Hampta Pass Trek

Day 01: Manali to Chika via Jobra

The trekking expedition starts from Manali to Jobra in vehicle. Manali is already at an elevation of 6,700 ft above sea level, making it a good place to acclimatize before the trek. It takes around two hours and forty hairpin bends to arrive at Jobra, located at 9,800 ft. On the very first day, you will gain altitude and reach up to 10,100 ft, covering a short trek of about 2–3 hours.

The trek on foot begins from the Allain Guhugal Hydel Project junction. After crossing the main road, you follow a trail leading into dense pine forests, interspersed with maple, deodar, oak, and toss trees. The refreshing greenery makes the start of the journey enchanting. The ascent is gradual and easy, ideal for warming up your legs. After about 20 minutes, the trail opens up into a lush green meadow dotted with rocks, overlooking the stunning valley. Soon, the Rani Nallah stream comes into view, flowing right through the meadow. You may also spot grazing cows and sheep, adding to the fairy-tale charm of the landscape.

You can either cross the meadow directly or take the route climbing up the left-hand hill and descending down to Chika, which is considered the easier and better option. Finally, you arrive at the Chika campsite—a vast green patch with the Rani River flowing through its middle, making it the perfect spot to pitch tents for the night. Camping here under a starlit sky marks the perfect beginning of the Hampta Pass adventure.

Day 02: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

On Day 2, the trek continues from Chika towards Balu Ka Ghera. The trail stretches for about 8.2 km and takes nearly 6 to 7 hours to complete. The altitude gain is significant, as you will ascend from around 10,100 ft to 11,811 ft (3,605 m). The path offers a mix of rocky terrain, river crossings, and stunning Himalayan landscapes, making it both challenging and rewarding.

The trail begins with the soothing sound of the Rani Nallah running alongside. As you walk, the lush meadows slowly give way to patches of boulders and moraines, making the trail more rugged. The views of the Dhauladhar ranges and snow-capped peaks grow more prominent with every step, creating a dramatic backdrop. During this stretch, you may encounter small waterfalls and stream crossings that add to the adventure.

By the time you approach Balu Ka Ghera, the landscape becomes more open and barren, with a sandy riverbed formed by glacial deposits. This natural campsite is named after the “heaps of sand” (Balu) that are spread across the area. Balu Ka Ghera campsite sits at the foot of the Hampta Pass and is surrounded by high mountain walls, making it the perfect resting spot before the steep climb on the next day. Overnight camping here amidst the cold winds and panoramic views will give you the true feeling of being deep in the Himalayas.

Day 03: Balu Ka Ghera to Siagoru via Hampta Pass

Day 3 is the most thrilling and challenging day of the trek as you cross the Hampta Pass (14,100 ft / 4,265 m). The trek covers a distance of about 7.1 km and takes nearly 7.5 to 9 hours. This is the day where the scenery changes dramatically—from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the stark, barren landscapes of Lahaul.

The trail from Balu Ka Ghera starts with a steep ascent on rocky terrain. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes rugged and covered in moraines. The air gets thinner, and you feel the altitude with every step, but the breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and glaciers around you make the effort worthwhile. The climb to Hampta Pass is demanding, but once you reach the top, you are rewarded with panoramic 360° views of towering peaks, alpine valleys, and vast expanses of snow.

From the Pass, the descent towards Siagoru is equally adventurous. The slope is steep and often slippery, requiring careful steps. On the way down, you start noticing the dramatic shift in landscape as the lush greenery fades into the barren, cold desert terrain typical of Spiti and Lahaul regions. Finally, you arrive at the Siagoru campsite (12,900 ft approx.), nestled in a wide valley with a river flowing nearby. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it is an ideal place to relax and reflect on the day’s achievement. Overnight camping at Siagoru gives you an authentic high-altitude Himalayan experience.

Day 04: Siagoru to Chhatru & Drive to Chandratal

After breakfast at the campsite, begin your descent from Siagoru (12,900 ft) towards Chhatru. The trek today covers about 6.8 km and takes around 4–5 hours. The trail follows the valley floor, running alongside streams and rocky patches. The terrain is stark and barren, characteristic of the Lahaul and Spiti region, offering a completely different landscape from the lush greenery you left behind in Kullu Valley.

As you descend further, the trail gradually opens into the wide valley of Chhatru (11,000 ft approx.). Chhatru is a small settlement with a few roadside dhabas, often serving as the first connection point to the outside world after days of trekking. Upon reaching here, you will board a vehicle for the drive to Chandratal Lake (4,300 m / 14,100 ft), one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas.

The drive from Chhatru to Chandratal, about 52 km (2–3 hrs), is filled with mesmerizing views of rugged mountains, rivers, and glaciers. On arrival at Chandratal, you’ll be awestruck by the pristine, crescent-shaped lake surrounded by mighty peaks. The lake’s waters change colors throughout the day, from deep blue to emerald green, making it a photographer’s paradise. Spend time soaking in the serenity and capturing the beauty of this Himalayan gem.

Later, set up camp near Chandratal or back at Chhatru (depending on conditions), and enjoy a night under the starry skies of Spiti. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 05: Chhatru to Manali

Wake up to the crisp mountain air at Chhatru and enjoy your final breakfast amidst the serene Himalayan landscapes. Today marks the end of the trekking adventure as you drive back to Manali, covering a distance of around 87 km in 6–7 hours.

The drive takes you through rugged mountain roads, crossing streams and valleys, with the Chandra River flowing alongside for most of the journey. The changing scenery—from the barren stretches of Spiti and Lahaul back into the lush green valleys of Kullu—offers a fitting closure to the trek, giving you a glimpse of the dramatic contrasts that define the Himalayas.

As you approach Manali, the landscapes turn greener, dotted with apple orchards and pine forests. On arrival in Manali, check into your hotel or depart for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of the Hampta Pass Trek and the surreal beauty of Chandratal.