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Hampta Pass Trek

An Enchanting Cross-Over from Manali to Spiti

Moderate

Hampta Pass Trek

BRS 4
Max Altitude

Himachal , 5 Days

35 Km

Max 15

9500 + 5% GST
Jobra to Chhatru

Add ons

Transportation Cost (to be paid on the spot)

Manali to Jobra
Chhatru to Manali

Sumo

(Shared by 5-6 trekkers)

Tempo

(Shared by 11-12 trekkers)

₹3000

₹Not Available

₹9800

₹Not Available




Available Batches

Brief Description
Grade:Moderate
Location: Himachal
Altitude:4200 m
Duration:5 Days

Deep inside the mystic regions of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh lies the enchanting Hampta Pass. It’s a complete trek with its contrasting landscape of flowers, waterfalls, streams, and forests of Kullu valley on one side and a vast expanse of dry and desolate mountains of the Lahaul valley on the other. The journey comprises of 5 days and 22 km with minimal ascends and descends, mild showers, and a surprising change in scenery. In the first two days of the journey, we are accompanied by the gorgeous Rani nallah. On the third day, after a few exciting river crossings, we start ascending towards the pass which is nestled at a height of 4,200 meters. The trek finally ends at the charming high altitude lake that goes by the name of Chandra Tal lake. This turquoise blue lake is situated at a height of 4,250 meters and is best known for its serenity and splendor. The ideal time to do this trek is from June to October when the magic of monsoon rains give life to a wide pallet of flowers and colours.

The landscape is famous for its frequent whiteouts because of the gentle white clouds. Moving through the cotton clouds, camping next to the mellow flow of rivers, lunching on the meadows filled with vibrant flowers, walking on quaint bridges, passing through the snow-covered pass, resting near small waterfalls, and experiencing soothing showers are some of the highlights of Hampta Pass. To know more about the highlights check – Highlights of the Hampta Pass Trek.

The trails of Hampta Pass hold surprises at every step and every stop. When we start walking from the base camp, Jobra, the trails are covered with small shrubs, oak, deodar, and maple trees. After crossing through the first campsite Chikka, the trails gain height. Slush and rocks mark the path here. Finally, the trail extends towards the second campsite Balu Ka Ghera through the flower meadows of Jwara. From Balu Ka Gehra, spanning at a distance of 4 kilometers, the trails incline with snow and boulders and reach the pass. From the pass, the nature of the trail completely changes and descends with a 50-degree steep path towards the third campsite, Shea Goru. From Shea Goru the journey gets easy and continues with a simple descent to Chhatru.

Some of the basic challenges we face in Hampta Pass are the constant rains, trails filled with slush, and steep descents. It requires proper gears and skills to safely move ahead. This Himalayan trek comes under category 4 on the Bikat Rating Scale. This makes it a moderate level trek. It is ideal for both professionals and beginners. But, to face the high altitude weather and terrain, one must complete a level 3 trek like the Kuari Pass trek or a couple of level 2 treks like Beas Kund and Bhrigu Lake before this. This will give you the necessary leg strength and lung capacity to finish the trek comfortably. To know more about the challenges of this trek, check – Who is this meant for?

Scroll down to get more comprehensive information on the temperature, itinerary, FAQs, etc. for the Hampta Pass trek.


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Itinerary
Day 1

Manali (2,050M) to Chikka (3,048M) via Jobra (2,743M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance covered: 16 km (drive from Manali to Jobra) + 3 km (trek from Jobra to Chikka)

Duration: 1 hour drive + 2 hour trek

Drive from Manali (2,050M) to Jobra (2,743M)

The first boarding point is the Manali bus stand. The scheduled time to report there is 9 AM. The journey begins at 10 AM. We drive to Jobra through Prini. The 16 kilometers of drive which takes up to 1 hour takes us through sharp curves and bends. Three kilometers from the Manali bus stand, the roads gain height and lead towards the mountains through Prini. As we gain height, we witness the massive Beas River flowing through the vibrant Manali city in the valley below us. The view of Manali soon fades as we drive forward and a stream of smooth clouds envelope the massive landscape around us. While driving through the clouds we can see huge pine and small apple trees accompanying us on both sides of the road. An hour later, we reach Jobra which is situated right next to the famous Allain Duhangan Hydropower Plant.

Trek from Jobra (2,743M) to Chikka (3,048M)

The actual trek for Hampta Pass begins from Jobra. After settling down in Jobra, we start walking through a lush green forest filled with maple, deodar, and oak trees. This day is easy as we cover a distance of 3 kilometers in 2 hours. After a few minutes into the trail, small streams of the Rani nalllah accompany us on our left. Then, we cross a rustic wooden bridge and continue walking beneath the trees for the next 1.5 km. At the end of the forest line, the trail opens up to the valley towards Chikka. From here, the path gradually ascends and is lined with moist logs and boulders on either side. After 2 kilometers, the landscape reveals its many surprises. There are small flowers and shrubs alongside the river and horses by the dozen grazing through the shrubs in free spirit. Our first campsite of the trek, Chikka, is at the end of this elevation (about 3 kms from here).

Day 2

Chikka (3,048M) to Balu Ka Ghera (3,600M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance covered: 5 km

Duration: 7 Hours

Today, we cover a distance of 5 kilometers in 7-8 hours and gain a bit more altitude (600 meters). After an early start at around 8 AM, we cross a small wooden bridge and begin our ascent. Because of the persistent and unpredictable rains, the first 2 kilometers of moderate ascend are likely to be filled with mud and slush. A little further into the trail, the flow of Rani nallah changes towards the right-hand side. There’s something very refreshing about water bouncing off the small boulders lined along the stream, its sprinkles hitting us in the face taking away the fatigue that comes with walking on the trail. We experience the first river crossing of the trek after 2.5 kilometers. This river crossing is a gateway to the colorful meadows of Jwara, a huge stretch packed with flowers that boast of all the hues of the colour spectrum. Lunch break at Jwara is equivalent to a picnic at a park. The trail from Jwara gets easy with minimal ascends and runs closer to the river. It turns completely flat 4 kms from here. On the right-hand side of the track, you can spot small pockets of land between the water stream with unusual orchids and small birds. This magical pathway leads us straight towards Balu Ka Ghera, the second campsite.

Day 3

Balu Ka Ghera (3,600M) to Hampta Pass (4,200M) to Shea Goru (3,900M)

Distance covered: 9 km

Duration: 7 Hours

Day 3 is the longest and toughest day of the trek. Today, we cover a distance of 9 kilometers in 7 hours and gain an altitude of 600 meters. Early in the morning, we leave Balu Ka Ghera at 6:30 AM and walk along the Rani nallah. For 1 kilometer, the trails are paved in a zigzag manner because of the huge boulders. After a while, the valley opens up and a huge frame of the river runs parallel with us. When we cross 2 kilometers, the trails get steeper and steeper with heavy ascents and turns. The higher we climb, the thinner the river becomes. The last source of fresh water and greenery ends at the 3km mark and a dry trail of snow and rock begins. The path on the snow is vigorous and the weather is likely to be unpredictable for the next kilometer. Hampta Pass lies at the end of this trail. The pass is a small stretch that leads us to Lahaul. The trails directly descend with a 50-degree steep slope from the pass. This descent continues for the next 3 km. Loose sand, mud, and big boulders can make the stretch challenging to navigate during rains. The trail offers you some relief once you cross this stretch for the final 2 kms is flat and straight. It leads us directly towards Shea Goru, the third campsite.

Day 4

Shea Goru (3,900M) to Chhatru (3,350M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance covered: 5 km (trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru) + 70 km (drive to Chandra Tal Lake)

Duration: 4 hour trek + 3 hour drive

The second river crossing of the trek happens on the glacial stream near the campsite. Crossing through the river from Shea Goru is one of the most adventurous assets of the Hampta Pass trek. On this day, we cover a distance of 5 kilometers in 4 hours. We cross the river around 7 AM and start descending downwards. The powerful Chandra river rushes on our left-hand side. Expect to reach the campsite, Chhatru, around 11 AM. In case you do not opt for the transportation add on your trip ends here. Your stay & meal on this night is covered.

For trekkers who opt for return transportation add on:

At Chhatru, we assemble in the nearest roadway and start driving towards the stunning Chandra Tal Lake. It takes 3 hours and 70 kilometers to reach the lake. The incomplete roads, dangerous curves, flowing streams make for a complete off-road driving experience. Throughout the drive, you can witness the marvelous snowcapped Spiti range on both sides of the road. The serene lake is situated at a height of 4,250 meters and after a brief stop, we return to our campsite in Chhatru by night.

Note – The route to Chandra Tal Lake is prone to landslides. In case of any such news, the drive will be canceled.

Day 5

Chhatru (3,350M) to Manali (2,050M)

Distance covered: 60 km

Duration: 1.5 hour

On the final day, we pack and leave early for Manali by around 7 AM. The distance between Chhatru and Manali is 60 km and it takes 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Manali bus stand. On the way, while we exit Spiti, we find many army tents and small check posts. Close to 45 minutes into the drive, we enter the infamous Atal tunnel. We reach the final stop before noon; you may plan your return journey accordingly.

What's Included
  • Veg Food (Day 1 Lunch till Day 5 Breakfast).Three Meals a day
  • Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
  • Camping tents - Twin sharing, Temp rated sleeping bags, mattress
  • Helmet, Micro spikes and Gaiters, if required
  • Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
  • Experienced Local guide, cook, helpers
  • Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
  • Transportation from Manali to Manali
What's Not Included
  • Meals during road journeys
  • Offloading of personal bags
  • Any kind of Insurance
  • Any expense of personal nature
  • Any expense not specified in the inclusion list

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

  • Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
  • Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
  • Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
  • U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
  • Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

  • Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
  • Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

  • Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
  • Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
  • Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
  • Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
  • Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
  • Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
  • Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
  • Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
  • Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
  • Woolen cap. Qty-1
  • Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

  • Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
  • Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
  • Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

  • Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
  • Plate. Qty- 1
  • Spoon.Qty-1
  • Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

  • Camera (Optional)
  • Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
  • Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)


Frequently Asked Questions

You must have done a small trek of 2-3 days before Hampta Pass and hiked to an altitude of more than 3000 meters.

  1. Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
  2. Hold your breath for 25-30 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.

  • Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tet, toilet tent.
  • Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails.
  • Basic mountain mannerisms.


Hampta pass is a moderate level trek which takes you from the lush green valley of Kullu to the desert valley of Lahaul. It is one of the most famous treks near Manali and loved by all trekkers. The trail of this trek takes you through a cover of Oak and Deodar trees. A visit to the famous Chandratal lake is one of the major attractions of Hampta Pass Trek.


Hampta Pass Trek best time is June to September.






The base site for Hampta Pass Trek is Jobra. The trek begins from Allain Ghugal Hydel Project Site. Jobra is half an hour drive away from Manali.

Manali is well connected to Delhi with through road and air. There are no direct trains from Delhi though.

By Road

The road distance from Delhi to Manali is 536 km. There are overnight HPRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi for Manali. It is a 14-hour journey by bus. You can book your bus tickets online through hrtchp.com or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi.

By Rail

To reach by train, take a direct train from Delhi to Pathankot. Some of the trains that run on this route are Delhi-Pathankot Express, Jammu Tawi Express, Delhi-Dhauladhar Express. You can then take a bus from Pathankot to Manali. Or you can take a connecting train from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar which is the nearest station to Manali. There are buses running frequently between Joginder Nagar and Manali.

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport which is located 50 km from Manali. There are taxis available at the airport which will take you to Manali. You can also take local buses that keep running from Bhuntar to Manali at a very regular frequency. Buses are decent and very cheap compared to a taxi that can cost you around INR 2000 to 2500 depending upon the season.


The mobile connections are available till Prini. There will be no mobile reception after this point.


As you will be reaching Manali before you start the trek, you can explore this famous tourist spot. The Solang Valley near Manali is famous for adventure sports activities, you can visit for some fun activities. The famous Rohtang Pass can also be visited. Read here: Things to do in Manali - A complete Guide


The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.


All the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at the campsite.


We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.

Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.

You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.

Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.

You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack



The Hampta Pass Trek temperature varies from a maximum of 27-degree Celcius to 5-degree Celcius during the trekking months of June to October.

There is snow on the Hampta pass trek in the pre-monsoon season.



If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.

A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.

Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.

Yes, there are stores and shops in Manali from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.

Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.

Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.


Assemble at Mall Road in Manali from where are the participants will be carried to start point of the trek.

Expect to reach Manali by early afternoon. You will be dropped at the same place from where you were picked. Make your bus booking from Manali for later in the evening.


ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) are the mandatory documents required for the trek.












Why Bikat?
Small Group Size

Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek.

As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.


Qualified Trek Leaders

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture.

Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.

Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures


Guided Progression

Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.


Equipment Quality and Check

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.


Support Systems

Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.


Communication

Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.


Reviews
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

Please Note:
  1. Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
  2. This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Informative
Highlights of the Hampta Pass Trek
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Hampta Pass – Who is this trek meant for?
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Hampta Pass Without Rain? No Chance
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