Hampta Pass Trek Guide 2024, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Have you been dreaming of an adventure with views, diverse landscapes ranging from lush green mountains to valleys of wildflowers and amazing waterfalls? Then The Hampta Pass Trek it is.

Undoubtedly one of the most scenic Himalayan adventures, this trek is a convenient and cost-effective adventure that will take you through an amazing route right to the heart of Himachal Pradesh in India. 

This Hampta Pass Trek guide will provide you with all you need to know to prepare you for the expedition and make the trek memorable.

Hampta Pass Trek Overview

1. Hampta Pass Trekking Quick Facts

Hampta Pass is at an height of 14,100 ft on top of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. 

The state of Himachal Pradesh is one of the least-urbanized in India. In local parlance, Himachal Pradesh means “in the lap of Himalayas.” It is well known for its pristine snow-clad hills and its tourist appeal, attracting lots of visitors worldwide every year. The 5-day trek of Hampta Pass starts from the town of Manali.

Also Read: Shrikhand Mahadev Trek

2. Hampta Pass Trekking Difficulty Level – Moderate

On a range from easy to complex, the difficulty level of the trek is moderate, but you need to be reasonably fit. 

It is easy for the most part, but the terrain gets a little tricky as you approach the pass. Generally, it takes four days to complete the Hampta pass trekking.

Altitude sickness can be a challenge for some people in the first few days because of the sudden increases in altitude, but adequate time should be made for rest and adjustments. 

If doing the walk with a trek leader, they will usually make arrangements if treatment is required for acute mountain sickness.

3. Best Time For Hampta Pass Trek

The elevated nature of the region allows for fairly cool weather all year round, but the best time for Hampta Pass trek, Manali is between June and September.

The days are relatively warm during this period, and that facilitates high-altitude trekking. 

Weather conditions can be unpredictable the rest of the year. Therefore, trekking in this region is not recommended during the winter months when temperatures fall below freezing point — unless you are a trekking fanatic.

4. How Safe is the Hampta Pass?

The trek is very safe, but you should be adequately equipped with the appropriate trekking gear. Some sections of the pass can be tricky. 

These include the stream crossings to Jwara and the descent from the pass down to Shea Goru campsite. 

If you are doing the trek in winter, the trail would have a lot of snow so that it could be quite steep. You will have to use microspikes, especially when descending to Shea Goru from the pass.

5. Recommended Equipment to Take With You

As part of our trek details of Hampta Pass, you will need to know what equipment to take with you when on the trek. Here are a few ideas and recommendations on what to pack with you for the trip: 

• You Need A 50-60ltr Backpack
• Durable good-quality trekking shoes/boots
• Thick socks (woolen) 
• Flashlight
• A Whistle
• Water Bottle / Food Supplies
• First Aid / Medical Kit
• Hat and Gloves and Trekking Pants / Trousers
• Thermal Wear
• Heavy fleece Clothing
• Additional Storage for Used/Wet Clothing
• Winter jacket and waterproof coat
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries
• Trekking pole
• Swiss knife

Also Read: Festivals Of Himachal Pradesh

6. Hampta Pass Trek Itinerary

Getting to Manali

You can get to Manali by air, road, or rail. 

It is about 550 km from Delhi, the capital of India. The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar. 

On arrival in Bhuntar, you can take a cab or catch a bus for the 52-km ride to Manali. This is the most convenient way of getting to Manali.

There is no direct train service to Manali from Delhi. So if you choose to go by rail, you have to take the train to Joginder Nagar and then complete your journey to Manali by road. 

Several bus services are available if you opt to travel by road from Delhi to Manali, but the 550-km journey could take you 12-14 hours.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Fruits

Day 1

• Manali is at an elevation of 6,700 ft above sea level. Therefore, it is a good place to acclimatize and get the details of the trek route before you start the trip. You will also be able to meet and interact with others on the trek.
• The expedition starts with a drive to Jobra from Manali. Jobra is about 16 km away but takes about an hour due to several hairpin bends. 
• You will notice changes in the landscape, from apple orchards to deodar forests and the oaks on your way. Jobra is at 9,800 ft, higher than Manali, so it gets cooler and cooler as you approach Jobra.
• From Jobra, you will commence the trek to the base camp in Chika, which is about 2 km away. It can take up to 2 hours to arrive in Chika. So, you’ll spend the night in Chika to get some rest and prepare for a further trek to Balu Ka Ghera the next day.

Also Read: Triund Trek

Day 2

• Balu Ka Ghera is about 5.8 km from Chika and is a 5-hour trek. However, it is situated at 12,000 ft above sea level, so the trek from Chika is tolerable. 
• It is heavily advised to carry some water bottles to replenish as you go along. On your way, you will go through lush rhododendrons of the Himalayan valleys and come across the scenic valley of Jwara and its multi-colored flowers.

Day 3

• On the third day, the trek will take you through one of the most exciting aspects of the expedition. You will take a steep ascent from Balu Ka Gera to Hampta Pass, where Hampta village gave the trek its name. You may stick around here for a while here to take in the beauty of the environment. 
• You can then proceed to Siagoru, which is 12,300 ft, a lower level than Hampta Pass. 
• The atmosphere in Siagoru is second to none, so it’s a good place to pass the night and get rested to continue the trek the next day.

Day 4

• The fourth day will take you to Chatru, a trekking distance of 6 km from Siagoru. It takes about 4.5 hours to get to Chatru, which is lower (10,898 ft) than Siagoru. 
• You can unwind and have lunch at Chatru before proceeding on a 2-hour drive to Chandratal Lake. The lake is at an altitude of 14,000 ft. 
• This high elevation will give you a spectacular view of the reflection of the Himalayan ranges in the lake. Take some time to immerse yourself in the beauty of Chandratal and then stay the night at the camps.

Day 5

• The trek ends in Chatru/Chandratal, so you will be taking a 4-5-hour ride back to Manali on the fifth day. 
• You will arrive in Manali late in the evening, but you may choose to explore Manali some more if you have some time to spare.

Also Read: Best Himalayan Treks

7. Additional Tips And Hampta Pass Trekking Details 

• Consider carrying any waste items with you to Manali. Being a responsible traveler makes you a better traveler, ensuring that the Himalayas stays beautiful and scenic for future tourists.
• If you’re cash-strapped, download the free eBook guide that gives top travel hacks for families on a budget. This will provide you additional planning tips that will help you save when booking your holiday, and a lot more.
• We highly recommend considering packing those waterproof trekking shoes; otherwise, you’ll face a considerably less enjoyable trek!
• A final pro tip: Ensure you let friends and family know of your whereabouts in advance before going. 

We hope you have enjoyed our Hampta pass trek guide. All this information should have you more than prepared to tackle the walk and plan for a smooth, enjoyable trekking experience on the Himalayas range.

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