Hampta Pass Trek





Hampta pass trek is a mesmerizing crossover trek that helps you in witnessing the beauty of Himachal Pradesh. Hampta pass trek, part of the Pir Panjal range, connects two valleys namely the Kullu Valley and the Spiti Lahaul Valley, making it an interesting trek through two distinct ecosystems. Along the way, you'll also witness the ‘Chandratal’, an emerald shaped lake. The trek's highest point is the Hampta Pass, which is approximately 14,100 feet high and offers striking sights of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and meadows in every direction. The Hampta Pass covers a distance of approximately 26 kms. Due to its easy-to-moderate difficulty level, it appeals to both beginner and experienced trekkers.

The Hampta pass trek is made even more magical by green meadows, narrow rocky paths, glistening streams, thundering waterfalls, and even glaciers. Not to forget the captivating Chandratal lake, that has spiritual significance in the region. Along the route there is also the meeting point of the Hampta Pass, the Rohtang Pass, and Spiti Pass, the views are magical and unbelievable. The experience is indeed surreal. Like many Himalayan villages, it is also home to deeply rooted Buddhist culture. You will also observe the unique way of life at Sethan, a village predominantly occupied by Tibetan and Spitian migrants. When you stand at the Hampta pass that is at an elevation of 14,100 feet, you will witness the two valleys that are opposite of each other. On one hand you will view the lush green valley of Kullu and on the other hand you will witness the Spiti valley that is barren and is referred to as a cold desert.

The Hampta Pass Trek will take your breath away. Every step of this trek will reveal a drastically new horizon. Once at the top, the beautiful and vastly different landscape from the east to west will give you a stunning view. The Hampta Pass Trekking allows you to freely immerse in the vast range of nature that an astounding mountain symphony offers over the course of 5 unforgettable days.

Why is the Hampta Pass Trek a Must-Do?

The Hampta pass trek takes you through a series of glaciers, streams, and beautiful meadows, which is one of the reasons why it is considered to be one spectacular trek. Deo Tibba, Mt. Indrasen, and Hanuman Tibba are some peaks that are visible from the Hampta pass. The Hampta pass trek starts from Jobra which is a beautiful village with rivers, meadows and mountains. You will initially pass through pine, and maple trees from Jobra to Chika, and the meadows. On the way to Balu ka Ghera, you will pass through beautiful rhododendron forests followed by wildflowers steeping to rocky hills and shallow lakes.

Moreover, you will also discover what is the meaning of Balu ka Ghera. On Hampta pass you will meet locals who are warm and welcoming. They will also engage you in stories and tales of the trek and the culture. At Hampta pass you will get a stunning view of the Pir Panjal Range from the gateway of the pass. From this highest point, the region possesses incredible fascinating sights reaching towards the valleys below. These stunning views don’t end here, while descending to Siagoru, which is the most challenging part of the trek. However, the views will surely mesmerize you. It is crossing the Hampta Pass itself which provides both the most challenging as well as most inspiring and satisfying experience.

At an elevation of 14,100 feet, it is physically challenging for the trekkers but at the same time, it is a thrilling experience. The weather can be unpredictable with sudden fluctuations in temperature and occasional snowfall. Upon reaching the pass, the amazing scenery of the Spiti Lahaul Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges offers immense beauty to the trekkers. The entrance to the Lahaul Valley presents an astonishing contrast to the lush greenery of the Kullu Valley, as the landscape gradually becomes barren and rocky.

The best time to visit the Hampta Pass Trek is between June to October. During this time-frame the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 18°C . In some parts, the temperature becomes moderate, making the trek easier. In the evenings, the range is expected to be from 8 to 13 degrees. During the night, expect temperatures to fall to roughly 3 or 4 degrees at the lower campsites. For the higher campsites, expect the temperatures to drop below freezing during June and October.

Despite being labeled as one of the high altitude treks, Hampta Pass can be done during the pre monsoon months, with the time being from June to September. If you want to do the trek in mid-May, crossing the pass can be difficult due to excess snow. Between the months of June through October, the trek offers diverse views. Alongside plentiful vegetation from Balu Ka Ghera, you can also expect a good amount of snow in June. Snow will await you while you pass the camp until you reach the peaks and expect snow on the way down to Lahaul side too. The amount of snow on each side remains relatively high and the patches leading to the Siagoru camp might be flat and snow covered.

Undoubtedly, the most scenic vision from the Hampta Pass is catching the snow capped mountains at sunset and sunrise when the valleys attract little sunlight which allows for plenty of snow to remain undisturbed. However, the period from June to the start of the monsoon season in July is best for experiencing green meadows along with wildflowers, and post-monsoon months of September and October bring a lot of opportunities for skygazers, along with the sight of snow-capped mountains. Winter treks may be more difficult due to snow cover, and can lead to a completely different and calm atmosphere, perfect for practiced trekkers.

Key Highlights of Hampta Pass Trek 

Glaciers: The Hampta Pass trek is a breathtaking journey that showcases the pristine white glaciers while connecting the untouched Spiti region with Kullu Valley. The Hampta Pass turns out to be an amazing trekking exhibit as the Pass itself is surrounded by glaciers making ice magic the most beautiful geology skill. Climbing toward the pass, you walk across glacial areas, flanked by ice walls and snowfields. Glaciers are a great addition to the trek as they enable you to experience what it feels like to walk on ice. 

Diverse Landscape: From Jhobra, a small village, people can witness a lot of diversity in the topography from lush green jungles to alpine pastures to rugged moraines and high arid lands. Hampta pass is a crossover trek where the diverse Landscape of Spiti and Kullu valley will leave you in shock. On one side you will view the lush green valley of Kullu and on the other side Spiti’s barren land.

Chandra Taal Lake: Another memorable part of the journey is where you will set a base near some of these lakes and valleys such as Chandratal Lake.  Located in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley, Chadra Tall Lake is famed for its turquoise waters with immense clearness. The lake is surrounded by snow capped mountains and normally tends to be a preferred destination for adventure seekers as well as trekkers. It offers a serene, stunning and celestial experience while you’re under a clear and starry night sky.

Thrilling views: The most exciting part of the trek is moving through Hampta Pass which stands 14,100 feet above sea level and grants you the view of revolving snow-capped mountains. The mountain views of Dhauladhar range and Pir Panjal range will be worth it. Not only the mountain views, the campsites at Balu ka Gera will leave you mesmerized.

This trek is ideal for all those who want a moderate challenge while experiencing the sheer magnificence of nature. It is perhaps the most unique trek in the country. Trekkers will also enjoy crossing glowing water bodies and meandering into endless stretch of pine and deodar forests. The change of the scenery from beautiful flora to rocky terrain is enough to put everyone into awe throughout the journey.

Seeing the valleys and peaks from inside the Hampta Pass region is arguably the best part of the trek. It can also give the option for trekkers to explore the disturbance free surroundings of the Chandratal Lake that reflects everything beside it. Since it captures beauty at every step, even if you are not an expert as a trekker, the Hampta Pass will offer a stunning experience for the beginners.