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Bestseller4 Nights / 5 Days🚐 Private Vehicle + Trek🏨 All Inclusive

Hamta Pass Trek

Cross a Himalayan pass from flower-filled valleys into the moonscape of Spiti

★★★★★4.8 (47 reviews)
Starting From
₹11,500/ person
2,847+
HAPPY TRAVELERS
4.8/5
312 GOOGLE REVIEWS
100%
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
8+ YRS
INDIA TRAVEL EXPERTS
DURATION
4 Nights / 5 Days
DESTINATIONS
Jobra · Chika · Balu Ka Ghera · Hamta Pass · Chatru · Chandrataal
DEPARTURE
Jun–Sep departures from Manali
DIFFICULTY
Moderate

About This Tour

The Hamta Pass Trek is Himachal Pradesh's most dramatic crossover — a 4,270-metre pass that separates two entirely different worlds. On the western side lies the lush, green Kullu valley, fragrant with wildflowers and birdsong. Climb over the pass and within minutes the landscape transforms into the stark, bone-dry moonscape of the Spiti valley — grey scree, turquoise rivers, and a sky so blue it almost hurts. Very few short treks anywhere in India offer such a complete contrast in a single crossing.

The approach follows the Rani Nallah stream from Jobra through meadows carpeted in wildflowers to Chika and then up to Balu Ka Ghera, the high camp beneath the pass. Camp nights at altitude are cold and crystal-clear — on a still night the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a brushstroke. The pass itself at 4,270 metres is a short but steep climb rewarded with a 360-degree panorama: Deo Tibba (6,001 m), Indrasan (7,082 m), and the entire Kullu-Manali range on one side; the rust-coloured ridges of Spiti on the other.

Most groups descend to Chatru on the Spiti side and then drive to the legendary Chandrataal (Moon Lake) — a sapphire-blue high-altitude lake at 4,300 metres that is one of the most photographed spots in the Indian Himalaya. Camping beside Chandrataal as the sun sets and the peaks turn amber is an experience that stays with you.

Junegiri Yatra handles all logistics: comfortable transport from Manali, quality tents and -10°C sleeping bags, a certified trek guide, all meals on trail, and inner line permits. The trek is graded Moderate and suits anyone with reasonable fitness. The best season is June through September, with July and August offering snow-free passes but peak wildflower blooms.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1
Day 1 — Manali to Jobra, Trek to Chika
📍 Drive 30 km to Jobra, Trek 5 km / Altitude gain to 3,100 m / 3–4 hrs
Drive from Manali through Prini village and up the Kullu-Manali highway to the Jobra trailhead (2,960 m). The trail immediately enters dense birch and pine forest following the Rani Nallah stream. Arrive at Chika meadow by early afternoon — a wide green bowl ringed by peaks with a crystal-clear stream running through the middle. Set up camp, eat dinner, and rest before a fuller day tomorrow.
First views of the Hamta valley and surrounding peaksBeautiful birch forest trail along Rani NallahCamp at Chika meadow at 3,100 m
DAY 2
Day 2 — Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
📍 Trek 6 km / Altitude gain to 3,650 m / 5–6 hrs
The trail climbs steadily above the treeline into open alpine meadows. Balu Ka Ghera (meaning 'sandy enclosure') is a wide plateau below a glacier, with the sheer wall of the Hamta Pass ridge rising above. Glacial streams crisscross the camp and the nights are cold — temperatures can drop to -5°C even in July. This is the acclimatisation camp and your launchpad for tomorrow's pass crossing.
Above-treeline alpine meadow walkingViews of Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and surrounding peaksHigh camp at 3,650 m below the glacier
DAY 3
Day 3 — Balu Ka Ghera over Hamta Pass to Chatru
📍 Trek 10 km / Max altitude 4,270 m / 7–8 hrs
The highlight of the trek. An early start before dawn, climbing steeply to the Hamta Pass at 4,270 metres. The final 200 metres involves scrambling over boulders and possibly snow. At the top, the contrast is immediate and breathtaking: lush green behind you, barren Spiti ahead. Descend the long scree slope to Chatru, a small settlement on the Manali–Kaza highway. By evening you will be warming up around a campfire or in a local dhaba.
Hamta Pass crossing at 4,270 m — the centrepiece of the trekDramatic green-to-barren landscape transformationViews of Indrasan (7,082 m) and Deo Tibba from the pass
DAY 4
Day 4 — Chatru to Chandrataal (Moon Lake)
📍 Drive 65 km + short walk / Altitude 4,300 m
Drive from Chatru along the dramatic Spiti highway to the Chandrataal turnoff. A short walk (2 km) through high-altitude grassland brings you to the crescent-shaped Moon Lake — one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Himalaya. Camp beside the lake and watch the sunset turn the surrounding peaks gold. The night sky at 4,300 metres is extraordinary.
Chandrataal (Moon Lake) — Himachal's most iconic high-altitude lakeDramatic Spiti valley landscape en routeSunset and stargazing at 4,300 m
DAY 5
Day 5 — Chandrataal to Manali
📍 Drive ~115 km / approx. 5–6 hours via Rohtang
After an early morning walk around Chandrataal in the golden light, drive back to Manali via the Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel (depending on conditions). Arrive in Manali by afternoon. Trek concludes — transfer to your hotel or bus stand.
Final sunrise views over ChandrataalScenic Rohtang/Atal Tunnel route back to ManaliTrek concludes on arrival in Manali

What's Included

✓ Included

Private transport: Manali ↔ Jobra and Chatru → Chandrataal → Manali
All camping accommodation: 4 nights in quality dome tents
Sleeping bags rated to -10°C
All meals on trek: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner (Days 1–4)
Certified and experienced Himachal Pradesh trek guide
Forest department and inner line permits
First-aid kit with basic emergency supplies
Chandrataal lake camping fee included

✗ Not Included

Personal trekking gear (poles, gaiters, thermals, waterproofs)
Travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended
Meals in Manali
Porter service — available on demand at ₹800/day
Tips for guide and support staff
Any costs from early departure or medical evacuation
Items of a personal nature

Package Pricing

All prices in Indian Rupees (INR) · International visitors see converted price above

Group SizeStandardDeluxeSuper deluxeLuxury
2 Pax14,50017,50021,000
4 Pax12,50015,50018,500
6-8 Pax11,50014,00017,000

Photo Gallery

What Travelers Say

★★★★★
The moment you stand on Hamta Pass and see the Spiti side open up — there are no words. The Junegiri team were brilliant, food was great even at altitude, and Chandrataal at sunrise was worth every rupee.
Vikram Patel
Mumbai
★★★★★
Perfect moderate trek. Not too hard, not too easy. The landscape variety is unmatched — green valleys, glaciers, and then the alien moonscape of Spiti. Will recommend to everyone.
Ananya Sharma
Delhi
★★★★★
Chandrataal alone is worth it. We camped right beside the lake — watching the Milky Way from there is something I'll remember my whole life. Excellent organisation by Junegiri Yatra.
Rohit & Meena Gupta
Bengaluru

Complete Guide to the Hamta Pass Trek — Kullu to Spiti Crossover

The Hamta Pass Trek connects the Kullu valley near Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti region via a 4,270-metre pass, passing through one of the most dramatic landscape transitions in the Indian Himalaya. It is one of the few short treks that genuinely rewards you with two completely different mountain environments in under five days.

How to Reach the Trek Starting Point

The Hamta Pass Trek starts from Jobra, approximately 30 km from Manali town. Manali is connected by Volvo overnight buses from Delhi (approximately 14 hours) and regular HRTC services from Chandigarh (8–9 hours). The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, 50 km from Manali, with daily flights from Delhi. Junegiri Yatra provides shared or private transport from Manali to the Jobra trailhead as part of all packages.

Altitude Profile

Jobra: 2,960 m → Chika: 3,100 m → Balu Ka Ghera: 3,650 m → Hamta Pass: 4,270 m → Chatru: 3,360 m → Chandrataal: 4,300 m. The profile is well-designed for acclimatisation — two gradual nights below the pass before the crossing.

What Makes Hamta Pass Unique

Unlike most Himalayan treks that stay within a single ecosystem, Hamta Pass gives you two completely different Himalayan worlds in a single crossing. The lush western approach through wildflower meadows and birch forests is characteristic of the monsoon-fed Kullu valley. Cross the pass and you step into the rain-shadow desert of Spiti — stark, arid, and geologically ancient. The drive to Chandrataal adds a third experience: the wide, open Spiti plateau with its turquoise river and ancient monasteries visible in the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time for Hamta Pass Trek is June to September. June has some residual snow near the pass but manageable conditions. July–August is peak season — the meadows are in full bloom and the pass is reliably snow-free. September has crisp, clear weather with fewer crowds. The trek is closed from October to May when the pass is buried under snow and Rohtang is impassable.

Hamta Pass is graded Moderate — harder than Kedarkantha or Triund, but well within reach of any fit first-time trekker. The pass crossing on Day 3 involves a steep boulder scramble at altitude, but the trail is well-defined and guided. Recommended preparation: 4–6 weeks of daily walking (6–10 km) plus some stair training. No prior high-altitude trekking experience required.

Yes — Chandrataal (Moon Lake) camping on Day 4 is included in all Junegiri Yatra Hamta Pass packages. The lake camping fee, transport from Chatru to Chandrataal, and the return drive to Manali on Day 5 are all part of the package. This is one of the highlights of the whole trip.

Hamta Pass sits at 4,270 metres (14,009 feet) above sea level. The highest point of the whole itinerary is Chandrataal at 4,300 metres. The base camp at Balu Ka Ghera is 3,650 metres. Good hydration (3–4 litres/day on trek) and a slow, steady pace are the best precautions against altitude sickness. Your guide carries first-aid supplies including Diamox.

The Hamta Pass Trek requires a certified guide under Himachal Pradesh Forest Department rules. Beyond the legal requirement, the Hamta Pass route involves river crossings and route-finding on the Spiti descent that are genuinely dangerous without local knowledge. All Junegiri Yatra packages include a certified, experienced Himachal guide.

Essential personal gear: waterproof trekking boots (ankle support required), layering system (thermals, fleece, shell jacket), trekking poles, sun hat, UV sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, and a 35–45 litre rucksack. Sleeping bags, tents, and cooking equipment are all provided by Junegiri Yatra. Gear rental (poles, gaiters, extra layers) is available in Manali's Old Manali market at reasonable rates.

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