Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake trek

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.

By air

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.

By bus

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.

By train

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.

How can I pick the right trekking shoes and socks for me? Why do I need them for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How can I pick the right trekking pants for me? Why do I need them for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How can I pick the right gloves for me? Why do I need them for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How can I pick the right rain wear for me? Why do I need them for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How can I pick the right head gear for me? Why do I need them for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How to dress appropriately for the Hampta Pass trek

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.

How can I pick the right backpack, daypack, and covers for my bags? Why do I need them for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How can I pick the right sunglasses for me? Why do I need them for the Hampta Pass 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.

How can I pick the right head lamp for me? Why do I you need it for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How can I pick the right trekking pole for me? Why do I need it for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

What toiletries should I carry for the Hampta Pass trek?

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:

• toothpaste and toothbrush
• anti-fungal and anti-rash creams
• insect repellent
• prescription medicines
• hick face and body moisturiser
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• moisturising lip balm with SPF
• body wash
• shampoo
• wet wipes
• dry tissues
• sanitiser
• face masks
• menstrual products and ample thick plastic bags to dispose of used sanitary napkins or tampons. Please do not litter. Ask your trek guide about the appropriate disposal methods. We do not recommend carrying menstrual cups or reusable pads/period panties as it will be difficult to wash and disinfect them while on the trek.

What water bottle or hydration pack should I carry for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

Do I need to carry a pen knife for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

What should I carry in my medical kit for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

How to prepare for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

What documents should I carry for the Hampta Pass 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.

What kind of food will be provided on the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

Is there an ATM on the Hampta Pass 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.

Will I get any network/connectivity on the Hampta Pass trek?

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.

What are the COVID-19 protocols for the Hampta Pass trek?

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.