About This Expedition
The Hampta Pass expedition is one of the Himalayas’ most dramatic crossover treks, acting as a natural bridge between two entirely different worlds. Starting in the lush, pine-scented valleys of Kullu, the trail weaves through vibrant alpine meadows, dense maple forests, and clear glacial streams. However, the true reward comes as you summit the 4,270m pass and step across the threshold of the Pir Panjal range. In a matter of hours, the emerald greenery shatters into the stark, sun-scorched, high-altitude desert of Lahaul. This sudden, breathtaking shift in landscape—culminating with a visit to the striking, moon-like shores of Chandratal Lake—makes the expedition a visually stunning and dynamic experience for anyone looking to traverse the absolute extremes of the Indian Himalayas.
What's Included
Best Months to Go
Day-by-Day Itinerary
5 days · India · Trek
Manali - Chika
Gather with your group in Manali before heading out toward the mountain trailhead. The trail is short; consequently, our team reaches the Chika campsite quickly. You spend the afternoon settling into your tents and adapting to the crisp mountain air.
Later in the evening, the team serves a hot dinner to welcome everyone. Finally, you stay overnight in the camps right next to the peaceful mountain streams.
Chika - Balu Ka Ghera
Start your morning trek along a trail that follows the beautiful, flowing Jwara River. The moving water seems to follow your footsteps while the mighty Dhauladhar ranges beckon you closer. Consequently, you feel completely immersed in the raw mountain surroundings as you climb.
We will reach the scenic location of Balu Ka Ghera shortly after midday. Once there, we set up our high camp directly among the towering peaks for the night.
Balu Ka Ghera - Shea Goru VIA Hampta Pass
Begin the tough ascent early in the morning to cross the iconic Hampta Pass. As you climb higher, you get incredible views of the Deo Tibba peak beckoning you closer. We reach the maximum altitude of 4,270 meters and enjoy the magnificent view at the top of the pass.
Immediately after this exhilarating moment, we begin our descent into the next valley. Be careful because the downhill trail consists of slippery soil and loose stones. The twisting path eventually leads you to the base where the team serves dinner at Shea Goru.
Shea Goru to Chatru | Drive to Chandratal
We eat an early breakfast to make the most of this highly anticipated day. Afterward, we start our downhill trek toward Chatru through the changing terrain. The trek is short, so we reach the Chatru road-head quickly to meet our vehicles. Once we arrive in Chatru, we drive toward the legendary Chandratal Lake located 45 kilometers away. You spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful moon lake set against magnificent snow-capped mountains. Finally, you return to camp for a warm dinner and overnight stay.
Chatru to Manali
We enjoy early morning tea and breakfast at the campsite before packing up. Immediately after, we start our return journey and drive from Chatru back to Manali. This drive is very scenic because you see majestic mountains while the Chandra River flows beside you. Furthermore, you traverse the iconic engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel along the route. You arrive back in Manali by the afternoon to conclude your extraordinary Olixora crossover adventure.
Photo Gallery
Photos from our past tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book.
The Hampta Pass Trek features an easy-to-moderate difficulty rating. Consequently, beginners can absolutely complete the journey. However, you need a basic level of fitness to walk 5 to 6 kilometers daily with comfort. Therefore, building up your cardio endurance before departure ensures a much more enjoyable trek.
No, there are absolutely no ATMs available once you leave your base camp at Manali. You must withdraw sufficient cash for personal expenses before starting the drive to the trailhead. For instance, you will need local currency if you choose to buy extra snacks at Chatru or tip your support staff. Consequently, handling your banking in Manali ensures a stress-free trip.
Mobile network and internet access disappear completely shortly after you begin the drive from Manali. You will experience a total digital detox throughout your five days in the mountains. A patchy signal might return briefly when you reach the road-head at Chatru or return through the Atal Tunnel. Therefore, you should inform your family about the lack of communication before you depart.
This is a remote wilderness trek; consequently, you will not find any electricity or hot shower facilities at the campsites. You will stay in high-quality tents where running power is completely unavailable. Therefore, you must carry a reliable power bank to keep your camera and phone charged. Wet wipes and small towels are your best options for hygiene on the trail.
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