Hampta Pass
One of the most dramatic crossover treks in the Himalayas — lush Kullu valley on one side of the pass, stark Lahaul desert on the other.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Hampta Pass Trek Overview
One of the most dramatic crossover treks in the Himalayas — lush Kullu valley on one side of the pass, stark Lahaul desert on the other.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Jobra, near Manali · Estimated trip duration: 5 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation by published trail milestone
Jobra → Jwara → Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru → Chhatru
These are elevations reported for named stages on one particular route. Connecting lines show milestone order only; the horizontal spacing is not walking distance and changes between stages are not a measured terrain profile.
See altitude for each trail stage
| Milestone | Elevation |
|---|---|
| 1Jobra | 8,965 ft |
| 2Jwara | 11,005 ft |
| 3Balu Ka Ghera | 12,220 ft |
| 4Hampta Pass | 14,065 ft |
| 5Shea Goru | 12,695 ft |
| 6Chhatru | 10,785 ft |
Route variant: Jobra → Jwara → Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru → Chhatru. Other approaches may follow different heights and distances.
A measured GPS distance/elevation profile is not yet available for this route. This graphic is for comparing stage heights, not navigation.
Hampta Pass Trek Planning Guide
Hampta Pass is a moderate trek in Kullu-Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh. Panth records the route as approximately 35 km over 5 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 14,065 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Hampta Pass
The Panth catalogue currently lists Jun, Sep as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 3 planned days, including Jobra to Jwara and Jwara to Balu ka Ghera. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
No advance permit is recorded; local fees or permissions may still apply. The recorded base location is Jobra, near Manali, and the nearest listed rail connection is Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge) or Chandigarh, then a road journey to Manali. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Hampta Pass. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Weather at the pass changes fast — an early start is standard practice to cross before afternoon cloud builds and Stream crossings near Balu ka Ghera can be knee-deep after rain; trekking poles help. The current packing notes include Trekking poles for the descent into Lahaul, which is loose scree, Sun protection for the Lahaul side — reflected glare off rock and snow is intense. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Himachal Pradesh
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Hampta Pass with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Riverside walk through birch forest into the Hampta valley.
Open meadows with the first views of the pass ahead.
Cross the pass into the stark Lahaul landscape, descending to Chandratal lake.
Safety notes
- Weather at the pass changes fast — an early start is standard practice to cross before afternoon cloud builds
- Stream crossings near Balu ka Ghera can be knee-deep after rain; trekking poles help
What to pack
- Trekking poles for the descent into Lahaul, which is loose scree
- Sun protection for the Lahaul side — reflected glare off rock and snow is intense
Frequently asked questions about Hampta Pass
Where is Hampta Pass located?
Hampta Pass is listed in Kullu-Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, within the Himachal Pradesh trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Hampta Pass trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Hampta Pass?
Panth currently lists Jun, Sep. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Hampta Pass?
No advance permit is currently recorded, although local entry fees or rules may still apply.
How long is the Hampta Pass trek?
The catalogue records 5 days and approximately 35 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.