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5 DAYS
Daily Tour
35 people
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Cross the Himalayas with Awara Banjara
Experience one of the most dramatic crossover treks in the Indian Himalayas — the breathtaking Hamta Pass & Chandratal Trek. This adventure takes you from the lush green valleys of Kullu to the stark, desert-like landscapes of Spiti, offering a complete Himalayan transformation in just a few days.
Starting from Manali, the trail winds through dense pine forests, flower-filled meadows, glacier streams, and towering snow-clad peaks. As you ascend towards Hamta Pass (14,100 ft), the scenery shifts dramatically, revealing raw mountain beauty and vast open valleys. The journey concludes at the magical crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake, where crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks — a sight that feels straight out of a dream.
With Awara Banjara, this trek is more than just a trail — it’s an experience of adventure, bonding, and self-discovery. From expert trek leaders and well-planned campsites to warm meals under starlit skies, we ensure your journey is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
The group will assemble at the pick-up point by 11:00 AM, where a briefing session by the trek leader sharing all the necessary details about the trek will be provided. After which, we’ll head towards Jobra, which is the base camp for the Hampta Pass trek and is located at an altitude of 9,379 ft. • The drive from Manali, though, has many hairpin bends in the road, making up for a scenic drive due to the panoramic view of the Kullu Valley that you get to glimpse. • Traversing through thick forests consisting of pine, maple, and silver birch trees, we will reach Jobra. After relaxing for a while, we'll start our trek toward Chika. The sights that you get to witness while trekking is serene and refreshing. From lush green forests consisting of maple, oak, and deodar trees to the stream of Rani Nallah flowing through meadows, the landscape that the trekking trail provides is breathtaking, to say the least. • We will set up camp in Chika. With its vast tapestry of greenery and open skies above, it is perfect for spending peaceful moments. • Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by an overnight stay in Chika. Note: The pick-up point would be Manali Mall Road (tentative). If you arrive in Manali one day before, it would help your body adapt better to the altitude and weather.
• After an early morning breakfast, we will head towards Balu Ka Ghera. Balu translates to sand, and the trail lives up to the name as the short meadow walk soon gives way to boulders and loose rocks, making this part of the trek fall into the moderate category.
• The beauty of this trek is that you get to witness the magic of nature in the form of beautiful landscapes. On one hand, you get the flowing Jwara river seemingly following your footsteps, while the mighty Dhauladhar ranges beckon you closer. A stream of water would be waiting amidst the green canopies.
• The terrain starts to flatten as you reach the initial region of Balu ka Ghera, which is known as Chota Balu ka Ghera. As you keep walking, the terrain will start to get rugged again, with the rocks being far apart, making it tricky to traverse through.
• We will reach Balu Ka Ghera soon, where we will set camp among the mountains beyond which the Hampta pass awaits us. In the evening, we will have dinner and spend a night under the starry skies.
Note: Stream crossing at Jwara Nala today.
• After breakfast, we will head towards our next campsite, which is Shea Goru. The entire trail is made up of boulders, and hence the descent is trickier, which is why we need to be careful.
• En route, we will be traversing through Hampta Pass, which is a beautiful trail with a river flowing through it. Blooming flowers of different colors and a rainbow are perched at the bank, making it a sight to behold. You will also get to see the Deo Tibba peak beckoning you closer.
• After enjoying the view at Hampta Pass, we will start our descent. The downhill trail consists of slippery soil and loose stones. A trail with twists and turns will lead you to the valley below, and after walking for a while, you will finally reach the base. The opening that reveals itself leads you to Shea Goru, where we will set camp for the night and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
• Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by an overnight stay in Shea Goru.
• After early morning breakfast we will start our downhill trek towards Chatru. The vast land lacks vegetation but the tricky slopes give you the adrenaline rush that you might be craving. The descent is tricky so you might have to stay extra vigilant.
• Once we reach Chatru, we'll drive towards Chandratal which is a beautiful lake located 45 kilometers away from the campsite. However, the drive would only be possible if the weather permits as the harsh weather conditions could be a hindrance.
• After relishing in the beauty of nature and a short sightseeing tour, we'll head back to Chatru where we will set up base camp.
• Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Chatru.
Note: Stream crossing section today.
• After early morning tea and breakfast, we will start our return journey and drive from Chatru to Manali. The scenic drive consists of mesmerizing views of majestic mountains with the Chandra River flowing by. You also get to traverse through the Iconic Atal Tunnel, which itself makes the drive extremely rewarding.
• Upon reaching Manali, the group will disassemble and part ways with fond memories.
• End of Tour.
Note: Drop off Timing- 6:00-7.00 PM (Approx.) It is recommended to book your return bus after 9.00 PM.
The best time for the Hamta Pass and Chandratal Trek is from June to September. During this period, the pass is accessible, snow patches add scenic beauty, and Chandratal Lake is open for visitors.
Hamta Pass is considered a moderate-level Himalayan trek. It is suitable for beginners with good fitness levels as well as experienced trekkers. Basic stamina and prior walking practice are recommended.
Hamta Pass is located at an altitude of approximately 14,100 feet (4,270 meters) above sea level.
The complete trek usually takes 4 to 5 days, starting and ending in Manali, including the visit to Chandratal Lake.
Yes, most Hamta Pass trek itineraries include a visit to Chandratal Lake, depending on road and weather conditions.
No prior trekking experience is mandatory, but good physical fitness is required. Regular cardio, jogging, or stair climbing before the trek is helpful.
The trek begins from Jobra, which is a short drive from Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Accommodation is usually provided in tents at scenic campsites like Chika and Balu Ka Ghera. Sleeping bags and basic camping facilities are arranged by Awara Banjara.
Yes, Hamta Pass is safe for solo travelers when trekking with a professional and experienced trekking organizer like Awara Banjara.
You should carry:
Good trekking shoes
Warm clothes (layers)
Rain jacket / poncho
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Personal medicines
Water bottle
A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
Manali is well connected by road from Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu), and the nearest railway station is Chandigarh.
Awara Banjara provides:
Experienced trek leaders
Proper acclimatization planning
Hygienic meals during trek
Safe camping arrangements
Well-managed logistics
A vibrant travel community experience
Member Since 2026
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