HAMPTA PASS
- TREXPERT
- Jul 11
- 14 min read
Updated: Jul 12
Hampta Pass
A Truly Dramatic Himalayan Crossover Trek
Experience one of the most stunning and dramatic crossover treks in the Himalayas — from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the barren, otherworldly landscapes of Spiti. Hampta Pass is where adventure meets surreal beauty.
🧗♂️ TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate – Perfect for those with basic trekking experience and good fitness.
📅 TREK DURATION
6 Days – Including travel and acclimatization.
🏞️ HIGHEST ALTITUDE
14,065 ft – Breathtaking views at the summit.
👨👩👧 SUITABLE FOR
Ages 11 to 62 years – Ideal for fit beginners to seasoned trekkers.
🚶 TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
26 km – Spread over varied terrain and stunning landscapes.
📍 Trek Logistics & Essentials
BASECAMP: Manali (Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus)
REGION: Himachal Pradesh
🕖 PICKUP: Beas Bridge, Manali at 7:00 AM
🕗 DROPOFF: Beas Bridge, Manali at 8:00 PM (includes Chandratal excursion)
🧳 CLOAKROOM: Available for extra baggage
🐴 OFFLOADING: Available at additional cost
⛺ ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Tented stay throughout the trek
📎 Shareable Link | Perfect for First-Time & Experienced Trekkers
We believe every trekker deserves to be well-informed before stepping into the Himalayas. Knowledge is what separates a safe, meaningful trek from a risky or shallow experience.
This section is your go-to guide for everything you need to know about the Hampta Pass trek — from daily trail details to terrain expectations, weather patterns, gear essentials, and fitness prep.
🧭 Over the years, this in-depth resource has been curated with expertise and real trekker feedback. Thousands have found it incredibly helpful — and so will you.
📚 What You’ll Find Here:
Detailed day-by-day itinerary
Terrain and altitude insights
Weather and gear checklist
Fitness requirements and training tips
Expert advice on acclimatization and safety
Whether you're trekking for the first time or returning to the Himalayas, this guide ensures your Hampta Pass experience is safe, enriching, and unforgettable.
📞 Need help planning? We’re just a call away!
🏞️ Hampta Pass Trek – Day-wise
Hampta Pass Trek – Day-wise
Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Arrival and Trek to Jobra Campsite
Drive 1: Beas Bridge (Manali) ➝ Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus📍 15 km | 34 mins
Drive 2: Jungle Line Campus ➝ Jobra Roadhead📍 27 km | 1.5 hours
Trek: Jobra Roadhead ➝ Jobra Campsite🥾 1.5 km | 1 hour
🛻 Pickup Info:
Pick-up arranged by Indiahikes at 7:00 AM sharp from Beas Bridge, Manali
Cost: ₹300 + 5% GST per trekker (non-AC vehicle, one-way)
Pre-book via dashboard before the trek
🧭 Arrival Info (for those coming directly):
Reach Trexpert (Indiahikes) Jungle Line Campus no later than 8:00 AM
🔁 At the Campus:
Drop off cloakroom bag
Collect rental gear
Submit offloading items (if opted)
Meet your Trek Leader
Have an early lunch before heading to Jobra (drive included in trek fee)
🗓️ Day 2: Trek from Jobra to Jwara
🥾 Distance: 4.5 km
🕓 Duration: ~4 hours
⛰️ Altitude: 8,965 ft ➝ 11,005 ft
🌲 The trail passes through pine and maple forests, with scenic river crossings and lush green meadows.
🗓️ Day 3: Trek from Jwara to Balu Ka Ghera
🥾 Distance: 5 km
🕓 Duration: ~4 hours
⛰️ Altitude: 11,005 ft ➝ 12,220 ft
🪨 This stretch takes you deeper into the valley, with rugged terrain and spectacular views of snow-covered peaks.
🗓️ Day 4: Trek from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
🥾 Distance: 8 km
🕓 Duration: ~9 hours
⛰️ Altitude Gain & Loss: 12,220 ft ➝ 14,065 ft (Hampta Pass) ➝ 12,695 ft (Shea Goru)
🌄 This is the highlight of the trek – a long, rewarding day with steep ascents, panoramic vistas, and a dramatic crossover into the Spiti valley.
🗓️ Day 5: Trek from Shea Goru to Chhatru
🥾 Distance: 7 km
🕓 Duration: ~4.5 hours
⛰️ Altitude: 12,695 ft ➝ 10,785 ft
🌌 Walk through stark Spitian landscapes with stunning views of the Pir Panjal range.
🗓️ Day 6: Drive from Chhatru to Manali via Chandratal Lake
🚐 Distance: 160 km
🕓 Drive Time: 9–10 hours
🕗 Drop-off Time: Around 8:00 PM at Beas Bridge, Manali
🎒 Before Departure at Chhatru Campsite:
Return rentals
Collect cloakroom bags
🚌 Transport Info:
Drop arranged by Indiahikes
Cost: ₹1,800 + 5% GST per trekker (non-AC vehicle)
Pre-book required via dashboard
🏞️ Chandratal Lake Visit:
Included in the return cost
Subject to road and weather conditions
💵 Carry ₹150 (in cash) for Chandratal Entry Fee, payable directly to the forest authorities
⚠️ Important Notes
Campsite distances may vary by ±100 meters due to route or weather changes.
Altitudes may vary by ±100 ft due to GPS discrepancies and trail adjustments.
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR TREKKERS
🔹 Photo ID MandatoryAll trekkers must carry a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.) for verification at forest check posts.
🔹 Tent AccommodationDuring the trek, 2 trekkers will share a tent on all nights. Tents are provided and set up at each campsite.
🔹 Cloakroom FacilityWe provide a cloakroom at the base camp to store extra luggage.
One bag per person is allowed free of charge.
Additional luggage will incur a fee of ₹500 per item.
⚠️ Do not leave valuables (cash, electronics, documents) in the cloakroom. We are not responsible for any loss or damage.
How Difficult is the Hampta Pass Trek
What to Expect in Terms of Terrain, Altitude, Weather, and Safety
🟡 Overall Trek Difficulty: Moderate
✅ Suitable for fit beginners📏 Total Distance: ~26 km over 5 days⛰️ Altitude Gain: From 8,965 ft to 14,065 ft🧭 Trail Type: Includes river crossings, forest trails, boulders, moraines, and snow sections⚠️ Key Challenge: Unpredictable monsoon weather, steep climbs, and cold river crossings
🥾 Terrain Overview
Day 1: Cross a gushing stream over a narrow wooden log to reach Jobra campsite. Can feel tricky, especially in the monsoon.
Forests near Jobra: Beautiful yet slushy and slippery during rains.
Before Jwara: You cross Rani Nala—an icy-cold stream. Water can reach waist level. Guides will help you cross using a human chain technique.
Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass: The steepest and toughest day. You’ll hike on rocky moraines, ledges, and ridges.
Hampta Pass Descent: Very steep with multiple switchbacks—gets treacherous in rain or snow.
Shea Goru to Chhatru: Starts with crossing Hampta Nala, often via snow or wooden bridges depending on the month.
🔧 Indiahikes provides technical equipment like microspikes, gaiters, helmets, and ropes wherever necessary.
🌧️ Weather Conditions
June: Expect snow on the trail from Balu Ka Ghera onward. Slippery but manageable with proper gear.
July & August: Frequent rainfall makes trails slick. Water levels in streams can rise quickly, making crossings tougher.
Snow bridges and log bridges may be present in early months. These may get washed away post-July.
🔔 Trek leaders and technical teams are constantly monitoring weather to take real-time decisions.
🏔️ Altitude Risk & Acclimatization
Maximum Altitude: 14,065 ft
Critical Zone: Altitudes above 10,000 ft increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
AMS can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or experience.
Common Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness.
🩺 Indiahikes team carries high-altitude medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to manage emergencies.
🔖 Learn more about AMS, HAPE & HACE → (Insert internal link if available)
🚨 Emergency Exits & Medical Support
Before the Pass: Exit is via Jobra to Manali.
After the Pass: Continue trek to Chhatru, then drive back to Manali via Rohtang Pass.
🏥 Nearest Hospitals:
Mission Hospital, Manali
Manu Diagnostics & Hospital, Manali
🚑 In case of emergencies, evacuations will be coordinated by your Trek Leader and the ground support team.
🤝 Your Role in Trek Safety
Safety is a shared responsibility. While the Indiahikes team ensures technical support and medical readiness, your active participation is crucial.
✅ Always follow your Trek Leader’s instructions✅ Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, even if minor✅ Stay hydrated, walk at your pace, and listen to your body
Best Time to do the Hampta Pass Trek
Time Your Trek for the Best Experience
Although Hampta Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan trek, it is accessible for almost 6 months a year. The best time to do the trek is from mid-June to the end of September. While early May and October are technically possible, they come with added challenges that can take away from the overall experience.
☀️ Hampta Pass in June
Day Temp: 15–20°C
Night Temp: 1–5°C
Snow Presence: ❄️ Heavy snow from Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass
Warm Layers Needed: 3
🏔️ What to Expect:
Snow-laden landscapes, especially past Balu Ka Ghera.
The narrow valley leading to Hampta Pass retains snow longer due to limited sunlight.
Snow is also found on the Lahaul side, often until late June.
The Shea Goru campsite may still have snowy patches.
➡️ Perfect for snow lovers, but the trails can be slippery. Requires good footwear and snow gear (provided by Indiahikes).
🌧️ Hampta Pass in July & August (Monsoon Bloom)
Day Temp: 15–20°C
Night Temp: 1–5°C
Snow Presence: ❄️ Minimal (only near the Pass in early July)
Warm Layers Needed: 3
🌸 What to Expect:
Melting snow gives way to lush green meadows and wildflower-filled trails.
Monsoon clouds bring dramatic skies and occasional downpours.
Flowers like marigolds, blue poppies, and pink bistorts blanket the Kullu valley.
🌿 This is arguably the best time to do the Hampta Pass trek. The landscape transforms into a colorful, green wonderland. However, trekkers should be prepared for rain gear and muddy trails.
🗣️ “You might literally walk through beds of wildflowers!” — Aditya Bodke, Senior Trek Leader
🍂 Hampta Pass in September (Clear Skies & Autumn Tones)
Day Temp: 12–15°C
Night Temp: 0–3°C
Snow Presence: ❌ No snow
Warm Layers Needed: 4
🍁 What to Expect:
Post-monsoon clarity brings vivid blue skies, golden-brown meadows, and clear mountain views.
The weather stabilizes, offering perfect conditions for photography.
Sunrises and sunsets are at their most breathtaking.
Chillier nights begin as early winter sets in toward the end of September.
📸 Best for photographers and trekkers who enjoy crisp air and vibrant contrast in landscapes.
🧊 What About October?
Technically possible, but not recommended.
Night temperatures dip below freezing.
Streams dry up, making water scarce at higher camps.
The landscape turns stark and dry — less scenic and more rugged.
Feels more like a winter survival trek than a scenic adventure.
📝 Summary Table: Best Time to Do Hampta Pass Trek
Month | Snow | Flowers | Rain | Best For | Warm Layers |
June | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 🚫 Low | Snow lovers | 3 |
July | ⚠️ Melting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Wildflowers, green valleys | 3 |
August | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Monsoon beauty, vibrant meadows | 3 |
September | ❌ No | ✅ Few | 🚫 Low | Clear skies, autumn hues | 4 |
October | ❌ No | ❌ No | 🚫 Low | For seasoned trekkers only | 4+ |
How to Plan Your Travel for the Hampta Pass Trek
🏕️ Trexpert Base Camp– Manali
🚩 Base Camp Location
Trexpert Campus, Manali Road
📍 Google Maps Location: (Add a link if needed)
⏰ When to Reach
Arrival Time: By 8:00 AM on Day 1 of your trek
Pickup Time (if opted): 7:00 AM sharp from Beas Bridge, Manali
🔔 Important: Reach Manali a day in advance (Day 0)
🗓️ For example, if your trek starts on 25th August (Day 1), arrive in Manali by 24th August.
🚌 Pickup Arranged by Trexpert
Location: Beas Bridge, Manali
Time: 7:00 AM on Day 1
Cost: ₹300 + 5% GST (Non-AC shared vehicle, one-way)✅ Pre-book this option on your trek dashboard.
✈️ Travel Options to Reach Manali
Option 1: Via Delhi
Fly to Delhi
Take a Volvo/AC Bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Manali (12–14 hrs)
Option 2: Via Chandigarh
Fly to Chandigarh
Take a direct bus from Chandigarh ISBT to Manali (8–10 hrs)
💡 Pro Tip:If flights to Chandigarh are too expensive, fly to Delhi and take the overnight bus.
But if the price difference is under ₹1,000, choose Chandigarh — it's shorter and more restful.
🛣️ If You’re Arriving via Bus From Delhi/Chandigarh
🔁 Option 1: Get Down at Kullu
Local buses to Manali are frequent
Get up at Mall Road, walk 10–15 mins to the campus
⚠️ Important Travel Reminder
If you cannot reach a day early:
Leave by 6:00 PM on Day 0 from Delhi/Chandigarh
This ensures you arrive in Manali by early morning, even if there are delays due to landslides or roadblocks beyond Mandi
Stay Options for Hampta Pass Trek
🛌 Budget & Premium Recommendations Trekkers Trust
Planning where to stay before or after your trek can be time-consuming and confusing, especially with unreliable online listings. That’s why we’ve curated a list of trusted accommodation options — all recommended by fellow trekkers and trek leaders who’ve experienced them firsthand.
These stays are selected for their:✅ Cleanliness & Comfort✅ Friendly Service✅ Proximity to Pick-up Points (like Beas Bridge or Manali Bus Stand)✅ Value for Money
Hampta Pass Trek Packing List
✔️ What to Pack | 🏕️ Must-Haves | 🎒 Rental Options
Hampta Pass is a high-altitude crossover trek with snow, streams, and varying terrain. Packing right is crucial for your safety and comfort. Below is a comprehensive list of what to carry (and what you can rent) for a successful trek.
📄 Mandatory Documents (Bring in a Plastic Folder)
Aadhar Card / Govt Photo ID (Digital + 1 photocopy)
Medical Certificate (Signed by Doctor)
Disclaimer Certificate (Signed)
❗No printing facility at basecamp. Carry physical copies in waterproof folder.
🥾 Trekking Gear
1. Trekking Shoes (Mandatory)
High-ankle, snow-capable, good grip
Suggested: MH/Trek Series (Decathlon)
✅ Rental Available: Crosstrek Store
2. Backpack (50-60L)
Padded hip belt, rain cover, load adjusters
✅ Rental Available: Indiahikes Crosstrek Store
3. Daypack (20–30L)
For essentials during summit day or acclimatization walks
❌ Avoid laptop bags
🧥 Clothing: Layer Smart
🔹 Base Layers (3)
3 Full-sleeve, dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared)
✅ Avoid cotton; use synthetic or quick-dry fabric
🔹 Trek Pants (2)
Quick-dry, stretchable; zippered pockets preferred
Bonus: Carry 1 trackpant for sleeping
🔹 Insulation Layers
2 light fleece jackets or 1 thick fleece
1 pair thermal inners (optional)
✅ Padded Jacket with Hood (Rental Available)
🔹 Accessories
Item | Use | Available for Rent |
Sunglasses (UV protected) | Snow blindness protection | ✅ |
Sun Cap (with flaps) | Heat & UV protection | ✅ |
Woollen Cap / Balaclava | Night warmth | ❌ |
Synthetic Gloves (waterproof) | Cold & grip | ✅ |
Socks (3-4 pairs) + 1 Woollen pair | Cushion & warmth | ✅ |
Rain Jacket / Poncho | Sudden downpours | ✅ |
Rain Cover for Backpack | Keep gear dry | ✅ |
🧳 Other Essentials
🧴 Toilet Kit
Toothbrush, paste, small soap, tissue roll, roll-on deodorant, lip balm
Women: Carry sanitary waste ziplocks (don’t dispose in nature)
🍱 Cutlery (Mandatory)
Leakproof Tiffin Box
Mug (for soup/tea)
Spoon
✅ Steel preferred over plastic; Rental available for all items
💧 Water Carrying
2 x 1L bottles or 1 hydration bladder
Optional: 1 small Thermos Flask (Rental available)
🔦 Trekking Equipment
Item | Purpose | Rental |
Headlamp | Hands-free use at camps | ✅ |
Trekking Poles (Pair) | Stability, reduces fatigue | ✅ |
💊 Medical Kit (Personal)
While Indiahikes carries a high-altitude medical kit, carry your own:
Combiflam / Paracetamol
Antacid (Gelusil)
Anti-diarrhoea (Loperamide)
Avomine (Motion sickness)
ORS Sachets
Muscle relaxant spray (Volini/Relispray)
Band-aids / Cotton / Dettol
Personal meds (as prescribed)
🛍️ Extras & Pro Tips
Plastic Bags: Carry 3–4 for wet/used clothes
Ziplocks: For protecting documents, electronics, sanitary waste
Power Bank: Charging points not available
Notebook + Pen: For journaling or emergency notes
Earplugs: Campsites can be noisy
🔄 Pro Packing Tips
✔️ Compartmentalize with Ziplocks / plastic bags✔️ Roll clothes instead of folding to save space✔️ Pack light: Ideal base pack weight = 7–9 kg✔️ Do a pre-trek trial pack to avoid last-minute stress✔️ Upload documents digitally on your trek dashboard
How to Get Fit for the Hampta Pass Trek
🗓️ A 6-Week Training Plan | 🏃 Trek Fitness Guide | ✅ Mandatory Fitness Approval
Hampta Pass is a moderate trek, but that doesn’t mean it's easy. You’ll ascend and descend steeply, cross rivers, and trek at altitudes above 14,000 ft. To enjoy the trek (and stay safe), you must be physically prepared.
🎯 Fitness Target:
To be trek-ready, you should be able to:
Walk/Jog/Run 5 km in under 35 minutes⏱️ This is the minimum fitness benchmark.📲 Record your runs using apps like Nike Run Club or Strava.
🧬 Why Fitness Matters:
Enhances lung capacity and muscle strength
Reduces risk of altitude sickness
Helps you enjoy the trek instead of struggling
Keeps your team pace consistent
🗓️ 6-Week Hampta Pass Trek Fitness Plan
Follow this schedule to build endurance + strength:
🏃♂️ Cardio Routine (Weekly Progression)
Week | Distance/Time Goal | Frequency |
Week 1 | 2 km walk-jog (20–25 min) | 3 days/week |
Week 2 | 3 km jog (25–28 min) | 3–4 days/week |
Week 3 | 3.5 km jog-run | 4 days/week |
Week 4 | 4 km run (28–30 min) | 4–5 days/week |
Week 5 | 4.5–5 km (30–33 min) | 5 days/week |
Week 6 | 5 km under 35 min | 5 days/week |
✅ Always warm up for 5 mins before and cool down after.
💪 Strength Training Routine
Do these workouts 3 times a week alongside your cardio.
Exercise | Reps/Sets | Alternative |
Squats | 3 sets × 15 reps | 4 × 24 half squats |
Forward Lunges | 2 sets × 10 per leg | – |
Push-Ups | 3 sets × 10 reps | 3 × 20 knee push-ups / wall push-ups |
Standard Plank | 2 sets × 45–60 secs | 2 × 30 secs (if needed, with rest) |
Glute Bridges | 2 sets × 15 reps | – |
⚠️ Avoid starting with heavy training. Start slow, progress gradually.
🔁 Cross-Training Options (Optional)
These are to keep your workouts fun, but won’t be accepted as fitness proof:
Swimming
Cycling
Dance workouts
Zumba
🎯 Fitness Proof: You must upload 3 running/jogging/walking screenshots + monthly summary from apps like Strava or Nike Run Club.
📅 Fitness Approval – Mandatory
You must receive fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before your trek.Without it, you will not be allowed to join the trek.
📩 Upload: At least 3 recent screenshots of your run (showing date, time, distance) Monthly fitness summary
🧘 Pro Tips for Training:
Train with your backpack on weekends to simulate actual trek conditions
Practice incline walks or stair climbing to build leg strength
Stay hydrated + eat light and protein-rich meals
Get at least 7 hours of sleep
❌ What Happens If You're Not Fit:
Lag behind the team
Struggle with breathlessness and cramps
Miss out on the experience
Risk trek evacuation due to fatigue or illness
✅ Summary Checklist
✔️ 6 weeks of training✔️ Able to run 5 km under 35 mins✔️ Strength exercises done regularly✔️ Running proof uploaded 20 days before trek✔️ Apps used: Strava or Nike Run Club
Hampta Pass Trek – Frequently Asked Questions
🏔️ 1. What is the height of Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass is located at an altitude of 14,065 ft (4,287 m) above sea level.
⛰️ 2. How difficult is the Hampta Pass trek?
The trek is rated Moderate. It covers 26 km over 5 days, with steep ascents and descents, river crossings, and high-altitude terrain. It's suitable for fit beginners, provided you train beforehand.
👵 3. I am over 62 years old. Can I do this trek?
Yes, provided you're in good physical health. You must:
Get a fitness clearance from your doctor
Complete the required fitness regime and submit running proof
Consult the Indiahikes team for a fitness check before the trek
🏃 4. How to get fit for Hampta Pass trek?
Train for at least 6 weeks prior to the trek. You must be able to:
Walk/jog 5 km in under 35 minutes
Follow strength training for your core, legs, and back
Upload your fitness proof 20 days before the trek
📶 5. Will there be mobile phone network on the trek?
No, there is no network on the trek after you leave Manali. Inform family and complete all calls before you reach the basecamp.
🏧 6. Where will I find ATMs on the trek?
The last reliable ATMs are in Manali. Withdraw cash before you leave for the basecamp, as there are no ATMs on the trek.
🔌 7. Will there be electricity at the campsite/s?
No, there is no electricity on the trek. Carry a fully charged power bank (minimum 10,000 mAh) for your phone and devices.
🎒 8. Is Cloakroom facility available on the Hampta Pass trek?
Yes. There is a cloakroom at the basecamp (Sarsai) where you can leave extra luggage.
Note: Anything beyond one bag is charged ₹500. Do not leave valuables in the cloakroom.
🧳 9. Is Offloading available on this trek?
Yes. You can opt to offload your backpack for an additional fee. Inform Indiahikes in advance if you need this facility.
However, we encourage carrying your own backpack for a complete trekking experience.
🚗 10. How to reach Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus, Manali?
Indiahikes provides a pickup at 7 AM from Beas Bridge, Manali on Day 1.
Alternatively, reach the Jungle Line Campus in Sarsai (15 km from Manali) directly by auto, cab, or bus.
Arrive in Manali a day before (Day 0) to avoid delays.
💰 11. Is there a fee for visiting Chandratal?
As of now, there is no entry fee for visiting Chandratal Lake. However, permissions and vehicle charges may apply depending on the route and season. The visit is weather-dependent and subject to road accessibility.
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