Hampta Pass & Chandratal Lake Trek | Dramatic Green-to-Desert Crossover
Scenic turquoise Chandratal lake surrounded by majestic mountains
Expedition Overview
Climb through changing climates on the Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh. Standing tall at 14,100 feet, this trek is famous for its crossover trails starting from the lush green pine forests of Manali and leading through wildflower valleys to cross a glacier wall, opening into the stark desert landscape of Spiti Valley. The expedition concludes with luxury camping at the crescent-shaped Chandratal (Moon Lake) located at 14,000 feet.
Trek Highlights
Detailed Expedition Itinerary
Manali to Jobra Drive & Short Trek to Chika (2 Hrs Trek)
Day 1: Base DriveReport at our Manali base by 9:00 AM. Board our transport for a drive up the 40 hairpin curves to Jobra. Begin your trek through mixed forests of pine and maple. After a gradual 2-hour trek alongside the Rani Nallah river, arrive at Chika campsite.
Chika to Balu Ka Ghera (8 km, 5 Hrs)
Day 2: River WalkWake up to river views. Trek along the Rani riverbed delta, navigating boulder blocks and cold stream crossings. Climb to Balu Ka Ghera, a beautiful sandy delta enclosed by high mountains, and set up camps.
Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass (7 km, 8 Hrs)
Day 3: Pass CrossingThe big pass day! Trek up steep rocky ridges covered in glacier snow. Climb up the pass wall to reach 14,100 ft Hampta Pass. Indulge in hot trail snacks. Enjoy views of Indrasan and Deo Tibba peaks, and descend down a steep rock trail to Shea Goru.
Shea Goru to Chhatru Trek & Drive to Chandratal Lake
Day 4: Drive to ChandratalTrek through Spiti's rock valley to reach Chhatru road head. Board our jeep transport and drive along the scenic Spiti highway to Chandratal Lake. Camp at the lakeside luxury camps.
Chandratal to Manali via Rohtang Pass Drive (Drive: 120 km)
Day 5: Return to ManaliWake up to the glacial lake breeze. Board our vehicle for a return drive back to Manali crossing the Rohtang Pass. Arrive in Manali by 6:00 PM.
Base Camp & Assembly Office Location
Ghumo Phiro base camp office, Prini Badrinath highway
Near Prini Bus Stop, Prini, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Opposite HP Fuel station
Reachable via direct overnight AC volvo buses from New Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Manali.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- ✓Homestay/tent accommodation during trek on twin/triple sharing
- ✓Nutritious mountain meals: breakfast, hot lunch, tea & snacks, soup, dinner
- ✓NIM-certified senior Trek Leader, safety guide, helper, cook staff
- ✓National park entry permits, Spiti entry clearances, and Rohtang pass pass fees
- ✓Quality gear: 4-season alpine tents, microspikes, and safety gaiters
- ✓Emergency oxygen cylinders and first aid kits
What's Excluded
- ✕Backpack offloading fee (₹1,500 for the duration of the trek)
- ✕Meals during road travel on Day 1 and Day 5
- ✕Personal trekking shoes, poles, fleece layers
- ✕Emergency medical expenses or rescue chopper fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is stream crossing dangerous on this trek?
No. Stream crossings are navigated in group formation under the direct guidance of our experienced NIM-certified leaders using ropes when streams run high.
Q: Is Chandratal lake high altitude?
Yes, it is situated at 14,000 feet. We spend the night at Chhatru or Shea Goru first to acclimatize before moving to the lakeside camps.
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