Chandratal Lake Trek with Hampta Pass
5 Days
35 Km
14,000ft
18+
Moderate
The Chandratal Lake Trek with Hampta Pass is one of the most thrilling and diverse treks in Himachal Pradesh, offering a dramatic transition from the green valleys of Kullu to the stark, high-altitude desert of Spiti. This trek takes you through lush meadows, dense forests, towering mountains, and finally, to the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake, also known as the "Moon Lake."
Highlights
- Dramatic Landscape Change: Witness the transformation from Kullu’s greenery to Spiti’s arid terrain.
- Thrilling High-Altitude Pass: Cross Hampta Pass (4,270m), a gateway between two contrasting landscapes.
- Stunning Glacial Valleys: Experience the breathtaking Lahaul and Spiti Valleys with panoramic views.
- Crystal-Clear Chandratal Lake: End your trek at the surreal, crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake (4,270m), a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
- Moderate Difficulty: Perfect for trekkers looking for a blend of adventure and scenic beauty without extreme difficulty.
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Chandratal Lake Trek with Hampta Pass
Complete Trek Information
The best time to trek to Chandratal Lake via Hampta Pass is from mid-June to September. The trail is covered in snow from June to early July, creating a surreal winter landscape with daytime temperatures around 12°C to 18°C. By mid-July to August, the snow melts, revealing lush meadows and wildflowers, though occasional rains occur in Kullu Valley. September is the best time for clear skies and breathtaking views, with the lake at its deepest blue, contrasting beautifully with Spiti’s barren landscape. Temperatures range from 8°C to 14°C in the day, dropping to -2°C to 4°C at night.
By Road:
Manali is conveniently connected to Delhi by road, making it one of the most popular routes for travelers. You can take an overnight bus from Delhi's ISBT (Interstate Bus Terminal), Kashmiri Gate, or from Majnu-ka-Tila. The journey typically takes around 12-14 hours, offering a comfortable ride with scenic views of the mountains and rivers along the way. Private taxis and car rentals are also available for those preferring a more flexible travel option, allowing you to stop and explore the picturesque landscapes en route.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, located approximately 163 kilometers away. From Joginder Nagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali, which takes about 5-6 hours. The train journey itself is scenic, passing through the lush greenery of the Kangra Valley and offering stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
By Air:
The closest airport to Manali is the Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar, situated around 50 kilometers away. Flights to Bhuntar are available from major Indian cities, and upon arrival, you can hire a taxi to reach Manali. The taxi fare typically ranges between Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,000. The drive from Bhuntar to Manali is picturesque, winding through the Kullu Valley with spectacular views of the Beas River and surrounding hills.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
Mobile Network:
Manali has excellent connectivity for all phone networks.
No network is available at any of the campsites.
Last ATM:
Plenty of ATMs are available in Manali’s main market.
No ATMs beyond Manali, so withdraw cash before leaving.
Electricity:
The last charging point is at your hotel in Manali.
No electricity is available during the trek as all campsites are in the wilderness.
Mandatory Documents:
Carry a copy of your ID Proof for the trek.
FAQs about
Chandratal Lake Trek with Hampta Pass
The Chandratal Lake trek with Hampta Pass is a popular trekking route in Himachal Pradesh, India. It combines the scenic beauty of Chandratal Lake, a crescent-shaped alpine lake, and the challenging Hampta Pass, which connects the Kullu Valley to the Spiti Valley. The trek offers a mix of landscapes, including forests, meadows, high-altitude deserts, and glaciers.
The difficulty level of this trek is moderate to difficult. The trek requires good physical fitness and stamina due to the high altitude and challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents. It’s suitable for trekkers with prior experience.
The trek usually takes around 5 to 7 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary. It includes travel to and from the trek's starting and ending points and allows enough time for acclimatization.
The best time for this trek is from mid-June to mid-September. During this period, the weather is more stable, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and less snow, making the trek more accessible and safe.
Chandigarh, and Leh. From Manali, you'll need to travel to Jobra or Rauli, depending on the specific itinerary, which serves as the base camp for the trek. What is the highest point of the Chandratal Lake trek with Hampta Pass? The highest point of the trek is Hampta Pass, which stands at an altitude of approximately 4,270 meters (14,010 feet). The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Essential items include warm clothing (thermal wear, jackets, gloves), trekking shoes, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a first-aid kit. It’s also recommended to bring a rain jacket, a hat, a camera, and snacks for the trail.
Yes, camping is an integral part of the trek. There are designated campsites along the trail, including beautiful spots near Hampta Pass, Chikka, and Chandratal Lake. Most trekking companies provide tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment.
While the trek is generally safe, it’s recommended to trek with a group or a guide, especially if you're unfamiliar with the region or have limited trekking experience. The route can be remote, and having experienced guides ensures your safety and navigation.
Key highlights of this trek include the stunning Chandratal Lake, famous for its crescent shape and striking blue waters, the panoramic views from Hampta Pass, the diverse landscapes of meadows, forests, and high-altitude deserts, and the unique chance to cross from Kullu to Spiti Valley.
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