How to Reach Hampta Pass Trek & Make the Most of Your Extra Days
How to Reach Hampta Pass Trek Complete Travel Guide
The Hampta Pass Trek is an absolutely beautiful and low elevation trek in Himachal Pradesh, India. Regardless of whether you’ve trekked before and simply want to go sightseeing, or you’re an avid trekker, there are plenty of opportunities along the journey to and from the trail. No matter what angle you go to the trek, it offers an opportunity to explore, to relax, and to experience what makes the Himalayas magical.
In this blog, we are going to walk you through how to get to the trek start point step-by-step, and we have some additional suggestions for you to enjoy before the trek starts and after the trek ends.
Overview of Hampta Pass Trek
Start Point: Jobra (Near Manali)
End Point: Chatru (with optional visit to Chandratal Lake)
Duration: 4–5 days
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September
Altitude: ~14,007 ft
How to Reach Hampta Pass Trek Start Point (Jobra)
1. Get to Manali First:
All Hampta Pass treks start at Manali, a popular hill station located in Himachal Pradesh.
By Air: Nearest Airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport) – approximately 50 km from Manali.
You’ll need to hire a taxi or catch a bus from the airport to Manali (1.5–2 hours).
By Train: Closest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar (approximately 160 km), but not well connected.
Most people arrive at Chandigarh or Delhi by train, and then catch a bus or taxi to Manali.
By Road: From Delhi: You can catch an overnight Volvo bus (12–14 hours time to Manali).
From Chandigarh: You can take a regular bus to Manali that will take 8–10 hours as a car ride.
Pro Tip: HRTC or HPTDC are the best to book your Volvo Bus from Delhi to Manali.
If you get to Manali one day prior or a bit early, you can maximize your time by going to some very beautiful viewpoints and attractions nearby. You are welcome to walk peacefully through cedar forests around Hadimba Temple, or view sunset over the Beas river from the Old Manali bridge, or head to Solang Valley for 360 mountain views and light adventure. Also Vashisht village has natural hot springs, and is a perfect place to relax before your trek starts. All these places are close to Manali and great for a half day of exploring if you have additional time.
2. From Manali to Jobra (Starting point of Trek)
- Jobra is located about 18 km from Manali.
- If you are with an operator then transportation will be organised for you from Manali to Jobra and they will also return from Jobra to Manali.
- If you are trekking independently then you can hire a local cab.
- Enjoying Your Time Before the Trek
- Arrive in Manali at least one day before the trek starts. This helps with acclimatization and gives you a chance to explore.
Things to Do in Manali Before the Trek:
1. Local Sightseeing
Old Manali: Chill cafes, riverside walks, live music
Hidimba Temple: Ancient wooden temple in cedar forests
Mall Road: Shopping and local Himachali cuisine
2. Adventure Activities
- Paragliding in Solang Valley
- River rafting in Beas River
- Zorbing and ATV rides
3. Café Hopping
Try cafes like: Café 1947 (Old Manali) | Drifters’ Inn | Johnson’s Café
Relax and hydrate the day before your trek – avoid alcohol and heavy food!
After the Trek: How to Enjoy Your Extra Time
- The trek terminates at Chatru, and most itineraries include a drive back to Manali. If roads are reasonable, you can visit the beautiful Chandratal Lake on the way (optional, but STEM/ popular).
- Getting Back to Manali: Your trek operator will usually provide transportation from Chatru to Manali.
- The route includes Rohtang Pass, another scenic highlight.
After-Trek Activities in Manali: Rest & recover at a nice guesthouse or hostel
- Hot spring bath at Vashisht village
- Massage or spa for sore muscles
- Souvenir shopping (handmade woollens, jams, jewellery)
Consider staying 1–2 nights post-trek for a relaxed experience.
Travel Tips for Hampta Pass Trek
- Arrive in Manali a day early (buffer day)
- Carry essential medicines (Diamox for AMS, if needed)
- Hire a certified guide or go through a reputed trek operator
- Always keep buffer time post-trek in case of road or weather delays
Hampta Pass Trek Itinerary Including Extra Days
Day 1 Arrive in Manali, local sightseeing
Day 2 Acclimatize & briefing (Trek briefing day)
Day 3–6 Hampta Pass Trek (Jobra → Balu Ka Ghera → Shea Goru → Chatru)
Day 7 Optional visit to Chandratal, return to Manali
Day 8 Chill day in Manali (Massage, café visit)
Day 9 Depart from Manali
Final Thoughts
Hampta Pass is not only a trek- the journey to get there and the time before and after it offer equally adventurous, beautiful, and peaceful experiences. Whether it is relaxing with a cup of chai by the Beas River, or star gazing with friends at Chatru, everything will be memorable.
Plan ahead, and leave some buffer days, immerse into the Himalayan vibes!