New Groups Opened to our latest Ranthan Kharak trek in Kumaon
New Groups Opened to our latest Ranthan Kharak trek in Kumaon

Difficulty

Moderate | Level 3

Duration

6 Days

Highest Altitude

14,065 ft

Age

8 to 62 years

Duration

6 Days

Age

8 to 62 years

Difficulty

Moderate | Level 3

Highest Altitude

14,065 ft

Hampta Pass Trek

One of the Most Dramatic Crossover Treks in the Himalayas

At 14,000 feet Hampta Pass in Himachal Pradesh falls under those rare, dramatic pass crossings in the Himalayas. On one side is the lush green valley of Kullu — with forests, grasslands, and flowers blooming on the side of your trail. On the other is the almost arid, stark landscape of Lahaul, with barren mountains and almost no vegetation.

Standing on the top of the pass, what’s ahead and behind are two different worlds. It changes in a matter of minutes.

Simply put, the Hampta Pass is Himachal’s Valley of Flowers. The landscape is strikingly similar to that of Valley of Flowers – a green narrow valley protected by snow-covered mountains – but there’s a bonus here.

When you get onto the other side of the Hampta Pass, you’ll be in awe looking at the stark contrast from what you just left behind. The landscape that stretches in front of you is Spiti Valley, known for its barren stretches, rugged terrain and forget-me-not blue skies.

What makes the dramatic changes heightened, even more, is how thrilling the climb to Hampta Pass is. For trekkers, crossing the Hampta Pass (even without the scenery changes) is a great story of adventure. They will love the nervous excitement of climbing to the pass over many ledges, almost appearing to get to the pass, but never really sure until you get there.

On this trek, you move from one side to the other over 6 days, covering 25 km.

Hampta Pass Videos

Watch these videos to prepare for your Hampta Pass trek.

Quick Itinerary

Study this map to know about Hampta Pass trek route, itinerary, campsites, terrain and more.

Day 1

Arrive at Manali. Drive to Jobra Roadhead, and Trek to Jobra

Drive Distance: 15 km | Drive Duration: 2 hours | Pick-up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Shuru Homestay, Manali

Trek Distance: 1.5 km | Trek Duration: 2 hours

Get to Shuru Homestay by 10.30 AM. Start for Jobra immediately after lunch (2 hours drive). The cab fare is Rs 3,000 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Trek to Jobra campsite (30-minute trek).

Day 2

Trek from Jobra to Jwara

Trek Distance: 4.50 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 8965 ft to 11005 ft

Easy-moderate. Easy walk to Chika for about an hour followed by 2 hours of ascent through a boulder section. Descent for 1-1.15 hours easing off into a level walk.

Day 3

Trek from Jwara to Balu Ka Ghera

Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 11005 ft to 12220 ft

Moderate. Short meadow walk followed by boulder section for a couple of hours, leading to a trail on loose rocks all the way. Very gradual incline through the day.

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

Moderate. An hour of gradual ascent after which the trail becomes steep uphill till the pass, interspersed with short descents 2 hours of steep descent from the pass, easing off into a flat walk.

Day 5

Trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru

Trek Distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hours | Altitude Loss: 12695 ft to 10785 ft

Moderate. 2-2.5 hours of walking on moraine and lose rocks on gentle inclines, followed by a descent to Chhatru across a couple of glacial flows.

Day 6

Drive from Chhatru to Manali. | Optional: Drive from Chhatru to Chandratal Lake to Manali

Drive Distance: 64 km | Drive Duration: 5 hours

Optional: Drive Distance: 160 km total | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours | Altitude Gain: 10,785 ft to 14,036 ft

5 hours drive. The transport cost from Chattru to Manali will be Rs 6,500 per vehicle.

Optional: Visit Chandratal and then return to Manali. 9-10 hour drive. If you choose to visit Chandratal Lake, the transport cost would be Rs 9,500 per vehicle.

Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- On the trek, you will be staying 3 in a tent on all days.

- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June, July and August. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.

Study this map to know about Hampta Pass trek route, itinerary, campsites, terrain and more.

PRO-TIPS

Onward Travel

Get to Shuru Homestay, Manali by 10.30 AM. Start for Jobra immediately after lunch (2 hours drive). The cab fare is Rs 3,000 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.

Return Travel

On the last day, you have a 5 hours drive. The cost of transport from Chattru to Manali will be Rs. 9,800 per vehicle, to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.

Day 1

Arrive at Manali. Drive to Jobra Roadhead, and Trek to Jobra

Drive Distance: 15 km | Drive Duration: 2 hours | Pick-up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Shuru Homestay, Manali

Trek Distance: 1.5 km | Trek Duration: 2 hours

Get to Shuru Homestay by 10.30 AM. Start for Jobra immediately after lunch (2 hours drive). The cab fare is Rs 3,000 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Trek to Jobra campsite (30-minute trek).

Day 2

Trek from Jobra to Jwara

Trek Distance: 4.50 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 8965 ft to 11005 ft

Easy-moderate. Easy walk to Chika for about an hour followed by 2 hours of ascent through a boulder section. Descent for 1-1.15 hours easing off into a level walk.

Day 3

Trek from Jwara to Balu Ka Ghera

Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 11005 ft to 12220 ft

Moderate. Short meadow walk followed by boulder section for a couple of hours, leading to a trail on loose rocks all the way. Very gradual incline through the day.

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

Moderate. An hour of gradual ascent after which the trail becomes steep uphill till the pass, interspersed with short descents 2 hours of steep descent from the pass, easing off into a flat walk.

Day 5

Trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru

Trek Distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hours | Altitude Loss: 12695 ft to 10785 ft

Moderate. 2-2.5 hours of walking on moraine and lose rocks on gentle inclines, followed by a descent to Chhatru across a couple of glacial flows.

Day 6

Drive from Chhatru to Manali. | Optional: Drive from Chhatru to Chandratal Lake to Manali

Drive Distance: 64 km | Drive Duration: 5 hours

Optional: Drive Distance: 160 km total | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours | Altitude Gain: 10,785 ft to 14,036 ft

5 hours drive. The transport cost from Chattru to Manali will be Rs 6,500 per vehicle.

Optional: Visit Chandratal and then return to Manali. 9-10 hour drive. If you choose to visit Chandratal Lake, the transport cost would be Rs 9,500 per vehicle.

Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- On the trek, you will be staying 3 in a tent on all days.

- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June, July and August. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.

PRO-TIPS

Onward Travel

Get to Shuru Homestay, Manali by 10.30 AM. Start for Jobra immediately after lunch (2 hours drive). The cab fare is Rs 3,000 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.

Return Travel

On the last day, you have a 5 hours drive. The cost of transport from Chattru to Manali will be Rs. 9,800 per vehicle, to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.

Campsites at a Glance

At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Hampta Pass trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.

Jobra Campsite. Picture by Jothiranjan

Jobra Campsite. Picture by Jothiranjan

Jwara Campsite. Picture by Jothiranjan

Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder

Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. 

I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences. 

I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.

In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.  

Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Hampta Pass trek. Arjun is an entrepreneur by profession and a trekker by passion, Arjun started Indiahikes in 2008 with a vision to explore and document new trails, solve problems in the mountains and implement sustainable ways of trekking.

What I Like About the Hampta Pass Trek

What I Like About the Hampta Pass Trek

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about the Hampta Pass trek. Arjun is an entrepreneur by profession and a trekker by passion, Arjun started Indiahikes in 2008 with a vision to explore and document new trails, solve problems in the mountains and implement sustainable ways of trekking.

1. The drive from Manali to Jobra

I find it hard to believe that most people never mention the drive from Manali to Jobra, the base camp of the trek. It is one of the nicest mountain drives I’ve done. I remember being glued to the window when we took the drive (tip: sit on the left). The dirt track just zips up the mountain face in a dizzying series of hairpin bends.

I loved how in an hour the forests changed, from apple orchards to deodar forests to oaks. From the heart of Manali, it became cooler and then really cold! I could never imagine such a road existed right behind Manali. I have passed Manali a hundred times and never spotted it!

The picturesque drive to Jobra from Manali is hard to forget. Picture by Jothiranjan

2. The small forest section

It is a small forest, but it is a rare one on the Hampta Pass trek. It comes right on the first day of the trek — it mesmerised me! For the first time, I saw oaks.

This small forest section leaves you spellbound on the very first day of your trek. Picture by Jothiranjan

3. The dramatic Pass crossing

 I like pass crossings, they are usually very exciting. But the Hampta Pass crossing was a different adventure. Everything was very dramatic. On the pass day, it was almost like walking through a gorge. It is a very narrow valley  — stark brown walls on either side, deep white snow below us. Ice columns trickled down on some caves on either side. Our voices almost echoed.

You get to the pass by climbing three ledges one after the other. What sticks with me is the sense of adventure that you get when you climb these ledges leading to the pass.

When I got to the pass, I thought I would see the other side immediately. Nothing like that.

The pass was a long wide passage veering to the left. It went on for some time and then suddenly, it just dropped off in an opening high up in the mountains — almost hanging out of the air. I am no mountaineer, but that day I felt like I was on an expedition! I guess every trekker on the Hampta trek feels like that.

Crossing Hampta Pass at 14,000 ft is a thrilling experience. Picture by Aditya Bodke

4. Stunning campsites of Balu Ka Ghera and Shea Goru

The first view of Lahaul stunned me. This has to be one of the big highlights of doing this trek. From the pass, many thousand feet below, to my left and right, stretched the entire Shea Goru valley, my first sight of Lahaul. Standing on top of a stark snow pass, this was a contrast I didn’t imagine.

Behind us was the Kullu valley with its dense trees, grasslands, tall cliffs and flowers. And in front was the desert-like Lahaul with its grassy boulder ridden valley floor. It was not chocolate barren like Ladakh, but it was a different greenish desert. Just for this contrast, it is worth doing this trek.      

On the Hampta Pass trek, if the scenery doesn't blow your mind, our campsites will. Picture by Jothiranjan

5. The descent to Lahaul

As much as I loved climbing the Hampta Pass, I loved getting down on the Lahaul side more. The landscape changed so much in those 6 hours!

First, it was the tall snow-capped mountains on either side, then the slides and plunges down a moraine-filled gully. Finally, they rush down to the grassy ledge overlooking the Chandrabhaga river. I sat there for a long time just taking in the experience. It was exhilarating!

The view of Lahaul valley from Hampta Pass looks like you are entering a different world. Picture by Jothiranjan

Morning view on the way from Jobra to Jwara is dreamy.

Picture by: Mohit Dev

En Route to Jwara

Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Hampta Pass trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

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PRO TIPS

Why Fitness Matters on Hampta Pass Trek

On Moderate treks, you walk for about 6-8 km each day. The ascents and descents could get steep. The maximum altitude will range between 13,000 ft to 14,000 ft. You’ll come across tricky patches frequently (like snow or scree), which require you to navigate with a certain amount of caution. There might also be small stream/river crossings.

Your goal is to 5 km with an intention to finish within 35 minutes.

Note: If you are above the age of 58 years, you'll also need to submit your Treadmill Test within 7 days of registration.

Trek Trivia

Things Nobody Tells You About Hampta Pass

Hampta Pass is often considered Himachal's Valley of Flowers in Monsoon

Hampta Pass turns into a Valley of Flowers in monsoon

Not many people know this, but with monsoons, the meadows of Hampta Pass turn into a riot of colours!

There are several sections on the trek, where you see wildflowers spread out across the valley, so much so that you may not know where to step!

But to witness this, you have to time your trek right. Late July to late August would be the best time to see these flowers.

These are indeed the rainiest weeks, but it's worth every drop!

Hampta Pass turns into a Valley of Flowers in monsoon

Myth: Hampta Pass and Pin Bhaba Pass are Similar

Hampta Pass and Pin Bhaba Pass are often spoken about in the same breath. They are both crossover treks; both of them climbing from a lush side of Himachal to a barren side. Many people make the mistake of ignoring the Pin Bhaba Pass if they have done the Hampta Pass.

Yet, you cannot be more wrong.

Frankly, the Pin Bhaba Pass and Hampta Pass treks don’t compare. The grandeur of the Pin Bhaba Pass is much greater than the Hampta Pass.

You have more forests, more grasslands, more valleys, more rivers and streams and a lot more desert land to trek through on the Pin Bhaba Pass.

Yet, Hampta Pass is a shorter, quicker trek with terrific scenery changes. It is just one great scene after another in a very quick time! It also gives you an experience of climbing to high altitudes, with a terrific pass crossing.

So if you have done Hampta Pass, consider the Pin Bhaba Pass as a level up!

Leaving Mountains Better

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

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