Hampta Pass

About this departure

Hamta Pass (also spelt Hampta) is the classic crossing from Manali's green Kullu side into the dry mountains of Lahaul. As a student camp it is the next step after a base camp: four walking days with tents carried up the valley, a camp below the snow at Balu ka Ghera, the 4,270 m pass on the third morning, and a descent into a different world. It is a real mountain journey, done at a pace the whole group can hold, with an acclimatisation plan and a turn-back rule everyone knows.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Manali → Sethan → Chhika
   A short drive up to Sethan, a Buddhist hamlet above Manali. Kit check, a briefing, then along the Hamta stream to Chhika, a meadow camp below the treeline. Tents up, camp skills, a first night under the stars.
2. Chhika → Balu ka Ghera
   A climb to a wide grazing ground under Indrasan and Deo Tibba. Acclimatisation walks, river-crossing drills and a lesson in reading the mountains.
3. Over Hamta Pass (4,270 m) → Shea Goru
   The big day. An early start, a steady pace and the top together — green Kullu behind, the bare grey valleys of Lahaul ahead. A careful descent to camp at Shea Goru under the snow peaks.
4. Shea Goru → Chhatru
   Down to Chhatru on the Chandra river, where the walking ends.
5. Chandratal → Manali
   By jeep to Chandratal lake when the road is open, then back to Manali through the Atal Tunnel.

What's included

• Transport Manali–Sethan and Chhatru–Manali
• Tents, sleeping bags, mats; dining and toilet tents
• All meals on the trek
• Trek leader, guides, cooks, porters/mules for camp loads
• Forest and camping permits
• First-aid, oxygen and a safety plan

Not included

• Travel to Manali
• Personal trekking gear
• Insurance
• Anything not listed as included

What to pack

• Waterproof trekking boots, already broken in
• Three layers: thermals, fleece, and a windproof shell
• Rain jacket and rain cover for the rucksack (afternoon showers are normal)
• Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and UV sunglasses
• Quick-dry trekking trousers — jeans are miserable at river crossings
• Headtorch with spare batteries for the pre-dawn pass start
• Two one-litre water bottles and purification tablets
• Sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm and personal medication
• Sandals or crocs for camp and stream crossings