Arrive in Manali, Lunch and meet with the trek leads, followed by a briefing session.
2 hours drive from Manali will take you to Jobra Village. The hike for the day will start from the village and is a 3-4 hour long steep climb to Chikka.
Witnessing variety landscapes, Hanuman Tibba, and Seven Sisters Peak, set camp at Chikka and enjoy dinner at the campsite relishing the star-lit sky.
Chikka to Balu ka Ghera, 9 km, 4-5 hours trek with views of waterfalls and rocky riverbanks, along with stunning Himalayan views.
Evening at Balu ka Ghera, rest at camp, dinner, and maybe an acoustic guitar-karaoke session.
Balu ka Ghera to Shia Goru: 7-8 hour, challenging climb to Hampta Pass and then a decent to Shia Goru, with views of the Valley of Flowers and Deo Tibba Peak.
Reach the Hampta pass, view the panorama all around you, and capture a lifetime moment in photographs.
2-hour trek, drive to Chatru, explore the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake. Dinner and retire to campsite.
Start the day early from Chatru, drive 5 hours to Manali through beautiful but bumpy roads, and end your trek with unforgettable memories.
Reach back to Manali and get ready for departure after a lip-smacking breakfast.
Discover the Adventure of Hampta Pass
Hampta Pass is one of the most dramatic and adrenaline-pumping trek experiences and a stretch in Himachal Pradesh at a height of 14,000 feet. On one side lies the lush green Kullu Valley; on the other side, the stark, arid landscape of Lahaul—a contrasting view that changes drastically within minutes while trekking. This is one of the most exciting treks, which takes you to a land with a unique terrain that resembles the Valley of Flowers. It beautifully merges adventure and breathtaking Himalayan beauty together into one.
What Does the 5-Day Trek Look Like?
Hampta Pass is a trek which offers five days of continuous landscapes and activities. From the noisy town of Manali, the trail enters into the dense forests and green meadows. Chika is the first campsite, a beautiful site with a gurgling stream nearby. Further on, you arrive at Balu Ka Ghera, another quiet spot surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the challenging, tiring climb to Hampta Pass itself that involves a thrilling climb over rocks and snowy patches. On the other side, while descending into the Lahaul Valley, you will come across a beautiful campsite at Shea Goru, entirely surrounded by stark mountains with no trees or grass in sight. Your final visit to the mesmerising Chandratal Lake with crystal-blue water amidst stunning high-altitude scenery marks the end of this journey. Each new day rolls out carpeted with many surprises, coupled with unmatched natural beauty that shall remain an unforgettable adventure.
Hampta Pass Difficulty Level
The Hampta Pass Trek falls under the category of a moderate trek, and hence it is ideal for trekkers who are either doing their first or second trek and also for experienced trekkers. Although the entire terrain can be walked easily, two stretches, such as the ascent to the pass and the consequent descent to Shea Goru, are still strenuous and require sound health and physical fitness. The more prepared and acclimatised, the more enjoyable the trek will be.
Best Time to Trek
The best time for the Hampta Pass trek is during the June to September season. The climate is most favourable during these months, with bearable temperatures and less snowfall, making it more enjoyable for trekkers by adding to their experiences with green valleys and clear mountain views. Although some undertake the trek in October, the cold and scarce water sources make the experience a little less enjoyable.
Reaching the Base Camp of Hampta Pass from Different Cities Across India
Getting to the Hampta Pass base camp is a journey in itself. If you are coming from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, or Mumbai, then take a flight to Chandigarh or Delhi. You can board a bus or hire a taxi from Chandigarh to Manali; this takes about 10 hours. If you are flying to Delhi, try to reach by afternoon and board an overnight bus to Manali. Alternatively, shared cabs from Chandigarh or Delhi are a convenient and comfortable way to reach Manali. Make sure to reach Manali one day prior to the trek and rest for a day, and adjust.
Achieving the Right Fitness Levels
Hampta Pass requires at least four weeks of continuous physical training. You can focus on cardiovascular exercises, like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or any other workout that can make you a lot stronger. You should be able to do 5 km easily in 35 minutes. There are also those common ailments that may break your chances of trekking. Respiratory issues, heart problems, or severe joint pains—always keep your doctor informed about these issues. Keeping yourself well-hydrated, well-fed with nutritious food, and well-rested will improve your experience of trekking.
Points of Interest of the Hampta Pass Trek
The Hampta Pass Trek is the initiative hub of varied experiences and breathtaking sights. From Manali, it takes a traveller from the lush greenery of the Kullu Valley to the absolutely stark, arid landscape of the Lahaul Valley. The excitement of crossing rivers, walking on glaciers, and treading through such difficult terrains make the trek worth an experience. The highlight is crossing the Hampta Pass at 14,000 feet with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. A visit to Chandratal Lake, with its colour-changing and serene beauty, is just a frill. Dramatic change of landscapes makes this trek outstanding and a visually stimulating journey. Charming mountain villages like Sethan and Hampta imbibe this trek with rich cultural beauty. It offers a peep into the local way of living, their distinct Buddhist culture, and traditions. It's a continuous adventure with varied terrains, from green forests to high-altitude deserts—and beautiful campsites like Balu Ka Ghera and Shea Goru. Colourful wildflowers and Himalayan birds are an added plus in terms of flora and fauna while on the trek. One of the biggest highlights of this trek is the panoramic mountain views along with the serene Chandratal Lake. Hampta Pass is not just some ups and downs on mountains; rather, it is an experience that unfolds the multifaceted beauty of the Himalayas.
Who Can Participate in the Trek?
The Hampta Pass trek is suitable for people above the age of 10 years. First-time trekkers are welcome. Prior experience in trekking would definitely prove to be beneficial. One should be able to cover 5 km in 35 minutes and reach the top without any major breaks. One must be physically fit and capable of carrying a backpack of 10-15 kg.
About Manali Base Camp
Manali is one of the beautiful hill stations with apple orchards, green meadows, and serene rivers. One can come to this starting point of the Hampta Pass trek for a camping trip before the trek, with ample scope to explore its scenic beauty and local attractions.
Why Choose Backpackers United?
Backpackers United is one of the most reliable names when considering great trekking exposures; what sets it apart is the immaculately planned itinerary, veteran guides, and customer service of high standards. It offers esteemed safety and sustainability that will make this trekking experience unforgettable and responsible. Their flexible itineraries and competitive pricing, coupled with a commitment to customer satisfaction, make them one of the more popular choices for all sorts of treks.
Let Hampta Pass be that lifetime adventure which brings you closer with every step to the purest essence of beauty, the Himalayas!
The following detailed itinerary provides a day-by-day breakdown of your exciting Hampta Pass trek. From your arrival to the moment you return back home, we've outlined your activities and experiences to make the most of your trek. Let's dive into the specifics.
Hampta Pass Trek is one interesting adventure flowing from the green Kullu-Manali valley to the stark, cold desert of Spiti. This trek is characterized by 30 hairpin bends, thus making this journey adventuresome. Streams in the form of Rani Nala wind their way through pine forests and a few maple trees, further enhancing the beauty. At Chikka and Balu ka Ghera, also known as Bear Cave—the name has no significance—trekkers will come across the Coniferous Forest. Of course, one of the high points of the trek is the famous Chandratal Lake or the 'Lake of the Moon,' as it is also called because it is crescent in shape. Not to forget, the confluence of three passes—Hampta Pass, Rohtang Pass, and Spiti—presents a visual treat, making this trek a veritable feast for the eyes and the soul.
Campsites on a twin-sharing basis
Experts from Backpackers United will guide us throughout the journey, with local enthusiasts joining us at various points along the way.
Transparency is our priority. Here’s what you need to know:
Duration | Cancellation Charge | Booking Amount | Remaining Amount |
---|---|---|---|
45 days and above | Free Cancellation | Refunded to the Source of Payment | Full Refund |
30-45 days | 50% of the Trip Amount | Adjusted in Refund Deduction | Refund (minus) 50% of the trip amount |
15-30 days | 75% of the Trip Amount | Adjusted in Refund Deduction | Refund (minus) 25% of the trip amount |
0-15 days | 100% of the Trip Amount | No Refund | No Refund |