The walk
Hampta is a pass with two climates. You start in the meadows above Jobra, camp at Balu Ka Ghera and Shea Goru, and cross to the Chatru flats where the colour of the mountains changes.
We add the night at Chandratal when the road is open. If the lake road is shut, the itinerary ends at Chatru and we say so before you travel, not at the pass.
Summer and early autumn are the months. This is not a winter trek.
You will remember
- A real pass crossing, not an out-and-back
- The shift from green Kullu to dry Spiti
- Chandratal when the road is open
- Camp kitchens on the crossing days
- Manali as both the start and the end
On this trail
Day by day
01 Day 1 · Manali to Chika
Drive to Jobra and walk through the meadow to the Chika campsite. A gentle day that still gains height.
02 Day 2 · Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
A shorter walk into a narrower valley. We rest properly because the next morning is the pass.
03 Day 3 · Cross Hampta to Shea Goru or Chatru
The long day. Up to the pass, down a loose slope on the Spiti side, and on to camp. We start early and keep the group within sight.
04 Day 4 · Chatru and Chandratal
If the road to the lake is open, we drive and stay near Chandratal. If it is not, this becomes a rest day at Chatru and we adjust the last drive.
05 Day 5 · Return to Manali
Drive back over Rohtang or the tunnel route, whichever the road conditions allow, and end in Manali by evening.
Included
- Stay on the nights listed in the itinerary, in guesthouses, homestays or camps
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Trek leader and a local guide
- Permits and forest entry fees for the route
- Transfers that are written into the day-by-day plan
- Group first-aid kit, and an oxygen cylinder on high camps
- Cloakroom support for the main bag on walking days where the trail allows it
Not included
- Travel to and from the meeting point
- Personal clothing, shoes and insurance
- Meals during the drive to the trailhead, unless the day says otherwise
- Tips for the guide and kitchen team
- Emergency evacuation or hospital costs
- GST, if it applies, until we confirm the invoice
- Anything not written in the inclusions
Before you go
The pass day is 8 to 10 hours. Train with long walks, not only gym sessions.
Meet at Manali. Ages 12 to 58.
Summer, Autumn.
What to carry
- Worn-in waterproof trekking shoes with grip
- A warm layer and a jacket for camp
- Rain shell and trekking pants
- Sun cap, woollen cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Gloves and spare socks
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two water bottles, about two litres
- Personal medicines and a small toiletry kit
- Government photo ID
- Daypack, 20 to 30 litres
How to reach
Meet in Manali on the morning of day 1. We drive to the Jobra road head. Bhuntar airport and the Manali bus stand are the usual ways in. Arrive the previous evening if you can.
If plans change
If we cancel the departure, you can move to another date or receive a refund of what you have paid.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, the trek amount is refunded minus a processing fee we state in your confirmation. Between 15 and 29 days, half is retained. Inside 14 days the departure is non-refundable, because the stay, food and guide team are already committed.
The full note also lives on the Cancellations page.
Before you come
Carry a government photo ID. Mention a special diet when you book so the kitchen can buy for it.
Questions on this trek
Is Chandratal always included?
It is part of the plan when the road is open. If the administration closes the lake road, we do not invent a way in. The pass crossing still happens.
How hard is the pass day?
It is the day that decides the trip. Loose scree on the descent is as tiring as the climb. Poles help, and we can advise if you should bring them.
Can I join in Manali the night before?
Yes. Tell us your stay and we will share the morning meeting point.