Hampta Pass
Hampta Pass (4,270m) is one of the most satisfying treks in the Kullu-Manali region because of what it does geographically: it takes you from the green, forested Kullu Valley on one side and delivers you into the lunar, arid landscape of Lahaul on the other. The contrast between the two sides is abrupt and dramatic — within a few kilometres of crossing the pass, the vegetation disappears and the mountains turn brown and boulder-strewn.
The trek is typically 4–5 days, ending at Chatru on the Manali-Leh highway. Many people extend it by one day to visit Chandratal Lake, a high-altitude crescent lake at 4,300m that is one of the most beautiful in the Indian Himalayas.
Highlights
- ✓The pass itself at 4,270m: two entirely different worlds on either side
- ✓Chandratal Lake (optional extension): crescent-shaped glacial lake surrounded by high-altitude desert — the colour of the water is extraordinary
- ✓Dramatic camp at Balu ka Ghera at the base of the pass: glaciers above, meadow below
- ✓Wildlife: ibex, Himalayan marmots, and golden eagles are regularly spotted
- ✓The descent into Lahaul: a different Himachal Pradesh from the one you left
Fitness and difficulty
Classified as Moderate-Hard. Day 3 — the pass crossing — is demanding: 8+ km, significant elevation gain to 4,270m, and potentially icy or snowy sections even in July. You need to be comfortable with sustained uphill walking at altitude. Prior trekking experience at elevation is strongly recommended. If you have only ever trekked at lower altitudes, do Beas Kund first and then attempt Hampta.
Chandratal — worth the extra day
Chandratal (Moon Lake) at 4,300m is 30 km from Chatru by road, then a 2 km walk. The lake is a near-perfect crescent shape and sits in a barren high-altitude bowl. The water is intensely blue-green. It is one of those places that photographs well but is genuinely better in person — the scale and the silence are impossible to capture. Camping at Chandratal is permitted but limited; book with a tour operator in advance if you want to stay.
Logistics
Most people book this as a guided package from Manali (₹8,000–14,000 per person, inclusive of guide, cook, tent, meals, and permits). Solo or self-organised is possible for experienced trekkers — permit for the trek from forest department in Manali (~₹200), plus hiring a guide independently from Jobra. The return from Chatru to Manali is by shared jeep or taxi across Rohtang (or through Atal Tunnel) — coordinate timing the day before.
Getting there
- →Drive to Jobra village (10 km from Manali) to start — taxi: ₹400–500
- →Day 1: Jobra (2,900m) → Chikha (3,150m) — 5 km, ~4 hrs through forest and river crossings
- →Day 2: Chikha → Balu ka Ghera (3,900m) — 6 km, ~5 hrs, increasingly rocky terrain
- →Day 3: Balu ka Ghera → Hampta Pass (4,270m) → Shea Goru (3,750m) — 8 km, the big day
- →Day 4: Shea Goru → Chatru (3,300m) → drive back to Manali via Rohtang/Atal Tunnel
- →Day 5 (optional): Chatru → Chandratal Lake and back, then drive to Manali
Best for
- ·Experienced trekkers ready for a multi-day Himalayan route
- ·Those wanting the Lahaul landscape without doing the full Manali-Leh drive
- ·Anyone who wants Chandratal without a 4WD journey from Kaza
Local tip
Grade is moderate-hard. Hire a guide from Jobra or through a Manali agency.