Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek

Trip Code: IN-26 Country: India, Ex Manali Duration: 6 Days Best Time: June-Sep Base Price: 650 USD Level: Moderate Season: Summer

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Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh - Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek by Summit Routes

Overview

Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek — Overview

The Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek is one of the most visually dramatic short treks in the Indian Himalaya — a 6-day route that crosses from the lush, green Kullu Valley on the Manali side to the austere, high-altitude desert of the Lahaul and Spiti valley on the other. No other accessible Himalayan trek in northern India delivers this degree of landscape contrast in so few days: dense pine and birch forest above Jobra, wildflower meadows at Chika, a glacier-draped pass at Hampta (4,270m), and then a sudden drop into a cold, bone-dry river valley that feels like a different continent. The trek finishes with a drive to Chandratal Lake (4,250m) — the Moon Lake — a crescent-shaped high-altitude lake of extraordinary colour set in an open plateau above the Chandra River, one of the most photographed landscapes in Himachal Pradesh.

The approach from Manali to the pass is three days of progressively intensifying mountain terrain. The ascent from Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m) to the Hampta Pass on Day 3 is the physical and visual centrepiece — a demanding crossing through boulder, scree, and glacial ice with the Kullu and Lahaul worlds simultaneously in view from the top. The descent into Shea Goru (3,900m) is the first step into the rainshadow, and the transformation of the landscape is immediate and striking. Day 4 follows the Chandra River down to the road at Chatru, where vehicles wait for the drive to Chandratal. A full night and morning at the lake — at 4,250m under open, unpolluted skies — is the most likely reason trekkers who do this route remember it for years.

Summit Routes runs the Hampta Pass & Chandratal trek fully supported, with A-type alpine tents, Coleman sleeping bags, a camp cook, and horse offloading on all trail sections. The trek begins and ends in Manali with one hotel night at Hotel Apple Flower.

Important Notes

Best Season: June to September. The pass is typically snowbound before late May; the approach trail can have residual ice in early June. July and August are the prime months for wildflowers on the Kullu side. September offers the clearest skies and the finest conditions at Chandratal. The route is not operational from October onward.
Difficulty Level: Moderate — the daily distances are short (2–10 km) but Day 3 (Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass and descent to Shea Goru, 10 km / 7–8 hours) is physically demanding and involves glacier terrain near the pass. No technical climbing skills required. Prior multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory for fit participants. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya before departure.
Highest Points: Hampta Pass at 4,270m on Day 3, and Chandratal Lake at 4,250m on Day 4–5. Both are above 4,000m and cold nights at Chandratal are the norm even in July–August.
Rohtang Pass Permit: The Day 5 return drive passes through Rohtang Pass (3,978m). A Rohtang entry permit is required for all non-HP registered vehicles and is arranged by Summit Routes before departure. Permits have limited daily quotas — departure dates are confirmed in advance to secure the permit allocation.
Camping: Four nights in tented camps (Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, Shea Goru, Chandratal). Summit Routes provides A-type alpine tents, Coleman 0°C sleeping bags, inflatable mats and pillows, dining tent, kitchen tent, and a camp cook. Horse offloading carries your main bag between camps.
Fitness Standard: Must be comfortable trekking on uneven mountain terrain with moderate elevation gain. Day 3 involves glacier sections near the pass — good physical fitness is important for this day specifically. The overall route is short enough to be achievable by motivated beginners who are well-prepared.
Sleeping Bag: Coleman 0°C bags are provided. A liner is recommended for Chandratal (4,250m), where nights can drop to -5°C or below even in August. Bring your own -5°C or warmer bag if you prefer personal kit.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive Manali — Drive to Jobra — Trek to Chika (3,100m) \| ~2 km
Day 2	Trek Chika to Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m) \| ~8 km
Day 3	Trek Balu Ka Ghera — Cross Hampta Pass (4,270m) — Descend to Shea Goru (3,900m) \| ~10 km
Day 4	Trek Shea Goru to Chatru (3,600m) — Drive to Chandratal Lake (4,250m) \| ~5 km trek
Day 5	Sunrise at Chandratal — Drive back to Manali via Rohtang Pass
Day 6	Departure from Manali

Altitude Profile

Itinerary

Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek — 6-Day Itinerary

Route: Manali — Jobra — Chika — Balu Ka Ghera — Hampta Pass — Shea Goru — Chatru — Chandratal Lake — Manali (via Rohtang Pass)

Day 1: Arrive Manali — Drive to Jobra — Trek to Chika (3,100m)

Drive: Manali to Jobra ~2 hours • Trek: ~2 km | 1–2 hours

Arrive in Manali (2,050m) and transfer to Hotel Apple Flower or similar. Equipment check, permit preparation, and trek briefing.
Afternoon drive from Manali to Jobra (2,960m) through the Kullu Valley — the road follows the Beas River before climbing steeply through apple orchards and deodar cedar forest to the trailhead. Pack bags onto horses at Jobra.
A short introductory walk through pine forest to the campsite at Chika (3,100m) beside a stream — a gentle first day that serves as the transition between the road and the mountain.
Overnight: Hotel Apple Flower or similar, Manali (for arrivals needing a full night before Day 1 drive) / Tented camp at Chika
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Trek Chika to Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m)

Trek: ~8 km | 5–6 hours

A gradual and beautiful ascent through one of the finest valley sections of any Himachal Pradesh trek. The trail climbs through lush alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers in July and August, passing through several stream crossings as the valley narrows and the pass ahead begins to define the horizon.
Large boulder fields appear above the treeline as the route approaches Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m) — the last camp before the pass. "Balu Ka Ghera" translates roughly as the circle of sand and boulders, and the campsite lives up to the name: a wide, gravelly flat at the base of the glacier tongue, with the upper mass of Hampta Pass visible directly above.
Early dinner and sleep — Day 3 is the longest and most demanding day of the trek.
Overnight: Tented camp at Balu Ka Ghera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cross Hampta Pass (4,270m) — Descend to Shea Goru (3,900m)

Trek: ~10 km | 7–8 hours — the most demanding day

Early start. The ascent from Balu Ka Ghera to Hampta Pass (4,270m) gains roughly 670m through increasingly technical terrain — boulders give way to scree, then to the glacier approaches near the top. The guide leads the route through the snowfield below the col; trekking poles and caution are both essential on this section.
The pass itself is one of the great moments of any Himachal trek. To the west: the green, forested Kullu Valley dropping away toward Manali. To the east: the bare, brown, and magnificent terrain of Lahaul — a rainshadow landscape that looks almost Tibetan from the pass rim. The contrast is abrupt and extraordinary.
Descend into the Lahaul side through a steep rocky trail to Shea Goru (3,900m) — a flat, sheltered camp in the cold desert below the pass. The temperature drops noticeably on this side; wind can be strong.
Overnight: Tented camp at Shea Goru
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Trek Shea Goru to Chatru (3,600m) — Drive to Chandratal Lake (4,250m)

Trek: ~5 km | 3–4 hours • Drive: ~45 km | 2 hours

A straightforward downhill walk along the Chandra River through the open, arid Lahaul valley to the road junction at Chatru (3,600m). The scenery is completely transformed from the Kullu approach — bare ridges, grey scree, and the cold shimmer of the Chandra River below. The transition from green to desert is now complete.
Vehicles meet the group at Chatru for the drive to Chandratal Lake (4,250m) — approximately 45 km on the Manali-Leh highway through some of the most spectacular high-altitude road scenery in India before turning off on the jeep track toward the lake.
Chandratal Lake sits in an open plateau above the Chandra Valley — a crescent-shaped pool of extraordinary translucent blue-green, ringed by summer grass and surrounded by bare ridges. Camp near the lake for the overnight.
Overnight: Tented camp near Chandratal Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sunrise at Chandratal — Drive to Manali via Rohtang Pass

Drive: ~125 km | 6–7 hours

Rise early for sunrise at Chandratal — the colour of the water at dawn shifts from deep navy through turquoise to a vivid blue-green as the light catches the lake surface, and the surrounding ridges turn amber before the sun fully clears the horizon. This is the reason trekkers come. Allow at least an hour at the lake before departure.
Drive back to Manali via the Rohtang Pass (3,978m) — the high road that connects the Kullu Valley to Lahaul, and one of the most scenic mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh accessible by vehicle. On clear days, views from Rohtang extend to the Bara Shigri glacier and the Lahaul peaks. Your Rohtang permit was arranged in advance by Summit Routes.
Arrive Manali by late afternoon. Optional evening in Manali — Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, or the Mall Road.
Overnight: Hotel Apple Flower or similar, Manali
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Departure from Manali

After breakfast, depart Manali for onward travel. Optional morning visit to Solang Valley or Vashisht hot springs if your connection allows.
Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

IN-26 – Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek (6 Days)
Starting from USD 650 per person
(Based on 2 trekkers, twin sharing)

A classic Himalayan crossover trek with full camping support, horse offloading & Chandratal Lake excursion — no hidden costs.

👉 Request Custom Itinerary & Quote

INCLUDED

All private transportation throughout the programme (Manali–Jobra, Chatru–Chandratal, Chandratal–Manali via Rohtang — private Innova vehicles)
5 nights accommodation:
- 1 night hotel in Manali (twin sharing, attached bathroom) — Hotel Apple Flower — Day 1
- 1 night hotel in Manali (twin sharing) — Hotel Apple Flower — Day 5 return
- 4 nights in spacious A-type alpine tented camps (twin sharing) — Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, Shea Goru, Chandratal
All required trekking permits, trek insurance, and Rohtang Pass vehicle permit
English-speaking local mountain guide throughout (Hindi-speaking guide available on request)
Local assistant guide from 4 trekkers
Full camping gear: A-type alpine tents (twin sharing), Coleman Palmetto 0°C sleeping bags, inflatable mats and pillows, camping chairs and tables, dining tent, kitchen tent
Horse offloading — up to 20 kg main bag carried between camps; you carry only a personal daypack on trail
All cooking staff — camp cook, kitchen assistant, LPG stoves and utensils
Medical oxygen and first aid kit carried throughout
All meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary
All government taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED

International or domestic flights to/from Manali (nearest airports: Bhuntar / Kullu or Chandigarh)
Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking above 4,500m and helicopter evacuation)
Personal trekking equipment (boots, clothing, personal sleeping bag liner, etc.)
Personal expenses (extra snacks, beverages, Manali sightseeing, etc.)
Tips for guide, cook, and horse handlers
Anything not mentioned under "Included"

Group Pricing (indicative per person)

Group Size	Price (USD) per Person
2 persons	650
3–4 persons	575
5–8 persons	510
9+ persons	On request

Hotel List

Accommodation

Manali (2 Nights — Arrival & Return)

Accommodation in Manali is arranged at Hotel Apple Flower, Manali, Himachal Pradesh (twin sharing, attached bathroom, hot shower, electricity, and Wi-Fi). The trek uses the hotel on two nights: the arrival night (Day 1) for briefing and preparation before the morning drive to Jobra, and the return night (Day 5) after the long drive back from Chandratal via Rohtang. The Day 5 return night is earned — a hot shower, a warm room, and a proper dinner after four nights of camping at altitude is one of the better transitions on any Himachal trek.

Tented Camps (4 Nights)

Four nights across the trekking and Chandratal section in spacious A-type alpine tents (twin sharing): Chika (3,100m), Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m), Shea Goru (3,900m), and Chandratal Lake (4,250m). A dining tent with chairs and tables and a fully equipped kitchen tent are erected at each camp by the support team. All meals are freshly prepared by the camp cook.

Summit Routes provides Coleman Palmetto 0°C sleeping bags, inflatable mats, and pillows — no personal sleeping bag is required for July–August departures. For September departures and the Chandratal Lake night specifically, a personal sleeping bag liner is recommended as temperatures can drop well below 0°C at 4,250m overnight.

The Chandratal camp is the highest and coldest on the route and the most exposed to wind; it is also the most spectacular. Set in the open plateau above the lake with no valley walls to block the view, the night sky at Chandratal is one of the finest stargazing locations accessible by road in Himachal Pradesh — a side benefit of sleeping at 4,250m in a rainshadow zone with near-zero light pollution.

What to Pack

What to Pack — Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek

The Hampta Pass Trek spans 2,050m in Manali to 4,270m at the pass and includes an overnight at Chandratal Lake (4,250m). The most distinctive gear challenge on this route is the landscape transition: warm and humid on the Kullu side below the pass, cold and dry on the Lahaul side above Chatru, and exposed to severe wind at Chandratal. Pack for both worlds. Summit Routes provides A-type tents, Coleman 0°C sleeping bags, mats, and pillows — your horse carries the main bag. You carry only a personal daypack on trail.

Clothing & Layers

Insulated down or synthetic jacket rated to -5°C — for Shea Goru evenings, the Chandratal night, and the early-morning Hampta Pass start. The Lahaul side is significantly colder than the Kullu side even in summer.
Waterproof hardshell jacket — afternoon rain is common on the Kullu approach (Days 1–2). Above the pass, wind replaces rain as the primary weather hazard.
Fleece mid-layer × 2
Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom) × 3
Trekking trousers × 2 — lightweight and fast-drying.
Waterproof over-trousers — for rain on the Kullu approach and wind on the Lahaul descent.
Thermal leggings × 1 — for the Chandratal overnight.
Warm hat and sun hat — both. UV above the pass and at Chandratal is intense at 4,000m+.
Buff — for wind protection above the pass.
Trekking gloves — lightweight pair for the Hampta Pass crossing and Chandratal morning.
Trekking socks × 4 pairs
Camp shoes or sandals — for rest time at the tented camps.

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots — fully broken in before arrival. The Hampta Pass crossing involves glacier sections — ankle support and waterproofing are critical on the upper approach. Stream crossings on the Kullu approach also make waterproofing important from Day 1.
Trekking poles × 2 — strongly recommended for the Hampta Pass glacier section (Day 3) and the descent to Shea Goru. Two poles are significantly safer on the scree and snow above Balu Ka Ghera.
Microspikes or crampons — may be needed on the Hampta Pass glacier section in early June and late May. Summit Routes advises on current pass conditions before departure; the guide carries these for group use if needed.

Personal Health & Safety

Altitude medication — Hampta Pass (4,270m) and Chandratal (4,250m) both exceed 4,000m. Consult your doctor about Diamox before departure. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya.
Personal first aid kit — blister plasters, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets. No pharmacy above Manali on this route.
UV-protective sunglasses — Category 3 — essential on the open glacier section near Hampta Pass and at Chandratal. Snow reflection on the pass adds to UV intensity.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+) — carry enough for 6 days.
Lip balm with SPF — wind and UV above the pass are severe.
Hand sanitiser — camp water is from streams; hand hygiene is important.
Personal prescription medicines — carry double your required quantity.

Gear & Equipment

Sleeping bag liner — Coleman 0°C bags are provided. For September and the Chandratal night in any month, a liner adds a meaningful margin of warmth. Bring your own if you prefer personal gear rated colder than 0°C.
Trekking daypack (20–30L) — carries personal items on trail. Horse carries main duffel.
Main duffel bag (50–70L, soft-sided) — for horse loading. Maximum 20 kg. No hard-framed luggage.
Headlamp + spare batteries — for the early start on Day 3 and navigating the camp after dark at Chandratal.
Insulated water bottle (1L) — standard bottles are fine for lower camps; insulated preferred for the Chandratal night (4,250m) to prevent freezing.
Water purification tablets — as backup for stream water above Jobra.
Power bank — no electricity from Chika (Day 1) to Chandratal (Day 4). Charge devices fully in Manali.
Dry bag or waterproof pack cover — afternoon rain on the Kullu approach.

Documents & Money

Original ID / Passport — required for permit verification and Rohtang entry. Carry throughout.
Travel insurance documents — must cover trekking above 4,500m and helicopter evacuation. Mandatory for participation.
Cash in Indian Rupees — ATMs available in Manali. No ATMs above Manali on this route. Withdraw sufficient cash in Manali before departure.

Optional but Useful

Camera with spare batteries — Chandratal sunrise is one of the finest photography opportunities on any Himachal trek; cold at 4,250m drains batteries quickly overnight.
High-energy trail snacks — energy bars, nuts, chocolate. Bring a personal supply from Manali.
Hand warmers — useful for the Chandratal overnight and the early-morning pass start.

For a complete Himalayan packing guide with brand recommendations and a printable checklist, see our Himalayan Trekking Gear List →

Safety Protocols

Safety & Emergency Protocols — Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek

Your safety is the absolute priority on every Summit Routes trek. The Hampta Pass Trek crosses 4,270m at Hampta Pass and involves an overnight at Chandratal Lake (4,250m) — with the additional complexity of the Day 3 glacier crossing and the transition into remote Lahaul terrain where road access is not available until Chatru. Below is a full account of the safety protocols, emergency procedures, and standards maintained on every departure.

First Aid & Medical Equipment

Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the lead guide at all times
Medical oxygen carried on all departures — available for any trekker showing AMS symptoms on the pass or at Chandratal
Basic medications including Diamox, Dexamethasone, analgesics, rehydration salts, and wound and blister care supplies
Daily health check-ins at camp — guide assesses fitness before committing to the pass crossing on Day 3

Evacuation Procedure

Chika and Balu Ka Ghera (Days 1–2, Kullu side):

Assisted descent to Jobra on the approach trail — approximately 2–3 hours from Balu Ka Ghera to road access, followed by vehicle transfer to Manali (~2 hours). Total evacuation time to hospital: 4–5 hours.

Hampta Pass (Day 3):

On the pass itself, the guide manages descent to whichever side is safer given conditions. If the Kullu ascent is partially complete, descent back to Balu Ka Ghera is the primary route. If the pass has been crossed, assisted descent to Shea Goru and then Chatru.

Shea Goru, Chatru, and Chandratal (Days 3–4):

Road access at Chatru (Manali-Leh highway) is 1–2 hours' walk from Shea Goru camp — the fastest ground evacuation on the route. Vehicle transfer to Manali is approximately 3–4 hours.
Helicopter landing at Chatru meadow is possible in good weather — helicopter evacuation to Manali can be activated from this point.
Chandratal Lake camp is accessible by the jeep track from the Manali-Leh highway — helicopter access is also possible at the lake in clear weather.

Medical Facilities:

Primary hospital: Zonal Hospital Manali (Dr. RPGMC, Manali) — the main medical facility for high-altitude emergencies in the Kullu-Manali area
Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Mandi is the nearest major referral centre for cases requiring full trauma care

Guide Training & Certifications

All guides are certified by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) or equivalent state licensing authority
Wilderness first aid training and high-altitude awareness certification
Minimum of two prior Hampta Pass crossings required for every lead guide — direct knowledge of current glacier conditions on the pass approach, the scree descent to Shea Goru, and the Rohtang road conditions is essential
The guide's fitness assessment at Balu Ka Ghera (Day 2 evening) is the final check before the pass crossing commitment on Day 3 — any trekker not cleared will descend to Manali rather than proceed to the pass

Travel Insurance — Mandatory Requirement

Valid travel insurance is a non-negotiable condition of participation on this trek.

Must cover trekking above 4,500 metres
Must include emergency helicopter evacuation
Must cover medical hospitalisation and emergency repatriation
The insurance policy must be shared with Summit Routes before departure
Trekkers without valid insurance cannot join — no exceptions

See our Insurance & Permits FAQ for guidance on suitable policies.

Emergency Contact Protocol During the Trek

For Family / Next of Kin

A dedicated emergency contact number is provided before departure. Our Manali base coordinator monitors every active Hampta Pass departure and will contact your nominated next-of-kin within 2 hours of any serious incident.

On the Trail

Mobile signal is available in Manali (Days 1, 5, 6). Signal is absent above Jobra from Day 1 through Day 4 on the Kullu side. Some signal may be accessible in Chatru (Manali-Leh highway, Day 4) and at certain points on the Rohtang road (Day 5). Our guides are trained to use the Chatru road access point for emergency communications when needed.

Rescue Coordination

Summit Routes maintains coordination with Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) units on the Manali-Leh corridor, and Zonal Hospital Manali.

Altitude Sickness (AMS) — Our Policy

AMS is a real risk on Days 3–4, when the route goes above 4,000m for the first time without an acclimatisation day. Read our complete altitude sickness guide before departure.

Any trekker showing signs of HACE or HAPE will be descended immediately. This decision is non-negotiable and cannot be overridden by the trekker.

The altitude profile of this route lacks a dedicated acclimatisation day — the gradual gain from Manali (2,050m) to Balu Ka Ghera (3,600m) over two days serves as the acclimatisation mechanism before the Day 3 push to 4,270m. Any trekker showing AMS symptoms at Balu Ka Ghera will not be cleared to attempt the pass on Day 3 — the group proceeds and the affected trekker descends with an assistant guide to the Jobra trailhead and then Manali.

Have a safety question before booking?
Contact our team on WhatsApp (+91 96222 44022) or email info@summitroutes.com.

Gallery

FAQ

How difficult is Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek?

Hampta Pass is a moderate trek with one genuinely dramatic moment — the pass crossing itself at 4,270m, which involves a steep ascent, potential snow on the final approach, and a sharp descent into the stark Lahaul landscape on the other side. Daily walking is 4–6 hours and the overall duration is short. The physical demands are manageable for fit beginners, but the altitude and variable conditions on the pass should not be taken lightly.

Do I need trekking experience to join Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek?

This is one of the more accessible high-altitude treks we operate and a good first mountain experience for fit beginners. If you walk regularly and are comfortable spending consecutive nights camping in cold conditions, you are likely ready. Prior trekking experience is an advantage but not a strict requirement. If you are unsure, get in touch and we will give you an honest read.

When is the best time to do the Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek?

June through September is the trekking window, with July and August being the most popular despite the monsoon. The Kullu side receives rainfall during this period, but Lahaul — on the far side of the pass — stays largely dry. September is our preferred month: the monsoon is receding, trails are clear, Chandratal is at its most vivid, and the crowds are thinner. We schedule departures across the season and will advise on timing when you enquire.

What permits are required and do you arrange them?

This trek falls within the Kullu Forest Division and requires a standard trekking permit and entry fee for the Chandratal area in Lahaul-Spiti. We arrange all permits on your behalf before departure — you will not need to manage any of this directly.

What's included in the price?

Our packages include all camping equipment, meals throughout, a licensed guide, porter support, all required permits, and transfers from Manali to the trailhead and back. We will provide a clear, itemised cost breakdown when you book so there are no surprises on the ground.

How do I get to the starting point?

The trek begins from Jobra, roughly 26km from Manali, reached by road in under an hour. Most trekkers fly into Bhuntar Airport or travel overland to Manali, from where we handle all transfers to the trailhead and back at the end. We can also help you plan your days in Manali before and after the trek.

What accommodation is provided during the trip?

The entire route is fully camping. Our crew sets up and breaks camp daily, including sleeping tents, a dining tent, and a toilet tent. The campsite at Chandratal on the final night — with the lake reflecting the sky and the Lahaul plateau stretching out in every direction — is one of those rare nights under canvas that stays with you.

What kind of food is served, and can you cater to dietary requirements?

All meals are prepared by our camp cook and served at the campsite. Expect filling, high-carbohydrate meals — rice, dal, sabzi, pasta, eggs, soups. Vegetarian diets are easily accommodated; if you have other dietary requirements, let us know in advance and we will plan accordingly.

What should I pack for this trip?

Pack for cold nights and a high-altitude pass crossing: a sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, trekking poles, sturdy boots with ankle support, thermals, gloves, and sun protection for the exposed sections above the treeline. We provide a full kit list after booking and are happy to advise on anything specific.

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Solo travellers are very welcome on our group departures. Hampta Pass is one of our most popular routes for solo trekkers — the relatively short duration and dramatic scenery make it a natural choice for first-time solo mountain travellers. Private departures can also be arranged — get in touch and we will put together a proposal.

How large are your groups?

We keep groups small, typically 4–10 trekkers. On a short, high-impact route like this, a small group means the pass crossing is managed carefully and Chandratal does not feel like a tourist circus — which, on a bad day with large groups, it can.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and must cover high-altitude trekking to at least 4,500m, emergency helicopter evacuation, and trip cancellation. We will confirm your coverage requirements when you book.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?

Hampta Pass sits at 4,270m and is the highest point of the trek. Chandratal Lake, visited on the final section before exit, sits at approximately 4,300m. Both points are reached after gradual ascent through the Kullu valley, which helps the body adjust reasonably well given the short overall duration.

How are meals handled on the trail?

All meals are prepared by our camp cook and served at the campsite. Breakfast and dinner are at camp; lunch is either a packed meal on the trail or a hot stop depending on the day's terrain. The crossing day is long and cold — our cook has food ready early and makes sure everyone leaves camp fuelled.

What happens if I develop altitude sickness?

The ascent profile is gradual enough that serious altitude sickness is relatively uncommon on this route. Our guides monitor everyone closely, particularly on the pass crossing and the Chandratal camp. Mild headaches and breathlessness are normal at the higher points — if symptoms go beyond that, we act immediately. Descent is always the priority over completing the itinerary.

Is there mobile coverage during the trek?

Mobile coverage is good in the lower Kullu valley and around Manali but drops away significantly once you are on the trail. On the Lahaul side and at Chandratal, expect very limited or no signal. Our guides carry communication equipment for emergencies.

What toilet facilities are available on the trek?

Our crew sets up a dedicated toilet tent at every campsite. On the trail, wilderness practices apply. The Hampta and Chandratal area has seen a significant increase in visitors in recent years and waste management is a genuine concern — we follow strict Leave No Trace principles and expect the same from every trekker we take out.

Are your trek guides licensed and certified?

Our guides are registered and experienced on this route, trained in first aid and altitude response, and know the pass conditions across different seasons. The contrast between the two sides of Hampta — lush Kullu on one side, the bare lunar plateau of Lahaul on the other — is one of the most striking landscape shifts in the Indian Himalayas, and your guide brings the geography and ecology of that transition to life.

What makes the Hampta Pass trek different from other short Himalayan treks?

The single crossing of Hampta Pass. In one day you leave behind the green, forested Kullu valley and descend into Lahaul — a high-altitude cold desert that feels like a completely different country. The contrast is stark, immediate, and unlike anything on comparable short routes in Himachal. Add Chandratal Lake on the final stretch and you have two of the most visually arresting landscapes in the Indian Himalayas packed into a few days on the trail. For the time invested, this route punches well above its weight.

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📅 2026 Departures — Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek (6 Days)

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Jun–Sep (Summer)

Arrive & Depart: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek

Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek — Overview

Important Notes

Brief Itinerary

Altitude Profile

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Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek — 6 Days (Manali)

Arrive & Depart: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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