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Gozy Trips

Himachal Pradesh trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Green Kullu on one side, stark Lahaul on the other

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Hampta Pass is a moderate crossover trek near Manali that climbs to about 14,065 ft and drops from the green Kullu valley into the dry, high-altitude Lahaul side. Plan about 5 days from Manali, between June and early October, and add Chandratal lake if the road is open.

Max altitude
About 14,065 ft (4,287 m)
Duration
5 days from Manali, often 6 with a Chandratal add-on
Difficulty
Moderate
Best time
June to early October
Base
Jobra, a short drive from Manali
Getting there
Manali, reached by overnight bus from Delhi or via Bhuntar (Kullu) airport
Hampta Pass trek: Hampta Pass Himachal Pradesh India

Hampta Pass trek: Hampta Pass Himachal Pradesh India

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Why people pick Hampta Pass

  • One of the most dramatic landscape changes on any Indian trek
  • River crossings and meadow camps in Hampta valley
  • Option to visit Chandratal lake on the Lahaul side

Route, day by day

The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.

Short drive up the Hamta road, then a gentle walk to the first meadow.
Follow the river through open meadows to a higher camp.
A climb to the camp below the pass.
The big day, over the pass and a steep descent into Lahaul.
Walk out to the road, then Chandratal or the drive back to Manali.

Fitness

Moderate. Expect one long pass day and river crossings, prior hiking experience helps.

What to carry

  • Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
  • Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
  • Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Two water bottles
  • Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
  • Original photo ID

Safety and altitude

  • Climbing too fast is the main cause of altitude sickness. Keep the acclimatisation day the route plan includes.
  • A headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual breathlessness above about 2,500 m are warning signs. Stop going higher, and descend if they get worse.
  • Summit timings depend on the weather. Turning back on a bad day is a normal mountain decision, not a failed trek.
  • Mention asthma, blood pressure, heart conditions or recent illness in your brief, and check with a doctor before a high-altitude trek.
  • Ask your written quote who leads the group, what first aid and oxygen is carried, and what happens if someone cannot continue.

Before you book

Snow at the pass lingers into June and early season crossings depend on conditions. The Chandratal road opens seasonally.

Hampta Pass questions

Both start near Manali. Bhrigu Lake is shorter and returns the same way. Hampta Pass takes a day longer but crosses into a completely different landscape, which is why most people pick it if they have the time.
July and August are possible because Lahaul sits in a rain shadow, but the Kullu side is wet and river crossings run higher. Go with an operator who monitors conditions.

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