India is a haven for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. And when we talk about treks, particularly in the Himalayan region, one trek that comes to our mind is the Hampta Pass Trek.
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most exhilarating crossover treks to experience in India. With a distance of 25 kilometers (km), the Hampta Pass trek starts from lush-green Kullu Valley and ends at Lahaul’s flat, barren plains via the Hampta Pass.
With the highest altitude in this trek being 14,065 ft, it is a trek of moderate difficulty. If you’re planning to set out on this exciting trek, here is your guide to the trek route, a rough itinerary, and the best time to visit.
Hampta Pass Trek 2025: Trek Route, Best Time, Rough Itinerary
Hampta Pass Trek Distance, Route, And Fitness Level
The trek covers a distance of approximately 25 km and the route traverses through the Kullu Valley and the Lahaul Spiti Valley.
It takes roughly 5 to 6 days to complete the trek, with many starting their journey from Manali. Trekkers depart from Manali to arrive at Jobra, the starting point of the Hampta Pass trek. A basic route of the trek is as follows:
Manali – Jobra – Chikka/Jwara – Balu Ka Ghera – Hampta Pass – Shea Goru – Chatru – Manali
Many trekkers prefer to join trek-organizing platforms like Capture A Trip, India Hikes and Tripver or tour operators for their journey. If you’re a first-time or beginner trekker, it’s highly recommended not to go solo.
Opting for a reliable tour operator or trek organizer is a safer and more convenient choice. These professionals take care of most of the logistics, including transportation, meals, accommodation, and often provide travel insurance and essential trekking gear as part of their Hampta Pass trek packages.
Additionally, it’s a great way to meet and bond with adventure lovers from across the country and beyond.
The Hampta Pass Trek also requires you to be physically fit enough. If you’re planning this trek, make sure to start training at least a few weeks in advance.
You can exercise daily, join a gym or regularly attend gym sessions, practice walking at least 3 to 4 km daily, and maintain a healthy diet and water intake.
Rough Itinerary For Hampta Pass Trek
Day 1
Arrive at Jobra from Manali, covering an approximate driving distance of 16 km. Jobra sits at an altitude of around 9,100 feet, and as you make your way toward Chikka, the elevation rises to approximately 10,100 feet.
Once you reach Jobra, you’ll have to start trekking towards Jwara via Chikka, covering a trekking distance of 4.5 km. After a trek of 3.5 to 4 hours through alpine forests and meadows, you’ll reach Chikka and then Jwara.
Day 2
From Jwara, you’ll start trekking towards Balu Ka Ghera. The trekking distance is roughly 5 km and it might take you about 4 hours to reach the point. At this point, you’ll be at an elevation of 12,220 ft!
Day 3
This is the day when you’ll cross the Hampta Pass from Balu Ka Ghera and reach Shea Goru in the Lahaul Spiti Valley.
You’ll cover a distance of 8 km over roughly 9 hours, as this section of the trek includes a steep ascent from 12,220 ft to 14,065 ft, followed by a descent to 12,695 ft.
However, this will also be the most exciting part of your trek as you’ll cross through mountains and get to experience a jaw-dropping crossover trek through Hampta Pass.
Day 4
Once you reach Shea Goru, you’ll make your way to Chatru, covering a distance of 7 km. This will take around 4 to 5 hours as descent to 10,700 ft.
Day 5
Chatru marks the end of the Hampta Pass trek. From here, you can directly drive back to Manali that will take about 5 hours for a distance of 64 km.
Alternatively, if weather conditions permit, you can first halt at Chandratal Lake and then touch down at Manali. The second route takes comparatively longer time, about 9 to 10 hours, as it covers a distance of 160 km.
Considering the day you arrive at Manali, the total trek can take about 6 days, starting from and ending at Manali.
Best Time For Hampta Pass Trek
The ideal time period to go on the Hampta Pass Trek is between the months of June and September. This 4-month period is perfect for trekkers as the snow starts melting, giving way to warmer weather conditions and roads open for public access.
The Hampta Pass trek in June is when you might experience a little snowfall in the Balu Ka Ghera. Average daytime temperatures hover around 15 °C-20 °C and nighttime temperatures can reach 1 °C!
July and August is when a decent quantity of snow has melted and the route becomes easier to trek. Temperatures remain in a similar range as June. However, these are the months when the valley starts receiving its first monsoon showers.
As a result, you’ll find many small flowers blooming in bright pink, yellow, and orange hues. This specific time period in these 4 months is often considered by trekkers as the best time for Hampta Pass trek.
September is the month when Hampta Pass trek achieves peak vibrancy. Flowers are in full bloom, meadows turn lush-green, and the skies are clear.
Many trekkers also set out on this trek in this month, but you may not get to experience the occasional drizzle or the snow.
Things To Pack For Hampta Pass Trek
Documents:
- Government-issued ID Card: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, etc
- Medical certificate issued by an authorized doctor (keep it handy, just in case of an emergency)
- Travel insurance
Clothing and accessories:
- Fleece jackets, waterproof and/or padded jackets
- Thermal wear
- Socks, caps, mufflers, and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Mid/high ankle trekking shoes
Electronic items/necessary gear:
- Power bank
- Travel adapter and charging cables
- Camera equipment (if required)
- Trek poles
- Flashlights
- Compass
Toiletries and miscellaneous items:
- 50+ SPF Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Towel
- Foldable umbrella
- Sanitary products (if required)
- Reusable water bottle and cutlery
- Zip lock pouches/reusable plastic bags
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Summing Up
The Hampta Pass Trek, at its highest, reaches more than 14,000 ft, making it one of the most dramatic crossover treks in India. There are chances that you might experience symptoms of altitude sickness during this crossover journey.
If such symptoms show up, ensure that you descend down to a lower elevation and seek medical help immediately.
Rest assured, we guarantee that this trek will be worth it for anyone who loves mountain life and adventure!
FAQs
Is The Hampta Pass Trek Difficult?
Yes, the Hampta Pass trek is of moderate difficulty. Trekkers must prepare weeks in advance for this trek as some parts of it such as the crossing at the Hampta Pass can be challenging due to rapid gain and loss in elevation.
How Long Does Hampta Pass Trek Take?
The Hampta Pass Trek can take about 6 days, starting from and ending at Manali.
Which Month Is Best For Hampta Pass?
The time period of July to August is often considered to be the best for the Hampta Pass trek. However, the trek provides a pleasant experience anytime between June and September.
