Hampta Pass Trek Experience – A Night Under the Stars and the Unexpected

Trek route

The Hampta Pass trek route forms a loop starting in Jobra (2743 metres) and ending at Chikka (3048 meters). Day one involves an easy trek lasting just two hours, with a 3km distance covered.

As you walk through a dense woodland area dominated by tall oak and maple trees, eventually leading into an expansive scenic valley where the serene Rani Nallah River waters flow lazily on your left.

On Day two of our trip, we begin a five-kilometer trek from Chikka towards Balu Ka Gehra at an elevation of 3600 m. The trek typically takes seven to eight hours with a gradual ascent through treacherous terrain made more treacherous by frequent rainfall in the region, followed by a river crossing at 2.5 kilometers along our trail – its crossing usually being the greatest challenge along this stretch.

Chikka: Begin your trek at Hampta Dam and head towards Chikka, close to Manali, for an overnight stop before spending another full day exploring Manali base camp.

River Crossings

The Hampta Pass Trek isn’t all about panoramic views–it’s also an adrenaline rush when crossing rivers or high passes. On Day 3, you’ll experience an exhilarating high pass crossing at 14,100 feet as you traverse Hampta Pass with breathtaking panoramic views across both Kullu and Spiti valleys. Wading across frozen rivers may require using ropes! Additionally, remote and scenic campsites such as Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, as well as Shea Goru offer an unparalleled Himalayan adventure experience. If you enjoy the challenge of crossing mountains and rivers, this trek promises to be an incredible journey.

Balu Ka Ghera: Just below Hampta Pass lies this area known as Balu Ka Ghera – an exquisite campsite to camp out at! You’ll love its picturesque locale alongside an aqueduct; simply marvel at its surroundings Dhauladhar ranges and the outer Himalayan mountains!

Hampta Pass via Shia Goru: From Balu ka Ghera it is possible to trek further uphill towards Hampta Pass (4270 m). From here enjoy panoramic views over Lahaul valley as you trek along this mountain path and witness firsthand how drastically the terrain changes along your trek – before returning back downhill towards Shia Goru for an opulent star-studded night of luxury sleeping under the stars.

Chatru is located adjacent to Chandra Tal Lake – both are accessible by public transit from Chatru.

Chandratal Lake or “Moon Lake” makes the ideal addition to any Hampta Pass Trek itinerary.

Chandra Taal (Moon Lake) is the crowning glory of Hampta Pass and truly stands as an eye-catcher with its glacial lake at high altitude, situated directly atop it. According to legend, Yudhisthra was elevated into heaven here. To stand by its side and view its reflection in admiration is nothing short of divine.

On your final day of trekking, before making your descent, take time out to visit Chandratal Lake. Begin early in the day, passing through Pir Panjal ranges before reaching Chandratal. From there, head back towards Chatru – an area which joins Spiti valley Rohtang Pass and Hampta Pass – for an overnight stay.

Which is the best time and date to visit Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake?

Hampta Pass offers visitors the ideal setting to plan an enjoyable escape and experience an enjoyable week from June until the end of September. Most visitors arrive during June or the subsequent month; then, covered with snowy scenery, it provides breathtaking panoramas. Hampta Pass marks the beginning of your Himachal Pradesh adventure. Hampta Pass in Himachal Pradesh is a popular trek for beginners with some trekking experience, offering spectacular mountain vistas as well as vibrant foliage and wildflowers to admire along the route. Trekkers delight in experiencing Himachal’s stunning Himalayan terrain. If you have visited Hampta Pass before, it will always remain a trip you remember fondly and look forward to revisiting. Many trekkers often continue exploring Himachal Pradesh after exploring Hampta Pass – so chances are high that your trek through nature won’t end here.