What Makes Hampta Pass Special
Hampta Pass (4,270m) sits on the boundary between two radically different Himalayan worlds. On the south side: the lush, green, forested Kullu Valley with meadows full of wildflowers and rushing streams. On the north side: the bone-dry, high-altitude desert of Spiti — grey and ochre scree slopes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and skies so clear you can see forever. In a single day's crossing you experience what feels like two different planets.
The pass is usually done as a 5-day trek from Jobra (near Manali) through to Chatru, with an optional extension to the stunning Chandratal Lake (4,250m) — one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in India.
Trek Details
- Duration: 5 days (+ 1 day for Chandratal extension)
- Maximum altitude: 4,270m (Hampta Pass)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Season: June–September
- Starting point: Jobra, near Manali (2,900m)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive Manali to Jobra (14 km). Trek Jobra to Chika (3,100m) — 4 km through pine forest. Camp by the Rani Nala stream.
- Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m) — 9 km. Meadow camping at the base of the pass. First views of glaciers.
- Day 3: Pass crossing day — Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass (4,270m) and down to Shea Goru (3,950m) — 12 km. The dramatic north face descent into Spiti begins here.
- Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru (3,360m) — 6 km. River crossing (can be knee-deep in June–July). Chatru is road-connected — vehicle pickup point.
- Day 5 (extension): Drive Chatru to Chandratal Lake (1 hour). Walk around the lake (5 km circuit). Drive back to Manali via Rohtang Pass.
Getting to Manali from Delhi
- By road: Delhi to Manali is 540 km — overnight Volvo bus (12–14 hours from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, departs 5–6 PM, arrives early morning). Cheapest option.
- By flight + road: Fly Delhi to Bhuntar Airport, Kullu (1 hour). Drive Bhuntar to Manali (50 km, 1.5 hours). Most convenient for international visitors.
Best Season for Hampta Pass
- June–July: Snow on the pass (exciting but requires care). Wildflowers in full bloom in lower meadows. River crossings can be high from snowmelt.
- August–September: Post-monsoon clarity, manageable river crossings, good trail conditions. September is optimal — stable weather, autumn colours beginning.