If you're looking for a place to travel through beautiful green valleys that turn into dry desert mountains within a few days, Hampta Pass is perfect for you! Be it a new trekker looking to gain new adventures, or a seasoned one looking for a weekend escape, Hampta Pass has several terrains that everyone can enjoy!

The visit to breathtaking Spiti Valley begins from Jobra with mesmerising climbing meadows. Trekkers are able to enjoy great climatic views and take in the stunning beauty showcased in Hampta Pass. Very few Indian trails capture such diverse experiences in one trek, from the charming valleys to the vibrant green meadows.

What Is So Distinct About Hampta Pass’ Trek?

The trek has epithered the Hampta Pass as the bridging pass between the dry and cold Spiti Valley and the green and fertile Kullu Valley. Because of these distinct triads of nature, the trek is more enriching. At 4,300 meters, or 14,100 feet, Hampta Pass is the highest point of the trek which brings unparalleled excitement each time you reach a new milestone in the journey.

Here is what is captivating:

Diversity of Nature: This trek is diverse as it contains everything from woodlands and alpine meadows to glacial valleys, rivers and even craggy mountain passes.

Reasonable Challenge: It is difficult to test your endurance, but does not require any technical climbing skills.

Amazing Campsites: Every campsite from Chika to Shea Goru have breathtaking views alongside calm, serene surroundings.

Gateway to Spiti: Spiti feels like you have entered another world because of its dry mountains and Buddhist culture.

Best Time to Do The Hampta Pass Trek

From Mid June to Late September, the Hampta Pass trek is ideal to undertake. In this case, the snow has melted enough to pass but some still remains. The landscape is enhanced with patches of snow, making it more beautiful. The Kullu Valley monsoon season makes Mid July, July and September lush. In September, the stand is clear with a hint of autumn colors.

Trek Itinerary At A Glance

Here’s a recommended itinerary for a Hampta Pass trek spanning 5 to 6 days:

DAY 1

Manali to Jobra trek to Chika(10100ft)

Travel- 2-hour drive from Manali to Jobra

Walk- Chika to the riverside campsite 2 to 3-hour trek

Camp- Overnight camp at Chika

DAY 2

Chika to Balu Ka Ghera(11900ft)

Description- 5 to 6-hour trek weaving through streams and boulder fields

Camp- Mountain view campsite

DAY 3

Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass(14100ft) then descend to Shea Goru (12900ft)

Steep descent to Shea Goru

This is the longest and hardest day (8 to 9 hours)

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru (11,000 ft) drive to Chandratal (optional)

Descent is easier, through rocks and bouldering

If conditions are good, we drive to Chandratal Lake (2-3 hours)

Day 5: Manali

Drive Time: 6-8h

Driving through Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel, depending on the route

Avoid Rohtang Pass during the day: it's congested.

Altitude & Acclimatization

Even though the trek at Hampta Pass is moderate, the elevation is a concern.

Manali acts as the perfect pit-stop before the trek as it helps with your fitness and allows your body to adjust. It is also recommended to eat and drink well during this period along with avoiding any strenuous activity.

Physical Activity and Preparation

A forerunning marathoner is not needed, but being fit definitely helps. If jogging approximately 5 kilometers in 30 to 35 minutes is easy for you, then you should be fully prepared. It also helps to build stamina and leg strength before the trek.

Packing List for the Hampta Pass Trek

Being prepared is essential to fully enjoy this adventure. Staying organized will improve your overall experience, so make use of this checklist.

Water resistant, ankle supporting trekking shoes

50 to 60 liter backpack

Thermal clothing, fleece, rain jackets, and padded jackets

Quick-dry t-shirts and trekking pants

Woolen gloves, beanies, and socks

Lip-balm, fc, and sunscreen

Sunglasses and water bottles

Headlamps along with trekking poles and your personal medicine

Remember, several trekking guides along with services provide tents, sleeping bags, and meals. Hence, your clothing and gear is the only thing that requires your attention.

One of the easier high altitude treks in India is Hampta pass, and it is best for beginners thanks to the guides available and its proximity to manali. While it does walk for many hours, the steep walking defined pathways do provide good first time trekking experience although it does have its share of difficulties.

That said, some prior hiking experience coupled with some cardiovascular training will certainly make it far easier for the trek.

Hampta Pass Trek fauna and Flora

As you walk, you will notice many types of plants and animals at different heights. You will walk through forests of birch, maple, and pine. Some alpine flowers and blue poppies, Himalayan orchids, and Brahma Kamal bloom during monsoons.

In addition, some mountain goats, bird species, and marmots may be spotted. If you are in for a surprise, the rare donation of a snow leopard or a himalayan fox can also be spotted if you are quiet enough.

The Spiti Surprise: Chandratal Lake

For those who are willing to trek to Chandratal Lake, it is their reward after finishing the Hampta Pass trail. Both the weather and the roads have to cooperate like they do in a fairytale. Chandratal Lake is a glacial lake shaped like a crescent and it lies in the Spiti Valley. It is famous for the remarkable clear waters and surreal peaks’ reflections.

Chandratal Lake is positioned at a height of 14,000 feet, and it is in drive Chatru. It sure is a magical experience and the best way to cherish the memories of the trek.

What Hampta Pass Trek has to offer

Many treks in the Himalayas exist, but the Hampta Pass trek is distinct because it has a combination of difficulty, accessibility, and nature:

Complete it: Most treks do not take longer than 5 to 6 days.

Easier to Start: Completes lacking advanced climbing skills and experience.

Skip the Boring Part: Lush green, snow, and barren desolate filed in between — all at the same time.

Skip Traveling: You do not have to spend much time and money to reach the base camp.

If you are a college student trying to organize their first trip to the Himalayas, or a mid-career professional trying to take a break from the city, the experience is sure to leave you jaw dropped and be easier than expected.

Responsible Trekking: Leave No Trace

Even the Hampta Pass treks have not remained untouched by the impact of tourism. Here’s a list of things you can do to reduce the damage:

All non-biodegradable waste should be carried back to the base.

Apply soap sparingly, do not wash near streams, and use biodegradable soap.

Avoid off-trail hiking to limit damage to the landscape.

Porters and local guides should be provided to support the local economy.

Let us save nature’s beauty for future generations of trekkers.

Final Thoughts

Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most unique and beautiful treks in India. It is a challenging trek where one can truly appreciate the beauty of nature.

The trek is not all sessions of labor, there are many petal-like streams of joy to be experienced too: camping under a sky filled with sparkling diamonds, crossing high-altitude flag-staffs, and of course, the all-time favorite, a steaming cup of chai by the riverside under a tent.

So trek on, get lost slicing the slopes of the magnificent Himalayas that beckon you. The Hampta Pass trek is a journey that one must embark on while India calls.