Best Time to do Hampta Pass Trek

The Hampta Pass trek is one of the most dramatic cross-over treks in the Indian Himalayas. In just a few days, you move from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the stark, cold deserts of Spiti—an experience so surreal, it feels like two treks in one.

But here’s the thing: you only get a four-month window to do this trek. Picking the best time for the Hampta Pass trek makes a big difference to your experience.

This video will guide you:

When is the Best Time to do the Hampta Pass Trek?

The Hampta Pass trek is best done between June and September. These are the only months when the trail is accessible and safe. But the experience changes a lot depending on when exactly you go.

Let’s break it down month by month, so you can choose based on what matters most to you—snow, flowers, autumn colours, or clear skies.

June to Early July – For Snow Lovers

If you’ve dreamt of trekking through snow, this is your time. The trail, especially around the pass, is still covered in snow from winter. Since Hampta is a valley trail, snow tends to stick around till the end of June and even early July. Hampta Pass being at a height of 14,065 ft (4,287 m) adds to that.

You’ll walk through long snowfields, and the pass crossing feels truly adventurous.

⚠️ Avoid trekking in May. The trail is usually blocked with heavy snow, and the pass is often inaccessible.

July to August – The Lush Monsoon Phase

This is when Kullu valley bursts into life. The monsoon rains turn the entire region lush green, and wildflowers are everywhere. If you trek in August, the sheer volume of flowers feels like the Valley of Flowers of Himachal—colourful, alive, and full of charm. However, if you’re going to the trek with the sole purpose of seeing flowers, I would recommend Brigu Lake trek instead. You find much more variety there.

Yes, you might get a few showers, but it adds a freshness to the trek that’s hard to beat.

September – Clear Skies and Autumn Colours

September is one of the most loved months to do Hampta Pass. The rains begin to fade, but the greenery remains. What makes it special are the dramatic colours—a mix of green, yellow, orange, and brown all over the valley.

The skies are usually clear, the air crisp, and the trail dry and clean. If you want a balance of beauty and comfort, September is a great choice.

🚫 What About May or October?

While some companies offer treks in May or October, we don’t recommend it.

• In May, snow buries most of the trail. You likely won’t reach the pass.
• In October, the weather gets unpredictable. You might get lucky with stunning views, but early winter snow can block the pass and make trekking risky.

Unless you’re prepared for tough conditions and have experience, it's best to avoid these months.

Choose Based on What You Want to See

• Want snow? → June to early July
• Want flowers and greenery? → July and August
• Want clear skies and autumn colours? → September

Each time gives you a different version of Hampta Pass. Honestly, you could do this trek twice in the same year and feel like you’ve done two different treks.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the trek- 

1. What is Hampta pass trek distance?
   The Hampta Pass trek is 26 km long from Jobra roadhead to Chatru.
   
2. What is Hampta Pass trek altitude?
   The Hampta Pass trek reaches a maximum altitude of 14,065 ft (4,287 metres) at Hampta Pass.
   
3. What is Hampta Pass trek duration?
   Hampta Pass trek is 6 days long. It involves 4 days of trekking and two days of travel to and from the basecamp.
   
4. How difficult is the Hampta Pass trek?
   It is rated as a moderate difficulty trek. It involves long walking days and a high-altitude pass crossing, but is suitable for fit first-timers.
   
5. What is Hampta Pass trek itinerary?
   The Indiahikes Itinerary goes like this:
   
   Day 1
   Drive from Manali to Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus, drive to Jobra Roadhead, and trek to Jobra Campsite
   Drive from Beas Bridge to Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus : 15 km | Drive Duration: 34 mins
   Drive from Jungle Line Campus to Jobra: 27 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hrs
   Trek Distance: 1.5 km | Trek Duration: 1 hour
   
   Day 2
   Trek from Jobra to Jwara
   Trek Distance: 4.50 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 8965 ft to 11005 ft
   
   Day 3
   Trek from Jwara to Balu Ka Ghera
   Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 11005 ft to 12220 ft
   
   Day 4
   Trek from Balu ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
   Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 9 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 12220 ft to 12695 ft via 14,065 ft
   
   Day 5
   Trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru
   Trek Distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hours | Altitude Loss: 12695 ft to 10785 ft
   
   Day 6
   Drive from Chhatru to Manali via Chandratal Lake
   Drive Distance (including Chandratal): 160 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours | Drop-Off
   Time at Manali Beas Bridge: 8 PM
   
   If you want a detailed itinerary, head to the Indiahikes Hampta Pass trek page.

Need Help Planning?

If you're unsure about which month is best for you or have any doubts about the trek, just write to trekwithswati@indiahikes.com. Swati from Indiahikes will be happy to guide you.

Also, follow Indiahikes on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for regular updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and upcoming treks.

Hampta Pass is short, sweet, and full of surprises. Pick the right time—and you’re in for one of the most memorable trekking experiences of your life.