The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the Himalayas’ most loved summer adventures, and 2026 is shaping up to be a great season to do it. Whether it’s your first high-altitude trek or your tenth, this guide covers everything — the route, the itinerary, what makes it special, and how to book.
Hampta Pass Trek 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 14,010 ft |
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Start & End | Manali Bus Stand |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best months | June, July, August, September |
| Price | ₹5,500 per person (all-inclusive) |
| Highlight | Chandratal Lake (14,100 ft) on Day 4 |
What Is the Hampta Pass Trek?
The Hampta Pass Trek is a 5-day Himalayan crossover trek in Himachal Pradesh, beginning and ending at Manali Bus Stand. It crosses the Hampta Pass at 14,010 ft, connecting the lush Kullu valley with the stark, high-altitude Lahaul desert.
What makes it stand out: glacial streams, flower-filled meadows, a challenging mountain pass, a barren desert landscape — plus the jewel-like Chandratal Lake on Day 4. All in five days.
Day-by-Day Itinerary 2026
Day 1: Manali Bus Stand to Chika (10,100 ft)
Drive from Manali Bus Stand to the trailhead near Jobra, then trek to the Chika campsite alongside the Rani River through meadows and grazing pastures. An easy first day to ease into the rhythm.
Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera (11,900 ft)
A steady ascent through boulder fields and across glacial streams brings you to Balu Ka Ghera, meaning “bed of sand.” This is your base camp before the pass crossing.
Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass (14,010 ft) → Shea Goru (12,900 ft)
The big day. A steep climb to Hampta Pass at 14,010 ft with sweeping views of Deo Tibba and the Pir Panjal range. Then descend into the Lahaul region to camp at Shea Goru — the famous crossover from green valley to barren desert in one day.
Day 4: Shea Goru → Chatru → Chandratal Lake (14,100 ft)
Trek down to Chatru, then drive to the spectacular Chandratal Lake at 14,100 ft — a crescent-shaped glacial lake set against stark mountains. One of the most photographed spots in the Himalayas.
Day 5: Chatru to Manali Bus Stand
Drive back to Manali Bus Stand via the Atal Tunnel, completing the loop where it began.
What Makes the Hampta Pass Trek Special?
- The crossover effect: Green alpine Kullu valley → moon-like Lahaul desert in one day.
- Chandratal Lake: A bucket-list glacial lake included on Day 4.
- Variety of terrain: Meadows, glacial streams, boulder fields, a high pass, and desert all in one route.
- Accessibility: Starts right at Manali Bus Stand — no complicated logistics.
- Summer timing: Runs in peak summer when many other Himalayan treks are out of season.
Best Time to Do the Hampta Pass Trek
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| June | Lingering snow near pass, lush lower meadows |
| July | Peak greenery, occasional monsoon spells |
| August | Vibrant meadows, flowing streams |
| September | Clear skies, crisp air, fewer crowds |
How Difficult Is the Hampta Pass Trek?
The Hampta Pass Trek is graded Moderate. To get trek-ready:
- Build cardio with 30–45 minutes of jogging or brisk walking, 4–5 times a week
- Add stair climbing or hill walking to simulate ascents
- Practice with a loaded daypack
- Start preparation at least 4–6 weeks before your trek
What’s Included in the Price
The YaatraExpress Hampta Pass Trek is ₹5,500 per person, all-inclusive:
- All meals throughout the trek
- Tents and camping equipment
- Experienced, certified trek guide
- Transport from Manali Bus Stand to trailhead and back
- Forest and trekking permits
How to Book the Hampta Pass Trek with YaatraExpress
YaatraExpress runs Hampta Pass Trek departures throughout the 2026 season (June–September) from Manali Bus Stand. Spots in each small group fill quickly during peak months.
To book: message YaatraExpress on WhatsApp with your preferred dates, check availability, confirm your spot, and receive your pre-trek checklist. Chat with YaatraExpress on WhatsApp today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is the Hampta Pass Trek?
The Hampta Pass Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 14,010 ft at the pass. The Day 4 visit to Chandratal Lake sits at 14,100 ft.
How many days is the Hampta Pass Trek?
The trek is 5 days and 4 nights, starting and ending at Manali Bus Stand.
What is the best time to do the Hampta Pass Trek in 2026?
The best months are June, July, August, and September — the pass is open and accessible during this summer window.
Is the Hampta Pass Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, with preparation. Rated Moderate, fit beginners who do 4–6 weeks of cardio training can complete it comfortably.
Does the Hampta Pass Trek include Chandratal Lake?
Yes. The itinerary includes a Day 4 visit to Chandratal Lake at 14,100 ft, one of the trek’s biggest highlights.
What does the ₹5,500 price include?
All meals, tents and camping gear, an experienced guide, and transport from Manali Bus Stand. It is a fully all-inclusive trek price.
Where does the Hampta Pass Trek start and end?
Both the start and end point is Manali Bus Stand, making it easy to plan your travel.
