Maximum Altitude
14,100 ft
Total Trek Distance
28 Km
Duration
4 Days / 5 Nights
Difficulty
Moderate
About the trek
The Hampta Pass crossover stands as one of the most starkly beautiful contrasts the Himalayas can offer. In a matter of days, you journey from the lush, pine-scented forests and hanging glaciers of the Kullu Valley, step over a narrow vertical slit in the mountains, and emerge into the cold, wind-carved, raw rock desert of Lahaul. The trail climbs past roaring riverbeds, carpeted wildflowers, and high-altitude boulder fields before throwing open the gates to a 14,100 ft summit view. To crown the adventure, the road takes you deep into the barren valley to Chandratal—the legendary crescent-shaped ‘Moon Lake’ whose turquoise waters change hue with the shifting sun. It is a true explorer’s path, designed for those who want to see two entirely different worlds in a single journey.
Trek Highlights
● The Green-to-Desert Crossover
Experience the jaw-dropping geographical shift from the vibrant green meadows of Kullu to the stark, planetary landscapes of Lahaul.
● The Hampta Pass Summit
Conquer the dramatic pass at 14,100 ft, standing face-to-face with the towering walls of Mt. Indrasan and Deo Tibba.
● The Miraculous Moon Lake
Stand on the banks of Chandratal Lake, a high-altitude marvel cupped perfectly within the high scree slopes of the mountains.
● The Atal Tunnel Drive
Conclude the expedition by driving through the iconic engineering marvel, seamlessly transitioning back to civilization
Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Manali to Chikka via Jobra Village
Trading the mountain town for the pine forests
Altitude: 3,078 m / 10,100 ft (Chikka)
Drive: ~2 hours (Manali to Jobra Trailhead)
Trek: ~2.5 km (3–4 hours)
Stay: Tented Camp (Chikka)
Meals: Packed Lunch & Dinner included
The expedition officially meets in Manali. After picking up your packed lunches, you will be introduced to your trek leaders and support team for a comprehensive safety and route briefing. Any last-minute gear adjustments or questions will be addressed here before we board our vehicles. The drive from Manali to the roadhead at Jobra Village is an adventure in itself, twisting up through dozens of hairpin bends and opening up hidden, sweeping views of the Kullu Valley below.
At Jobra, we lace up our boots and hit the trail. The trek from Jobra to Chikka is a welcoming, gentle introduction to the mountains, taking roughly 3 to 4 hours to cover. The path winds beautifully along the banks of the Rani Nallah river, stepping through thick stands of pine, green maple, and birch trees. Keep your eyes on the horizon—on a clear day, the magnificent snow-clad peaks of Hanuman Tibba and the Seven Sisters stand framed perfectly against the sky.
By late afternoon, we step into the broad, grassy meadow of the Chikka campsite. Settle into your tents, unpack your gear, and loosen up after the day’s travel. As dusk falls, a hot, sizzling dinner will be served in the dining tent, leaving you free to enjoy the immense, star-lit sky as it settles over the valley.
Day 2: Chikka to Balu Ka Ghera
Tracing the river into the high boulder fields
Altitude: 3,627 m / 11,900 ft (Balu Ka Ghera)
Drive: — (Trek day)
Trek: ~9 km (4–5 hours)
Stay: Tented Camp (Balu Ka Ghera)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Wake up early to the incredibly fresh mountain air and the brilliant, sunlit colors of the Chikka Valley. After gathering for a hearty, hot breakfast at the campsite, we pack up and hit the trail for a 9 km push toward our next base. Today’s march introduces a bit more adventure as the valley closes in and the true alpine terrain begins to unfold.
The path takes us over rustic wooden bridges, across icy, ankle-deep mountain streams, and along wide, boulder-strewn flats. As we steadily gain altitude, the tree line vanishes entirely behind us, replaced by dwarf rhododendrons, alpine blooms, and rugged rock formations. The climb demands an honest effort, but the unhurried pace ensures everyone enjoys the journey.
By early afternoon, we march into Balu Ka Ghera—literally meaning the ‘Bears’ Circle’—a massive, flat riverbed ringed symmetrically by jagged peaks and hanging snow patches. Because we camp early, you have the entire afternoon to rest, soak in the uncrowded grandeur, or gather in the dining tent for an impromptu acoustic karaoke session. A warm dinner fuels us up for the big pass crossing tomorrow.
Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Ghoru via Hampta Pass
Over the snow walls into the high cold desert
Altitude: 4,297 m / 14,100 ft (Hampta Pass Summit)
Drive: — (Pass Day)
Trek: ~6 km (7–9 hours of intense trekking)
Stay: Tented Camp (Shea Ghoru Oasis)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner included
This is the crown jewel of the expedition. We rise before the sun, step into the crisp, freezing mountain air, and begin the steep, challenging ascent toward the pass. The trail climbs sharply over loose moraine, fields of compact snow, and steep ridge switchbacks. The thin air requires steady breathing, but every step carries you closer to one of the most dramatic vantage points in the Western Himalayas.
After hours of persistent climbing, you will finally stand on the narrow ridge of Hampta Pass at 14,100 ft. The reward is an absolute visual shock: behind you lies the green, misty valley of Kullu; directly in front of you drops the vertical, barren, starkly colored rock wall of Lahaul. The absolute contrasts are breathtaking, with the colossal peaks of Mt. Indrasan standing so close you can trace their glaciers.
After capturing your victory photographs and letting the awe settle, we begin a steep, technical descent down the loose scree slopes into the Lahaul valley. The descent requires focus and care, eventually flattening out as we approach the river. By late afternoon, we reach Shea Ghoru—a beautifully pristine, cold shelter camp set alongside a glassy river. A heavy, celebratory dinner closes out an unforgettable summit day.
Day 4: Shea Ghoru to Chatru & Excursion to Chandratal
The crescent moon cupped in the mountains
Altitude: 4,267 m / 14,000 ft (Chandratal Lake)
Drive: ~2.5 hours each way (Chatru ↔️ Chandratal)
Trek: ~5 km (3–4 hours downhill)
Stay: Tented Camp (Chatru Base)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
We begin the morning with a relaxed breakfast, letting the sun warm the valley before we move out. Today’s foot journey is a gentle, lovely 3 to 4-hour downhill trek following the flow of the river down to the roadhead at Chatru. The landscape here is purely Martian—monolithic boulders, deep sand, and stark mountainsides completely exposed to the elements.
Upon reaching Chatru, we check into our permanent campsite and drop our main luggage bags in our assigned tents. From here, we transition to our outstation vehicles for the legendary, bumpy, and incredibly scenic dirt-track ride toward Chandratal Lake. The road snakes through the rugged terrain of the Spiti valley, offering an adventurous jeep-safari feel.
As you arrive and walk the final stretch to Chandratal, the ‘Moon Lake’ reveals itself—a vast, turquoise crescent of water perfectly reflecting the massive scree slopes and distant peaks surrounding it. The silence here is profound. Walk along the banks, watch the water shift colors in the afternoon light, and absorb the absolute serenity of the place. By evening, we drive back to our camp at Chatru for a warm dinner and a final night under the stars.
Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali via Atal Tunnel
The rugged road back to reality
Altitude: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft (Manali Base)
Drive: ~5 hours (Road journey home)
Trek: None
Stay: Drop-off at Manali Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast included (Lunch en route at own expense)
Our final morning in the high country begins with an 8:00 AM breakfast. We pack our bags, say goodbye to our camp staff, and board our vehicles for the journey back to Manali. The drive out of Chatru is notoriously rugged and thrilling—a true Himalayan dirt-track ride where our vehicles navigate glacial runoff streams, massive boulder passes, and narrow river shelves.
The true highlight of the return journey comes as we approach the entrance of the world-famous Atal Tunnel. Entering the south portal from the dry, desolate terrain of Lahaul, we travel through the mountain rock for 9.02 km, only to emerge instantly back into the lush, green, rain-kissed slopes of Dhundi and Solang Valley. It feels like stepping through a portal between two separate worlds.
By afternoon, we pull back into the Manali base camp. As you unload your packs and prepare for your onward journeys, you’ll carry home the incredible memory of the valley shift, the high pass milestone, and the quiet magic of the Moon Lake. Until Snowshine Expeditions guides you on the next trail—travel safe.
What We Bring to the Trail ? (Inclusions)
Transportation
Robust outstation vehicles covering the transfers from Manali to Jobra, the rugged excursion from Chatru to Chandratal Lake, and the return drive to Manali via the Atal Tunnel.
Meals
Freshly prepared, nutritious vegetarian meals across the journey (Hot breakfasts, packed/trail lunches, evening mountain tea with snacks, and multi-course warm dinners).
Accommodation
High-altitude adventure camps on triple/double sharing bases, complete with sub-zero rated sleeping bags, insulated mattresses, and clean pillows.
Permits & Registrations
All necessary local administration permissions, wildlife sanctuary fees, and official green-tribunal vehicle passes fully arranged.
Expert Expedition Leadership
Certified local Trek Leaders, experienced mountain cooks, and high-altitude support staff trained extensively in wilderness safety.
Safety & First-Aid
Comprehensive medical kits, portable oxygen cylinders, and well-rehearsed emergency evacuation protocols.
Camp Utilities
Separate weatherproof dining tents, kitchen setups, and clean dry-toilet tents erected at every campsite.
Expedition Certificate
An official Snowshine Expeditions achievement certificate marking your successful crossover of the Hampta Pass.