Mahakal Hike Adventure

Hamta Pass Trek

From green valleys to barren landscapes

Duration

5 days / 4 nights

Altitude

4,300 m / 14,100 ft

Difficulty

Moderate

Season

June – September

Distance

23 km on foot

Start

Jobra (near Manali)

End

Chatru, Lahaul

Overview

About This Trek

The Hamta Pass trek is one of the most dramatic landscape crossings in the Himalayas. You start in the green, forested Kullu Valley near Manali and walk through forests of maple, deodar, and oak. As you climb, the landscape opens into alpine meadows filled with wildflowers (June–September). After crossing the pass at 4,300 m, the world changes completely — lush greenery gives way to the dry, barren mountains and wide open skies of Lahaul. The trek ends at Chatru, from where you can extend to Chandratal Lake — a stunning turquoise crescent-shaped lake at 4,300 m. This trek follows an ancient silk trade route that once connected Manali, Spiti, and Ladakh.

Ask About This Trek

Why This Trek

Highlights

—Dramatic landscape shift — from green Kullu Valley to barren Lahaul in one crossing

—Cross the Hamta Pass at 4,300 m with panoramic Himalayan views

—Walk through forests of maple, deodar, and oak

—Alpine meadows filled with rare Himalayan wildflowers (June–September)

—Optional extension to Chandratal Lake — a turquoise crescent at 4,300 m

—Follow an ancient silk trade route connecting Manali, Spiti, and Ladakh

The Journey

Day by Day

Day 1

Manali to Jobra to Chika

3 km trek · 2,700 m → 3,078 m

Drive from Manali to Jobra (22 km). Trek through forests of maple, deodar, and oak to the first camp at Chika. A gentle introduction to the trail.

Day 2

Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

7 km · 3,078 m → 3,783 m

An easy ascent following the river through alpine meadows and boulder terrain. Mountain views open up on all sides. Camp at Balu Ka Ghera — a sandy riverbed surrounded by peaks.

Day 3

Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hamta Pass

8 km · 3,783 m → 4,300 m (pass) → 3,735 m

The most demanding day. Navigate rocky paths, scree slopes, and snow patches to reach the Hamta Pass at 4,300 m. The views from the top are panoramic. Descend steeply into the Lahaul side — the landscape changes completely — and camp at Shea Goru.

Day 4

Shea Goru to Chatru

5 km trek · 3,735 m → 3,350 m

Trek down to Chatru on the Manali–Kaza road through barren, wide-open terrain. Optional drive to Chandratal Lake — a stunning turquoise crescent-shaped lake at 4,300 m surrounded by mountains. Return to Chatru for the night.

Day 5

Chatru to Manali

140 km drive · 3,350 m → 2,050 m

Drive back to Manali through the Atal Tunnel, watching the landscape shift from Lahaul's barren mountains back to the green Kullu Valley. Arrive by early afternoon.

What's Included

Your Trek Includes

✓Experienced local mountain guide and support team

✓Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mattresses)

✓All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/snacks)

✓Climbing gear (crampons, gaiters) if needed for snow

✓First aid and medical kit with oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter

✓Forest permits and camping charges

✓Transport from Manali to Jobra and Chatru to Manali

Not Included

Arrange on Your Own

·Personal trekking gear and clothing

·Porter for personal backpack

·Chandratal Lake visit transport (if opting for extension)

·Travel insurance

·Any meals before or after the trek

Be Prepared

What to Carry

○Waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support

○Warm layers — thermal base, fleece, and down jacket rated to -10°C

○Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants

○2–3 pairs woollen socks and trekking socks

○Gloves (fleece liner + waterproof outer) and woollen cap

○UV-protective sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50+)

○Water bottles (at least 2 litres) and water purification tablets

○Trekking poles

○Headlamp with spare batteries

○50–60L rucksack with rain cover

○Personal medical kit (Diamox, painkillers, ORS, band-aids)

○Energy bars, dry fruits, and glucose powder

○Original government ID proof

When to Go

Best Time

June to July offers lush green landscapes and Himalayan wildflowers but has occasional rain. August has heavy monsoon rain in lower areas but is stable higher up. September is drier with clear skies and golden autumn light.

Are You Ready

Fitness Level

No previous trekking experience required, but good physical fitness is essential. You should be able to cover 5 km in 30–35 minutes. Start training 6 weeks before — jogging 4–5 km, climbing stairs, and doing squats and planks. The summit day is demanding (7–8 hours with steep sections).

Getting There

How to Reach

The trek starts from Jobra, about 22 km from Manali. From Delhi, overnight buses reach Manali in 10–11 hours. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu), about 50 km from Manali with a 1.5–2 hour taxi ride. Transport from Manali to Jobra is usually included. The trek ends at Chatru, from where you drive back to Manali via the Atal Tunnel (about 5 hours).

Ready for Hamta Pass Trek?

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