Trip Highlights
Hampta Pass Crossing
Cross the 14,100 ft pass with dramatic landscape change from green valley to barren desert.
Chandratal Lake
Visit the crescent-shaped Moon Lake at 14,100 ft with stunning turquoise waters.
Dramatic Contrast
Experience the stark shift from lush Kullu Valley to the arid Lahaul moonscape.
River Crossings
Navigate thrilling glacial river crossings along the trail.
Alpine Meadows
Trek through flower-carpeted meadows at Jwara and Balu Ka Ghera.
Stargazing
Camp at high-altitude sites with zero light pollution for incredible stargazing.
Tour Overview
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of India's most dramatic crossover treks, taking you from the lush green Kullu Valley on one side to the stark, barren landscape of Lahaul on the other. The pass itself sits at 14,100 ft (4,298 m) and the contrast on either side is breathtaking — thick forests, flower-filled meadows, and gushing streams on the Kullu side versus a moon-like desert landscape with sweeping views of the Spiti-Lahaul region. The trek features thrilling river crossings, camping under starlit skies, and concludes with an optional visit to the stunning Chandratal (Moon Lake) — a crescent-shaped high-altitude lake at 14,100 ft. This trek is perfect for those seeking adventure without extreme difficulty.
Day-wise Itinerary
Chika to Balu Ka Ghera
Trek from Chika to Balu Ka Ghera (11,900 ft / 3,627 m), about 8 km (5-6 hours). The trail follows the stream and passes through dense forests before opening up into wide, flower-filled meadows. Cross a few glacial streams (shoes might get wet). Balu Ka Ghera ("sandy ground") is a wide campsite surrounded by towering peaks, sitting just below the Hampta Pass.
Highlights
- Meadow walks
- Glacial stream crossings
- Pre-pass base camp
Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass to Shea Goru
The big day. Trek from Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass (14,100 ft / 4,298 m) and descend to Shea Goru (12,900 ft / 3,932 m), about 8 km (7-8 hours). The climb to the pass is steep with possible snow patches. At the top, witness the jaw-dropping contrast — lush greenery behind you and the stark, barren Lahaul Valley ahead. The descent to Shea Goru crosses a glacial stream in the dramatic Lahaul landscape.
Highlights
- Hampta Pass summit at 14,100 ft
- Dramatic landscape transformation
- Descent into Lahaul Valley
Shea Goru to Chatru
Trek from Shea Goru to Chatru (11,000 ft / 3,353 m), about 7 km (3-4 hours). The trail descends through the barren, rocky Lahaul landscape — a complete contrast to the Kullu side. Chatru is a small roadside settlement at the junction of the Hampta and Spiti routes. From Chatru, drive to Chandratal Lake (14,100 ft, 50 km, 2.5 hours) — the stunning crescent-shaped "Moon Lake" with mesmerizing blue-green waters.
Highlights
- Lahaul desert landscape
- Chandratal Lake visit
- Turquoise waters of Moon Lake
Chandratal to Manali
Morning at Chandratal for sunrise photography. The lake changes colours with the light — from deep blue to emerald green. Drive from Chandratal back to Manali (130 km, 6-7 hours) via Rohtang Pass/Atal Tunnel. The drive through the Lahaul-Spiti landscape is spectacular. Evening free in Manali for shopping at Mall Road or relaxing.
Highlights
- Sunrise at Chandratal
- Drive via Rohtang/Atal Tunnel
- Evening in Manali
Manali Departure
Tour ends after breakfast. You can take a bus or private vehicle to Delhi/Chandigarh, or extend your stay in Manali. Optional: visit Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, or Vashisht Hot Springs before departing.
Highlights
- Optional Manali sightseeing
- Departure
- Trip completion
