for long distances and steep inclines for at least 15 min. You must have a decent level of agility to navigate some tricky downhill portions over rocky and slippery terrain.
The Hampta Pass trek is an easy to moderate trek, but that too is keeping in mind a fit and active beginner. Remember that you will be trekking uphill for several hours each day to an altitude of 14,000 ft above sea level.
A good training routine leading up to your trek would include short runs, cardio, step climbing, yoga, breathing exercises, and short local treks, if possible. Don’t forget to rest well before your trek to avoid overworking and tiring yourself on the actual trek.
All permits will be arranged by your trek operator. All you need to carry is a government-issued ID. Don’t forget to ask your operator about the latest COVID-19 guidelines and carry any vaccination certificates or RT-PCR reports as mandated.
Generally, all meals while on the trek will be provided by your operator, but it’s always a good idea to check the inclusions of your trek before you book. Your trek support staff will have a cook that will prepare your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and pack them if needed. Food provided will be light to ensure you don’t fall ill while on the trek.
The last ATM you’ll find will be at Manali. Depending on the route you choose, there may or may not be any ATMs past Manali, and even if there are, they are oftentimes left unserviced and tend to run out of cash. We recommend withdrawing any cash needed at or before you reach Manali.
There is no network on the Hampta Pass trek. The last place you’re likely to get any network connection is at Manali. Please make sure you inform your friends and family of your itinerary and travel dates while you’re in or before you reach Manali.
What is the cancellation and refund policy on the Hampta Pass trek?
Cancellation and refund policies differ from operator to operator. As a general rule, no shows don’t receive any refunds. Detailed cancellation and refund policies are available on our website’s trip booking pages.
Only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to join the Hampta Pass trek departure. You (or your group/family) will be asked to maintain a distance of 6 ft from others (or other groups/families). Thermal temperature screening will be conducted before you depart for the trek, and those with abnormal temperatures may be disallowed from joining the trek group.
If at any point of the trek you feel unwell or symptomatic, please inform your trek leader and they’ll provide you with the next steps of action. For further information on protocols undertaken, please contact your operator before your trek departure.