Hampta Pass with Chandratal

Situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, Hampta Pass is a live canvas painted in the distinctive settings of Himachal Pradesh. Hampta Pass Trek is among the many other amusing treks around Manali region in Himachal Pradesh.

It fit for everyone with the scope of time and hardship, so it is considered as a moderate trek. The enchantress of this trek lies in the small corridor between Lahaul and Kullu valley where you feel regular change in the landscape.

 You begin Hampta Pass Trek in thick forest and then get in open valleys with lush green cover of grass. After that tree line stops and you cross to Hampta Pass which is located at 14100 ft.   After passing the Hampta Pass, then you will enter in barren landscape of Lahaul & Spiti. You can visit Chandratal lake by vehicle which is situated about 80 Km from chatru Camp.

‘Staircase to Heaven’, Hampta Pass trek is a 4 days trek but usually, trekkers add one more day to visit Chandratal lake which is famous for spectacular glimpses.

Hampta Pass derives its name from the tiny hamlet Hampta, nestled in the laps of the Kullu Valley. It is believed that Hampta Pass also got its name after a Sage, Hampta who meditated here. According to the Hindu mythology Mahabharata, this trek route was followed by the Pandavas on their quest for heaven.

Thick pine forests, huge green meadows, whispering mountain streams, vibrant wildflowers, daunting mountains, magnificent valleys and tranquil lakes, the entire trek of Hampta Pass trek is dotted with everything that you can dream.     

The trail of Hampta Pass also offers gorgeous panoramic glimpses of Dhauladhar, Chandra Bhaga and Mulkila range and the high peaks of Indrasan, Deo TIbba, Shigri Parvat, Kullu Pumori and few other peaks.

Day 0

• Rendezvous at the common pick up point for the trip
• Depart from Delhi in evening.
• Overnight journey in Volvo/ AC Tempo Traveller/ SUV.

Day 1: Report at the base camp

• First day is reserved for a meet and greet, and orientation. After you reach the base camp, the trek leader will take a small orientation session, covering information like packing, walking techniques. You will also be given general information about the trek and the route.
• Stay overnight at the base camp.

Day 2: Drive from Manali to Jobra then trek to Chika

• On the second day we leave the base camp by 8 am. We will be carrying lunch and breakfast with us.
• The first leg of the day, travel would include a jeep drive from base camp to Hampta dam. The way that leads to Hampta dam is lying with maple, pine, walnut and oak trees, making it refreshing and enjoyable.
• After reaching Hampta we prepare to trek to Chika, which is also our final destination for the day. It will take approximately 2 hrs to reach this place, and it is an easy stretch, crossing wooden bridges and a small patch of forest.
• We reach the campsite at Chika and prepare for our overnight stay.

Day 3: Hike to Balu ka ghera (5 hrs, easy ascent)

• The third day trek is a gradual ascent. While trekking, we will be able to see the spectacular Dhauladhar range in the background and Indrasan peak in the front.

• The best part of today, trek that we have to cross 2 rivers one at the start just near to Chika campsite and other at Jwarancusa.

Day 4: Balu ka ghera to Siaguru, crossing Hampta Pass

•  This is the most spectacular part of the trek as we cross the Hampta pass and then descent to our campsite in Siaguru. From Hampta pass you can see the Indrasan peak and its gigantic glacier.
• Today, trek will take us approximately 8 hrs to reach Siaguru. The ascent of this part of the Hampta pass trek will be moderate.

Day 5: Siaguru to Chattru. Drive to Chandratal

• This day we have an easy descent through the Hampta valley. The massive mountains of the Pir Panjal and Spiti ranges dominate the entire landscapes till the campsite at chattru. Chattru is the confluence point of paths from Rohtang pass, Hampta pass and Spiti.
• From Chattru if road and weather condition permit, we head to Chandratal and camp at suitable place.

Day 6: Drive from Chandratal/Chattru to Manali via the Rohtang pass

• In the morning after breakfast we leave for Manali via Rohtang pass. Our wonderful experience of trekking in Himachal ends at Manali.
• Board the Volvo/AC Tempo Traveller/SUV back to Delhi.

Day 7: Reach Delhi back in the morning.

How to Reach Manali

By Air –

The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport which is just 10 kms away from Manali. There are daily flights from Delhi and other major cities to Bhuntar Airport. You can take taxi or cabs that are easily available for Manali.

By Rail –

Joginder Nagar railway station is the closest Railway Station to Manali that connects the hill station with several significant cities of India. Chandigarh and Ambala Cantt are other ways to reach Manali by train. From the railheads, you can get many modes of transportation including taxi and bus at low cost.

 By Road –

The Himachal Pradesh state bus service is good and you can get regular buses from the region to different parts of the India at reasonable cost. Roads connect Manali to different places including Delhi, Chandigarh , Dehradun  and Ambala.