Hampta Pass

About the Hampta Pass trek

Hampta Pass is a classic crossover trek that links the lush green Kullu Valley with the stark, high-altitude landscape of Lahaul and Spiti. In just six days, you walk through pine forests, riverside camps, alpine meadows, and a dramatic pass at 14,065 ft — one of the most striking landscape transitions in the Indian Himalaya.

Best season

June through September is the prime window. Snow on the pass typically clears by mid-June, and the Chandratal extension (when included) is best accessed in July and August when road conditions allow.

Who is this trek for?

• Trekkers who want variety — forests, rivers, snow patches, and desert-like terrain in one journey
• Moderate fitness levels; prior trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory
• Anyone fascinated by the Kullu-to-Spiti crossover experience

What to expect on the trail

The trek starts near Manali at Jobra and follows the Hampta nallah upstream through Chika and Balu Ka Ghera. Summit day crosses the pass into Chatru, where the scenery shifts abruptly to barren mountains and wide valleys. An optional excursion to Chandratal Lake adds a high-altitude lake experience to an already memorable itinerary.

Himalayan Ibex keeps group sizes small, prioritises safety at river crossings and on the pass, and builds in rest days where the terrain demands it.