Hampta Pass Trek

Manali Sissu Tour – Himachal’s Hidden Gem Awaits!

Day 1: Manali to Jobra, Trek to Chika Camp

• Drive 22 km from Manali to Jobra.

• Trek 3 km to Chika Camp (3,078m).

• Stay overnight in tents

Day 2: Chika Camp to Balu Ka Ghera

• • Trek 8 km (4–5 hours).

  • Reach Balu Ka Ghera (3,783m).

  • Stay overnight in tents

Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

• • • • Trek 12 km (6–7 hours).

      • Cross Hampta Pass (4,310m).

      • Descend to Shea Goru Camp (3,735m).

      • Stay overnight in tents

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chhatru, Drive to Chandratal

• • • • • Trek 5 km to Chhatru.

        • Drive to Chandratal Lake (4,300m).

• Return to Chhatru for overnight stay

Day 5: Chhatru to Manali

• Drive back to Manali, completing the trek

Day 1: Manali to Jobra, Trek to Chika Camp

Drive from Manali to Jobra. This is where the journey starts. Spend a few hours strolling through a forest of pine and maple. Before setting up camp at Chika, cross a wooden bridge and stroll beside a stream.

Day 2: Chika Camp to Balu Ka Ghera

Cross rivers, pass through meadows, and enter a broader valley. This is a longer stretch, lasting roughly five to six hours. The altitude will be somewhat more apparent to you.

Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

The biggest day is today. steep climb to Hampta Pass, followed by a descent over rocky and snowy terrain. At least nine hours.

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chhatru, Drive to Chandratal

The 2025 Hampta Pass Trek Full Schedule, Prices, and SecurityOn the fourth day of the Hampta Pass trek, you will drive to Chandratal Lak after trekking for five hours downhill from Shea Goru to Chhatru.

Day 5: Chhatru to Manali

• Drive back to Manali, completing the trek

How to Reach – Hampta Pass Trek (Manali Basecamp)

Getting to the starting point of the Hampta Pass Trek is quite straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Delhi, Chandigarh, or nearby northern cities. Here are all the options:

By Road (Most Convenient Option)

If you’re coming from Delhi or Chandigarh, the easiest way is to take a Volvo or deluxe bus to Manali.

• From Delhi to Manali: 12–14 hours

• From Chandigarh to Manali: 8–10 hours

Boarding Points: ISBT Kashmere Gate (Delhi), ISBT Sector 43 (Chandigarh)
Drop Point: Beas Bridge or Manali Bus Stand

Pro Tip: Always book an overnight bus so you reach Manali in the early morning. This gives you time to acclimatize and grab breakfast before heading for the trek.

By Train

Train options are limited since Manali has no railway station. Still, these are your closest options:

• Joginder Nagar Railway Station – 145 km from Manali

• Chandigarh Railway Station – 310 km from Manali

From either station, you’ll need to hire a cab or board a local bus to reach Manali. This option takes more time and is less preferred by most trekkers.

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport) – 50 km from Manali

• Connected by flights from Delhi and Chandigarh

Once you land, take a taxi or local bus to Manali. Travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Flights to Bhuntar can be infrequent and often delayed, so plan accordingly.

Hampta Pass Trek Starting Point

• Exact Location: Jungle Line Campus, Manali (operated by Trip On Himalayas or your tour operator)

• Reporting Time: 8:00 AM on Day 1

• Optional Pickup: Beas Bridge, Manali at 7:00 AM (₹1,000 per vehicle – shared basis)

If you’re traveling solo, ask your trek operator to arrange a shared cab or pickup service from your bus drop-off point.

Inclusions (What’s Covered)

• Accommodation: Campsites for all overnight stays.

• Meals: Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

• Permits & Entry Fees: All necessary trekking permissions.

• Guides & Support Staff: Professional experts assisting throughout.

• Transportation: As per the itinerary.

Exclusions (Extra Costs)

• Personal Expenses: Shopping, tips, and personal snacks.

• Food During Transit: Meals before and after the trek.

• Insurance: Not covered—recommended to arrange separately.

• Porter/Mule Charges: INR 2,500/- per mule 

• Emergency Evacuation: In case of any unforeseen situation..

Important Notes

• Luggage Handling: Personal backpacks should not exceed 11 kg; suitcases/strolleys not allowed.

• Booking Timeline: Ideal to book 2 months in advance, but 5 months recommended for good flight deals.

• Cancellation & Refund: Progressive refund policy based on cancellation date. No refunds after 10 days prior to trek start.

Let me know if you need help preparing for the trek or cost-saving tips!

Trekking Gear

1. Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
2. Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
3. Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
4. U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1
5. Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

1. Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
2. Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

1. Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2
2. Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
3. Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
4. Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
5. Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
6. Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
7. Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
8. Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
9. Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
10. Woolen cap. Qty-1
11. Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

1. Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream etc.)
2. Sun screen lotion small pack . Qty -1
3. Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

1. Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
2. Plate. Qty- 1
3. Spoon.Qty-1
4. Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

1. Camera (Optional)
2. Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
3. Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

What is the Hampta Pass Trek?

Kullu Valley and Lahaul are connected by this high-altitude crossover trek in Himachal Pradesh.

How long does the trek take?

Typically 4–5 days, depending on weather and route.

What is the best time to go?

Weather stability and melted snow from mid-June to September.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

No, but because of the steep ascents, moderate fitness is needed.

What fitness level is recommended?

Strong endurance and stamina for extended trekking.

What should I pack?

Essentials, sleeping bag, hiking shoes, and layers of clothes.

Is altitude sickness a concern?

Yes, acclimatization is essential as the hike reaches 14,100 feet.

Is mobile network available?

Limited connectivity: Higher camps might not have coverage, but Manali does.

How do I reach the base camp?

🚗 By Road (The Most Practical Choice)
The simplest way to get to Manali from Delhi or Chandigarh is by Volvo or deluxe bus.

12–14 hours from Delhi to Manali

8–10 hours from Chandigarh to Manali

🚌 Boarding Locations: ISBT Sector 43 (Chandigarh), ISBT Kashmere Gate (Delhi)
🛑 Drop Off Location: Manali Bus Stand or Beas Bridge

Pro Tip: To get to Manali early in the morning, always reserve an overnight bus. This allows you to get acclimated and eat breakfast before starting the hike.

🚂 By Train Because Manali lacks a railway station, there are few train options. Nevertheless, these are your nearest choices:

145 kilometers from Manali is the Joginder Nagar Railway Station.

310 kilometers from Manali is the Chandigarh Railway Station.

💪 How difficult is the Hampta Pass trek?

The difficulty rating for the trek is moderate. Because of its altitude and daily walking distance, it requires a fair amount of endurance, but it is appropriate for fit beginners. Trekking over rough, occasionally steep terrain should take five to six hours each day. 

👵 I’m over 62 years old. Can I do this trek?

Yes, if your body is in good shape, age is not a barrier. Hampta Pass has been successfully traversed by hikers in their 60s. But before the trek, see a doctor and spend at least 6–8 weeks training with aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises. Altitude gain and consecutive walking days should be manageable for your body. 

🏃‍♂️ How to get fit for Hampta Pass trek?

This is a simple preparation schedule:

Cardio: At least four to five times a week, complete a 5-kilometer run, brisk walk, or cycling ride in under 40 minutes.

Add one lengthy (8–10 km) walk per week to your stamina.

Strength: Incorporate core exercises, step-ups, planks, and squats.

Breathwork: Engage in Pranayama, or deep breathing.
Six to eight weeks prior to the trek, begin.

📶 Will there be mobile phone network on the trek?

No. During the trek, there is no network coverage.

The final location with a mobile signal is Prini, which is close to Manali.

On the way back, the network starts up again close to Manali and Rohtang Pass.
Therefore, before you leave Manali, give your family a call and let them know that you will be unavailable for six days.

🏧 Where will I find ATMs on the trek?

The trek route is devoid of ATMs. Manali has the last trustworthy ATMs. Before departing for the trek, please make sure you have enough money in Manali to cover personal expenses.

⚡ Will there be electricity at the campsite(s)?

No, there is no electricity at any of the campsites; they are all off the grid. To charge your phone or camera, keep a power bank with at least 10,000 mAh with you. Some camps might have solar lamps, but they can’t be used for individual charging.

🎒 Is cloakroom facility available on the Hampta Pass trek?

Indeed. At the basecamp in Manali, Secure Travels offers a cloakroom. After the hike, you can pick up your extra luggage from this secure location. Don’t leave anything fragile or valuable behind.

🐴 Is offloading available on this trek?

Yes, we offer offloading (mule/porter) services for those who cannot carry their backpacks.

Charges: Usually ₹300–₹400 per day

Pre-booking recommended
However, try to carry your own backpack if you’re fit—it’s part of the experience.

🪙 Is there a fee for visiting Chandratal?

At the moment, Chandratal Lake is free to enter. However, depending on local regulations, parking and vehicle entry near the lake may be fee-based. Additionally, keep in mind that road and weather conditions, particularly in early June or late September, affect Chandratal’s accessibility.

💪 Fitness for Hampta Pass Trek

Why gear is less important than preparation.

Don’t undervalue Hampta Pass, even though it may appear manageable in pictures.

It involves five to six hours of walking each day, climbs to 14,100 feet, and goes through steep climbs, rocky paths, and snow patches. This trek will feel more like a punishment than an adventure if you are not at least somewhat fit.

Prior to the hike, you ought to be able to:

Run five kilometers in thirty to forty minutes OR

Climb eight floors without requiring a lengthy rest period AND

Take a comfortable 10,000+ steps each day.

🗓️ 6-Week Training Plan

Weeks 1–2: Establish a Base Walk/Jog Schedule: 4 times a week, 30–40 minutes

Climb stairs for 10 to 15 minutes every day.

To increase flexibility, incorporate stretching.

Weeks 3–4: Increase Strength: Include 3 sets of 15 squats

Planks (hold for 30 to 60 seconds)

Three sets of pushups or assisted pushups

Five to six kilometers of brisk walking at least three days a week

Weeks 5–6: Model Trek Days Once a week, go on lengthy (8–10 km) walks while carrying a full backpack.

Include core exercises like leg raises and sit-ups.

If you can, try walking uphill on stairs or flyovers while carrying a backpack.

🎯 Focus on These 4 Areas

To breathe easily at high altitude, concentrate on these four cardiac (stamina) areas.

Regularly go for a walk, jog, cycle, or climb stairs.

Strength in the legs to manage steep ascents and descents

Step-ups, lunges, and squats

Core Strength for Supporting the Backpack and Balance

Crunches, side planks, and planks

Adaptability and Recuperation
To avoid injury and stiffness

Stretch every day, paying particular attention to your hips, hamstrings, and calves.

🧘 Bonus Tip: Breathing exercises help reduce the amount of oxygen in high-altitude air. Lung efficiency can be increased by performing basic breathwork every day, such as Anulom Vilom or deep belly breathing.

Things Not to Do
Don’t assume that trekking fitness equals gym strength.

Rest days are important; your body needs time to heal.

On the first day of the trek, don’t push yourself too hard. Begin slowly.

Fitness After Fifty? Indeed, you can
People between the ages of 55 and 65 have successfully completed Hampta Pass, but they had to train diligently for 6 to 8 weeks, walk every day, and drink plenty of water.

Get your doctor’s fitness clearance if you’re over 60, and concentrate on maintaining good joint health, endurance, and hydration.