Hampta Pass Trek
Manali to Lahaul Valley
Overview
Hampta Pass is famous for its dramatic change in landscape. On one side you climb through the lush green oak and cedar forests of the Kullu Valley, and once you cross the pass at 4,270 meters, you descend into the barren, cold desert mountains of Lahaul. This is a professionally guided, fully assisted trek.
Highlights
- 1Cross the dramatic Hampta Pass at 4,270m (14,100 ft)
- 2Witness the sudden shift from green meadows to cold desert cliffs
- 3Camp at the scenic Shea Goru alongside glacial streams
- 4Visit the high-altitude, emerald Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Manali to Jobra & Trek to Chika
A scenic 2-hour drive through 40 hairpin bends to Jobra (2,900m). Start the trek through pine and birch forests to reach Chika camp (3,100m) along the river. (Trek: 2-3 hours)
Day 2: Trek from Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
Walk along the banks of the Jwara stream. The trail opens up into wide meadows filled with wildflower beds (in summer) before arriving at the sandy camps of Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m). (Trek: 4-5 hours)
Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
The big summit day. An early morning steep climb over snow patches or rocky boulders to reach Hampta Pass (4,270m). See the massive peak of Indrasan. Steep descent to Shea Goru campsite (3,900m). (Trek: 7-8 hours)
Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru & Drive to Chandratal
Gentle downhill walk through Lahaul's scree slides to Chatru road head. Board the 4x4 vehicles for a dramatic bumpy drive to the sacred Chandratal Lake. Camp at Chatru or nearby.
Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali via Atal Tunnel
Check out after breakfast. Drive back to Manali crossing the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel. Reach Old Manali by 3:00 PM.
✓What is included
- Certified local mountaineering guide and kitchen staff
- High-quality 4-season tents, sleeping bags, and mats
- All meals (Breakfast, Hot Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner)
- Forest department permits and camping fees
- Transport from Manali to Jobra (start point) and Chatru to Manali (end point)
✕What is excluded
- Personal trekking gear (backpack, shoes, trekking pole)
- Porters for offloading personal luggage (available at ₹350/day)
- Travel insurance
Practical Information
Meeting / Pickup Point
Dana Trails Base Camp, Old Manali
What to Carry
- Sturdy trekking shoes (broken-in)
- Warm down jacket and fleece layers
- Waterproof poncho or rain suit
- Trekking pole and headlamp
- Personal eco-friendly toiletries
Safety & Weather Advisory
Acclimatization is key. Our guides carry oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters. The itinerary is subject to change in case of heavy snow on the pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, anyone with a basic level of fitness (can run 5km in 35 mins) can complete this trek. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory but helpful.