Himachal Pradesh is beyond doubt one of the most popular destinations in India. It is well known for its quaint and picturesque hill-towns, and also for the many thrilling Himalayan Treks that it has on offer for the adventure seekers. Places like Manali, Naggar and Dharamshala have many treks originating from them. From easy to challenging, you will find all varieties of treks here. So whether you are just beginning your tryst with trekking or you are a seasoned trekker, you will find something that quenches your thirst for adventure.

Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal is one such trek that is ideal for beginners and experts alike, and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan vistas, from valleys, mountains to meadows and waterfalls. If you are planning to begin your adventure journey and are looking for that first trek to begin with, then your search ends here. This easy to moderate trek starts from Base Camp of Himachal Pradesh. Arriving here is easy, as there are regular buses that run from prominent cities like New Delhi and Chandigarh.

You get enough time on the first day for acclimatization, Report at the Base Camp. Over the next 5 days you get to walk through thick forests, cross rivers and meadows, and even get a chance to watch the breathtaking valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal is for all adventure lovers and a must-do if you are trek crazy!

Know more about other Popular Treks in Manali

Detailed Itinerary for Hampta Pass Trek:

Day 01: Manali to Chikka (3080m) via Jobra 

Distance/Duration - 20km Drive ( 2 Hours), 2.5km Trek (4-5 Hours)
Grade - Easy

Arrive in the most popular tourist town of Himachal Pradesh and report at the base camp. After having lunch at the campsite, we are going to start this Himalayan adventure by driving to a village called Jobra. Although the distance is not much, it takes around 2 hours to reach Jobra. The scenic drive will keep you intrigued with maple, pine, walnut and oak trees visible throughout, making it refreshing and enjoyable. After reaching Jobra we will prepare to trek to Chikka, which is also our final destination for the day. The stretch from Jobra to Chikka is relatively easy but picturesque as we will cross two wooden bridges and a small patch of forest. After reaching the campsite at Chikka, enjoy the views all around. Have dinner at the campsite and stay overnight.

Day 02: Chikka to Balu Ka Ghera (3630m) 

Distance/Duration - 6km / 5-6 Hours 
Grade - Moderate

Today we will trek from Chikka to Balu ka Ghera, which is situated at approximately 3630m. The hike will take about 5 -6 hours to complete.The initial stretch for the day would take you through rocky banks of the river. Soon snow valleys would come in view making the trekking experience more exciting. You will pass streams and boulders, and finally get to Balu ka Ghera, which is a large, lush ground on the banks of the river. Camping here will be like a dream come true! Your overnight stay will be at the campsite

Day 03: Balu Ka Ghera to Shia Ghoru (3932m) via Hampta Pass

Distance/Duration - 8km / 9 Hours 
Grade - Moderate

Today is going to be the most treacherous yet most adventurous day of this expedition. We would aim at leaving the campsite at the maximum by 7 AM as the day’s trek ahead is long and somewhat tedious. We will go from Balu ka Ghera to Shia Ghoru, which is at 3932m. On our way to our campsite for the night, we will climb the highest point on the entire trek; Hampta Pass. After doing a rather steep climb in the morning, it will take around  4-5 hours to reach Hampta Pass top (4268m), and from there another couple of hours to descend to Shia Ghoru. This would be a steep descent so you need to be extra careful. Post reaching Shia Ghoru, prepare for overnight stay at the camp. 

Day 04: Shia Ghoru - Chhatru - Chandratal - Chhatru (3353m)

Distance/Duration - 4km Trek (2 Hours) / 70km Drive (3 Hours)
Grade - Easy to Moderate

On this day we will head towards Chhatru and this is the place that will offer us the most breathtaking and unforgettable views of the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. The Spiti and Pir Panjal Ranges will add to the grandeur and magic of the place. Chhatru is the center point for three locations namely Hampta Pass, Rohtang Pass and Spiti Valley. The trekking time is around two and a half hours.

This stretch of the trek would then be followed by a jeep ride to Chandratal, which is a shimmering blue water lake located at an altitude of 4298m. After spending some time at the lake, we drive back to Chhatru and stay overnight at the campsite.

Day 05: Chhatru to Manali (2050m)

Distance/Duration - 83km Drive / 4 Hours 

Last leg of this Himalayan Adventure begins this morning as we make our way back to where it all started. After having breakfast at the campsite, we will start driving. On the way we will cross the most visited mountain pass of the country - Rohtang Pass (3978m). After travelling for around 4 hours, we will reach our base camp in Manali. Get a picture clicked with the entire group after the trek completion and get on with your journey ahead.

Trip Ends.

FAQs for Hampta Pass Trek

1) When is the best time for Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal?
The best time to trek to Hampta Pass is from mid-June to mid-October. There are chances to witness some snow on the high passes in the early days of the season before it melts down completely by August.

2) What is the required level of fitness for the trek?
Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal is not a difficult trek and having a decent level of fitness will suffice. The average number of hours spent trekking is around 6 to 7 and the trail is not so technical so anyone with little experience or even no experience can do this trek. Although, beginners are advised to prepare for a few weeks to gain the basic level of fitness.

3) What is the weather like during the season?
The weather remains mostly pleasant throughout the open season. The temperature during the trek stays between 12 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius during daytime. At night, temperature can range anywhere between -2 degree Celsius and 6 degree Celsius. In the months of September and October, there’s always a possibility of snowfall. During these months, the temperature can range between 12 degree Celsius and 18 degree Celsius during the day, and -6 degree Celsius to 4 degree Celsius during the night.

4) Can we rent/buy equipment for the trek at the base camp?
Manali is a popular destination for adventure travellers and acts as the base camp for the Hampta Pass Trek. There are several shops in Old Manali where you can buy/rent trekking equipment like shoes, raincoats and trekking poles etc. Although it is advisable to bring your own trekking shoes which have been worn before for at least a few days.

5) What makes Hampta Pass such a popular trek?
It is a spectacular crossover trek, in which you get to see lots of terrain variations in a short span of 4-5 days. During the trek, you cross over from lush green kullu valley to dry cold desert of Lahaul Valley. Another major factor of its popularity is the ChandraTal Lake. It is a moon shaped high altitude lake which can be compared with Pangong Tso Lake in terms of its views and beauty. Overall the landscape that you see on this trek is spectacular and will leave you speechless.