Hampta Pass Trek Guide: Difficulty, Best Time, Cost & How to Prepare
Everything you need to know before the Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh: how hard it is, when to go, how to train, what to pack and what it costs — from the team that runs it.
Why do the Hampta Pass Trek?
- One of the Himalaya's most dramatic crossings: green Kullu on one side, bare Lahaul on the other
- A Chandratal side trip when the road is open (usually June to mid-October)
- Views of Indrasan and Deo Tibba from the pass
- Small groups, so the pace suits the slowest walker
How difficult is the Hampta Pass Trek?
The Hampta Pass Trek is graded moderate, covering about 26 km on foot and reaching about 4,270 m. Expect long, steep days and real altitude — it's best for trekkers with some experience and solid fitness.
Best time for the Hampta Pass Trek
Best season: June to mid-October. See what each month is like on our treks in June page.
How to prepare for the Hampta Pass Trek
Start training 6–8 weeks before the trek. By departure you should be able to jog 5 km in under 30 minutes comfortably.
- Jog 5–7 km, four or five days a week
- Stair climbs or hill walks with an 8 kg backpack, twice a week
- Leg and core strength — squats, lunges, step-ups, planks — three days a week
- Two weekend hikes of 5–6 hours with a loaded backpack
- Break in your trekking shoes on at least three long walks before the trip
Altitude: above 3,000 m the air has noticeably less oxygen. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your trek leader early about a headache, nausea or breathlessness. Read our altitude sickness guide.
Hampta Pass Trek itinerary, day by day
- Day 1Manali briefing and acclimatisation — Arrive in Manali (about 2,050 m) by 2 pm.
- Day 2Jobra to Chika — About 20 km and 1 hour up the Prini switchbacks to the trailhead (about 3,000 m).
- Day 3Chika to Balu ka Ghera — About 8 km and 5–6 hours through wide meadows with a couple of stream crossings (the leader shows you how).
- Day 4Hampta Pass, down to Shea Goru — About 4 hours of steady climbing to Hampta Pass (about 4,270 m).
- Day 5Chatru, Chandratal, back to Manali — About 7 km and 3–4 hours down to the road at Chatru.
Hampta Pass Trek packing list
- ✓Trekking shoes with ankle support and a deep grip, broken in before the trip
- ✓40–60 L backpack with a rain cover, plus a small daypack if you offload
- ✓Three warm layers (fleece + padded/down jacket) — nights drop near or below 0 °C
- ✓Waterproof jacket or poncho and quick-dry trek pants (no jeans)
- ✓Thermal inner wear for the nights
- ✓Woollen cap, fleece gloves and 3 pairs of socks (1 woollen)
- ✓UV sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm
- ✓Two 1 L water bottles (no single-use plastic on the trail)
- ✓Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✓Trekking pole (recommended; can be hired)
- ✓Personal medicines, plus Diamox only if your doctor advises it
- ✓Government photo ID — original and one photocopy (needed for forest permits)
- ✓Medical fitness certificate signed by a doctor (we send the format)
The full checklist: Himalayan trek packing list.
How to reach the Hampta Pass Trek
Our trip starts and ends at Manali bus stand, or Bhuntar Airport with a pickup charge. Bhuntar (Kullu) airport is about 50 km away with limited flights; most travellers come by overnight bus or car from Delhi and Chandigarh (12–14 hrs and 8–9 hrs).
Hampta Pass Trek cost
Our 5-day Hampta Pass Trek costs ₹7,909 per person (usually ₹10,900).
Included
- Shared transport from Manali to the trailhead and back
- 1 night in a Manali stay (shared rooms, breakfast) and 3 nights in tents
- All meals on the trek, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Certified trek leader trained in wilderness first aid, plus a local guide, cook and support staff
- Forest-department and trek permits, camping charges
- Tents, sleeping bags, mats, dining and toilet tents
- First-aid kit, oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter — everyone is checked every morning and evening
- Vehicle from Chatru to Chandratal and back to Manali
- Microspikes and gaiters when the pass has snow
Not included
- Travel to the pickup point and back home
- Backpack offloading (available as an add-on)
- Personal trekking gear — shoes, jackets, poles (can be hired as an add-on)
- Meals on the drive days before and after the trek, unless listed
- Travel insurance
- Anything personal: tips, snacks, bottled drinks, phone charging at tea shops
- Costs from weather, landslides or road closures that force a change of plan
Hampta Pass Trek: questions trekkers ask
How difficult is the Hampta Pass Trek?
It's graded moderate, with about 26 km on foot over 5 days and a highest point of about 4,270 m. It needs good fitness, and some earlier trekking experience helps.
What is the best time for the Hampta Pass Trek?
June to mid-October.
How much does the Hampta Pass Trek cost?
Our 5-day trip starts at ₹7,909 per person, including shared transport from manali to the trailhead and back; 1 night in a manali stay; all meals on the trek, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day.
What is the maximum altitude of the Hampta Pass Trek?
About 4,270 m above sea level. Acclimatise slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your trek leader about any headache or nausea.
Can beginners do the Hampta Pass Trek?
It's not ideal as a first trek. Train for 6–8 weeks (aim to jog 5 km in under 30 minutes) and ideally do an easier trek first.
Where does the Hampta Pass Trek start?
Our trip starts and ends at Manali bus stand, or Bhuntar Airport with a pickup charge. Bhuntar (Kullu) airport is about 50 km away with limited flights; most travellers come by overnight bus or car from Delhi and Chandigarh (12–14 hrs and 8–9 hrs).
Ready for the Hampta Pass Trek?
Trek leader, permits, camps and meals handled — one enquiry, no payment until you confirm.