Hampta Pass: One of India's Greatest Summer Treks
Cross from the green meadows of Kullu into the stark Lahaul desert in a single day, then stand beside the impossible blue of Chandratal Lake.
What Makes This Trek Unforgettable
Hampta Pass at 14,010 ft
Where two worlds — green Kullu & barren Lahaul — collide
Balu Ka Ghera Camp
Sleep surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks
Glacier Corridors
Trek through dramatic snow and ice near the pass
Mystical Mountain Camps
When clouds roll in, the Himalayas show their moody side
Hampta Pass is not just a trek — it's two worlds in five days. Green valleys, glacier corridors, a 14,000 ft pass, and the magical Chandratal Lake.
Hampta Pass is one of India's most dramatic crossover treks — in a single day you walk from lush green meadows of Kullu into the barren moonscape of Lahaul. At 14,010 ft, the pass offers jaw-dropping views of Indrasan and Deo Tibba peaks. The trek ends with a visit to the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas.
The crossover moment is unforgettable: on Day 3 when you crest Hampta Pass, you'll turn back to see green Kullu valley and look ahead to the barren deserts of Lahaul. Two completely different Himalayas in one view.
What You'll See (And Post)
Trek Highlights
Your 5-Day Journey to the Summit
Manali to Chika
Pickup from Manali Bus Stand, then drive to Jobra (10 km, ~2 hours). Begin your trek along the Rani Nallah river through scenic valleys to reach Chika campsite. Set up camp and acclimatize to the altitude.
Manali to Chika
Pickup from Manali Bus Stand, then drive to Jobra (10 km, ~2 hours). Begin your trek along the Rani Nallah river through scenic valleys to reach Chika campsite. Set up camp and acclimatize to the altitude.
Pickup from Manali Bus Stand, then drive to Jobra (10 km, ~2 hours). Begin your trek along the Rani Nallah river through scenic valleys to reach Chika campsite. Set up camp and acclimatize to the altitude.
Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
Trek 8 km through rocky river banks and open meadows. Cross the Hampta river and gain altitude steadily to reach Balu Ka Ghera, a dramatic campsite surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks.
Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
Trek 8 km through rocky river banks and open meadows. Cross the Hampta river and gain altitude steadily to reach Balu Ka Ghera, a dramatic campsite surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks.
Trek 8 km through rocky river banks and open meadows. Cross the Hampta river and gain altitude steadily to reach Balu Ka Ghera, a dramatic campsite surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks.
Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
The biggest day of the trek. Steep ascent through snow and scree to Hampta Pass at 14,010 ft, where the landscape transforms dramatically from green to stark desert. Descend to Shea Goru on the Lahaul side through snow and rocky terrain.
Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
The biggest day of the trek. Steep ascent through snow and scree to Hampta Pass at 14,010 ft, where the landscape transforms dramatically from green to stark desert. Descend to Shea Goru on the Lahaul side through snow and rocky terrain.
The biggest day of the trek. Steep ascent through snow and scree to Hampta Pass at 14,010 ft, where the landscape transforms dramatically from green to stark desert. Descend to Shea Goru on the Lahaul side through snow and rocky terrain.
Shea Goru to Chatru & Drive to Chandratal
Trek down to Chatru through river crossings and glacial paths. Drive to the ethereal Chandratal Lake — a crescent-shaped jewel at 14,100 ft with impossibly blue water. Return to Chatru for overnight camping.
Shea Goru to Chatru & Drive to Chandratal
Trek down to Chatru through river crossings and glacial paths. Drive to the ethereal Chandratal Lake — a crescent-shaped jewel at 14,100 ft with impossibly blue water. Return to Chatru for overnight camping.
Trek down to Chatru through river crossings and glacial paths. Drive to the ethereal Chandratal Lake — a crescent-shaped jewel at 14,100 ft with impossibly blue water. Return to Chatru for overnight camping.
Chatru to Manali
Scenic drive back to Manali through the Atal Tunnel, passing through the contrasting landscapes of Lahaul and Kullu valley. Arrive in Manali by afternoon with a lifetime of memories.
Chatru to Manali
Scenic drive back to Manali through the Atal Tunnel, passing through the contrasting landscapes of Lahaul and Kullu valley. Arrive in Manali by afternoon with a lifetime of memories.
Scenic drive back to Manali through the Atal Tunnel, passing through the contrasting landscapes of Lahaul and Kullu valley. Arrive in Manali by afternoon with a lifetime of memories.
Everything Handled. You Just Show Up.
- All meals from Lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 5
- Accommodation in tents or homestay throughout the trek
- Experienced trek guide, cook, helpers, and mules for common luggage
- All camping and safety equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Pickup & drop from Manali Bus Stand (tempo traveller/Bolero)
- Forest and camping charges
- All applicable taxes
What's Not Included
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of travel or trek insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses of any nature
- Carriage of personal luggage during the trek (mules available at extra cost)
- Bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
Pack Light. We've Got the Rest.
Essential items to bring for your trek
What You'll Eat on the Trek
Fresh, hot, home-style meals cooked by our camp kitchen — rotating daily so you never eat the same thing twice.
Manali to Chika (Meals from Lunch onwards)
- • Dal + Rice
- • Salad & Pickle
- • Tea / Coffee
- • Maggi
- • Roti
- • Paneer Sabzi
- • Dal
Menu may vary slightly based on availability at high altitude. Vegetarian meals only. All meals are freshly cooked by our camp kitchen team.
Don't Take Our Word For It
Hear from trekkers who've been there
Questions Every First-Timer Asks
We've answered these 10,000+ times. Here are the honest answers.
What makes Hampta Pass unique compared to other Himachal treks?
Hampta Pass is a rare crossover trek — you literally walk from the lush, green Kullu valley into the stark, arid moonscape of Lahaul-Spiti in a single day. This dramatic landscape contrast, combined with the Chandratal Lake visit, makes it unlike any other trek in Himachal Pradesh.
Is Hampta Pass suitable for first-time trekkers?
Hampta Pass is rated Moderate — not for absolute beginners, but manageable for those with basic fitness. Day 3 (the pass crossing at 14,010 ft) is long and demanding. We recommend being able to walk 10 km comfortably before attempting this trek.
What is Chandratal Lake and is it worth the detour?
Chandratal (Moon Lake) is a crescent-shaped high-altitude lake at 14,100 ft in the Spiti Valley. Its impossibly blue-green water surrounded by snow peaks is one of the most stunning sights in the Himalayas. It's absolutely worth it — most trekkers say it's the highlight of the trip.
How cold does it get on the Hampta Pass trek?
Temperatures at night can drop to 2-5°C even in July-August at the higher camps. At the pass (14,010 ft), it can be significantly colder with strong winds. Always carry warm layers regardless of the season.
Still have questions?
Chat with us - Average reply time: 5 minsCertified Guides
Wilderness first responder trained
2,500+
Happy trekkers this season
5 Years
Zero safety incidents
24/7 Support
Emergency assistance line
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
Your first summit awaits. Join thousands of first-time trekkers who've discovered they're mountain people.
6 spots left for next batch