Hampta Pass Trek Guide 2024: Highlights, Best Time, and Itinerary

Himachal Pradesh is legendary for diversity of landscapes it traipses. That’s how it’s one of the most toured states in India. There are forests, Glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, plains and stretches of ice formed from the snow. The mountains of states are used for many adventure sports. Himachal villages dot the cliffs and are an extraordinary highlight for tracking journey. 

Some of the famous trekking spots of Himachal Mountains are; Hampta Pass trek, Dhaulandhar (Triund Glacier)trek, Parvati valley trek, Bhabha pass trek, Sari Pass trek, Beas Kund trek, trek to Chamba and Pin Parvati, Kakeri lake trek etc.

Keypoints for Hampta Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek Gallery

Where is Hampta Pass Trek?

Hampta Pass located in Himachal and is a perfect trekking paradise for every adventure. The trekking route of Hampta Pass covers over the mountains through the Manali region and ends at Chatru near Chandratal. Walker experiences the incredible views of snow clad mountains decorated with rippling ridges and infinite stretch of greenery covered by mist.

Hampta pass lies in the Peer Panjal range in the Himalayas. It is a small link between Lahaul’s  Chandra valley and Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The name Hamta Pass Trek is derived from *Hamta Village* located below Sethan Village as a part of Trek route.

Best Time to Visit Hampta Pass Trek?

The best time to visit Hampta Pass is from mid-June to October. Trekkers can experience some snow during the months of May-June or September-October, and while August is the sunniest month  until it starts raining . Snow is there in early days of the season and then it melts down completely by August. Rain is expected during the monsoons in Kullu-Manali valley but  the sun will remain bright as usual.

The temperature is likely to remain between 12 and 20 °C during the day, while at night  temperature at the highest would be between -2 to 6 °C. In the latter part of the trekking season (Sep – mid-Oct) a bit of snowfall can also be expected. The temperatures during the day will remain between 12-18 °C and at evenings will start getting cold with temperature dropping down from 4 to -6°C.

• May- May is when you can still experience a lot of snow on your way along the Hampta pass trek. Temperatures remain between -4 degrees Celsius to 0 degrees Celsius at night, while during the day it is still quite a cold temperature remains between  8 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius. Loose rocks, landslides, and otherwise chilling weather definitely pose an existential threat if you choose to be the first trekkers of the season. It’s a little bit risky.
• June-Hampta Pass Trek in June is special because of the snow. The amount of snow that you will see on Hampta Pass will make you feel that you are trekking in the Arctic.Mid-June is the best time to do the Hampta Pass Tracking if you want to experience snow – and see snow in its various tinge. It is special because it is highlighted by the narrow valley of the Hampta Pass. The Hampta Pass trek in June is one of the best times to do this track.
• Sep -If you are one of those trekkers who are not that much into snow and ice but prefer a greener, rain-washed atmosphere on the trail, September will be the perfect month for you to complete this track. Towards the middle and end of September, monsoon almost goes away, leaving the region covered in a fresh new rebuke of green.
• Oct- The sun shines bright during the daytime, but at night temperature falls between 5 degrees Celsius -7 degrees Celsius regularly. But the second half of the month is particularly crafty, as the paths get narrower due to snowfall and roads begin to close for winter, especially the return path through Rohtang Pass is closed during this. Temperature can fall under zero as well.

Also, avoid Winter as the temperature is quite low and not suitable for trekking as you can face many dangers on the way. 

Highlight for Hampta Pass Trek

How To Reach Hampta Pass Trek? 

By Air

The Kullu Manali airport at Bhuntar Town (about 50 km from Manali and 10 km Kullu town) is the nearest airport for Hampta Pass. Indian Airlines and some private airlines have regular set off flights to the airport. Chandigarh is the nearest International airport.

By Rail

Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station (166 km from Manali). The other suited railheads are at  Pathankot and Chandigarh.

By Road

Manali is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular buses and taxis are available between these stations.

Itinerary for Hampta Pass Trek

Day 1: Manali To Chika Via Jobra

Altitude:- Jobra 9,800ft to Chika 10,100ft. 2-hour drive to Jobra from Manali 2km, 45 minutes trek from Jobra to Chika Enough water is available through the trail. It’s easy to Moderate trail.

Day 2: Chika to Balu ka Ghera

Altitude:- 10,100ft to 11,900ft 8.5Km, 6hr trek Moderate trail, gradual ascent Enough water is available on the way. River crossing, boulder walk and colourful tiny flowers on the way are experienced.

Day3: Balu ka Ghera to Siagoru, Crossing (Hampta Pass)

Altitude:- 11,900ft to 14,100ft (Hampta Pass) to 12,900ft 7 km, 10hr trek There will be no water point available on the way. (It will depend on the snow condition) First 1 hour is gradual ascent then steep ascent till the pass, enjoy the view of Indrasan peak. Around 2 hours of steep descent and 1 hour of flat walk from the Pass to camp sight It’s one of the coldest places of the trek.

Read more: Kafni Glacier Trek

Day 4: Siagoru to Chatru drive to Chandratal

Altitude:- 12,900ft to 11,000ft 7Km, 5hr trek Gradual descent on the moraine. Start early in the morning There only 2 to 3 water sources of water on the way. Drive to Chandratal and back to campsite, either on day 4 or day 5 ( (it will depend on road and weather conditions)

Day 5: Chatru to Manali via Rothang Pass

85km drive Time taken 4-6 hour Rothang pass road is a quiet busy route; driving time may increase due to of heavy traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Hampta Pass Trek