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4N/5D
Hampta Pass Crossover & Chandratal Expedition
All nights in high-altitude alpine tented camps
Package Inclusions
Meals
Hotels
Transfers
Overview
Experience one of India’s most visually dramatic trekking routes with SkyGlobals. The 5-day Hampta Pass Crossover (14,100 ft) transitions directly from the mossy pine forests, gushing waterfalls, and alpine meadows of Kullu into the raw, rain-shadow deserts and stark peaks of Lahaul & Spiti. Ford icy glacial rivers at Shea Goru, cross the high-altitude pass, and take an off-road 4x4 drive to the tranquil, turquoise waters of Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake). Complete with alpine camping, experienced mountain guides, safety oxygen support, and scenic transit through the Atal Tunnel, this trek delivers an unforgettable adventure across two contrasting mountain ecosystems.
Tour Itinerary
1
Assemble by 8:00 AM at the designated SkyGlobals meeting point in Manali (2,050 m). Board private 4x4 or high-clearance mountain vehicles and navigate the 40 hairpin bends climbing through Prini to the Jobra roadhead (9,800 ft) near the Allain Duhangan hydro project.
The Trail: Meet your certified trek leaders and pack mules. Begin an easy, gradual walk through dense canopies of deodar, weeping birch, and silver fir alongside the roaring Rani Nallah.
The Camp: Emerge onto the boulder-strewn green riverside meadow of Chika (10,100 ft) by midday. Pitch alpine dome tents, unpack, and attend an acclimatization briefing. Take a light post-lunch acclimatization walk up the slopes. Dinner and overnight stay in alpine tents at Chika.
The Trail: Meet your certified trek leaders and pack mules. Begin an easy, gradual walk through dense canopies of deodar, weeping birch, and silver fir alongside the roaring Rani Nallah.
The Camp: Emerge onto the boulder-strewn green riverside meadow of Chika (10,100 ft) by midday. Pitch alpine dome tents, unpack, and attend an acclimatization briefing. Take a light post-lunch acclimatization walk up the slopes. Dinner and overnight stay in alpine tents at Chika.
2
After breakfast, start trekking along the right bank of the river. Cross a chilly, knee-deep boulder stream using a human-chain technique guided by the trek leaders.
The Valley Transition: Watch the tree line completely vanish as the trail enters the broad, glacier-carved valley of Jwara. Trek through vast alpine meadows carpeted with multi-colored wildflowers, dwarf rhododendrons, and grazing sheep.
The Camp: Traverse the final rocky moraine to arrive at Balu ka Ghera (11,900 ft)—literally the "Bear's Den"—a flat, sandy riverbed nestled between towering granite ridges. Rehydrate with hot soup, monitor blood oxygen saturation levels, and rest early. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
The Valley Transition: Watch the tree line completely vanish as the trail enters the broad, glacier-carved valley of Jwara. Trek through vast alpine meadows carpeted with multi-colored wildflowers, dwarf rhododendrons, and grazing sheep.
The Camp: Traverse the final rocky moraine to arrive at Balu ka Ghera (11,900 ft)—literally the "Bear's Den"—a flat, sandy riverbed nestled between towering granite ridges. Rehydrate with hot soup, monitor blood oxygen saturation levels, and rest early. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
3
The Summit Push: Start by 6:00 AM. Ascend a series of steep, rocky switchbacks over moraines and hard-packed snow patches. Follow the ascending ridge past upper glacial shelves to reach Hampta Pass (14,100 ft) by mid-morning.
The Crossover View: Stand on the narrow pass ridge to witness the dramatic contrast: look southwest to see the lush, mist-filled green valleys of Kullu, and turn northeast to face the bone-dry, copper-tinted, desolate mountains of Lahaul with the towering Indrasan and Deo Tibba peaks dominating the horizon.
Descent to Shea Goru: Begin a sharp, technical descent down loose scree, boulders, and slippery snow patches into the valley of Lahaul. Arrive at Shea Goru (12,900 ft)—"the cold street"—a tranquil riverside meadow framed by glaciers. Dinner and overnight stay in alpine tents.
The Crossover View: Stand on the narrow pass ridge to witness the dramatic contrast: look southwest to see the lush, mist-filled green valleys of Kullu, and turn northeast to face the bone-dry, copper-tinted, desolate mountains of Lahaul with the towering Indrasan and Deo Tibba peaks dominating the horizon.
Descent to Shea Goru: Begin a sharp, technical descent down loose scree, boulders, and slippery snow patches into the valley of Lahaul. Arrive at Shea Goru (12,900 ft)—"the cold street"—a tranquil riverside meadow framed by glaciers. Dinner and overnight stay in alpine tents.
4
The Glacial Crossing: Wake up early to tackle the freezing Shea Goru stream crossing. Unbuckle daypack waist belts, link arms, and ford the fast-flowing, knee-deep glacial current before water levels rise with afternoon glacier melt.
Trek to Chatru (11,000 ft): Continue downhill over rocky terrain and terminal moraines overlooking the Chandra River to reach the roadhead campsite at Chatru.
Chandratal Excursion: Board waiting 4x4 mountain vehicles and drive the rough, unpaved dirt trail through Batal to Chandratal (14,100 ft). Park at the vehicle turnaround point and walk the gentle 1 km path to the edge of the crescent-shaped Moon Lake. Watch the crystal-clear turquoise waters mirror the surrounding barren peaks and sky. Drive back across the rugged gravel tracks to Chatru camp for a warm celebratory dinner. Overnight stay in tents.
Trek to Chatru (11,000 ft): Continue downhill over rocky terrain and terminal moraines overlooking the Chandra River to reach the roadhead campsite at Chatru.
Chandratal Excursion: Board waiting 4x4 mountain vehicles and drive the rough, unpaved dirt trail through Batal to Chandratal (14,100 ft). Park at the vehicle turnaround point and walk the gentle 1 km path to the edge of the crescent-shaped Moon Lake. Watch the crystal-clear turquoise waters mirror the surrounding barren peaks and sky. Drive back across the rugged gravel tracks to Chatru camp for a warm celebratory dinner. Overnight stay in tents.
5
After a hot breakfast, pack up camp and board the vehicles. Drive along the Chandra River highway to Gramphu, passing over the gateway into the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel (9.02 km). Cut straight through the Pir Panjal range to emerge at Dhundi on the lush Solang Valley side. Arrive back in Manali between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM, with drop-offs at the private Volvo bus stand or Mall Road for your onward journey.
