Two Worlds in One Trek
Hampta Pass is the classic 'crossover' trek — you start among the deodar forests and green meadows of the Kullu valley and, in a single dramatic pass crossing, descend into the stark, rain-shadowed moonscape of Lahaul-Spiti. Few treks anywhere deliver such a complete change of scenery in under a week.
The Route
From Manali, a short drive reaches Jobra (9,800 ft). The trail follows the Rani nallah to Chika and then Balu ka Ghera (11,900 ft), the staging camp below the pass. Pass day climbs steeply to Hampta Pass (14,100 ft) before a long descent to Shea Goru on the Spiti side; the final walk reaches Chatru roadhead. Almost every itinerary adds a drive to the impossibly blue Chandratal lake (14,100 ft) before returning to Manali over the Atal Tunnel road.
Best Time to Go
Mid-June to late September. Because the Spiti side is in the rain shadow, Hampta is one of the few Himalayan treks that works during the monsoon — expect afternoon showers on the Kullu side, but drier conditions after the pass. Snow lingers on the pass into early July.
Difficulty and Permits
Graded easy-to-moderate: short days, one long pass day, and river crossings that are cold and fun in equal measure. Basic fitness suffices. No special inner-line permit is needed for the standard route; operators handle forest camping fees. Manali is well connected from Delhi and Chandigarh by road.