Hampta Pass Trek Experience – A Night Under the Stars and the Unexpected
Experiences gained during a trip are what make the enjoyment shared after returning home so worthwhile. Hampta Pass and Chandra Tal Lake are two spots often favored by adventurous travelers as part of a travel itinerary. Discover more of why embarking on this adventure will lead to unforgettable memories and how sharing those will benefit the present and future generations. The Hampta Pass trek from Manali to Spiti will provide an unforgettable experience, ideal for beginners in trekking. The scenic trail features gorgeous floral motifs that add flair and make every step an exciting journey. At 14,000 feet, the stunning Spiti desert landscape opens before your eyes as its beauty takes hold. The Hampta Pass Trek from Manali to Spiti is an incredible journey suitable for novice and seasoned trekkers alike, offering lush valleys, rivers, alpine forest, and high mountain passes as you pass from the lush Kullu valley into barren Spiti terrain.
Starting in Jobra, the journey passes through Chikka Balu Ka Ghera, Shea Goru, before culminating at 14,100-foot Hampta Pass with exciting rivers to tackle and an arduous climb up an arduous climb to 14,100 feet Hampta Pass before ending back at Jobra at Jobra – perfect. Campsites along the route boast breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountains, offering camping under the stars at night. At its heart lies Chandratal Lake (commonly referred to as Moon Lake). A visit here adds an unforgettable flair to this trek. Trekking is best enjoyed during June to September when paths are open and the scenery is at its most captivating. Trekrs come away from such adventures with unforgettable memories and strong connections to nature that inspire future treks through the Himalayas.
What Makes This Trek Special
Hampta Pass is not only beautiful, but it is an uncommon sight. Rising from Kullu Valley and offering views across to long stretches of deserted beauty, there is an enormous difference in scenery when taking this trek. Experience alpine forest trails lined with massive rock formations and diverse flora and fauna to reach Moon Lake, one of the mythicized landmarks of nature. This trek not only gives breathtaking views of Lahaul’s lush vegetation and cool deserts, but also of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges – plus provides insights into life at these high-altitude marvels! That is the essence of the travel experience.
What can we expect on this Path?
Trek route
The Hampta Pass trek route forms a loop starting in Jobra (2743 metres) and ending at Chikka (3048 meters). Day one involves an easy trek lasting just two hours, with a 3km distance covered.
As you walk through a dense woodland area dominated by tall oak and maple trees, eventually leading into an expansive scenic valley where the serene Rani Nallah River waters flow lazily on your left.
On Day two of our trip, we begin a five-kilometer trek from Chikka towards Balu Ka Gehra at an elevation of 3600 m. The trek typically takes seven to eight hours with a gradual ascent through treacherous terrain made more treacherous by frequent rainfall in the region, followed by a river crossing at 2.5 kilometers along our trail – its crossing usually being the greatest challenge along this stretch.
Chikka: Begin your trek at Hampta Dam and head towards Chikka, close to Manali, for an overnight stop before spending another full day exploring Manali base camp.
River Crossings
The Hampta Pass Trek isn’t all about panoramic views–it’s also an adrenaline rush when crossing rivers or high passes. On Day 3, you’ll experience an exhilarating high pass crossing at 14,100 feet as you traverse Hampta Pass with breathtaking panoramic views across both Kullu and Spiti valleys. Wading across frozen rivers may require using ropes! Additionally, remote and scenic campsites such as Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, as well as Shea Goru offer an unparalleled Himalayan adventure experience. If you enjoy the challenge of crossing mountains and rivers, this trek promises to be an incredible journey.
Balu Ka Ghera: Just below Hampta Pass lies this area known as Balu Ka Ghera – an exquisite campsite to camp out at! You’ll love its picturesque locale alongside an aqueduct; simply marvel at its surroundings Dhauladhar ranges and the outer Himalayan mountains!
Hampta Pass via Shia Goru: From Balu ka Ghera it is possible to trek further uphill towards Hampta Pass (4270 m). From here enjoy panoramic views over Lahaul valley as you trek along this mountain path and witness firsthand how drastically the terrain changes along your trek – before returning back downhill towards Shia Goru for an opulent star-studded night of luxury sleeping under the stars.
Chatru is located adjacent to Chandra Tal Lake – both are accessible by public transit from Chatru.
Chandratal Lake or “Moon Lake” makes the ideal addition to any Hampta Pass Trek itinerary.
Chandra Taal (Moon Lake) is the crowning glory of Hampta Pass and truly stands as an eye-catcher with its glacial lake at high altitude, situated directly atop it. According to legend, Yudhisthra was elevated into heaven here. To stand by its side and view its reflection in admiration is nothing short of divine.
On your final day of trekking, before making your descent, take time out to visit Chandratal Lake. Begin early in the day, passing through Pir Panjal ranges before reaching Chandratal. From there, head back towards Chatru – an area which joins Spiti valley Rohtang Pass and Hampta Pass – for an overnight stay.
Which is the best time and date to visit Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake?
Hampta Pass offers visitors the ideal setting to plan an enjoyable escape and experience an enjoyable week from June until the end of September. Most visitors arrive during June or the subsequent month; then, covered with snowy scenery, it provides breathtaking panoramas. Hampta Pass marks the beginning of your Himachal Pradesh adventure. Hampta Pass in Himachal Pradesh is a popular trek for beginners with some trekking experience, offering spectacular mountain vistas as well as vibrant foliage and wildflowers to admire along the route. Trekkers delight in experiencing Himachal’s stunning Himalayan terrain. If you have visited Hampta Pass before, it will always remain a trip you remember fondly and look forward to revisiting. Many trekkers often continue exploring Himachal Pradesh after exploring Hampta Pass – so chances are high that your trek through nature won’t end here.
Share this article
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
