Hampta Pass is considered one of the most popular treks in Himachal Pradesh. The trek span is 5 days which is perfect for long weekends. It starts from a location called Jobri which is around 2 hours drive from Manali and it terminates at Chattru, which is located in Lahaul valley. The trek offers breathtaking views of landscapes, lush green valleys, lofty mountains, and magnificent Himalayan peaks. The most interesting thing about this trek is that one can easily notice a change in the landscape. Starting from lush green views and ending at barren lands of Lahaul & Spiti valley, the trek amazes at every step. 

Apart from all this, Hampta Pass trek has one more attraction, which is Chandratal Lake. Chandratal is a famous and one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal. The lake visit is perfect to eliminate the exhaust of the trek. The best time to go on this trek is from May to September. The gradient of the trek is moderate but it is ideal for everyone whether you are a novice or an experienced. The experience gets better if you have done at least one high altitude trek before.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Manali, Drive to Jobri and Trek to Chika (9800 Feet)

Report at Manali Bus Stand by 8 AM and from there we start our drive towards Jobri, which is the starting point of the trek. We drive through Prini village where we take a stop for 5 minutes to follow a local custom and then continue our drive. The drive is scenic and 2 hours long. Then we reach the beginning point which is situated beside to the Allain Guhugal Hydel Project junction and start the trek. The initial trek is through the pine forest until we reach the Rani river valley. The forest route lasts for around one hour and we arrive on an open green land. We may find one shop there from where we have our first view of the huge rectangular valley. We descend down and take the route going through the valley. The further route takes 2 hours to reach the Chika campsite. The entire trail is flat and mild uphill and it passes through the valley along the Rani river. We reach our campsite maximum by 4 PM and relax. Later, enjoy the sunset at the campsite. Dinner and overnight stay in dome tents.

Day 2

Trek from Chika to Balu Ka Gera (12,411 feet)

Today we proceed towards our 2nd campsite, which is Balu ka Gera. We take the right turn along the Rani river and move through the trail. The initial trail is a bit steep until we reach a green pasture. The trail also consists few tricky stretches that are fun to cross. While crossing the tricky stretch, we also get to see a waterfall on the Rani river. After crossing this stretch, we can see the mighty Indrasan peak right in front of us. The further trail is on the flat land and we can easily notice a change in the landscape. We continue our walk on the same route and arrive at a point where we have to cross a river stream. The size of the river stream is not so big but the flow gets furious during the rainy season which enhances the thrill of the trek. Your feet might get numbed as the water remains frosty. The further trek is level walk and in another hour we reach the campsite. The weather remains usually cold as the campsite is situated above the tree line. Enjoy the views from the campsite. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 3

Trek from Balu Ka Gera to Sheagoru (12,254 Feet) via Hampta Pass (14,035 Feet)

We wake up and start the trek bit early in the morning as today is the most important day of the trek. The trek is divided into two stages. The first stage consists of trekking up to the pass and the second one consists descending to the Sheagoru campsite. The trail up to the pass is full of small and big boulders and is quite steep. We trek at a steady pace and in the zig-zag motion. It takes around 3 hours to reach the pass. We can have our packed lunch there. The pass offers ultra-clear views of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and Papsura peaks. The Lahaul can be seen on the left side from the pass. 

Later, we start descending through the sharp and steep trail. Mind your step while coming down as the route is narrow and full of scree (loose stones). After finishing the descent, we continue our walk towards the Sheagoru campsite which is around 1 km from there. We reach the campsite by late afternoon. Our camps are pitched near the Sheagoru river. Enjoy the views of the river and the lofty peaks from the campsite. DInner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 4

Trek from Sheagoru to Chattru (10,898 feet), Drive to Chandratal (14,074 feet) and Return back to Chattru

Today's trek is the easiest of all as we have to descend all the way to Chattru. We start by crossing the icy cold Sheagoru river and continue the trek on the right side of the river. After about one hour, we start seeing the road. It takes around 3 hours to reach Chattru. Relax and have lunch at the Chattru campsite. Then we start our drive towards the Chandratal lake if the weather remains good. The drive from Chattru to Chandratal is around 4-5 hours long. We take a stop at Batal, where you can click a photo at the famous Chacha Chachi ka Dhaba. The condition of the roads are too bad and gives the pure essence of the World's Treacherous road. Reach Chandratal and enjoy the beauty of this high altitude alpine lake. 

Chandratal, also called Moon Lake, is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau in the Spiti valley. Nestled amidst the mountains, at an altitude of 4,290 meters above the sea level, the lake is known for its clear blue waters, magnificent views of CB-12 peak and pristine environment.

After exploring the lake, we drive back to Chattru through the same route. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 5

Drive from Chattru to Manali

Wake up and get ready for your journey back to Manali. On your way back we pass through the Rohtang Pass. The road journey is quite scenic. We reach Manali by evening. You can continue your onward journey.

Inclusions

1) All meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) during Trek

2) Accommodation in tents, sleeping bags, mattress, medical kit.

3) Transportation on both sides (to and fro)

4) Cook + guide + helper

5) Mules /Potter for carrying all above-mentioned things.

6) All permits

Exclusions

1) Mules/potters for carrying personal bag / things. It will cost you extra as 300/bag.

2) Jackets/warm cloths/shoes

3) Walking stick.

4) Raincoat/Poncho.