Embark on the stunning Hampta Pass Trek with this complete guide tailored for first-time trekkers. Discover the itinerary, packing tips, costs, and what to expect from this high-altitude crossover trail from Manali to Spiti.
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most dramatic and beginner-friendly treks in the Indian Himalayas. Nestled in Himachal Pradesh, it offers a surreal contrast between lush green valleys of Kullu and the barren, high-altitude desert of Lahaul. If you’re a first-time trekker looking for a moderately challenging but immensely rewarding experience, this guide is for you.
Trek Overview
- Location: Himachal Pradesh (Manali to Chhatru via Hampta Pass)
- Altitude: ~14,100 feet (4,298 meters)
- Duration: 5 days
- Trek Distance: ~24 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September
- Starting Point: Jobra (near Manali)
- Ending Point: Chhatru (option to visit Chandratal Lake)
Why Choose Hampta Pass Trek?
- Offers a rare crossover from lush valleys to barren deserts.
- Variety of landscapes – forests, meadows, rivers, glaciers.
- Ideal altitude and terrain for beginners.
- Accessible from Manali with well-managed itineraries.
- Optional visit to Chandratal Lake, a stunning high-altitude crescent-shaped lake.
Best Time to Visit
- Mid-June to early October
- August–September: Lush green meadows, clearer skies, and better visibility.
- June–July: Snow-covered trails, surreal white landscapes.
Day-wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Manali → Drive to Jobra → Trek to Chhika
- Drive: Manali to Jobra – 16 km (1 hr)
- Trek: Jobra to Chhika – 3 km (2 hrs)
- Altitude: ~10,100 ft
- Highlights: Walk through pine forest, meadows, and along the Rani Nallah. Chhika is a scenic green clearing with a river – perfect for your first campsite.
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Stay: Chhika Campsite
Day 2: Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera
- Trek Distance: 6–7 km (5–6 hrs)
- Altitude: ~11,800 ft
- Highlights: River crossing, boulder walk, and vibrant Himalayan flora. Balu ka Ghera (“heap of sand”) is nestled in a flat valley surrounded by snowy peaks.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Stay: Balu Ka Ghera Campsite
Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru
- Trek Distance: 7 km (9–10 hrs)
- Highest Altitude: Hampta Pass – 14,100 ft
- Descent: Shea Goru – 12,900 ft
- Highlights: Most adventurous day. Steep ascent to the pass with breathtaking views of Indrasan and Deo Tibba peaks, followed by a steep descent to the next campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Stay: Shea Goru Campsite
Day 4: Shea Goru → Chatru → Drive to Chandratal Lake (if accessible)
- Trek: Shea Goru to Chatru – 7 km (5 hrs, downhill)
- Drive: Chatru to Chandratal – 50 km (3–4 hrs round trip, weather permitting)
- Altitude: ~11,000 ft
- Highlights: Gentle riverside trail to Chatru. Optional drive to see Chandratal Lake at ~14,000 ft (subject to road and weather conditions).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Stay: Chatru Campsite
Day 5: Chatru → Manali & Departure
- Drive: Chatru to Manali (~6 hrs)
- Highlights: Wind down your adventure with views of Rohtang Pass and a scenic drive back to Manali.
- Meals: Breakfast
Must-See Highlights
- Jobra’s pine forests
- Shepherd meadows of Chika
- Balu ka Ghera’s river campsite
- Snowy pass of Hampta
- Lahaul’s stark landscape
- Optional visit to Chandratal Lake
Accommodation & Food
- Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals served
- Tents provided by trek operators
- Sleeping bags and mats included
Safety Tips
- Follow instructions of trek leaders strictly
- Acclimatize properly in Manali before starting
- Stay hydrated and eat light
- Inform your guide of any altitude sickness symptoms
- Carry basic medicines
Packing Essentials
- Others: Power bank, water bottle, energy bars, ID proof
- Clothing: Layered (base layer, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell)
- Footwear: Trekking boots with ankle support
- Gear: Trekking poles, backpack (40–50L), rain cover, headlamp
- Accessories: Sunglasses, gloves, beanie, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm
- Medical Kit: Diamox, ORS, band-aids, personal meds
Quick Tips for First-Timers
- Carry minimal but essential gear
- Train with basic cardio and leg strengthening 2–3 weeks prior
- Avoid alcohol/smoking during the trek
- Choose a reputed trek organizer
- Travel insurance is recommended
The Hampta Pass Trek is a fantastic choice for first-time Himalayan trekkers. With its shifting landscapes, moderate challenge level, and accessible location, it’s a perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking. All you need is a bit of preparation, the right mindset, and the willingness to be awed.
Leave a comment