Hampta Pass

Hampta Pass is a 14,000-foot-high connection between two starkly different landscapes. On one side, you have the lush greenery of Kullu Valley—thick forests, open meadows, and wildflowers lining the trail. On the other side of Hampta Pass, you step into the barren, rugged beauty of Lahaul. The terrain is stark, the mountains bare, and the skies endlessly blue.

Traditionally, it used to be a Summer Trek. But when we did the trek in monsoon, this sudden shift in landscapes felt almost magical. Standing on the top of the pass, what’s ahead and behind are two different worlds. Even more remarkable is how quickly these changes occur. Most pass-crossing treks are longer. They require much more time and effort. But at Hampta Pass, you witness this shift in just 25 km of moderate level trekking. This is where the Hampta Pass Trek stand out for us.

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On the trek, you cross not one but two major glacial streams and navigate a challenging ascent to the pass. The trek takes you through glacial valleys filled with moraines, scree, and boulders. Trekking across multiple ridges and ledges, you arrive suddenly at the pass. From the pass, you see every aspect of glacial erosion spring vividly into life. Along the trail, several spots may seem like you have reached the pass, but you are certain until you finally arrive.

Setting aside the stunning sceneries and the thrill of the trail, every campsite on the Hampta Pass trek offers a unique experience of its own. At Jwara, you see an incredible abundance of wildflowers. Many trekkers call it Himachal’s Valley of Flowers. At Balu ka Ghera, you are right at the bouldery cradle of a U-shaped glacial valley, set against towering snow peaks of Pir Panjal range. In peak monsoon, you see multiple streams gushing down the steep valley sides. And once you cross the Pass and descend to Shea Goru, it is a whole different world. The camp is set right beside a gushing glacial stream, on a green meadow dotted with flowers.

On this relatively short trek, spanning 25 km over 4 days of trekking, you pass verdant forests, lush meadows, cross a dramatic high-altitude pass, and arrive into the stunning Lahaul Valley. Every day is extraordinary on the Hampta Pass Trek.

5 Things We Love About the Hampta Pass Trek

1) The Scenic Drive from Manali to Jobra
Your journey begins with a spectacular drive from Manali to Jobra, the trek’s starting point. It’s hard to believe how much the scenery changes in just an hour. The road winds through apple orchards, thick deodar forests, and finally oak trees. The last stretch to Jobra has 42 hairpin bends! This drive itself is a prelude to the adventure ahead. If you’re lucky enough to sit on the left side of the vehicle, you’ll find yourself glued to the window, soaking in the views.

2) River Crossings
The Hampta Pass trek kicks off with adventure from Day One. You cross the gushing Jobri Nala over a rickety wooden bridge. The next day, while trekking towards Jwara, you walk across Jobri Nala over a wooden bridge again. Right before reaching Jwara, you encounter your first river crossing on foot. The icy current of Rani Nala bites at your legs. The crossing is as nerve-wracking as it is unforgettable. Later, beyond Shea Goru, the mighty Hampta Nala tests you once more. This glacier-fed stream is the first challenge of your day as you head towards Chhatru. The water numbs your feet instantly — but the thrill lingers long after the trek ends.

3) The Thrill of Crossing Hampta Pass
The highlight of this trek is, of course, the Hampta Pass crossing. It’s a dramatic and exhilarating experience. The trail takes you through a narrow gorge with stark brown walls on either side and deep white snow underfoot. As you climb ledge after ledge, the sense of adventure builds. Reaching the pass feels like a triumph. You have left the lush green Kullu Valley behind you. The cold deserts of Lahaul lie ahead.

4) Stunning Campsites
The campsites on this trek are something to look forward to. You have to cross the gushing Rani Nala to reach Jwara Campsite. It is a lush green space nestled between two beautiful valleys. The next campsite, Balu Ka Ghera, is a stark contrast. It is nestled amidst boulders and surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Shea Goru, on the other side of the pass, is situated amidst a picture-perfect U-shaped valley, formed by glacial erosion. Here, you camp right next to the Hampta Nala and in the shadows of the mighty Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks.

5) Mountain Views and Hanging Glaciers
Mountain views often take a backseat on the Hampta Pass trek — but they quietly steal the show. From the pass, the sharp peaks of Indrasan and Deo Tibba dominate the skyline. As you descend towards Chhatru, Inderkilla Peak rises to your left. And then there’s the hanging Hampta Glacier — a rare sight. You spot it as you approach the pass from Balu Ka Ghera. It feeds the Hampta Nala, beside which you camp at Shea Goru.

At Indiahikes, we believe that treks like Hampta Pass are rare gems. From a dramatic pass crossing to serene campsites and river crossings– the sheer variety it offers over 4 days of moderate level trekking is mind-boggling.