Region: Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 5 Days
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude: Hampta Pass (4300m), Chandratal (4300m)
Best Season: June to October
Max group size: 12

This wonderful trail is meant for everyone, right from adventurous first timers to seasoned hikers. Hampta pass trek is considered the easiest and convenient of all treks in Himanchal Pradesh. The variation in the trails is enormous, from scenic landscapes, open green pastures and meadows to glacial valleys. The adventurous and hair rising journey makes this trekking expedition to Hampta pass an exciting one! You will be required to do a few river crossings, camp in complete wilderness and walk long stretches on certain days.  We start from the lush green valleys of Manali and trek towards the semi-arid region of the Lahaul valley. During the first two days of the hike we move through the lush green landscape, having several meadows inhabited by local shepherds. We walk along rivers, streams and a few waterfalls as well! The route to the top might be under snow depending upon the conditions and might pose some difficulties. Once we crossover the pass, we shall descend steeply to the grass lands of Shea Gahru. The last stage of the trek is in the stark and beautiful Lahaul valley and will take us to Chatru from Shea Gahru. This is an easy section with a few tricky situations to keep you on your toes. From Chatru we board a waiting vehicle to be driven up to the beautiful Chandratal lake, where we camp for the night. Chandratal is truly a jewel of the mountains, being one of the finest high altitude lakes in the country.  After visiting the lake, we hike up towards Kunzum La (4600m) through a very scenic landscape. Here we board the waiting vehicle and drive back to Manali. The detailed itinerary is below! 

Day 1:- Manali (2000m) - Jobra (2707m) – Chikha (3000m) Drive & Trek
Day 2:- Chikha (3000m) – Balu ka Gera (3600m) Trek
Day 3:- Balu ka Gera (3600m) – Hampta Pass (4300m) – Sheagoru(3700m) Trek
Day 4:- Sheagoru(3700m) – Chatru (3300m) – Chandratal (4300m) Trek & Drive
Day 5:- Chandratal (4300m) – Kunzum pass (4600m) – Manali (2000m) Trek & Drive

Day 1:- Manali (2000m) - Jobra (2707m) – Chikha (3000m) Drive & Trek
In the morning, we drive to Jobra and from here walk through a very pleasant landscape. You will walk through mixed forest of Deodar, Toss, Oak and Maple trees, a diverse change in the vegetation. Walking here looks like some fairy tale. We then cross a beautiful meadow having a shepherd camp there. The meadow has the Rani River flowing in between and on both sides we have hills with rock faces.  Above lies the beautiful Manali lake! We will need to cross the river at a vantage point if the shepherds haven’t made a makeshift bridge somewhere along the river. We cross the river and climb to a beautiful meadow called Chikha along a side stream. Chikka has lush green grass, so you will find some sheeps or grazing there. Having rested for some time one will be advised to walk up a short distance to a nearby waterfall.

Day 2:- Chikha (3000m) – Balu ka Gera (3600m) Trek
We cross the stream immediately after the campsite and start gaining height, moving towards a gorge section towards the right side, along the river. Look back and you see the Dhauladhar range with its snow clad peaks.  Dhauladhar range is a southern branch of the main Outer Himalayan chain of mountains. We will the nwalk through stones & boulders, meadows filled with wildflowers, cross a waterfall and a side river to reach our campsite for the day, Balu-ka-Gera or the bed of sand! The ground is mainly the sand and dust brought down by the river. Now you shall pitch your tent and relax for the day while looking forward to the next day, which is perhaps the most exciting! At this point, you are close to 11000 ft. This hike will take about 4 hrs, with a few breaks in between.

Day 3:- Balu ka Gera (3600m) – Hampta Pass (4300m) – Sheagoru(3700m)
Next we head from Balu ka Gera to Hampta pass. The walk is in all probability going to be partially/completely on snow depending upon season and weather conditions. You may get a pleasant surprise with lots of tiny pink and yellow flowers growing by the side of the river. From the camp we start with a steep climb on slopes to reach a ridge, here you get to see the Deotibba peak right in front of you, and from here we continue climbing towards another ridge which leads to the pass. Hampta Pass is a bend away from the top of the second ridge. This climb will take about 4-5 hrs and one will be rewarded with absolutely out of the world views all around. This part of the trip is where you will be greeted with the splendid views that any trip to the Himalayas is known for!  Indrasan and Deotibba peaks completely dominate the landscape and the ranges towards Lahaul.  They look absolutely majestic! From the pass when you take a turn towards the right, you can see the Spiti side of the pass below. Having regained our energy, start climbing down carefully towards our destination for the day, Sheagoru campsite, which is set beautifully between the mountains. You again find the river flowing to your right. Choose a nice camp site close to the river and retire happily for the day after crossing Hampta Pass.

Day 4:- Sheagoru (3700m) – Chatru (3300m) – Chandratal (4300m) Trek & Drive
It’s a gentle down-hill walk in the beginning from Sheagoru. The mountains opposite are barren, typical Spiti look. There are a couple of tricky sections in between involving careful traverse and river crossings.  We move through a long boulder section which overlooks the road leading to Spiti. You are still at a height but you have the road right across and the Chandra river separating you from the road. Two three huge glacial flows flow down from the mountains on the side to the Chandra river.  We finish at Chatru and from here board the waiting vehicles to take us to Chandratal. If the roads are clear and devoid of snow, a visit to Chandratal!  When translated, Chandratal lake means “Moon Lake” due to it’s crescent shape.  Chandratal is a complete delight to senses and lazing around the lake can be a surreal experience! For those interested in mythology, Chandratal is the place where Indra, the King of Gods, came down on his chariot to transport Yudhishthira, eldest of the five Pandavas, to Swarga (heaven). Locals believe that fairies still visit the lake at night! Maybe we shall have a glimpse! Chatru is about 70kms away from Chandratal.

Day 5:- Chandratal (4300m) – Kunzum pass (4600m) – Manali (2000m) Trek & Drive
After breakfast we start on our hike from the lake to the top of the Kunzum pass at 4600m. This is an easy hike and one moves along the landscape getting a very good feel of this semi-arid terrain. We finish at Kunzum pass.  While traveling to the Kunzum Pass one can view the Bara Sigri Glacier, the second largest Glacier in the world! It is said that Goddess Kunjum (Durga/Parvati) resides in a temple on the Kunzum top and keeps guard over the pass to ward off the evil. Visitors normally do a round around the temples to seek blessings. After appreciating our final moments of wonder, we board the waiting vehicle and from here drive to Manali via the Rohtang pass.

Best season for this trek is from mid-June to mid-October. In the early days we will catch a lot of snow on the high passes which reduces by August. Towards the latter part of the season we may even catch rain towards Kullu-Manali valley but on the Spiti side we will have bright & sunny days. Days are generally going to be sunny and warm (14-20 °C) while the night temperature at the highest campsite would be in the range of -3 to 8°C. In the latter part of the season (Sep – mid-Oct) there is very little snow on the trail and good weather throughout but with possibility of snowfall. The days are sunny with temperatures hovering around (14-20 °C) the evenings start getting cold with the onset of October and nights are comparatively colder (-6 to 6°C).

1. Shirts / T-shirts
2. Trousers / Track Pants
3. Windproof jacket
4. Fleece / Full-sleeve Woolen sweater
5. Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
6. Woolen cap
7. Mittens (Woolen gloves)
8. Scarf
9. Woolen socks (extra pairs to be carried)
10. Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
11. Raincoat / Poncho
12. Towel
13. Water bottle
14. Cap / Hat
15. Walking stick / Trekking pole
16. Sunscreen Lotion
17. Lip Balm
18. Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
19. Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
20. Camera
21. Sunglasses
22. Personal toiletries
23. Books, if you like reading

1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.) (Egg)
3. Trek equipments.
4. Permits
5. First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
6. Qualified & experienced Professional trek Leader, Guide and Support staff
7. Transport from Manali and return.

In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -

• Up to 25 Days:  90% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded. 
• Between 10-25 Days:  60% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refund. 
• Less than 10 Days:  No refund