Overview

Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal Lake 2026 – 5 Days from Manali

The Himalayan Crossover Trek That Changes Everything in 5 Days

The Hampta Pass Trek is the only trek in India where you walk from a rain-drenched green valley into a stark cold desert — in a single day. Stand at 14,100 ft and watch the lush Kullu side fall behind you while the barren moonscape of Lahaul-Spiti opens up ahead. Then end your journey at Chandratal Lake, the crescent-shaped "Moon Lake" that has stopped trekkers in their tracks for centuries.

This is why over 50,000 trekkers cross Hampta Pass every season — and why it's been our most-requested Himalayan trek for the past three years.

Book your 2026 batch now — fixed departures from June to September, only 30 seats per group.

 

Hampta Pass Trek Highlights

  • Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Altitude14,100 ft (4,300 m)
  • Difficulty Easy to Moderate — beginner-friendly
  • Trek Distance 26 km
  • Best Time June to September 2026
  • Region Kullu Valley to Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
  • Base Manali
  • Highlights Hampta Pass crossing + Chandratal Lake visit
  • Group Size Maximum 30 trekkers
  • Minimum Age 10 years
  • Trek Length - 26 kilometers

 

Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal Lake 2026 Itinerary 

  • Day 1: Drive Manali → Jobra, trek to Chika campsite (10,100 ft) | 2 km, 2 hrs
  • Day 2: Chika → Balu Ka Ghera (11,900 ft) via Jwara meadows | 7 km, 5 hrs
  • Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass (14,100 ft) → Shea Goru (12,900 ft) | 7 km, 8 hrs
  • Day 4: Shea Goru → Chatru, drive to Chandratal Lake (14,000 ft) and back | 7 km trek + drive
  • Day 5: Drive Chatru → Manali via Atal Tunnel | Arrive by 1 PM

 

Ready to Cross the Pass?

The 2026 batches are filling fast. June dates are already 60% booked. Reserve your seat with just ₹2,500 — fully refundable for 7 days.

BOOK NOW — Hampta Pass Trek 2026

Have questions? WhatsApp us at click here — we reply within 15 minutes during business hours.
 

This isn't just a trek. It's a story you'll tell for years. The river crossing where someone in your group slipped, laughed, got back up. The night at Shea Goru when the Milky Way was so bright you could see your shadow. The first sip of hot chai at the pass after summit day. The reflection of mountains in Chandratal's water at 5 AM.

That's the Hampta Pass trek. And that's what we've been delivering, batch after batch, since 2012.

See you on the trail.

 

Why Trek Hampta Pass with Treks and Trails India

12+ years organizing Himalayan expeditions. From Spiti Valley to Kinnaur, Kalsubai to Sandhan Valley — we've taken thousands of trekkers across India's most demanding terrain.

Real safety, not marketing safety. Every group carries a portable oxygen cylinder, comprehensive medical kit, and pulse oximeters. Trek leaders are certified by NIM or ABVIMAS. Twice-daily SpO2 monitoring.

Small groups, real attention. Maximum 30 trekkers, with a 1:8 leader-to-trekker ratio.

Mumbai-based, India-served. Our office is in Mumbai but we run treks across Maharashtra, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast. You get a real human on WhatsApp within minutes — not a chatbot.

Transparent pricing. No hidden costs. No "transport extra" surprises at the base camp. What you see is what you pay.

4 Nights 5 Days 05 Jun, 06 Jun, 07 Jun, and more
Dates and Rates
date & duration availability price
Itinerary
Day 1

Day 1: Manali → Jobra → Chika (10,100 ft) | 2 km trek, 2 hours

Manali
+

After breakfast in Manali, we drive 2.5 hours through 42 hairpin bends to Jobra, our trek's starting point. A gentle 2 km walk through pine, maple, and birch forest brings you to Chika campsite by the Rani Nallah river. Settle in among the granite boulders, watch the waterfall, and meet your trek team over evening tea.


Overnight: Camping at Chika

Day 2

Day 2: Chika → Balu Ka Ghera (11,900 ft) | 7 km trek, 5 hours

Balu Ka Ghera
+

The trail climbs gently along the right bank of the Hamta River, with one water stream crossing along the way. You'll get your first uninterrupted view of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. Balu Ka Ghera — literally "bed of sand" — is a flat, sandy meadow where you'll rest before the big day.

Overnight: Camping at Balu Ka Ghera

Day 3

Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass (14,100 ft) → Shea Goru (12,900 ft) | 7 km trek, 8 hours

Shea Goru
+

The summit day. A steady climb takes you to the pass, where the landscape transforms in seconds — from the green Kullu side to the bare Lahaul side. After photographs and the obligatory "I made it" moment at the pass, you'll descend a steep rocky trail to Shea Goru ("Cold Street"), a stream-side campsite surrounded by towering peaks.

Overnight: Camping at Shea Goru

Day 4

Day 4: Shea Goru → Chatru → Chandratal Lake → Chatru | 7 km trek + drive

Chatru
+

A gentle 3-hour descent to Chatru, where vehicles meet us for lunch. Then drive through the surreal Spiti landscape to Chandratal Lake at 14,000 ft — the crescent-shaped alpine lake whose water changes color with the sun. Spend the golden hour there before driving back to Chatru for dinner under the clearest night sky you've ever seen.

Overnight: Camping at Chatru

Day 5

Day 5: Chatru → Manali via Atal Tunnel | Drive, 4 hours

Manali
+

After breakfast, drive back to Manali through the engineering marvel that is the Atal Tunnel. You'll reach Manali by 1 PM with the entire afternoon to explore Mall Road, shop for souvenirs, or simply rest. Your trek officially ends here — but the memories are just beginning.

Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give/What we won't

What is included in the tour

🚗 Transport Pick-up and drop from Manali to the trek starting point (Jobra) and back from Chatru — no need to arrange local taxis.

🍽️ All Meals Every meal from Day 1 lunch to Day 5 breakfast, freshly cooked with strict hygiene standards. Vegetarian, nutritious, and designed for high-altitude energy.

⛺ Accommodation

  • 3 nights in quality tents (triple or double sharing) at scenic campsites
  • 1 night in a guest house (triple sharing) for added comfort

☕ Tea & Refreshments Morning and evening tea with light snacks every day during the trek — your daily energy boost in the mountains.

📋 Permits & Fees All forest permits, camping fees, and toll charges fully covered. Zero paperwork on your end.

🎒 Trekking Equipment Tents, sleeping bags, ropes, gaiters, crampons, and all technical gear provided by us.

🏥 Safety & Medical First-aid medical kit, oxygen cylinder, and pulse oximeter carried by your trek team at all times.

👨‍🏫 Expert Trek Leadership Certified trek leader plus experienced local guides who know every turn of the trail.

What is NOT included in the tour

The following are not included in the Hampta Pass Trek package:

  • Personal expenses — laundry, phone calls, beverages, tips, shopping, and anything outside the planned itinerary.
  • Meals during transit — food and refreshments before and after the trek, including during pick-up and drop journeys.
  • Travel insurance — strongly recommended before any high-altitude trek; we can suggest trusted providers.
  • Fees and permits for foreigners — additional government charges applicable to non-Indian trekkers.
  • Delays due to landslides or bad weather — any extra costs from road closures, unscheduled stays, or itinerary changes.
  • Emergency evacuation & rescue costs — evacuation, rescue, or emergency transport due to injury, altitude sickness, or medical emergencies (mule, porter, vehicle, helicopter, or hospital transfer). Charged at actuals.
  • Natural disasters & force majeure — additional costs arising from earthquakes, cloudbursts, heavy snowfall, or any uncontrollable events.
  • Bag offloading charge — ₹1,500 per bag for the full trek (maximum 10 kg per bag).
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions list.

💡 Important: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 15,000 ft, including emergency evacuation. Helicopter rescue in the Himalayas can cost ₹50,000–₹2,00,000 — insurance protects you completely.

Things to Carry
Things to Carry

Footwear and Backpack

  • Trekking shoes with ankle support
  • Backpack with rain cover
  • Daypack with rain cover

Warm Layers and Clothing

  • Warm layers (Padded jackets)
  • 3 layers for spring, summer, and monsoon treks (1 woolen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
  • 4 layers for autumn treks (1 woolen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
  • 5 layers for winter treks (1 pair of thermals, 1 woolen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
  • 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
  • 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cap, preferably with flaps
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Balaclava
  • Woolen socks (2-3 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking pole
  • Rain jacket + pants / poncho

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen
  • Moisturiser
  • Light towel
  • Lip balm or vaseline
  • Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
  • Trash bags (Carry out all your waste and leave no trace behind)

Personal First Aid Kit

Here are some common medicines typically required or used during adventure trips. However, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking any medication:

  • Antiseptic wipes or water syringe for wound cleaning
  • Butterfly bandages for small cuts
  • Cotton, elastic bandages, and sterile gauze pads for larger wounds
  • Latex gloves for handling bleeding wounds
  • Medication for diarrhea (upset stomach)
  • Medication for cold, flu, fever, and headaches
  • Painkillers
  • Oral rehydration solution (ORS) pouches
  • Quick pain relief spray for external use
  • Any personal medication prescribed by your doctor
  • Diamox or similar medication for high altitude sickness
  • Bug repellent
  • Nutritious energy bars and non-alcoholic drinks

 

Cancellation Policy

To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend booking your adventure at least two months in advance. Should the need arise to cancel your trek or adventure activity, we kindly request written notification. Cancellation charges will apply from the date we receive your written advice.

We understand the frustration of cancellations, but rest assured, we are committed to facilitating your next adventure with us.

We offer a cancellation policy that is fair, practical, and convenient for our customers.

Cancellation by Participant: If a participant wishes to cancel their booking for any reason, they must notify [Treks and Trails] in writing/email as soon as possible. The following cancellation charges will apply:

  • Cancellation between 15-29 days prior to the trek departure date: 75% of the total trek cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • Cancellation between 7-14 days of the trek departure date: 50% of the total trek cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • Cancellation between 1-6 days of the trek departure date: 100% of the total trek cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • No Show: Participants who do not show up for the trek without prior intimation will be considered as a ‘No Show’. In such cases, 100% of the total trek cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

 

Activity
Trekking, Camping, North India Treks, Astrophotography, Stargazing
Destination
Himachal Pradesh
Duration
5 to 7 Days
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Hampta Pass Should Be Your Next Trek

It's the perfect first high-altitude trek. You touch 14,100 ft without needing prior mountaineering experience. The gradient is forgiving, the campsites are well-spaced for acclimatization, and our certified trek leaders monitor your oxygen levels twice daily.

Two Himalayas in one trek. Day 1 you're walking through pine forests beside the Rani Nallah. By Day 3, you're standing on a glacier-flanked pass looking at the Pir Panjal range. By Day 4, you're at a turquoise lake in a cold desert. No other Indian trek packs this contrast into 5 days.

Chandratal Lake is included. Most operators charge extra for this. We don't. The drive from Chatru to the "Moon Lake" is part of your package — and it's the photograph everyone takes home.

Iconic river crossings. Cross the icy Jwara stream and Hampta Nallah on foot. The cold water at your knees is the moment most trekkers say they understood what a Himalayan trek really feels like.

 

Hampta Pass Trek FAQs

Is the Hampta Pass trek suitable for beginners? Yes. It's officially graded easy-to-moderate and is one of the most beginner-friendly high-altitude treks in India. The altitude gain is gradual, the daily walking hours are reasonable (5–8 hours), and our acclimatization schedule is built for first-time trekkers. That said, basic fitness matters — we recommend 3–4 weeks of cardio prep before the trek.

What's the difference between Hampta Pass and Hampta Pass with Chandratal? Standard Hampta Pass is a 4-day trek ending at Chatru. The Chandratal extension adds the drive to "Moon Lake" — one of the most photographed lakes in the Himalayas. Our package includes Chandratal in the standard cost. Don't book a Hampta Pass trek that excludes Chandratal — you'll regret it.

What's the best time to do Hampta Pass? Mid-June to early July gives you snow at the pass. Mid-July to August is peak monsoon greenery (Lahaul stays dry). September is the most stable — clear skies, dry trails, perfect mountain views. Each window offers a different experience.

How do I reach Manali from Mumbai? Fly to Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) and taxi to Manali (50 km, ~90 minutes). Or fly to Chandigarh and take a Volvo/taxi to Manali (8–9 hours). Or fly to Delhi and take an overnight Volvo (12–14 hours). We assist with all three.

Is there mobile network during the trek? Manali has full network. Jio and BSNL work up to Jobra. After that, you're disconnected until you reach Manali on Day 5. Tell your family in advance.

What if the weather turns bad on summit day? Trek leader's call is final on safety. If the pass can't be crossed safely, we may reroute or attempt the next day. Your safety comes first, always.

Can I get a refund if I cancel? Cancellation 30+ days before: 90% refund. 15–30 days: 50%. Less than 15 days: 25%. Force majeure (landslides, weather closures) is handled separately — we offer date transfers at no cost.

What's the highest point on the trek? Hampta Pass itself — 14,100 ft (4,300 m).

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