HAMPTA Pass Trek – Himachal

🏔️ HAMPTA PASS TREK – HIMACHAL

Region: Manali → Spiti Crossover

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Max Altitude: ~4,270m

Price From: ₹8,500

⭐ Short Overview

Hampta Pass is one of Himachal’s most dramatic crossover treks — moving from the lush green forests and meadows of Kullu Valley into the stark, desert-like landscapes of Spiti. The combination of forest trails, river crossings, snow patches, high-altitude pass crossing, and the optional visit to Chandratal Lake make it a top choice for first-time high-altitude trekkers seeking adventure without technical difficulty.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Moderate

Suitable for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers.

Trail Type

• Forest and meadow trails

• River crossings

• Rocky moraine sections

• Steep ascent to Hampta Pass

Daily Distance

• 3–10 km per day depending on campsite

Altitude Gain

• Jobra (~3,000m) → Hampta Pass (~4,270m)

Fitness Required

• Ability to trek 6–7 hours a day

• Comfort with steep and long ascents

• Basic acclimatization capability

Who Should Avoid

• Complete beginners with zero walking habit

• People with knee issues (steep descent from pass)

2. Full Itinerary (Day-wise)

Day 1: Manali → Jobra (Drive) → Jobra Campsite

• 2-hour drive from Manali.

• Gentle, scenic forest trek to campsite.

• Acclimatization day with views of pine forests.

Day 2: Jobra → Jwara

• Walk through open meadows and river crossings.

• Jwara campsite sits among towering rock cliffs.

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hours.

Day 3: Jwara → Balu Ka Ghera

• Gradual ascent along the river.

• First views of Hampta Pass ridge.

• Trek Duration: 4 hours.

Day 4: Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru

• Early morning push to cross Hampta Pass.

• Sharp contrast: green Kullu → barren Spiti.

• Long descent to Shea Goru campsite.

• Trek Duration: 7–8 hours.

Day 5: Shea Goru → Chatru → Chandratal (Drive)

• Easy descent to Chatru roadhead.

• Jeep ride to Chandratal Lake (weather permitting).

• Trek ends at Chatru or return to Manali.

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Tents & sleeping bags

• All meals during trek

• Guide & support crew

• Forest permits

• Safety gear

Exclusions

• Transport to/from Manali

• Chandratal taxi charges

• Personal gear rental

• Personal expenses

4. How to Reach

Nearest Hub: Manali

Route:

Manali → Jobra → Jwara → Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru → Chatru → (Optional) Chandratal

Transport

• Volvo buses to Manali

• Taxi to Jobra pickup point

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• All nights in tents

• Dry toilets at camps

Food

• Hot vegetarian meals

• Tea/snacks during evenings

• Packed lunch on pass day

6. Safety & Weather

Safety

• River crossings require caution

• Snow present early in the season

• Weather changes rapidly at altitude

Weather

• June–July: Snow patches, colder

• August–September: Best weather window

• October: Pass becomes unpredictable

7. Best Time To Visit

• June to September is ideal

• Chandratal Lake accessible mostly from July–September

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes

• Warm layers + padded jacket

• Rain gear

• Water bottle

• Headlamp

• Sunglasses

Optional

• Trekking pole

• Gaiters (early season)

• Power bank

9. FAQs

Q. Is Hampta Pass suitable for beginners?
Yes, if they have basic fitness and can handle long days.

Q. Does Hampta Pass always include Chandratal?
Only when the road is open (usually post July).

Q. What is the hardest part?
The steep climb to the pass and the long descent afterward.

Q. Network availability?
No network after Jobra; limited near Chatru.

Ready for a Himalayan crossover adventure?