Hampta Pass Trek Route Map: Distance & Day-Wise Itinerary
If you are looking for a trek that shows you two completely different worlds in just five days — lush green Kullu Valley on one side and the stark barren moonscape of Lahaul-Spiti on the other — Hampta Pass is the one. This crossover trek in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most dramatic landscape transitions you can experience anywhere in the Indian Himalayas. You literally walk from green to desert in a single day.
At DistanceData, managed by Rohan, here is the complete Hampta Pass trek route map, day-wise itinerary, campsite details, and everything you need before you head to Manali.
Hampta Pass Trek
The Hampta Pass trek starts from lush green Kullu Valley and ends at Lahaul’s flat barren plains via the Hampta Pass. The highest altitude on this trek is 14,065 ft and it is a trek of moderate difficulty.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kullu and Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh |
| Starting Point | Jobra (via Manali) |
| Ending Point | Chatru |
| Total Distance | ~25 to 30 km |
| Duration | 5 Days |
| Highest Point | Hampta Pass — 4,270 m (14,100 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | June to September |
| Nearest Town | Manali |
| Nearest Airport | Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport) — 50 km |
Hampta Pass Trek Route Map: Stage by Stage
A basic route of the Hampta Pass trek is as follows: Manali → Jobra → Chikka → Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru → Chatru → Manali.
| Stage | Route | Distance | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Manali to Jobra (drive), Jobra to Chikka | 4 km trek | 3,050 m |
| Day 2 | Chikka to Balu Ka Ghera | 8 km | 3,810 m |
| Day 3 | Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass | 8 km | 4,270 m → 3,450 m |
| Day 4 | Shea Goru to Chatru | 5 km | 3,360 m |
| Day 5 | Chatru to Manali (drive, optional Chandratal) | Drive | — |
Day-Wise Hampta Pass Trek Itinerary
Trek organizers pick up from Dehradun Railway Station at 7 AM. Sankri at 6,309 ft is approximately 190 km away — an 8 to 9 hour drive through Mussoorie, Purola, and the Yamuna Valley. The drive itself is scenic and prepares you mentally for the mountains ahead.
Day 1 — Manali to Chikka via Jobra
On the first day you drive from Manali to Jobra and then begin a short trek to Chika where you camp for the night. The drive from Manali to Jobra takes about 2 to 3 hours through the scenic Kullu Valley. The trek from Jobra to Chikka is short but sets the tone — dense deodar and oak forests, a clear mountain stream alongside the trail, and the first proper Himalayan air filling your lungs. Chikka is a peaceful campsite in a small clearing surrounded by tall trees.
Day 2 — Chikka to Balu Ka Ghera
The next day you trek from Chika to Balu Ka Ghera, walking through green meadows and streams. This is one of the most scenic days on the entire trek. The trail gradually opens from forest into wide alpine meadows with the Hampta river running alongside. Balu Ka Ghera — meaning “enclosure of sand” — is a campsite on a wide riverbed surrounded by towering peaks on all sides. On clear evenings, the sky here is extraordinary.
Day 3 — Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
This is the summit day and the most dramatic day of the trek. A steep ascent leads to Hampta Pass with 360 degree views of Pir Panjal and Spiti Valley. The landscape shifts from green to barren mountains. The climb to the pass is steep and demanding — take it slow and steady. The moment you cross the pass and look down into Lahaul, the landscape transforms completely. Lush green valleys behind you, brown and grey mountain desert ahead. It is genuinely one of the most striking visual moments in Himalayan trekking. Descend to Shea Goru campsite on the Lahaul side.
Day 4 — Shea Goru to Chatru
A relatively easy day descending through the stark Lahaul landscape to Chatru — a flat open ground at the confluence of roads from Spiti, Rohtang, and Hampta. Chatru marks the end of the Hampta Pass trek. From here you can directly drive back to Manali which takes about 5 hours for a distance of 64 km.
Day 5 — Chatru to Manali (Optional Chandratal)
If weather conditions permit you can first halt at Chandratal Lake and then drive to Manali. The second route takes about 9 to 10 hours as it covers a distance of 160 km. Chandratal — the Moon Lake — is one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in India and sits at 4,300 meters. If you have the time and energy, this detour is absolutely worth it.
Hampta Pass Trek Route Highlights
| Highlight | Location on Route |
|---|---|
| Dense deodar and oak forest | Jobra to Chikka — Day 1 |
| Alpine meadows and river crossings | Chikka to Balu Ka Ghera — Day 2 |
| 360° Himalayan panorama | Hampta Pass summit — Day 3 |
| Green to desert landscape change | Pass crossing — Day 3 |
| Chandratal Moon Lake (optional) | Day 5 detour |
| Rohtang Pass views on return | Day 5 drive |
What Makes Hampta Pass Unique
Very few treks in India offer a crossover experience — where you start in one climate zone and end in a completely different one. Hampta Pass is the connecting route between the Kullu and Spiti Valleys. The green, forested, river-valley character of Kullu gives way to the cold desert, stark ridgelines, and brown moonscape of Lahaul-Spiti the moment you cross the pass. This contrast is the defining feature of the Hampta Pass trek and the reason experienced trekkers keep coming back.
The trail passes through dense forests full of deodar, oak, maple, and pine trees. Flowers like rhododendrons, primroses, blue poppy, Brahma Kamal, Edelweiss, and wild orchids can be seen at different points. For nature lovers and photographers, this variety makes every day on the trail feel different.
How to Reach Manali for Hampta Pass Trek
Manali is the base for this trek and is well connected by road from major North Indian cities. From Delhi, Manali is approximately 540 km and overnight Volvo buses run daily from ISBT Kashmere Gate. The journey takes 12 to 14 hours. From Chandigarh, Manali is about 310 km and takes 8 to 9 hours by road.
The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 50 km from Manali, with flights from Delhi. From Bhuntar, taxis to Manali take about 1.5 hours. Reach Manali at least a day before the trek starts for rest and last-minute preparation.
Trek Cost and Packages
| Package Type | Cost Per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹8,000–₹12,000 | Permits, basic camps, guide |
| Standard | ₹12,000–₹18,000 | Camps, meals, guide, transport |
| Premium | ₹20,000–₹30,000 | All inclusive, porter, insurance |
Best Time for Hampta Pass Trek
The best time for the Hampta Pass trek is from June to September. June and July offer snow covered trails while August and September provide clear skies and better mountain views.
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| June – July | Pre-monsoon to early monsoon | Snow on pass, dramatic landscapes |
| August – September | Post-monsoon peak | Clear skies, green meadows, best views |
| October onwards | Avoid | Pass closes, heavy snow |
| Before June | Avoid | Pass still blocked by winter snow |
July and August is when the meadows around Balu Ka Ghera are at their greenest and most beautiful. June gives you the best snow conditions at the pass. Either window delivers a memorable trek.
Fitness and Preparation
The Hampta Pass trek is rated as moderate. It includes gradual ascents, one steep climb to the pass, and a few river crossings, making it manageable for most trekkers. The river crossings during monsoon season can be the trickiest part — water levels rise and crossings need careful navigation. Always follow your guide on these sections.
Start cardio training at least 4 to 6 weeks before the trek. Jogging, stair climbing, and hill walking prepare your legs and lungs best for this terrain.
