Hampta Pass Chandratal Trek from Ahmedabad
A moderately challenging Himachal trek crossing the dramatic Hampta Pass (4,270 m) from lush Kullu valley into the barren beauty of Lahaul, ending at the "Moon Lake."
About This Trip
Looking for a Hampta Pass trek from Ahmedabad where the travel, permits, stays and meals are handled for you? Trekomania Adventures runs this 6-day, 5-night Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake trek for groups leaving from Ahmedabad, so you can focus on the mountains instead of the logistics.
The trek crosses the Hampta Pass at about 4,270 m, a high pass in the Pir Panjal range that connects the green Kullu valley near Manali with the dry, high-altitude landscape of Lahaul. In just a few days the scenery changes completely - pine forests and flower meadows on one side, bare mountains and glacial valleys on the other - and the trip ends at Chandratal, the "Moon Lake".
Hampta Pass Chandratal trek at a glance
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights, Ahmedabad to Ahmedabad
- Route: Manali - Jobri - Chika - Balu Ka Ghera - Hampta Pass - Shea Goru - Chatru - Chandratal - Manali
- Highest point: Hampta Pass, about 4,270 m
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a long and demanding pass-crossing day
- Best season: Mid-June to September
- Stay: Guesthouse in Manali and tents on the trail
Why trek Hampta Pass with Trekomania Adventures
- Travel from Ahmedabad is included: transport from Ahmedabad and back is part of the trip, so there is nothing to book separately.
- Permits sorted: forest permits and camping charges are included.
- Looked after on the trail: an experienced trek leader and a support and kitchen team travel with the group, with all meals during the trek.
- Safety basics covered: a first aid kit and safety equipment go with every group.
What makes the Hampta Pass trek special
Few treks in India change scenery as sharply as this one. You start in the monsoon-fed Kullu valley, walking along the Rani Nallah stream through forest and open meadows. Then comes the pass itself, and on the far side the land turns rocky, wide and almost desert-like - the Lahaul side of the Himalaya. The finish at Chandratal, a high-altitude lake whose water shifts colour through the day, is what most trekkers remember longest.
How difficult is the Hampta Pass trek?
We rate it moderate. The first two days are gradual walking. The third day is the real test: an early start, a steady climb to the pass, a steep descent on loose ground, and a long day on your feet. There can be snow patches near the pass in early season and a few stream crossings along the way. Trekkers with good general fitness, including first-timers who have prepared, usually manage it well. If you have a heart, breathing or blood-pressure condition, please speak to your doctor before booking.
Best time for the Hampta Pass trek
The trek is run from mid-June to September, when the pass is open and the trail is clear enough to cross safely.
- June: greener valleys, possible snow near the pass, cool nights.
- July - August: the Kullu side gets monsoon rain, so expect wet and slippery sections. The Lahaul side beyond the pass stays much drier.
- September: usually the clearest skies and the sharpest mountain views, with colder nights at camp.
Fitness and preparation
Start preparing four to six weeks before the trek. Brisk walking or jogging, climbing stairs, and basic leg strengthening (squats and lunges) are enough for most people. Practise walking for a few hours with a loaded backpack so your shoulders and feet are used to it.
Altitude and acclimatisation
The trail climbs from roughly 3,000 m at Chika to about 4,270 m at the pass, and Chandratal sits at around 4,300 m. Headaches and tiredness can appear at this height. Drink plenty of water, walk at a steady pace, eat well, and tell your trek leader early if you feel unwell - please do not take medication without medical advice.
What to pack for Hampta Pass
- Sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, plus a few pairs of socks
- Warm layers: thermals, a fleece, and a padded jacket for cold camp nights
- A rain jacket or poncho, and a cap, warm hat, gloves and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, lip balm, a water bottle (1 to 2 litres) and a headlamp
- A backpack with a rain cover, and a trekking pole if you use one
- Your original ID proof and any personal medication
Dates and price
Batch dates and pricing change with each departure, so we share them directly. Message us on WhatsApp and we will send you the latest schedule and cost for your group.
Itinerary
Arrive in Manali and check in to the guesthouse. In the evening your trek leader runs a briefing on the days ahead and does a gear check, so anything missing can be sorted before the trail starts. Rest well - the trek begins early the next morning.
A short drive from Manali takes you to Jobri, where the walking begins. The trail follows the Rani Nallah stream through pine forest and wildflower meadows before reaching Chika campsite, at roughly 3,000 m. It is a gentle first day, ideal for warming up and getting used to the altitude. Night in tents.
Continue upstream along the Rani Nallah, with the valley slowly opening up and the terrain shifting from forest to wide alpine meadow. There are a few stream crossings on the way. You reach Balu Ka Ghera, a broad campsite at roughly 3,700 m, with your first clear look at the pass you will cross tomorrow. Night in tents.
The main day of the trek, so it starts early. Climb steadily above Balu Ka Ghera to the Hampta Pass at about 4,270 m, with wide views across both valleys. Then descend steeply into Lahaul, where the scenery turns rocky and barren, and reach Shea Goru campsite. It is a long, demanding day and the most rewarding one. Night in tents.
A shorter trekking day along the valley down to Chatru, the roadhead. From there you drive on to Chandratal Lake, the "Moon Lake", at around 4,300 m. Spend the evening by the water as the colours change with the light. Night camp at Chandratal.
After a slow morning by the lake, drive back to Manali. You will have time to freshen up before the journey back home to Ahmedabad.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation from Ahmedabad to Ahmedabad
- Accommodation in guesthouse at Manali and tents on the trail
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced trek leader and support/kitchen staff
- Forest permits and camping charges
- Basic first aid kit and safety equipment
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Meals during transit to/from Manali
- Mules/porter charges for personal luggage (available on request)
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Trip Highlights
- Cross the Hampta Pass (about 4,270 m), where the green Kullu valley meets the dry landscape of Lahaul
- Camp at Chandratal Lake, the "Moon Lake", known for water that changes colour through the day
- Walk beside the Rani Nallah stream through pine forest and open flower meadows to Balu Ka Ghera
- A moderate Himachal trek that first-timers with good fitness can do with proper preparation
- Departs from and returns to Ahmedabad, with transport, forest permits and meals on the trek included
- Guided by an experienced trek leader with a support and kitchen team
Where You Will Stay
Twin sharing, en-suite where available
Twin sharing, en-suite where available
Twin sharing, en-suite where available
Trip Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hampta Pass trek crosses a high pass at about 4,270 m in the Pir Panjal range, linking the green Kullu valley near Manali with the dry landscape of Lahaul. Our version is a 6-day, 5-night trip from Ahmedabad that ends with a visit to Chandratal Lake.
We rate it moderate. The first two days are gradual, while the third day - the pass crossing - is long and demanding, with a steep climb and descent and possible snow patches early in the season. Good general fitness and some preparation make it manageable.
Yes, for beginners who are reasonably fit and prepare for four to six weeks with regular walking or jogging and leg strengthening. It is not recommended without a doctor's advice if you have a heart, breathing or blood-pressure condition.
The trek runs from mid-June to September. June is greener and can have snow near the pass, July and August bring monsoon rain on the Kullu side, and September usually gives the clearest skies and coldest nights.
The trip includes transport from Ahmedabad and back, a guesthouse in Manali and tents on the trail, all meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner), an experienced trek leader with support and kitchen staff, forest permits and camping charges, and a basic first aid kit with safety equipment.
No. Forest permits and camping charges are included in the trip, so you only need to carry your original ID proof.
Pack sturdy waterproof trekking shoes, warm layers and a padded jacket, a rain jacket or poncho, cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, a headlamp and your personal medication. The full list is in the About section above.
Mobile network is patchy or absent on most of the trail, so tell family in advance and expect to be offline for a few days. Manali has normal coverage.
Yes. Mules or porters for personal luggage are available on request at extra cost. Let us know when you book.
Batch dates and pricing change with each departure, so we share them directly. Message us on WhatsApp and we will send the latest schedule and cost for your group.
