Hampta Pass
One pass crossing, two completely different Himalayas.
Photo: Sair18791 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Challenging
Difficulty
26 km
Distance
5D / 4N
Duration
4,270 m / 14,009 ft
Peak Altitude
Summer, Monsoon
Best Season
Why This Trek
Hampta Pass
Most Himalayan treks build toward one kind of landscape. Hampta Pass builds toward a hinge - you spend three days climbing through the Kullu valley's forests, rivers and meadows, cross the pass in a single push, and step down into Lahaul's bare, cold-desert valleys on the other side. Very few treks change the world under your feet that abruptly.
Before You Book
- Forest access may require a valid permit.
- Authorised guide support may be mandatory.
- Departure depends on current route availability.
- Weather and wildlife conditions may affect access.
- Route and timings can change for safety reasons.
- Camping is only offered where currently permitted.
- Government ID may be required for permit registration.
- Final confirmation is issued only after operational verification.
The Trail
The route runs from Jobri through Chika and Balu ka Ghera to a high camp at Shea Goru, climbing steadily through forest, riverside meadow and open grassland. The pass-crossing day involves scree, possible snow patches even in peak season, and a long descent into Chatru on the Lahaul side. River crossings are timed for morning, before snowmelt raises the water level.
- A single pass crossing that swaps the green Kullu valley for the stark Lahaul landscape in one day
- River crossings, waterfalls and open meadows on the approach through Chika and Balu ka Ghera
- Often paired with a side trip to Chandratal lake on the Lahaul side
Itinerary
- 1
Manali to Jobri to Chika
Road transfer from Manali to the Jobri trailhead, then a forested walk alongside the Rani Nallah to the first camp at Chika.
5 km · +200 m
- 2
Chika to Balu ka Ghera
A riverside walk through birch forest opening into wide grazing meadows, camping at Balu ka Ghera with the pass visible ahead.
7 km · +500 m
- 3
Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru
A shorter, steeper climb to a high camp just below the pass, used to acclimatise before the crossing.
4 km · +600 m
- 4
Shea Goru to Hampta Pass to Chatru
The crossing day - a steady climb to the 4,270m pass, then a long descent on loose scree into the Chandra valley and Chatru, a completely different landscape from the one left behind that morning.
8 km · +800 m
- 5
Chatru to Manali
Return road transfer via Rohtang Pass to Manali, with an optional detour to Chandratal lake where conditions allow.
Who Is This Trek For?
Fitness level required: high. Group size runs 6–12 people. Age range: 14–50 years.
Participants must be in good cardiovascular health for a high-altitude crossing above 4,000m. A medical fitness declaration will be required before booking, and a certificate for participants above 50 years.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Forest permit coordination and authorised trek guide
- All camping equipment and trek meals
- Trek leader and on-trail first-aid support
- Road transfers between Manali, Jobri and Chatru
- Travel to and from Manali
- Personal trekking gear (shoes, backpack, rain cover, etc.)
- Any stay in Manali before or after the trek window
- Medical certificate fee, where applicable
What to Carry
- Sturdy trekking shoes with ankle support
- Warm layers for sub-zero night temperatures, even in summer
- Trekking pole
- 3L water capacity
- Sunglasses / UV protection for snow glare near the pass
Safety
- High-altitude crossing above 4,000m - acclimatisation is built into the itinerary, not optional
- River crossings can run high in the afternoon after snowmelt - crossings are timed for the morning
- Trek leader carries a first-aid kit and satellite communication where network is unavailable
- Weather-based rescheduling takes priority over the itinerary
Permits
The trail passes through Inderkilla National Park, so a Himachal Pradesh Forest Department entry permit is required from the Manali forest office before departure. We'll confirm the current permit process and fees before this trek is opened for booking.
Cancellation Policy
A ₹1,000 Booking Advance secures your booking request. Final confirmation is issued only after operational and permit verification. The advance is non-refundable and non-transferable, as it blocks your spot in the group.
If we cancel a trek due to weather, safety, or forest department restrictions, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
Notes
The pass-crossing day involves scree and possible late-season snow even in peak months. Route and camp placements will be reconfirmed with a local guide before this is opened for booking.
Sustainability
The meadows either side of the pass are slow to recover from overuse - we cap group size on this trek specifically to keep our footprint on Balu ka Ghera and Shea Goru small.