Overview

The route of this popular trek goes along a trail, which the local inhabitants have used since time immemorial, to cross over to the high altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys from the lush upper Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Hamta Pass trek is one of the most delightful treks in the Manali region, affording views of verdant valleys, towering snow-clad mountains and barren crags & cliff’s with surrealistic forms and shapes. It is an excellent option for the trekker who is reasonably fit and desires to be in communion with nature. Leaving the Manali valley, the trek proceeds through forests of walnut, spruce, oak and the occasional alder and through alpine meadows, where nomadic shepherds graze their flocks. Once atop the Hampta Pass (4,270 Mts), another spectacular panorama of peaks appears.

After crossing this lofty pass, we descend into the rugged Chandra valley and further continues to the picturesque, almost ethereally beautiful Chandrataal – ‘The moon lake’. Chandrataal (4,270 Mts) is a high altitude lake located in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is so breathtaking in its beauty… that it seems to be a like a jewel set in the crown of the Himalaya. Ensconced between lofty mountain ranges whose snow-mantled peaks find a near perfect reflection in its emerald waters, Chandratal is a magical place and one feels like spending an eternity here.

The grassy shores of this lake are carpeted with a wide array of delightful alpine flowers in summer and are visited regularly by a host of itinerant birds. It is not that uncommon to see the occasional nomadic ‘Gaddi’ shepherd, in the meadows surrounding Chandertaal, tending to his peacefully grazing flock and playing a haunting pahari tune on his flute. There are some fantastic views of the CB range of the Himalaya, including that of the splendid CB-13 and CB-14 peaks, from the lake. One is also mesmerized by the amazingly beautiful sweep of the Samundra Tapu glacier, which is visible from here.

8 Nights 9 Days Available on request Hamta Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Duration: 6-7 days
  • Altitude: Starts at 9,800 feet (2,987 meters) in Manali, reaches 14,100 feet (4,300 meters) at Hampta Pass
  • Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear streams
  • Hampta Pass: Crossing the famous pass that connects Kullu and Lahaul valleys
  • Diverse Landscapes: From dense forests to barren rocky terrain, the trek offers a variety of landscapes
  • River Crossings: Exciting crossings of the Hampta River and its tributaries
  • Chandratal Lake: A stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by majestic mountains
  • Camping: Numerous picturesque campsites along the trek route
Dates and Rates
date & duration price
  • Sorry no more departures available. You could get in touch with us at bookings@mountainfit.in if you'd like to make a booking.
  • Itinerary

    DAY 01: REPORT AT Delhi
    Report at RK Ashram Metro Station at 4.30 Pm and leave for Manali by Volvo Bus
    Overnight Bus Journey.

    DAY 02: REACH BASE CAMP (1,650 Mts)
    Reach Base camp near Naggar, Heritage Village and have breakfast.
    Post lunch briefing about the programme followed by the acclimatization trek to the Heritage village, Naggar Castle, Roerich art gallery and the ancient temples of Naggar.

    DAY 03: NAGGAR – SETHAN – JOBRI NALA – UCHUNG BIHADI / CHHIKA (3,100 Mts) (3/4 Hrs)
    The steepest part of the trail earlier used to take about 2 - 3 hours to negotiate. Now, however, there is a road, which goes up to the Jobri nala, where the headwaters of the newly created AD hydroelectricity project are located. It passes through apple orchards and forests of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. The trek starts from Jobri Nala and continues to the beautiful campsites at Chhika Overnight stay at camp.

    DAY 04: UCHUNG BIHADI/ CHHIKA – BHALU KA GHERA (3,530 Mts) (4/5 Hrs)
    The trek passes through some spectacular landscape just below the Hamta Pass, on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs next to a mountain stream. The impressive grandeur of immediate surroundings, the nearness of the Tokru-Shakru peaks, the wonderful coloring of the rocks and mountainside, all make this one of the best campsites on the route. It also has the river, Alain Nullah, which has its snout in the Hamta Pass. The trail now begins to ascend towards Hamta Pass and reaches ‘Bhalu Ka Ghera’, which in the local dialect means ‘Bears den.’ Himalayan Brown Bear sightings can happen here, if one is exceptionally lucky. Overnight stay at camp.

    DAY 05: BHALU KA GHERA - HAMTA PASS (4,270 Mts) - SHELA GHORU (4.000 Mts) (7/8) Hrs
    From here a steep ascent takes one up to the Hamta Jot (Jot means ‘Pass,’ in the local dialect). From this lofty pass, which has traditionally been used by shepherds to cross over to the Lahaul valley from the Kullu valley, a majestic panorama of mountain peaks opens up. One can have close views of the Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the pass. Also visible from here, is a vast swathe of the rugged peaks of Lahaul rising tier upon tier. After spending some time at the pass, a steep descend brings one to the campsite at Shela Ghoru, considered to be one of the coldest places on the route. Overnight stay at camp.

    DAY 06: SHELA GORU – CHHATRU (3,500 Mts) (4/5 Hrs)
    After breakfast, it is a leisurely trek down to the road-head at Chhatru, in the Chandra valley. A stream crossing is involved during this descent. Chhatru is a small settlement located on the banks of the roaring Chandra river and is populated by a few tented Dhabas, which usually supply refreshments and lodging to travelers from Manali to Spiti. Overnight stay at camp.

    DAY 07: CHHATRU –CHANDERTAAL LAKE (4,270 Mts) – MANALI- NAGGAR
    After an early breakfast, we drive along the bank of Chandra river to reach Chandertaal (43 KM) via Batal. After spending some time at the lake we will drive back the same way to Manali via Attal Tunnel and then to Naggar. Overnight stay at base camp.

    DAY 08: MANALI EXPLORATION OR RIVER RAFTING AND DEPARTURE FROM MANALI FOR DELHI
    Today we have 2 options, You can either book a cab or use the local bus and visit places around Manali or opt for River Rafting at an additional cost.
    Report at Manali private Bus stand at 5 pm or report at Patlukuhl at 6 pm in the evening and leave for Delhi.
    Overnight bus Journey.

    DAY 09: PROGRAM ENDS. FLY BACK TO YOUR HOMETOWN
    We reach Delhi by 8 am at Majnu ka tila.
    You can book your flight or train post 11 pm.
    Thank you for trekking with Mountainfit.

    Inclusions/Exclusions

    What is included in the tour

    • Accommodation at Naggar base camp, as per the itinerary.
    • Accommodation in Alpine tents ( 2/3 men ) during the trek in higher camps (Separate toilet tent facility is provided).
    • Delhi to Manali to Delhi  Volvo Bus
    • Sleeping bags (Holofill).
    • Trekking mats.
    • A variety of wholesome hygienic vegetarian meals.
    • Transportation/ transfers as per the itinerary.
    • Services of qualified instructors/ guides, cook, kitchen helper and mules to carry camping equipment.
    • First aid kit. (Oxygen cylinder)

    What is NOT included in the tour

    • Any accidental, emergency, travel or medical Insurance.
    • Any expenses of a personal nature.
    • Beverages or drinks of any sort, including soft drinks or bottled / mineral water.
    • Any charges to visit monument/ heritage buildings and photography or camera charges.
    • Any transportation charges or transfers which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
    • Any charges for a manual or helicopter evacuation, hospitalization in case of a medical emergency or the like.
    • Any additional activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
    • The Personal porter/ horses for carrying of individual kit or baggage.
    Pickup point
    Directions.
    Hampta, Himachal Pradesh View on Map
    Things to carry

    Basic Gear :

    Back pack & rain cover

    (40 - 50 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps) (can be rented from Mountainfit)

    Day pack + rain cover

    10 - 20 ltr (If you hire a mule or porter and also for Summit day)

    Walking stick

    Advisable (At least one) ) (can be rented from Mountainfit)

    Head torch

    1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit)

    Water bottle/Hydration pack

    2 bottles of one litre each

       

    Snacks

    Energy bars, dry fruits, electoral/ors

    Personal Medical Kit

    Consult your doctor

     

    Clothing :

    T-shirts

    2 to 3 (Dri Fit Preferred)

    Full T-shirts

    1 Nos.

    Fleece jacket

    1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater)

    Down feather / Hollofil jacket

    1 Nos.  (can be rented from Mountainfit)

    Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant)

    1 Pair

    Thermal inners (upper and lower)

    1 Pair

    Trek pants

    2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris)

    Poncho (Rain Protection)

    1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit)

    Personal Utilities :

    Sunscreen cream

    Hand sanitizer

    Moisturiser

    Antibacterial powder

    Toilet Paper & wipes

    Toothbrush and toothpaste

    Lip balm

    Quick dry towel

    Sun cap

    1 Nos.

    Woollen cap

    1 Nos.

    Buff / Bandana

    1 Nos.

    Sunglasses

    U/V protected advisable.

    Protect your feet :

    Trekking shoes

    1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip)

    Floaters/flip-flops

    1 Pair (Very useful to roam around camp).

    Cotton socks

    4 pairs

    Woollen socks

    2 pairs

    Gaiters and Crampons

    1 Pair (MountainFit team will notify you if required)

     

    Protect your hands :

    Waterproof gloves

    1 Pair

    Fleece/woollen gloves

    1 Pair

     

    Few Important Tips:

    • Dress in layers: Carry at least 3 layers at the trek.  Weather is quite unpredictable so we need to keep ourselves warm. Keep it simple, but warm enough. Pack your backpack as per provided Trek essential list.
    • Thermos Flask (1ltr) is very important on winter trek as water in normal bottle freezes due to severe temperature.
    • Do not carry any precious items like jewellery at the trek. Mountainfit Team will not be responsible for loss of damage of such items.
    • Carry extra plastic bags for wet clothes/garbage/etc. “DO NOT LITTER THE TRAIL, KEEP IT CLEAN”
    • Drone and satellite phone is not allowed so please don’t bring any