Hampta Pass Trek Guide: Route Map, Distance, Weather and How to Reach
Category: Travel | Updated On: October 13, 2026 | Published: October 13, 2026
Hampta Pass (also spelt Hamta Pass) is a 14,100 ft (about 4,300 m) pass in the Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh that links the green Kullu valley near Manali with the bare Chandra valley of Lahaul. The trek starts at Jobra, 22 km from Manali, takes 4 days on foot (about 30 km on our route) and ends at Chhatru on the Manali–Kaza road, with an optional night at Chandratal Lake. It is rated moderate and is open from mid-June to October.
This guide covers the route, map, campsite altitudes, distances, weather by month, how to reach and whether to go solo. For prices and dates, see our Hampta Pass trek package.
- Hampta Pass Trek: Quick Facts
- Hampta Pass Trek Route Map
- Route, Campsites and Altitudes
- Hampta Pass Distance from Manali
- How to Reach Hampta Pass
- Hampta Pass Weather by Month
- Difficulty and Fitness
- Can You Do the Hampta Pass Trek Solo?
- Chandratal Lake After Hampta Pass
- What to Pack
- Hampta Pass Trek FAQs
- Book the Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta Pass Trek: Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
| Location | Pir Panjal range, between Kullu district and Lahaul & Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh |
| Highest point | Hampta Pass, 14,100 ft (about 4,300 m) |
| Start and end | Jobra (22 km from Manali) to Chhatru (Manali–Kaza road) |
| Trek distance | About 30 km on foot on our route; many sources quote 24–26 km |
| Duration | 5 days from Manali, including a drive to Chandratal and back to Manali |
| Difficulty | Moderate; fit beginners can do it with a trek leader |
| Season | Mid-June to October; closed by snow from November to May |
| Temperature in season | About 7–14°C by day and -2 to 4°C at night |
| Permit | Forest entry permit, issued at the forest check post |
| Mobile network | Very weak beyond Jobra |
Hampta Pass Trek Route Map
The route crosses from south to north: up the Hampta valley from Jobra, over the pass, and down to the Chandra river at Chhatru. Most groups then drive to Chandratal and return to Manali through the Atal Tunnel.
Route, Campsites and Altitudes
| Day | Route | Altitude (approx.) | Distance |
| 1 | Manali → Jobra (drive), Jobra → Chika | about 9,800 ft → 10,100 ft | 22 km drive + 5 km trek |
| 2 | Chika → Balu Ka Ghera | about 11,900 ft | 8 km trek |
| 3 | Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru | 14,100 ft → about 12,900 ft | 12 km trek |
| 4 | Shea Goru → Chhatru → Chandratal | about 10,800 ft → about 14,100 ft | 5 km trek + 48 km drive |
| 5 | Chandratal → Manali via Atal Tunnel | about 6,700 ft (Manali) | 111 km drive |
Altitudes are approximate and vary a little between sources.
What each day looks like
- Jobra to Chika: a short walk through maple and pine forest to a riverside meadow camp.
- Chika to Balu Ka Ghera: open meadows and the Rani Nallah stream crossings, with views of Indrasan and Deo Tibba from camp.
- Over the pass: the longest day, over rocky moraine and snow patches to the top, then a steep descent into Lahaul to Shea Goru.
- Down to Chhatru: a short descent to the Chandra river, then the drive past Batal to Chandratal.
Hampta Pass Distance from Manali
- Manali to Jobra (trailhead): 22 km by road via Prini, about an hour’s drive.
- Jobra to Hampta Pass: reached on the third day of walking, after the Chika and Balu Ka Ghera camps.
- Chhatru back to Manali: about 63 km through the Atal Tunnel; from Chandratal it is about 111 km.
How to Reach Hampta Pass
Every Hampta Pass trek starts in Manali.
- By bus: overnight Volvo buses run from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) and Chandigarh to Manali.
- By air: the nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu–Manali), about 50 km from Manali.
- By train: the nearest railway stations are Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge) and Chandigarh (about 310 km from Manali); continue by bus or taxi.
- From Manali: taxis go to Jobra; our Hampta Pass trek package includes the transfer.
Hampta Pass Weather by Month
| Month | What to expect |
| June | Snow near the pass and on the upper meadows; cold nights. A good month for snow on the crossing. |
| July – August | Monsoon: the Kullu side is green and rainy and the streams run full in the afternoon; the Lahaul side lies in a rain shadow and stays drier. |
| September | Clear skies and the best views of the season. |
| October | Cold and clear; snow can start late in the month. |
| November – May | Winter: heavy snow closes the pass. |
In season, expect about 7–14°C by day and -2 to 4°C at night at the campsites; it is colder on the pass and at Chandratal. For a winter alternative, see our winter treks in India.
Difficulty and Fitness
Hampta Pass is a moderate trek. The hardest part is Day 3: a long climb to 14,100 ft and a steep, rocky descent to Shea Goru, often over snow in June. Start training 4–6 weeks before; see how to get fit for a high-altitude trek.
Can You Do the Hampta Pass Trek Solo?
Experienced trekkers do cross Hampta Pass on their own, but most people go with a guided group. On your own you must:
- Get the forest entry permit and carry your own tent, stove and food
- Find the route over the pass, which is often under snow in June
- Cross glacial streams safely, best done in the morning when water is lower
- Arrange your own transport from Chhatru, which has no regular taxi stand
A guided group handles permits, camps, meals and transport, and carries a first-aid kit and oxygen. Read our trekking safety guidelines either way.
Chandratal Lake After Hampta Pass
Chandratal (about 14,100 ft) is a crescent-shaped lake in Lahaul & Spiti, about 48 km from Chhatru by a rough road past Batal. Camps are set up a short walk from the lake, not on its shore. The entry fee is about ₹300 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners.
What to Pack
- 40–50 litre backpack with a rain cover
- Waterproof trekking shoes and a trekking pole
- Thermal layers, a fleece and a down jacket
- Rain jacket, gloves, woollen cap and socks
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, a head torch and a power bank (there is no electricity at the camps)
- ID proof and personal medicines
Hampta Pass Trek FAQs
1) Where is Hampta Pass located?
Hampta Pass is in the Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh, between Kullu district and Lahaul & Spiti district. The trek starts at Jobra near Manali and ends at Chhatru on the Manali–Kaza road.
2) What is the height of Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass is about 14,100 ft (around 4,300 m) high. Different sources give 4,270–4,300 m.
3) How far is Hampta Pass from Manali?
The trailhead at Jobra is 22 km from Manali by road. From Jobra, you reach Hampta Pass on the third day of walking, after camping at Chika and Balu Ka Ghera.
4) Which is the nearest railway station to Hampta Pass?
The nearest railway stations are Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge) and Chandigarh, about 310 km from Manali. Most trekkers take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh instead.
5) What is the temperature at Hampta Pass in June?
In June, expect about 7–14°C by day and -2 to 4°C at night at the campsites, with snow near the pass. It is colder at the top and in bad weather.
6) Is Hampta Pass open in October?
Early October is usually open, cold and clear. Snow can start late in October, and the pass is closed by snow from November to May.
7) Can I do the Hampta Pass trek solo?
Experienced trekkers can, but you need a forest permit, your own camping gear, route-finding over snow and transport back from Chhatru. Most first-timers go with a guided group.
8) How much does a Hampta Pass trek cost?
With Manchala Mushafir, the Hampta Pass trek costs ₹7,500 per person from Manali (₹6,600 for groups of 16 or more) and ₹10,150 from Delhi with the Volvo bus, plus 5% GST.
Book the Hampta Pass Trek
Ready to go? Book the Hampta Pass trek package: 5 days from Manali with camps, meals, permits, a trek leader and a night near Chandratal. Also see the best treks in India and Himachal vs Uttarakhand treks.
