Overview

Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal tour:

Group departure starting from 25 May , 9 June, 15 june, 12th Aug 2025 at Manali.

Kullu and Lahaul are two adjoining districts of Himachal Pradesh, separated by high mostly snowbound Rohtang Pass. These valleys are geographically quite different, the Kullu/Manali valleys are green, with excellent forest cover and heavy rains, where as Lahaul is in rain shade barren and arid area. A trail combining both these areas by crossing the Hampta Pass gives a spectacular walk into two different terrains. The trail also offers gorgeous views of Dhauladhar, Chandra Bhaga and Mulkila range and the high peaks of Indrasan, Deo TIbba, Shigri Parvat, Kullu Pumori and few other peaks. The trek has surprises of crossing turbulent streams, Snow Bridge, walking on glaciers and boulder zone. At the end of the trek, visiting the “Moon lake” Chandratal or Kunzum pass is a delight. Area is known for rich Himalayan flora and fauna and is a birder’s paradise. Hampta Pass is indeed a compact but almost “All in One” trek.

Hampta pass is an essentially river valley trek where you approach to the pass following Hampta nallah (a tributary of Beas River) amidst green Kullu valley. Descending from pass is also following a river valley a tributary of Chandra River. This time through a contrasting landscape which is barren and rocky in Lahoul.

The valley remains in bloom for a considerably time from late summer to as late as September. Abundance of streams along the trail keep the valley well fed.

At the end of the trek there is a surprise, a visit to Chandratal lake by car. The dirt road to this famous moon lake opens around mid of June. The stunning contrast of the landscape of this area bordering Lahoul and Spiti is hard to believe. The road from Chhatru to Batal following Chandra River is arid, barren and full of rock debris. The  area surrounding Chandratal (~ 4200 m/13780 ft) is a typical Spiti moonscape with vivid colours.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Reach Manali by Noon – Lodge/Guest house accommodation at Vashisht.
Day 2: Drive to Jobri – 30 Km – 1 and half hours – Trek to Chhika 5 Km – 3 hours. Camp.
Day 3: Chhika to Balu Ka Gera– 8 Km – 5 hours. Camp/
Day 4: Balu Ka Gera to Shea Goru over Hampta Pass – 9 Km – 8/10 hours. Camp.
Day 5: Shea Goru to Chhatru – 7 Km – 4 hours. Camp. Drive to Chandratal and back to Chhatru camp – 90 Km – 5/6 hours.
Day 6: Drive from Chhatru to Manali  – 85 Km – 4/5 hours.

Important Note:

• Reach Manali latest by noon on Day 1. While returning from Manali, book a bus etc not before 6 pm on Day 6 or later.
• In case Chandratal road doesn’t open by the time of your trip, we will visit Kunzum La viewpoint which marks the border between Spiti and Lahaul. Then we will return to Chhatru camp.

Reaching Vashisht, Manali (The trek base):

Our trek base is Vashisht, 3 Km uphill from Manali. Either you can take an auto rickshaw or walk around an hour to reach Vashisht. This is where the famous Vashisht temple and hot water spring inside it.

Manali is well connected by road from Delhi and Chandigarh. There are a handful of buses, ranging from regular, luxury and Volvo operated by both Govt. and private agencies from New Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali.

1) From Delhi (Kashmiri Gate ISBT) the Volvo and regular buses start in the afternoon and evening. It takes up to 15 hours to cover the distance of 560 Km. HP Government transport operated HRTC (For online availability check here) and Tourism Department HPTDC operated busses are reliable and usually run on time. There are privately operated bus services also having different pick up points in Delhi.

2) From Chandigarh (ISBT Sector 43) there are regular bus services for Manali, starting early morning till 6 am. It may take around 10/12 hrs depending upon the road conditions. Distance around 320 Km.

3) While returning one can take overnight bus from Manali which again reaches Delhi in 13/14 hours. Normally the last Volvo service (both Govt. and Private) is around 6:30 pm. The last regular bus by  Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) starts from Manali at 9:30 p.m.