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The Hampta Pass Trek is a scenic crossover trek in Himachal Pradesh that connects the green valleys of Kullu with the stark landscape of Spiti. Starting near Manali, the trek features forests, alpine meadows, river crossings, snowfields, and a dramatic pass crossing at around 14,100 ft. It is one of the most popular Himalayan treks from Delhi.
This trek offers maximum variety in a short duration. Highlights include forest trails at Jobra, riverside camps at Chika and Balu Ka Ghera, snow climbs at Hampta Pass, descent into Spiti Valley at Shea Goru, and an optional visit to Chandratal Lake.
The best time to do the Hampta Pass Trek is from June to September. Early season offers snow and adventure, while September brings clearer skies and fewer crowds.
The Hampta Pass Trek is graded as Moderate (5.5/10). It is suitable for fit beginners with preparation and enjoyable for experienced trekkers. The pass day is the most demanding, but no technical skills are required.
The trek typically lasts 7 Days / 6 Nights (Delhi–Delhi), with a total trekking distance of about 26 km. Accommodation includes hotels in Manali and tents during the trek. Mobile connectivity is limited beyond Manali, and weather conditions can change rapidly.
Hampta Pass is ideal for travelers seeking a complete Himalayan experience in a short time. Its dramatic landscape changes, moderate difficulty, and easy access from Delhi make it one of the best crossover treks in Himachal Pradesh.
The Hampta Pass Trek offers a complete Himalayan trekking experience with constantly changing landscapes and moderate physical challenges. Expect scenic forest trails, alpine meadows, river crossings, snow patches near the pass, and a thrilling crossover from the green Kullu Valley to the cold desert of Spiti. The trek involves camping at high altitude, walking 5–7 hours on most days, and one demanding pass-crossing day at around 14,100 ft. Weather conditions can change quickly, nights can be cold, and comfort is basic during the trek, but the reward is breathtaking scenery, a sense of achievement, and one of the most dramatic short treks in Himachal Pradesh. This trek is ideal for fit beginners looking for their first high-altitude trek as well as experienced trekkers seeking a scenic crossover adventure.
Journey to the Himalayas
Depart from Delhi in the evening by Volvo or Tempo Traveller. Overnight road journey through the plains and foothills of Himachal Pradesh.
Distance: ~540 km
Travel Time: 12–14 hours
Activities: Scenic road journey, mountain views
Overnight: In vehicle
Acclimatization & Preparation
Arrive in Manali by morning. Manali is a well-known Himalayan town surrounded by forests, rivers, and snow-clad peaks. The day is reserved for rest, acclimatization, and trek briefing to prepare for altitude gain.
Activities: Acclimatization walk, trek briefing, gear check
Stay: Hotel in Manali
Entering the Green Valleys
Drive from Manali to Jobra, the starting point of the trek. Begin trekking through pine, maple, and oak forests, following the Rani Nallah stream. Chika is a wide meadow surrounded by waterfalls and rocky cliffs.
Drive Distance: ~17 km
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
Trek Distance: ~4 km
Trek Time: 2–3 hours
Activities: Forest trekking, meadow walk, alpine camping
Stay: Campsite at Chika
River Crossings & Open Valleys
The trail follows the river upstream through grasslands and boulder sections. Multiple glacial stream crossings make this day adventurous. Balu Ka Ghera is a scenic high-altitude campsite surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Trek Distance: ~5 km
Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Activities: River crossings, high-altitude trekking, photography
Stay: Campsite at Balu Ka Ghera
The Crossover Day
Start early for the most challenging day. A steady climb over snow patches leads to Hampta Pass, offering panoramic views of Kullu Valley on one side and Spiti Valley on the other. Descend to Shea Goru, where the landscape turns barren and dramatic.
Trek Distance: ~7 km
Trek Time: 6–8 hours
Activities: Snow trekking, pass crossing, landscape transition
Stay: Campsite at Shea Goru
Into the Cold Desert of Spiti
Descend through rocky terrain and river crossings to Chatru. From here, drive toward the iconic Chandratal Lake, subject to weather and road conditions. Chandratal is known for its crescent shape and striking blue waters.
Trek Distance: ~4 km
Trek Time: 2–3 hours
Drive Distance: ~35–40 km
Drive Time: 2–3 hours
Activities: River crossings, high-altitude sightseeing, lake photography
Stay: Campsite near Chandratal / Chatru
Return to Civilization
Drive back to Manali via the Rohtang Pass route, witnessing the dramatic transition from Spiti’s cold desert to Kullu’s green valleys. Continue overnight journey to Delhi.
Drive Distance (Chatru → Manali): ~120 km
Drive Time: 7–8 hours
Manali → Delhi Distance: ~540 km
Travel Time: 12–14 hours
Activities: Scenic mountain drive, journey conclusion
Yes, the Hampta Pass trek is considered one of the best Himalayan treks for beginners, provided you have basic fitness. The trek is graded moderate (6/10), with gradual altitude gain and no technical mountaineering. First-time trekkers with good stamina and preparation can comfortably complete it.
The best time to visit Hampta Pass is from June to September.
June–July: Snow on the pass and adventurous river crossings
August: Lush green valleys with occasional rain
September: Clear skies and fewer crowds
Outside this season, the trek is unsafe due to heavy snowfall.
The Hampta Pass trek difficulty is moderate, with one long and challenging day during the pass crossing. Trekkers should be able to walk 6–8 hours a day with a backpack. Regular walking, stair climbing, and light cardio before the trek are sufficient.
The visit to Chandratal Lake is usually optional and depends on road and weather conditions. When accessible, most Hampta Pass itineraries include Chandratal as an add-on after crossing into Spiti, making the trek even more rewarding.
Accommodation includes a hotel stay in Manali and camping in alpine tents during the trek. Campsites are basic but well-organized, with sleeping bags, mats, and cooked meals. Mobile network is limited after Manali, and electricity is generally unavailable at camps.
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