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The Himalayas Calling
The Himalayas Calling
A line of trekkers crossing a snowfield below a rock tower
  • Himachal
  • 6 days
  • Moderate

Hampta Pass and Chandratal

Overview

A short, dramatic crossing from the green Kullu valley into the bare desert of Lahaul over Hampta Pass, finishing with a drive to Chandratal lake. Good for first-time trekkers who are reasonably fit.

  • Green Kullu on one side of the pass, barren Lahaul on the other
  • Camps beside the Rani Nallah river
  • The view from Hampta Pass
  • A visit to Chandratal lake

Day by day

Where you sleepHighest night 3,650 m
  1. Night 1: Manali, 2,050 m
  2. Night 2: Chika camp, 3,100 m
  3. Night 3: Balu ka Ghera camp, 3,600 m
  4. Night 4: Shea Goru camp, 3,650 m
  5. Night 5: Chhatru camp, 3,300 m
  1. 1

    Day 1: Arrive in Manali

    Meet the team, check your gear and join the trek briefing.

    • Night in Manali, 2,050 m
  2. 2

    Day 2: To Chika

    Drive to Jobra and walk through forest to the meadow at Chika.

    • Night in Chika camp, 3,100 m
    • 16 km drive, 3 km on foot
  3. 3

    Day 3: To Balu ka Ghera

    Follow the Rani Nallah river up the valley, crossing streams on the way.

    • Night in Balu ka Ghera camp, 3,600 m
    • 9 km
  4. 4

    Day 4: Over Hampta Pass

    A steep climb to the pass, then down into Lahaul to camp at Shea Goru.

    • Night in Shea Goru camp, 3,650 m
    • Highest point 4,270 m
    • 8 km, 7 to 9 hours
  5. 5

    Day 5: Chhatru and Chandratal

    Walk down to Chhatru, then drive to Chandratal lake and back.

    • Night in Chhatru camp, 3,300 m
    • Highest point 4,300 m
    • 7 km on foot, 90 km drive
  6. 6

    Day 6: Back to Manali

    Through the Atal Tunnel to Manali.

    • 65 km

What the price covers

Included

  • Certified trek leader and local guides
  • All meals on the trek, cooked fresh by our kitchen team
  • Twin-share tents, sleeping bags and mats
  • Guesthouse nights before and after the trek
  • Mules or porters for the common gear
  • First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and oxygen with the group
  • Forest and trekking permits
  • Transfers listed in the itinerary

Not included

  • Travel to the start and from the end
  • Carrying your personal backpack (offloading on request)
  • Travel insurance and evacuation costs
  • Extra nights caused by weather or road closures
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • 5% GST

Good to know

Permits

Forest department trekking permits and the Chandratal entry fee are included. No other permits are needed.

  • You should be able to jog 5 km in under 40 minutes. Start preparing a month ahead.
  • River crossings on day 3 are knee-deep by afternoon, so your trek leader times them for the morning.
  • There is no mobile signal from day 2 until Chhatru.
  • The trek opens in mid-June, once the snow on the pass softens.

Questions travellers ask

Is Hampta Pass good for beginners?

Yes, for fit beginners. The trek is short, but the pass day is long and steep, so prepare with regular runs or stair climbs.

What if the road to Chandratal is closed?

We drive back to Manali a day early instead.

What is the weather like?

Days are pleasant, around 15 °C, and nights at camp fall close to freezing.

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