Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal

One of the Most Dramatic Crossover Treks in the Himalayas

Hampta Pass has long been celebrated as a natural bridge between the lush Kullu Valley and the stark high-altitude deserts of Lahaul and Spiti. Ancient traders once laden with tea, spices, wool, and silk traversed this very route, and local lore even hints at mythic pilgrimages along its ridges. Today, as you follow in their footsteps, you are not only trekking through some of the most dramatic Himalayan landscapes but also retracing centuries of cultural exchange and mountain lore.

Your journey begins in the pine- and oak-shaded environs of Jobra, just a short drive from Manali. From there, a gentle 2 km walk brings you to Chika, nestled at 10,000 ft amid rhododendron and silver-birch groves. The trail then opens into the verdant Jwara meadows, where buttercups and primulas flourish beside the tumbling stream. Beyond Balu ka Ghera, the forests thin and give way to a rugged world of glacial moraines and boulder fields. By the time you crest Hampta Pass at over 14,000 ft, you will stand on a narrow spine overlooking emerald pastures to the south and arid, blue-skied deserts to the north.

At the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramas of peaks such as Deo Tibba and Indrasan, their snow-capped flanks glowing in the morning light. As you descend to Sia Goru, the trail narrows and becomes technical in places, with loose stones and steep pitches demanding careful footwork. Each bend reveals a new vista: narrow valleys strewn with wildflowers, ridges carved by ancient glaciers, and, occasionally, the flit of a mountain bird along the cliff edges.

Perhaps the crowning jewel of the trek is Chandratal Lake, a turquoise crescent set against rugged scree slopes. Accessible by a weather-permitting drive from Chhatru, this high-altitude “moon lake” shimmers under clear skies and reflects the surrounding peaks like a giant sapphire mirror. It’s the perfect finale to a trek defined by its contrasts: green meadows and barren deserts, leisurely valley walks and heart-pounding ascents.

The challenges are real but surmountable. The hike is rated moderate—suitable for fit beginners who handle elevation gain well—but the climb from 9,379 ft to over 14,000 ft in just a few days makes acclimatization essential. Arriving a day early in Manali helps your body adjust. Gaiters and microspikes are recommended for stream crossings and icy patches, and sturdy trekking boots and poles will carry you safely over rocky descents. Summer days can be pleasantly warm, but nights at high camps dip near freezing, so layered clothing is a must.

Permits for Lahaul-Spiti entry are mandatory (often arranged by your trekking operator), and foreign nationals should check for any additional fees. Mobile connectivity is sporadic once you leave Manali, so consider carrying a satellite-based emergency beacon if you have one. A guide-to-trekker ratio of 1:10 ensures personalized support, local expertise, and maximum safety on this remote route.

the Hampta Pass Trek is to engage with a living tapestry of Himalayan grandeur. You’ll move from emerald forests to lunar plains, from stream-laced meadows to snow-tipped summits, all within the span of a single itinerary. For anyone seeking both adventure and serenity in India’s high country, this trek is nothing short of a Himalayan must-do.