Overview
At an impressive height of 14,000 feet, the Hampta Pass in Himachal Pradesh offers one of the most dramatic and unique pass crossings in the Himalayas. On one side, you’re greeted by the lush green valleys of Kullu, where dense forests, expansive grasslands, and colourful wildflowers paint the trail in vibrant hues. The other side, however, reveals a stark contrast: the barren, arid landscape of Lahaul, where rugged mountains dominate the view and vegetation is nearly non-existent.
Why You'll Love This Trek
Trail Highlights
- Dramatic shift from green valley to desert landscape
- Panoramic views from Hampta Pass at 14,100 ft
- Optional extension to Chandratal Lake
- Views of Deo Tibba and Mt. Indrasen
- Wildflower meadows in peak monsoon season
- Riverside campsites at Balu Ka Ghera and Shea Goru
What Makes This Trek Special
A crossover trek like no other, lush Kullu meadows on one side, the barren beauty of Spiti on the other, and a dramatic pass crossing that connects the two worlds in a single, unforgettable day.
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The Hampta Pass Trek is in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The trek spans the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, connecting two contrasting valleys: the lush, green Kullu Valley and the arid, barren Spiti Valley.
The starting point of the trek is the village of Jobra, near Manali, which traverses scenic landscapes, forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys, ultimately reaching Chatru in the Spiti region.
Standing at the top of the Hampta Pass, you can witness two drastically different worlds. The lush greenery of Kullu quickly transforms into the desolate beauty of Spiti Valley, known for its rocky terrain and sweeping desert-like stretches. This transition happens almost instantly, making the trek an unforgettable experience.
The landscape is often compared to Himachal’s Valley of Flowers, thanks to the breathtakingly green valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. But Hampta Pass offers something extra: a journey into the otherworldly Spiti Valley, with its vast barren lands and deep blue skies. The contrast between the two regions is nothing short of mesmerizing, and this switch from lush to stark makes the trek so thrilling.
The approach to the Hampta pass itself is more or less an adventure. A certain excitement will come about in the trekkers since the steep angles mean that one can see the peak from a distance, enticing them until they are finally there. The Hampta Pass isn’t only about the views, which is excellent; it’s about moving over from one outlook to another into a rewarding adventure that comes with crossing over the pass and building tension before you get to the other side of the pass.
Route Map
Trailhead Weather
7-day forecastLive conditions at the trailhead. Plan around the forecast — mountain weather shifts fast.
Itinerary 6 Days
Day 1Manali to Jobra
Your trek begins with a scenic drive from Manali to the Jobra roadhead, followed by a short walk through mixed pine, maple, and birch forest to your first campsite — a good spot to start settling into the altitude.
Day 2Jobra to Jwara
A relatively easy walk along the Rani Nallah through open meadows, with grazing cows and sheep for company. The trail climbs gently over boulders past rhododendron thickets before reaching Jwara, tucked between rocky valley walls.
Day 3Jwara to Balu Ka Ghera
The trail opens into a valley scattered with wildflowers, purples, yellows, and pinks carpeting the ground alongside the river. The final stretch involves some rock-hopping before reaching Balu Ka Ghera, a flat, sandy campsite with views of Hanuman Tibba at sunset.
Day 4Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
The toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. A steady climb leads to the top of Hampta Pass, with sweeping views on both sides, lush Kullu behind you, barren Lahaul ahead. The descent is steep and can be snowy, eventually levelling out into the valley at Shea Goru.
Day 5Shea Goru to Chhatru
A descent through moraine and loose rock, with a few glacial stream crossings along the way. The trail runs close to the Chandra River before reaching Chhatru, known for its scenic riverside campsites.
Day 6Chhatru to Manali (optional Chandratal excursion)
The return journey takes you back to Manali via Rohtang Pass. If road conditions allow, most trekkers add on a visit to Chandratal Lake before heading back — a fitting finale to the trek.
Best Time to Visit
Things to Carry
- Waterproof trekking shoes with ankle support
- Hike sandals/floaters (also useful for river crossings)
- 3–4 pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks
- Synthetic base-layer T-shirts, fleece or wool mid-layer, down/insulated outer jacket
- 2–3 pairs quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs thermals
- Waterproof poncho or rain jacket + backpack rain cover
- Warm gloves (plus a spare pair)
- Headlamp with spare batteries, sunglasses with UV protection, warm cap/buff/balaclava
- Trekking poles
- 1L refillable water bottle
- Personal first-aid kit: antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relief, ORS, Diamox (as advised)
- Power bank, waterproof bag for electronics
- Sunscreen, lip balm, quick-dry towel, toiletries
Permits & Fees
Safety Tips
- Cross streams one at a time - the wooden log bridges near Jwara are narrow, and a slip can pull others down with you.
- Respect the altitude - the trek climbs to 14,000 ft fast, so pace yourself, stay hydrated, and tell your trek leader immediately if you feel a headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue coming on.
- Take the pass descent seriously - the switchbacks off Hampta Pass get slippery with loose rock and snow, so use microspikes when advised and avoid loosening any stones onto trekkers below you.
- Form a human chain for glacial crossings - the streams before Chhatru run ice-cold, especially in August–September, so link arms with fellow trekkers and keep moving once you're in the water.
- Check the weather before setting out - conditions can flip quickly between June's lingering snow and July–August's monsoon rain, so dress in layers and carry rain gear regardless of the forecast.
- Share your plan with someone back home - mobile network mostly disappears after Jobra, so let a friend or family member know your route and expected timings in advance.
- Know your emergency exits — before the pass, the way out is back to Jobra and Manali; after crossing, it's forward to Chhatru and then via Rohtang Pass — plan accordingly if something goes wrong.
- Pack the essentials - first-aid kit, headlamp, power bank, and emergency contact numbers saved offline, since charging points and network are unreliable for most of the trek.
Reviews 2 Reviews
Write a ReviewWonderful trek to do!
Absolutely stunning with amazing mountain views
