Hampta Pass & Chandratal

A dramatic crossover from green Kullu valleys to the barren Lahaul desert — with the moon-lake of Chandratal

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Duration

5 days

Max Altitude

14,100 ft

Difficulty

Easy–Moderate

Best Season

Jun – Sep

Region

Himachal Pradesh

Price from

₹6,999

Overview

The Hampta Pass trek is one of the most dramatic crossover treks in the Himalayas. In just a few days you walk out of the lush, flower-filled valleys of Kullu and step into the stark, cold-desert landscape of Lahaul. Add a side trip to the surreal blue waters of Chandratal Lake and you have one of the most rewarding short treks in India.

Highlights

✓A true valley-crossover: green meadows on one side, barren desert on the other
✓Camp beside the Rani Nallah river under a sky full of stars
✓Cross the 14,100 ft Hampta Pass with views of Deo Tibba & Indrasan
✓Side trip to the surreal moon-shaped Chandratal Lake — included in the package
✓Return drive to Manali through the Atal Tunnel

Day-by-day itinerary

1
Manali → Jobra → Chika

A short, winding drive to the Jobra roadhead (10 km), then an easy 2 km walk through pine and maple forest along the Rani Nallah river to the campsite at Chika (10,100 ft). A gentle first day to settle into the rhythm of the trail and the altitude.
2
Chika → Balu Ka Ghera

An 8 km climb (5–6 hrs) through rocky banks and flower-strewn meadows alongside the rushing Rani Nallah, crossing the Hampta river as the valley narrows. Camp at Balu Ka Ghera (11,900 ft) amid mountains and glaciers — the base for tomorrow's pass crossing.
3
Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru

The big day — a 14 km trek (8–9 hrs) with a steep climb to the 14,100 ft Hampta Pass and breathtaking views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan. Cross over and make a dramatic descent through snow and rocky terrain into the stark Lahaul valley to camp at Shea Goru (12,900 ft).
4
Shea Goru → Chatru → Chandratal → Chatru

An 8 km trek (4–5 hrs) through river crossings and glacial paths down to Chatru, where the green world is firmly behind you. Then a 70 km round-trip drive (3–4 hrs) to the mesmerising, moon-shaped Chandratal Lake before returning to Chatru to camp.
5
Chatru → Manali

A long, scenic 85 km drive (5–6 hrs) back to Manali through the Atal Tunnel. Watch the barren Lahaul landscape give way once more to the forested slopes of Kullu — the end of the trek.