Hampta Pass Trek Itinerary: Day-by-Day Route, Camps & Distance 

Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most spectacular crossover treks of the Indian Himalayas. With its lush green valleys of Kullu connected to the desolate desert valley of Spiti, it offers ever-changing scenery, making it feel like two entirely different worlds squeezed into one trip.

Be it dense forest, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, or passes, there is always something new waiting for you along this trekking route. Irrespective of whether you are a beginner trekker or a seasoned mountain lover, getting familiar with the Hampta Pass Trek route and distance is a great idea, as it will help you prepare well for your trip.

This article covers the entire route of the Hampta Pass trek on a daily basis.

Overview of the Hampta Pass Trek

The Hampta Pass Trek is located in Himachal Pradesh and typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete. The trek reaches an altitude of approximately 14,100 feet and is considered moderately difficult.

Quick Facts

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• Maximum Altitude: 14,100 ft
• Duration: 4–5 Days
• Hampta Pass Trek Distance: Approximately 25–30 km
• Best Time: June to September
• Starting Point: Jobra
• Ending Point: Chatru

The trek is famous for its dramatic landscape transitions. One moment you are walking through green valleys dotted with wildflowers, and the next, you are surrounded by barren mountains resembling the terrain of Ladakh.

Hampta Pass Trek Route

Before we get into the Hampta Pass trek itinerary, it is necessary to know how trekkers reach the trek’s starting point.

Manali

Manali is the main entry point for trekkers starting the Hampta Pass Trek. Most tourists arrive in Manali before starting the trek.

Step 1: Get to Manali

Get to Manali from your destination city by bus, cab, or by flight to Bhuntar Airport. Manali is well connected to major cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and other cities in North India.

Step 2: Drive from Manali to Jobra

After arriving in Manali, you will have to drive for about 1-2 hours to reach Jobra through Prini and Sethan Village. The journey is quite scenic.

Step 3: Trek starts and acclimatization

As soon as you reach Jobra, you can start trekking towards the Chika campsite.

From Jobra

Jobra is the first stop on the Hampta Pass trek and the start of the trek as well.

1. Arrive at Trek Point (Jobra)

Jobra is easily accessible from Manali. This is the spot where trek groups usually meet before starting their trek.

2. Begin Trek to Chika

The first part of the trek is quite an easy one comprising the meadows, river crossings, and open valleys. This part helps with acclimatizing to the difficult trek ahead.

3. Get ready for Next Day Journey

Once you reach Chika campsite, you need to settle in your tents. Gather for a trek briefing before you set off deeper into the Himalayas.

Day 1: Manali to Jobra and Trek to Chika

Distance

• Drive: 16 km
• Trek: 2 km

Altitude

• Chika: 10,100 ft

The journey starts with a trip from Manali to Jobra. This is a scenic journey through mountain villages and dense forests, culminating at the starting point of your trekking expedition.

A trek from Jobra to Chika is not a long one but certainly a rewarding experience. You will cross the wooden bridges, walk along the side of Rani Nallah stream, and traverse through meadows.

Chika campsite is situated amidst towering mountains and flowing streams.

Highlights

• Scenic drive from Manali
• First river crossings
• Beautiful alpine meadows
• Easy acclimatization walk

Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

Distance

• 6–7 km

Altitude

• Balu Ka Ghera: 11,900 ft

Day two of the Hampta Pass trek provides trekkers with even more beautiful mountain terrain.

The path runs along the river in the valley and rises through large swathes of grassland. The terrain gets progressively more difficult as altitude increases. Snow patches might be seen during the early months of the trekking season.

“Balu Ka Ghera” literally means “bed of sand,” as it refers to the sandy riverbanks where one will set up camp.

The campsite provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Highlights

• Valley scenery
• Glacial streams
• Wild flower covered meadows
• Mountain terrain

Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass and Descend to Shea Goru

Distance

• 8–9 km

Altitude

• Hampta Pass: 14,100 ft
• Shea Goru: 12,900 ft

The most exhilarating yet difficult day of the Hampta Pass trek.

The trek starts early on this day, and it progressively increases in difficulty. The ascent towards Hampta Pass is beautiful but strenuous. Depending on the season, one might find snowfields or rocky stretches on the trail.

From the pass, one of the finest transitions in the Himalayas can be observed: the Kullu valley in the rear and barren Spiti ahead.

After enjoying some time at Hampta Pass, the trek continues toward Shea Goru.

The descent is steep, yet the view is exhilarating.

Highlights

•   Cross Hampta Pass
•   Views of the great Himalayan range
•   The transition from Kullu to Spiti
•   Snowy trails

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru

Distance

• 6 km

Altitude

• Chatru: 11,000 ft

The walk from Shea Goru to Chatru is a steady descent through river valleys and over rocky terrain.

Now the trekkers experience the distinct terrains of Spiti. The mountains here are dry and rough, in contrast to the land previously seen.

Chatru is the final stop on this journey. Many trekkers stay here for a while.

Highlight

• Trekking along the riverside
• Seeing the Spiti Valley areas
• Comfortable walking
• Reaching this trek’s end

Optional Excursion: Chandratal Lake

Distance from Chatru

• Approximately 70 km by road

Chandratal Lake is among the most popular highlights of the Hampta Pass Trek.

If it is safe to travel, trekkers often embark on the journey to this marvelous high-altitude lake upon reaching Chatru.

Also known as “Moon Lake,” Chandratal Lake is cherished for its sparkling aquamarine waters.

The lake ends the trek on a magnificent note.

Highlights

• Stunning alpine lake
• Incredible photography opportunities
• One of Himachal Pradesh’s most iconic attractions

Total Hampta Pass Trek Distance

The total Hampta Pass Trek distance varies slightly depending on the itinerary and campsite locations.

Approximate Distance Breakedown

Section	Distance
Jobra to Chika	2 km
Chika to Balu Ka Ghera	6–7 km
Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass	8–9 km
Shea Goru to Chatru	6 km

Total Hampta Pass Trek Distance: Approximately 25–30 km

The trek is designed to be completed comfortably over four days, allowing trekkers sufficient time for acclimatization and photography.

Hampta Pass Trek Cost

The price of the Hampta Pass Trek will depend on the agency, the services offered, and the season.

Standard Price Ranges

• Budget Packages: ₹6,000–₹8,000
• Standard Packages: ₹8,000–₹12,000
• Premium Packages: ₹12,000–₹18,000+

Typically, most trekking packages will cover:

• Accommodation at camps
• Meals throughout the trek
• Trained trekking leaders
• Equipment for camping
• Safety gear
• Transport from Manali to Jobra and Chatru to Manali

Hampta Pass Trek prices may increase if a Chandratal Lake excursion is included.

Best Time for the Hampta Pass Trek

The ideal trekking season runs from June through September.

June

• Snow-covered trails
• Spectacular mountain views

July and August

• Green meadows
• Blooming wildflowers
• Pleasant temperatures

September

• Clear skies
• Stable weather
• Excellent photography conditions

Each month offers a unique experience, making the Hampta Pass Trek one of the most versatile Himalayan adventures.

Final Thoughts

Taking the Himalayan trek known as Hampta Pass is more than hiking—it is immersing oneself in two unique worlds of the Himalayas. You would move from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the deserted stretches of Spiti, discovering something new at every step of the way, from beautiful scenery to distinct cultural perspectives.

Planning a good itinerary for Hampta Pass will ensure a successful and safe experience. Offering a moderate trekking distance and beautiful campsites in the heart of nature, Hampta Pass can be regarded as one of the greatest high-altitude adventures in India.

Whether it is your first trek or you are looking for a new challenge, don’t forget that you always have to include Hampta Pass in your must-see list.

FAQs About Hampta Pass Trek

What is the best time for Hampta Pass Trek?

The best season is from mid-June to September.

What is the total trekking distance of Hampta pass trek?

The trek covers around 25–30 km depending on the itinerary.

Where is Hampta Pass located?

Hampta Pass is located in Himachal Pradesh and connects the Kullu Valley near Manali with the Lahaul-Spiti region.

What makes this trek unique?

The dramatic change from lush green valleys to barren Spiti landscapes makes it unique.

How difficult is the Hampta Pass Trek?

It is moderately difficult with steep ascents and descents.