Name: Hamta Pass and Chandratal Trek

Approx elevation: 14,200 ft

Grade: Easy-Moderate

Starting Point: Manali

1. What’s the main attraction?

Hamta Pass Trek is perfect if what you love is Snow. Snow clad mountains enclosing on all sides makes you hypnotized in the lap of nature. Attractive landscapes and glacial valleys embellish the trail that leads to the Hampta Pass.

During May - June the route from Balu ka ghera camp till Hamta pass is completely covered in snow. Here you walk right on top of a stream, covered with a thick layer of snow and ice and you can hear the sound of stream gushing down beneath your feet.

2. Is it appropriate for beginners?

Hamta Pass is very popular for trekkers to start their trekking endeavors with. Hamta Pass isone of the most gripping and exciting trekking trails in India but extremely convenient one to start your trekking goals. The trek doesn’t have any high cliffs to climb or inclined slopes to hike on and maintain a gradual gradient throughout making it a perfect fit for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.

3. What is the maximum altitude?

Hamta Pass gets its name from the Hamta Village located in the Pir Panjal region. At 14,000 feet, this place is mostly ventured by shepherds and a handful of trekkers. With moderate climb followed by steep uphill trek accounts for the most incredible journey during the whole trek.

Hamta Pass – An extensive plateau on the end of the valley, stands at a majestic 4,280 meters. With a sight of jagged mountains towards the East dropping down to Spiti on the West, you can view the beautiful Inderkila, Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from here.

4.How many days?

Hamta Pass takes min of 4 days to reach and come back the same way but If you wish to cross the pass to spiti side and also include Chandratal as a stop, then trek takes min of 6 days to complete.

5.Fitness Level Required?

Preparing yourself well before coming for and Himalayan trek is really important. Hamta pass is easy-moderate trek and requires basic level of fitness. Basic physical fitness you can achieve by routinely doing a 20-30 min cardio exercises like running, skipping, crunches, squats. Work on your calf muscles, knees and thighs. Apart from basic physical fitness you need to be properly acclimatized before starting the trek so keep you body well hydrated and rest enough after reaching the base camp.

6. Average temperature?

The average temperature in the daytime will be 12°C to 18°C and in night it could be 0°C to 4°C.

One must bring enough pair of clothes and better-quality trekking boots (Water resistance) to cover the whole trek carefully and does not face any difficulties due to cold.

7. Best time to visit?

There are two best seasons to do the Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake trek.

First is between June to July.

Second is between August-October.

In June the route from Balu ka ghera camp till Hampta pass is completely covered in snow. Here you walk right on top of a stream, covered with a thick layer of snow and ice and you can hear the sound of stream gushing down beneath your feet. There are chances that you witness snowfall while crossing the pass.?

While in Aug-Sept you will get no snow but more of streams to cross through and the landscape will be lush green and full of flowers in Aug-Sept. During this period, trekkers can enjoy the clear views of snow-capped mountains.

8. Is mobile network available?

There is no mobile connectivity as soon as you start the the trek from Hamta Dam. There won’t be any network on the whole trek as well. Our guides and camp leaders are connected to each other via walkie-talkie. An emergency landline is available at Chatru (last campsite) in case of serious issue like roadblock or vehicle breakdown and any accident. You should make sure that all your important calls before starting the trek.