Hampta Pass trek is the most beautiful trek around Manali and can be done by anyone reasonably fit. Hamta pass lies on the beautiful Pir Panjal range and is a small corridor between Lahaul and the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Hamta village is located below Sethan village and from where it got its name. This pass is frequently used by Shepherds of the lesser Himalayan region. Seeking high-altitude grassland in the dry cold desert of Lahaul during summer time. Numbers of wildflowers, varieties of herbs can be found at an altitude between 3000 to 3800m.

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

COST

REVIEWS

Overview

Setting off from Manali we drive to Sethan village 2700m and continue to Panduropa – Jobri. Our starting point of the trek. Setting off from Jobri first we cross the ford on Jobri nallah originating from Deo Tibba massif. The route from Chikka to Jobri passes through a forest of Deodar, Oak, walnut, and Birch tree. Gradual climb to Jwara and Balu ka Gera. Balu ka Gera is better known for Bear’s den or Bear’s circle. Can see only during May end to mid-June. The final ascent leads through the boulder and scree to the pass. Spectacular view of Indrasan 6221m and Deo Tibba 6001m only can have on a clear sky. Crossing the river near Shea Goru camp we descend to the river bed and follow the left bank of Chandra River to Chatru. It is 3 hrs drive back to Manali through Atal Tunnel Rohtang. With a magnificent view of Dhundi and Solang valley.

ITINERARY
Day 1
Manali (1950m), Drive to Jobri (2800m) 1 hr, Trek to Chikka (3100m), 3 hours.
Setting off from Manali we drive to Jobri (2800m). An early departure from Manali, we drive 3 km south of Manali on the left bank of Beas River to Prini village. Continue to drive through the Prini to Hamta and Sethan village. Sethan village is a small settlement of early horsemen known as Khampas of Tibetan origin. En suite road goes through alpine forest to the Panduropa (2700m), Panduropa is known for the small paddy field – where Pandavas of Mahabharata during their exile, spent a part of the time in this region and said to be cultivated crops at Panduropa. Continue until reaching Jobri.
Our starting point of the trek. Leaving Jobri at the first crossing of the bridge on Jobri nallah.
Beginning to trek from here the trail passes through the thick forest of Deodar, Oak, walnut, and Birch tree to Chikka, which has beautiful meadows. Soon along the left bank for few minutes than along the right bank of Hamta nallah to Chikka. (3100m). Around Chikka some fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains.

Day 2
Trek to Juara 3450m – Balu Ghera 3600m, 6 hours.
After crossing the second bridge we climb gently to Jwara for 2 hrs along the right banks of Hamta nallah. We will pass beneath the waterfall. The next adventure is going to be a stream crossing just before Jwara. Beautiful meadows at Jwara. From Jwara trail gently climbs to Balu ka Gera. From where we will have the first view of Hamta pass. It’s a beautiful campsite close to crystal clear water. Be aware of bears in this area by early-season trek and late-season trek. The area itself is known for Bears Den.
A gradual climb begins after Bhalu ka Gera. Balu ka Gera is known for wildflowers, rocks, and caves. From where we will have the first view of our next day crossing of Hamta pass. It’s a beautiful campsite close to crystal clear water.

Day 3
Trek to Hamta Pass (4268m) – Shea Goru (3900m) 7 to 8 hours.
An early departure from camp, as there is a long walk today and crossing of Hamta pass. The gradual climb begins soon after leaving Balu Ghera. It may take three to four hours to reach the Hamta pass. From Hamta pass fantastic view of Deo Tibba (6001m) and Indrasan peak (6220m). After crossing the Hamta pass steep descent to Shea goru plains for overnight camp. Crossing Hamta pass the landscape changes dramatically from lush green to barren semi-desert of Lahaul. This pass is located on the easternmost part of the Pir Panjal range.

Indrasan peak, Deo Tibba peak — View of Indrasan peak 6,221 m (L) and Deo Tibba peak 6001 m (R) from Hampta pass North slopes

Day 4
Trek to Chatru (3320m) 4 to 5 hours. Drive to Atal Tunnel Rohtang la -Manali (2040 m) drive 3 hours.
Cross-stream near the camp and follow the right bank until it joins with the Chandra River. Again, cross the same stream by a small wooden bridge. Now follow the left bank of Chandra River. 30 minutes later a motorable bridge to be cross to reach Chhatru. Drive to Koksar and continue to near Sissu, from where we take Atal Tunnel Rohtang to Manali.
Trip ends

Trip Highlights

Stunning Crossover from Manali to Lahaul-Spiti
Scenic Trail
Hamta Nala & Chandra River
Peaceful Campsites

Itinerary

Day 1:

Manali (1950m), Drive to Jobri (2800m) 1 hr, Trek to Chikka (3100m), 3 hours.

Setting off from Manali we drive to Jobri (2800m). An early departure from Manali, we drive 3 km south of Manali on the left bank of Beas River to Prini village. Continue to drive through the Prini to Hamta and Sethan village. Sethan village is a small settlement of early horsemen known as Khampas of Tibetan origin. En suite road goes through alpine forest to the Panduropa (2700m), Panduropa is known for the small paddy field – where Pandavas of Mahabharata during their exile, spent a part of the time in this region and said to be cultivated crops at Panduropa. Continue until reaching Jobri.
Our starting point of the trek. Leaving Jobri at the first crossing of the bridge on Jobri nallah.
Beginning to trek from here the trail passes through the thick forest of Deodar, Oak, walnut, and Birch tree to Chikka, which has beautiful meadows. Soon along the left bank for few minutes than along the right bank of Hamta nallah to Chikka. (3100m). Around Chikka some fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains.

Day 2:

Trek to Juara 3450m - Balu Ghera 3600m, 6 hours.

After crossing the second bridge we climb gently to Jwara for 2 hrs along the right banks of Hamta nallah. We will pass beneath the waterfall. The next adventure is going to be a stream crossing just before Jwara. Beautiful meadows at Jwara. From Jwara trail gently climbs to Balu ka Gera. From where we will have the first view of Hamta pass. It’s a beautiful campsite close to crystal clear water. Be aware of bears in this area by early-season trek and late-season trek. The area itself is known for Bears Den.
A gradual climb begins after Bhalu ka Gera. Balu ka Gera is known for wildflowers, rocks, and caves. From where we will have the first view of our next day crossing of Hamta pass. It’s a beautiful campsite close to crystal clear water.

Day 3:

Trek to Hamta Pass (4268m) - Shea Goru (3900m) 7 to 8 hours.

An early departure from camp, as there is a long walk today and crossing of Hamta pass. The gradual climb begins soon after leaving Balu Ghera. It may take three to four hours to reach the Hamta pass. From Hamta pass fantastic view of Deo Tibba (6001m) and Indrasan peak (6220m). After crossing the Hamta pass steep descent to Shea goru plains for overnight camp. Crossing Hamta pass the landscape changes dramatically from lush green to barren semi-desert of Lahaul. This pass is located on the easternmost part of the Pir Panjal range.

Day 4:

Trek to Chatru (3320m) 4 to 5 hours. Drive to Atal Tunnel Rohtang la -Manali (2040 m) drive 3 hours.

Cross-stream near the camp and follow the right bank until it joins with the Chandra River. Again, cross the same stream by a small wooden bridge. Now follow the left bank of Chandra River. 30 minutes later a motorable bridge to be cross to reach Chhatru. Drive to Koksar and continue to near Sissu, from where we take Atal Tunnel Rohtang to Manali.
Trip ends

Mr. Prem is a thorough professional. Right from the timely pick up from Chandigarh airport, to the Hampta trek, the quality of food, quality of guides, tents etc…was to the mark and top quality. I am impressed with the quality of service. We also had a different set of day tours for our ladies. They too were very happy with everything. Am sure to book only through him for the next trek.
Mr. Taral Bakeri & group – Ahmedabad – June 2021

We would like to thank you for a wonderful experience we had with your team.
This was a great 4 days walk, with great treats from the crew.
Everything was so well organized, comfortable and in good and safe manner.
I will put a good review for Potala on the different websites, as our appreciation for your great team.
On behalf of all the group, Thank you
Mr. Shai And Group of 12 – Israel – 5 August 2017

“The trek was really cool, the guide is really kind and attentive to our problems. He accepts to change the trek steps according to our needs which was really kind of his part. Moreover, everything was well organized, the food was incredible according to the highness where we were.”
Monsieur Benoit Richer – FRANCE

“Nous avons passe un tres bon trek de 4 jours avec notre guide Prem Singh. Il a tout organize pour notre group de 6 personnes: Le campement, les repas, meme les petits conseils pour s’adapter a l’altitude etaient au rendez-vous. Merci a toute l’equipe de Potala Aventurers pour le voyage.”
Mr. Clement & group of 6 – Paris – FRANCE

“Our trek with Potala Adventures was fantastic from start to end. Booking was quick and easy. The trek itself was amazing. We walked Hamta pass and Chandratal. The food was outstanding and our guide extremely friendly and helpful. Apart from the walking you wouldn’t know you were on a mountainside. I would recommend anyone trekking from Manali to choose Potala Adventures. Thanks to them all. ”
“I had a fantastic time trekking from Manali, and would recommend to anyone Potala Adventures. Ravinder was a very kind and thoughtful guide and cook Tashi is a genius cook. How did he manage to bake a cake up a mountain? Can’t wait to come back. ”
Mr. Jonathan D, Mr. Thomas – (UK) – 8th to 13th July

“Trekking to Hamta pass through Potala was a lifetime experience !. The staff gave such a royal treatment that you would never expect on a camp. The quality of tents, sleeping bags, food etc was all superb. I would recommend Potala Adventurers to everyone. It is probably the best for camping .”
Miss Muskaan Khubchandani (Actress, Model) – New Delhi

“good organization. Fast feedback/answers on emails, great pickup at bus station at 4 am and breakfast at Tenzin’s home. Good equipment. To Guide: good communication. We learned a lot about India. Good advice for further travel planning, knows a lot about nature, animals and plants. We are very satisfied with the guide. To Cook: Incredible great food. It’s amazing what he is able to produce in the middle of nowhere. Good mixture of Indian, Chinese and international food. How we will survive without the cook in the future. To horseman: Unfortunately he couldn’t speak English, but he does a good job. ”
Mr. Durichen – GERMANY, 05 – 08 Sept

“We took a trip with Potala Adventures to Hamta pass. All the people i.e. the group leader were excellent. The group helper was fantastic, the horseman did a fantastic job, and overall the team was excellent. We all had a great time. We surely would do a trek again with same team. The food we ate was excellent. ”
Dr. H. Daswani, P. Deora, Paras, Nihal – MUMBAI – 01 Sept. – 05 Sept

“Thank you so much for an incredible experience in the Himalayas. As it was our first trekking trip, we were extremely grateful to have such a wonderful team guiding us every step of the way.
Everybody was extremely helpful and welcoming. We will surely return soon for another amazing adventure. A special shout out to Ravinder, he was an incredible guide – we have been on several trips but have never been accompanied by such an exceptional guide. Thank you again. ”
Mrs. Manisha, Milind, Tanvin, Heena, Kamlesh, Mayur, Madhavi – Mumbai – 13 Aug – 19 Aug

“Good communication with clients from UK – regular updates about travel – itinerary and variations on possible trek. Local knowledge excellent and efficient rides up from hotel. Driver was superb – careful yet aware of deadlines. Cook was first rate – variety of dishes and regular thought given to packed lunch, breakfast + dinner. Tents were comfortable, like sleeping bags + equipment. Guide was superb and extremely obliging – shared vast knowledge of flora and fauna regularly with us during trip, very attentive + industrious, polite + helpful throughout our trek. ”
Mr. Greenfield and N. Anderson, London, UK, 24 July – 28 July

It was nice experience trekking for the first time in life for all the group. Guides were very good. Cook and his group were fabulous. Food was amazing, it was getting better by better by every day. Hamta pass was amazing and thrilling because of ice. All the staff were helping and accommodation was amazing. We all love trekking for five days. Day by day trekking was getting better and flawless. Potala Adventures are good and best also.
Mr. Krutik & group – RAJKOT – 17 June

Trek Name: Hamta Pass and Chandra Tal – Days: 4 nights 5 days. Guide: very informative, helpful and friendly. Took good care and guided well.
Cook: cooked very delicious food, very fast. Did not say no to anything we asked. Horseman: Megh Singh. Nice guy, friendly.
Equipment: Excellent, all in good conditions. About Potala: Overall I was a beautiful, memorable experience. Service offered by Potala was very good and highly satisfactory. We would definitely recommend Potala to our friends. Thanks to Mr. Tenzin and his team, for organizing wonderful trek.
Mr. Krishnamurthy – Bangalore – Karnataka, 19th Sep. – 23rd Sep.

“We the member of Parvat Abhiyatri Sangha (South), Tollygung, Kolkata have completed the trek to Hamta pass & Chandratal on & from 05.10 to 10.10 under the afornoted agency. The arrangement was excellent particularly Ravinder, the guide & Prem , the cook. We were very well fed and the logistic supports, particularly the tent, sleeping bags were in good condition. The only short coming was that no tent lamp was provided and the bed tea was given a bit late than usual. We look forward for more such experience with Potala Adventurers. ”
Mr. Arun Kumar – KOLKATA – 11 October on account of Mr. Sankar Nath Mukharjee, Mr. Debasish Mitra.