Hampta Pass Trek

^{Photo Credit: Trekhievers}

If you're looking for a trek that packs a serious punch without being too extreme, the Hampta Pass trek is a solid choice.

It’s in Himachal Pradesh, India, and the whole experience feels like you're walking through two completely different worlds—lush green valleys on one side and a stark, almost moon-like desert on the other.

You start near Manali, hiking through forests, rivers, and wildflower-covered meadows. It’s all super scenic and peaceful. But once you cross the Hampta Pass, at around 14,100 feet (4,300 meters), bam, the landscape flips. Suddenly, you’re in Spiti Valley, where it’s all barren mountains and dramatic views.

Most people do the trek over 4 to 6 days, and it covers about 26 miles (42 km). It's not too tough, so even if you’re new to trekking, you’ll probably be fine if you're reasonably fit.

The trickiest part is the day you actually cross the pass—it’s long and steep, but 100% worth it for the views.

The campsites are a highlight. You’ll sleep next to rivers, under open skies, and probably take a million photos. There’s one called Balu ka Ghera that’s especially cool—it literally means "bed of sand," and it's surrounded by mountains.

Overall, Hampta Pass feels like the perfect little Himalayan adventure—exciting, scenic, and just the right amount of challenge. It’s one of those treks where you’ll constantly find yourself saying, “Wow, this doesn’t even look real.”

Explore more:

• A Journey to Scenic Crossover in the Himalayas (video)

• Hampta Pass Trek (blog)