The Hampta Pass is a doorway between two worlds. On one side is the damp, green Kullu valley with deodar forests and meadows. On the other is Lahaul, a dry cold desert of brown slopes and sharp light. You can walk from one to the other in a day.
Trekkers love it because the change is so clear. Shepherds and traders have long used passes like this one to move between valleys, and following them feels like walking through the layers of the mountains.
Why the two sides look so different
The Pir Panjal range stops much of the monsoon from reaching Lahaul. The Kullu side catches the rain and stays green, while Lahaul sits in the rain shadow and stays dry and barren. You cross that line on pass day, which is why many people say the trek feels like two treks in one.
Route in five days
A drive up through hairpin bends and an easy walk through deodar, pine and birch to the Chika meadow camp, at about 9,800 ft.
About five hours across meadows and boulder trails, with a cold stream crossing, to a sandy riverbed camp at roughly 11,900 ft.
The long day. A pre-dawn start, a steep climb to the pass at about 14,100 ft, and a long descent to Shea Goru at around 12,900 ft.
A walk down the moraine and a drive to the crescent-shaped Chandratal lake before returning to Chatru. Read our Chandratal guide.
A drive back through Lahaul and the Atal Tunnel, reaching Manali by late afternoon.
What is hard
- Pass day is long. Plan for eight or more hours with a steep, loose descent.
- Cold stream crossings. Streams are freezing and rise in the afternoon. Cross as a group with your guides.
- Cold nights. Camps above 11,000 ft are cold even in summer. Pack a warm sleeping layer.
- Altitude. Go slowly, drink water and read the AMS guide.
Best season and fitness
June to September is the main window. Early season has more snow on the pass, mid-summer brings rain on the Kullu side, and September often has the clearest skies. Start training four to six weeks before the trek with steady walks, stairs and a few long hikes with a loaded pack.
What to pack
Warm layers, a waterproof shell, sturdy trekking shoes, gloves and sun protection are the core. Use our trekking packing list and the 3-layer guide to prepare.
Quick answers
- Is it suitable for beginners? Fit first-timers do it, but it is a real high-altitude crossing. See why it works as a first alpine trek.
- Where does it start and end? It starts near Jobra, close to Manali, and ends at Chatru, from where vehicles go to Chandratal and back to Manali.
- How does it compare with other treks? See Beas Kund vs Bhrigu Lake vs Hampta Pass.
Trek Hampta Pass with certified guides
Five days from Manali, including a drive to Chandratal lake.