Because this trek takes you up to 14,100 ft, acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a real factor. To enjoy this comfortably, start a cardio routine (jogging 5 km in under 30 minutes) at least 3 weeks before you leave.

You must completely avoid smoking and alcohol at least one month prior to and during the trek; failing to do so significantly increases the risk of sudden respiratory distress or lung collapse.

At this altitude, you might not feel thirsty, but you must drink 4 to 5 liters of water daily to maintain optimum oxygen levels in your bloodstream.

Many trekkers take Diamox under medical supervision to help the body cope with low oxygen levels and prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Hampta Pass trip from Manali: 5D/4N, from ₹15,000

The Gateway to the Wilderness

Arrive at the destination - Manali to Jobra (Drive) | Jobra to Chika (Trek)

9:00 AMThe Scenic DriveMeet at designated pickup point ,The adventure begins with a drive from Manali to Jobra. The route winds through 42 breathtaking hairpin bends, offering stunning views of the Kullu Valley and the roaring Beas River below.
12:00 PMStart Point (10,100 ft) Jobra BaseYou reach the Jobra road-head, collect your trekking gear, and meet your guides. After a quick briefing and a final backpack check, you take your first steps onto the trail.
11:00 AMWalking the Pine TrailsThe trek starts with an easy incline through a dense canopy of pine, oak, and silver birch trees. The air smells cleanly of moss and pine needles as the path transitions into a vast meadow right next to the Rani Nallah stream.
2:00 PMArrival at Chika CampsiteGet to know your fellow travelers.You arrive at the beautiful Chika campsite, surrounded by massive rock faces and waterfalls. After a hot lunch, you learn how to pitch tents and spend the evening on an acclimatization walk to get your lungs used to

Into the High Alpine Meadows

Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

7:00 AMMountain BreakfastHearty breakfast and preparation for the day, Wake up to a cold mountain morning, enjoy a hot breakfast, pack up your tents, and get back on the trail by 08:30 AM.
9:00 AMAdrenaline Rush (a highlight)The trail follows the river valley. Soon, you will face your first major challenge: crossing a freezing, glacier-fed river barefoot. Holding hands in a human chain makes navigating the icy current an unforgettable team effort.
11:00 AMBoulder Hopping & WildflowersOnce across, the terrain shifts. You will climb through rocky patches and boulder fields. In the summer months, these meadows are carpeted with vibrant Himalayan wildflowers and rhododendrons.
3:00 PMCamp 2 (11,900 ft)Reaching the Bear's Lair-You reach Balu Ka Ghera (which translates to "Bear's Den"), a flat, sandy river bed surrounded by towering snowy peaks. The night here gets significantly colder, giving you a true taste of high-altitude camping under a blanke

The Ultimate Summit Day

Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru (Via Hampta Pass)

5:30 AMThe Early Alpine StartThe Longest Day (8-9 Hours, 7 km).An early start is crucial to cross the pass before the weather shifts. You begin climbing steep, zigzagging ridges on snow fields or loose scree (gravel), pacing your breath carefu
11:00 AM(1400 ft )Standing at Hampta Pass (a highlight)Victory! You reach the highest point of the trek. Standing on the pass, you witness a mind-bending contrast: looking back, you see the lush green valleys of Manali; looking ahead, you face the barren, purple-toned mountains of Lahaul and Spiti.
1:00 PMHeading to Lahaul ValleyLunch at a scenic spot ,After celebrating and taking photos, the descent begins. This part is steep and can involve sliding down snow patches or carefully navigating loose rock down into the Shea Goru valley
4:00 PMCamp Oasis at Shea Goru(1200 ft)You camp next to a roaring river in a cold, windy valley. It is the most beautiful yet coldest campsite of the trek, framed by sharp, jagged peaks that feel close enough to touch.
7:30 PMDinner & Evening ActivitiesGroup dinner and optional evening programs

Desert Mountains & The Iconic Moon Lake

Shea Goru to Chatru (Trek) | Chatru to Chandratal Lake (Drive)

7:00 AMDown to the Road HeadThe trail stays alongside the river, cutting through massive, stark mountain walls. It’s a steady, gentle descent over loose rocks until you see the makeshift roads of Chatru.
12:30 PMArrival in Chatru (a highlight)The Meeting Point (11,000 ft) Chatru is a remote outpost connecting Manali, Spiti, and Ladakh. You enjoy a hot lunch at a local dhaba and hop into local 4x4 vehicles.
2:00 PMThe Rugged Drive to Paradise3-Hour Off-Roading (approx. 45 km).You drive on incredibly rugged dirt roads toward Chandratal. The terrain looks completely otherworldly—like driving on the surface of Mars.
5:00 PMSunset at Chandratal LakeThe Crescent Moon Lake (14,000 ft).You walk the final stretch to Chandratal (The Moon Lake). This sacred, crystal-clear lake changes colors from turquoise to deep blue as the sun sets, perfectly reflecting the s
7:30 PMDinner & Evening ActivitiesGroup dinner and optional evening programs

The Return Journey

Check out and transfer to your departure point

8:00 AMSaying Goodbye to LahaulPack your bags one last time and board the vehicles. You will drive along the Chenab River before hitting the smooth, engineered roads leading to the marvel of modern infrastructure.
11:00 AMWorld's Longest Highway TunnelYou enter the 9.02 km long Atal Tunnel. In less than 15 minutes, you magically cross from the dry, barren landscape of Lahaul back into the lush green forests of the Solang Valley.
2:00 PMArrival in Manali / Departure TransferYou arrive back in Manali town. Your incredible trek ends here, giving you just enough time to grab a celebratory meal at a café in Old Manali before catching your bus or flight back home.

Two Worlds, One Pass-Himalayan odyssey

Dates

The trip

Highlights

Day by day

The Gateway to the Wilderness

Into the High Alpine Meadows

The Ultimate Summit Day

Desert Mountains & The Iconic Moon Lake

The Return Journey

Questions about this trip

Reviews

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