20 June 2025
The Hampta Pass trek is located far away from the fast city life, hidden in the beautiful Himalayas, a trek suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. If you want to be a part of a journey that shows you the full spectrum of the Himalayan Landscape then the Hampta Pass Trek is the one for you. The Trek starts from the lush green Kullu Valley and ends at the barren and otherworldly landscape of the Spiti Valley. On this beautiful Journey you will find the dense and green forests, gushing waterfalls and meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers. Offering a wide range of landscapes, Hampta Pass Trek is truly one of a kind.
Highlights of the Hampta Pass Trek
Spanning around 26 to 30 Kms, the Hampta Pass Trek connects the Kullu Valley to the Spiti Lahaul Valley. Here are the highlights of the trek that make it truly special.
The Stunning Shift from Kullu to Spiti Valley
The most surreal experience that one can experience on the trek is the transition from two drastically different landscapes that the Himalayas have to offer. You Start from the green valley of Kullu from where you climb up to reach the Hampta Pass. Descending down from the peaks of the Hampta Pass you enter into the Spiti Valley, where the dark clouds of monsoon are stopped by the high Himalayas.
The result of this is less rain and barren mountains on the Spiti side of the trek. This bare but beautiful landscape of the Spiti Valley stands in contrast to the green hills of Kullu.
Heavenly Campsites
The nights on the Hampta Pass Trek means sleeping under the shade of infinite stars, setting camp next to river banks at the Balu Ka Ghera and seeing the rays of the morning sun fall on the Snowy plains of the Shea Goru.
Each Campsite of The Hampta Pass Trek is a glimpse into the magical wonder of the Himalayas. The clean air and the peaceful environment is a home to many beautiful scenes.
The Thrill Of Hampta Pass Crossing
The day you cross the Hampta Pass is the day filled with challenges and wonder. Standing at a height of 14,000 feet, climbing the Hampta Pass is not easy but the scenes that unfold while on the trek and also when you reach the peak are nothing short of stunning. On climbing the Pass you get the view of the deep valleys down below and the tall peaks around you, like Indrasan and Deo Tibba, and the endless stretch of snow is something that can be found nowhere else.
River Crossings and Waterfalls
On your way to the Hampta Pass you will find several glacial streams running downhill, the sound of the gushing water will follow you along the trail. You will also feel the thrill of crossing these streams barefoot, the cold water may numb your feet and get your heart to race fast.
The very first waterfall of the trek is near the Chika Camp, a multi-tiered cascade flowing down from the mountains above. The waterfall is surrounded by lush meadows and boulders and makes for a perfect place to stop and take in the scenery. After this several small to medium waterfalls find you along the trail.
Flora And Fauna
The Hampta Pass Trek is also the home to unique Himalayan Wildlife. Right from the beginning of the trek you are surrounded by a beautiful forest made up of Pine, Deodar and Oak trees, scattered among them are the Rhododendron Trees that bloom during the early spring with strikingly red flowers.
As you move up gaining elevation gradually you may find the rare and sacred Brahma Kamal and the striking blue poppy quietly growing among the lush green meadows.
Along with the beautiful flora the Hampta Pass trek is also where exotic animals like the Himalayan Marmot, Mountain Goats, Red Fox and even Snow Leopard can be seen roaming around. The Hampta Pass Trek is truly a treat for nature lovers.
Visit To Chandratal Lake
After descending to Lahaul you get the opportunity to visit the beautiful Chandratal Lake which is at a distance of almost 14 Kilometers from Batal in Lahaul. The trip to Chandratal Lake will add a day to your journey but the otherworldly beauty of the lake makes this worth it.
Chandratal translated to the ‘Moon Lake’ in english and is one of the most breathtaking high altitude lakes in India. The lake takes its name because of its unique moon-like shape, it is surrounded by snow capped peaks and during the months from July to September you can see the green meadow sprinkled with vibrant wildflowers.
Best Time To Visit The Hampta Pass Trek
The beautiful Hampta Pass trek opens up to the public from mid to late June, this is when the snow begins to get cleared up and the trail becomes accessible and safe to walk on. Any attempts to trek in the months other than these comes with great difficulty.
The time from June to September is also when the trek provides maximum visibility and the deep valleys and the high mountains become visible to the trekkers.
Here is a Temperature Table of the Hampta Pass Trek:
The Hampta Pass Trek is not just a trek- it is a beautiful journey that takes you from one world to another. From the lush green valley of Kullu you crossover to the Barren and brown region of Spiti. Two of the places so near yet so different in landscape, flora and fauna. This Trek shows you the beautiful face of mother nature and about the amazing treasures that it hides.
So, if you want to challenge yourself, if you want to be a part of an adventure of a lifetime and if you want to see the colors of the Himalayan landscape then Hampta Pass is the trek for you.