Manali, Kullu · Himachal
Hampta Pass
A crossover trek from green Kullu into the barren Lahaul valley, often extended to Chandratal.
Hampta Pass is a moderate trek in Manali, Kullu, Himachal, reaching 4,270 m. The best time to go is June to September. Plan 6 to 7 days on the ground from Bhuntar (Kullu) / Chandigarh and about ₹3,000 per person per day.
What to do in Hampta Pass
The one thing not to miss
The crossing
In a few hours you go from the green Kullu valley to the bare rock of Lahaul.
- 2Balu Ka GheraThe riverside camp below the pass.
- 3Shea GoruThe first camp on the Lahaul side.
- 4ChandratalMany groups drive on to the lake afterwards, when the road is open.
A sample plan: 5 days
Day 1
Manali to Jobra by road, then walk to Chika
A short first day.
Day 2
Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
Up the valley along the river.
Day 3
Over Hampta Pass to Shea Goru
The big day; start at first light.
Day 4
Shea Goru to Chhatru
Down into Lahaul. Drive to Chandratal if the road is open.
Day 5
Chhatru to Manali
Back through the Atal Tunnel.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- ❄︎Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
Two completely different landscapes in five days — the most dramatic crossover for a first high-altitude trek.
Why not
Pass day is long and the river crossings can be cold and strong in early season.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest permit, usually via the operator.
- Guide
- Operator or guide required in practice.
- Safety
- Ascend gradually; turn back if headache and nausea get worse.
- Phone & internet
- None after Jobra.
Altitude
Hampta Pass reaches 4,270 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- You arrive already high. Rest for the first two days: no long walks and no drives over high passes.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Himachal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: District emergency operation centre, Kullu, Kullu.
All emergency contacts for Himachal →What to pack for Hampta Pass
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 26 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
10 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 4,270 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest permit, usually via the operator.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone after Jobra.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Himachal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Bhuntar (Kullu) / Chandigarh.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Possible, but high ground clearance is better.
By road
From
Manali
- Distance
- about 18 km
- Drive time
- 1–1.5 hours
- Manali
- Prini
- Jobra
A steep road of many hairpins to the trailhead. The trek ends at Chhatru in Lahaul, from where you drive back through the Atal Tunnel.
Live directions from ManaliFrom
Chandigarh
- Distance
- about 290 km to Manali
- Drive time
- 7–8 hours
- Chandigarh
- Bilaspur
- Mandi
- Kullu
- Manali
Buses and shared taxis. Overnight Volvo and state buses run from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali; operators and local taxis cover the drive to the trailhead.
Pickups & drivers
From Bhuntar (Kullu) / Chandigarh. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Hampta Pass yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Hampta Pass: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Hampta Pass?
The best months for Hampta Pass are June to September. October is possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in June.
How difficult is Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass is rated moderate. The trek is about 26 km in total, starting at 3,000 m and reaching 4,270 m.
How many days do you need for Hampta Pass?
Plan 6 to 7 days on the ground, counted from Bhuntar (Kullu) / Chandigarh. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Hampta Pass cost?
Expect about ₹3,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹21,000 for 7 days, before the cost of getting to Bhuntar (Kullu) / Chandigarh.
How do you reach Hampta Pass?
By road: from Manali it is about 18 km, 1–1.5 hours (Manali → Prini → Jobra); from Chandigarh it is about 290 km to Manali, 7–8 hours (Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali). Overnight Volvo and state buses run from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali; operators and local taxis cover the drive to the trailhead. The nearest gateway is Bhuntar (Kullu) / Chandigarh.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Hampta Pass?
Permits: Forest permit, usually via the operator. Guide: Operator or guide required in practice.
Is Hampta Pass suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is moderately busy in season. Ascend gradually; turn back if headache and nausea get worse.
What should you pack for Hampta Pass?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Hampta Pass?
None after Jobra.
Will I get altitude sickness at Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass reaches 4,270 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. You arrive already high. Rest for the first two days: no long walks and no drives over high passes. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Hampta Pass?
Hampta Pass is not a good choice for first-time trekkers who are not reasonably fit, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 4,270 m. Also keep in mind: Pass day is long and the river crossings can be cold and strong in early season.
Close to Hampta Pass
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Deo Tibba Base Campabout 6 km
- Manali & Solangabout 16 km
- Bhrigu Lakeabout 17 km
- Beas Kundabout 17 km
- Chandrakhani Passabout 22 km
- Tosh & Kutlaabout 27 km
More in Kullu, Manali & Lahaul
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- Bhrigu Lake4,235 mcompare
- Chandrakhani Pass3,660 mcompare
- Deo Tibba Base Camp4,480 mcompare
- Manali & Solang3,978 mcompare
- Sissu & Lahaul3,200 mcompare