14,100 ft
Moderate
28 Km
Manali
May to October
The Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is a spectacular crossover trek connecting the lush green Kullu Valley with the arid, desert-like Lahaul Valley. Reaching a maximum altitude of 14,100 ft in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, this moderate trek offers an ever-changing canvas of pine and maple forests, wildflower-filled meadows, glacial valleys, high mountain passes, and the serene Chandratal Lake at 14,000 ft.
The trail starts from Jobra near Manali, passes through Chika and Balu Ka Ghera, and crosses the dramatic Hampta Pass into Lahaul’s stark landscapes before driving to Chandratal. On the way, trekkers witness the meeting of Hampta Pass, Rohtang Pass, and Spiti, as well as the unique culture of Himalayan villages like Sethan, whose people trace their roots to Tibet and Spiti.
With a total trekking distance of around 30 km over 4–5 days, Hampta Pass is ideal for adventure seekers who want to experience two contrasting worlds within a single trek.
June – Snow lovers’ paradise
Day: 15–20 °C | Night: ~1 °C
Heavy snow after Balu Ka Ghera until the pass.
Requires 3 warm layers.
Mid-July to August – Peak monsoon beauty
Day: 15–20 °C | Night: 1–5 °C
Melting snow, lush green meadows, and blooming wildflowers.
3 warm layers recommended.
September – Clear skies & autumn magic
Day: 12–15 °C | Night: 0–3 °C
No snow, golden-brown slopes, crystal-clear mountain views.
4 warm layers recommended.
Best Months: Mid-July to September for flowers and landscapes; June for snow.
Altitude: 14,100 ft (4,270 m)
Duration: 4–5 days
Trek Distance: ~30 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Stunning crossover from lush Kullu Valley to barren Lahaul Valley.
Walk through pine, maple, and birch forests, high-altitude meadows, and wild rhododendron carpets.
Snow crossings (June–early July).
Magnificent views of the Pir Panjal Range.
Visit the pristine Chandratal Lake (4,250 m) with its changing colors.
Experience Himalayan culture in Sethan village.
Physical Preparation
Cardio: 30–45 minutes of running, cycling, or swimming daily.
Strength: Squats, lunges, planks, and core workouts for endurance.
Flexibility: Yoga and stretching to avoid stiffness.
Arrive a day early in Manali for altitude acclimatization.
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated (3–4 liters/day) and eat high-energy snacks.
Layer up — temperatures can drop to near freezing at night.
Wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip.
Avoid trekking solo — join a group or hire a local guide.
Carry a raincoat/poncho during monsoon months.
Learn AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms; descend if they worsen.
Ensure you’re well-prepared for a safe and comfortable trekking experience:
Backpack (65L–75L) for carrying all essentials
Layered warm clothing (5–6 layers) with a warm jacket and cap
Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and a pair of gloves
Raincoat or poncho for unpredictable weather
Socks (5–6 pairs) for warmth and comfort
Thermal water bottle (especially for snow treks)
High-energy snacks like dry fruits, energy bars, and candies
Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer to protect from sun and wind
Torch with extra batteries
Power bank or charger to keep devices charged
Toilet paper and a tiffin box
Valid ID proof for registration and safety checks
