Kashmir & Hampta Pass
From lush Kullu to the cold desert of Lahaul — one trail crossing two worlds.
The story of the trip
From the soul of Kashmir into the heart of the Himalaya.
We begin with two cultural days in Srinagar before travelling to Manali for four trekking days through Hampta’s green valleys and mountain camps, crossing the pass at 4,287 m and descending toward Lahaul and Chandratal Lake. A moderate journey blending culture, camping and a true Himalayan crossover.
The route, day by day
Tap any day to see its details.
We arrive in Srinagar, Kashmir's capital, where the team welcomes us. After time to rest, we take a sunset shikara ride on Dal Lake past floating gardens and houseboats, followed by a trip introduction and programme review.
A cultural and sightseeing day across Srinagar: the Mughal gardens overlooking Dal Lake, the lanes and local markets of the Old City, and time to discover Kashmiri crafts and cuisine. We return to the hotel to prepare for the transfer day.
We travel from Srinagar to Manali by air and road according to the final operating schedule. On arrival, we settle into the hotel, complete a gear check, and receive the route, weather, and safety briefing.
We drive from Manali to Jobra, the trailhead, then walk through pine and maple forest beside Rani Nala to the meadows of Chhika. The short day gives the body time to acclimatise before the climb.
We follow a broad green valley and flower-dotted meadows, crossing cold streams and rocky sections. The scenery gradually opens into a glacial valley ringed by peaks, where we camp before pass day.
The longest and most demanding day. We climb over rock, scree, and seasonal snowfields to Hampta Pass, where the landscape shifts dramatically from green Kullu to the cold desert of Lahaul. After a break, we descend carefully to Shea Goru Camp.
We descend across Lahaul's rocky terrain and cross a glacial stream to Chatru, the end of the trek. If road and weather conditions allow, we drive to Chandratal, the Moon Lake, before returning to Chatru Camp.
We leave Chatru by mountain road and return to Manali. After checking into the hotel, there is time to rest and recover, followed by a free evening in the mountain town.
We return from Manali to Srinagar by air and road according to the final operating schedule. On arrival, we settle into the hotel and close the experience with a group dinner and a look back at the trail's best moments.
After breakfast, the team transfers us to Srinagar Airport for the journey home, carrying images of Hampta Pass, memories of Kashmir, and friendships formed between two worlds.
Moderate
What's included and what's not
Included⌄
- Internal transfers during the trip
- Three daily meals
- Accommodation and camping
- Consultations before and during the trip
- An Omani leader and local support team
Not included⌄
- International flights
- India visa
- Personal trekking gear
- Personal expenses
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips
What to bring
Permit documents (uploaded to your profile; bring a printed copy)⌄
- Proof of identity (passport)
Equipment⌄
- Hiking boots
- Backpack with rain cover (55 L)
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles (one pair)
- 20 L daypack (if needed)
Accessories⌄
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sun-protection sleeves
- Neck gaiter
- Wool gloves
- Wool beanie
- Rain jacket and trousers
- Waterproof socks
- Waterproof gloves
- Multi-purpose dry bag
- Waterproof storage bags
- Sandals
- Power bank (10,000 mAh)
Thermal layers⌄
- Two quick-dry sports trousers
- Two quick-dry sports shirts
- Thermal base layer
- Fleece jacket
- Thick wool sweater
- Down jacket
- Socks and underwear
Eating utensils⌄
- Food container and spoon
- Cup
- Two water bottles
Toiletries⌄
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen and moisturiser
- Lip balm or Vaseline
- Light hand towel
- Reusable bag (for used clothes)
- Personal hygiene items
- Sealable plastic bag and newspaper (for sanitary waste)
Everything you need to know
General⌄
What makes the Hampta Pass trip special?+
The trip combines two cultural and sightseeing days in Srinagar with four trekking days that cross from the forests and meadows of Kullu Valley into the stark terrain of Lahaul, reaching the pass at 4,287 m and visiting Chandratal when conditions allow.
Is the trip safe?+
An Omani OmanHikes leader and a local support team accompany the group, with weather and road monitoring plus an emergency plan. Decisions on crossing the pass and visiting Chandratal are made according to actual conditions and the group’s safety.
Do I need a visa?+
Yes. You need an Indian visa, and it is not included in the trip price.
Fitness & Route⌄
How difficult is the route?+
The trek is rated moderate. The four walking days cover approximately 24–25 km, depending on the exact roadhead and camp locations. Pass day is the most demanding, usually taking 9–10 hours and reaching 4,287 m, so good fitness is required.
Do I need previous camping or trekking experience?+
No technical experience is required, and a fit first-time trekker can participate. Previous long-distance hiking or camping experience will make adapting to the trail easier.
How should I prepare physically?+
For eight weeks, combine cardio and endurance work with long hill walks, stair climbing, and leg and core strengthening. Practise walking with a loaded backpack as well.
How is altitude managed?+
The itinerary rises progressively from Manali to Chhika and Balu Ka Ghera before reaching the pass at 4,287 m, with a measured pace, hydration, and daily monitoring of participants.
Are there water crossings?+
Yes. Cold, fast glacial streams may be present in August. They are crossed only at points selected by the team and under the leader’s instructions.
What is the weather like in August?+
August falls within the rainy season on the Kullu side, so expect rain, mist, mud, and higher water levels in some streams. The Lahaul side becomes drier after the pass, although mountain weather remains changeable.
Gear & Accommodation⌄
Where do we sleep during the trip?+
Accommodation is in hotels in Srinagar and Manali, and in equipped tents at Chhika, Balu Ka Ghera, Shea Goru, and Chatru camps.
What gear do I need to bring?+
A detailed list appears in the What to Bring section, including hiking boots, a backpack, thermal layers, rain gear, and personal eating utensils. A packing guide will be sent after registration.
Is food available throughout the camping days?+
Yes. The local team provides three meals a day, and allergies or special diets can be accommodated when shared in advance.
Are mobile coverage and electricity available at camp?+
Do not rely on mobile coverage after leaving Manali, and there is no electricity at the camps. Bring a fully charged power bank and conserve your devices’ batteries.
Is the Chandratal visit guaranteed?+
The visit is planned, but it depends on road conditions, weather, and operating permits, and may be cancelled for safety.
Refund summary on withdrawal
Read the full Risk & Cancellation Policy before registering.
Moments from the trip
Where the trip takes place
Trip highlights
Srinagar — Kashmir’s Magic & Culture
The journey opens with two days around Dal Lake and its shikaras, Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, the Mughal gardens and the lanes of the old city—an immersion in Kashmir before heading into the mountains.
Crossing Hampta Pass at 4,287m
The trail's defining moment: a long climb to the pass, followed by the sharp transition from green Kullu to the stark terrain of Lahaul.
Lahaul Camps and Chandratal Lake
A night beneath the skies of Shea Goru and Chatru, with a visit to the Moon Lake when road and weather conditions allow.