Two distinct experiences
Hampta Pass is crossed on foot; Chandratal is normally visited by road from the Chatru side after the trek. The combination brings together Kullu meadows, Lahaul's stark valleys and the lake landscape.
The high-altitude extension
Hampta Pass & Chandratal
Pair the green-to-desert Hampta crossing with a road journey to Chandratal, the celebrated high-altitude lake in the Spiti region, when access is safe and open.
5–6 days
Typical format
14,100 ft
Hampta Pass
≈14,100 ft
Chandratal
Conditional
Lake access
Quick answer
The Hampta Pass with Chandratal trek is the standard five-day crossing plus a road excursion from Chatru to Chandratal Lake (≈14,100 ft) on day five, returning to Manali on day six. The lake is reached by vehicle, not on foot. The road typically opens between late May and mid-June each year and stays accessible into early October, but it can close for hours at a time after heavy rain even in the middle of the season.
Typical itinerary
The first four days follow the standard route to Chatru, as set out in the Hampta Pass itinerary. A Chandratal excursion is then attempted before returning to Manali, or the lake visit is replaced with a direct return when conditions require.
Access is never guaranteed
The Chandratal road is seasonal, rough and exposed to closures. In a typical recent season the diversion road opens in June and closes again in early October, but exact dates move every year. Weather, road condition, local restrictions, government decisions and vehicle operations all determine whether a visit is possible on your specific day. The best time for the trek covers when the road is most likely to be open.
Package information
Indicative packages begin from ₹8,999 per person for the core trek. Across established Himachal operators, recent-season prices for the standalone trek have commonly ranged from about ₹6,500 at budget operators to over ₹13,500 at premium ones, excluding the Chandratal add-on; use that range to judge whether a quoted price looks realistic. Request the current written inclusion list from the Hampta Pass trek package page before booking.
What to confirm
Ask whether the quoted price includes the Chandratal vehicle, extra meals or camp, contingency arrangements, and the alternative plan if access closes.
What Chandratal is like
The crescent-shaped lake sits on a plateau above the Chandra river, ringed by scree slopes and reflecting the sky in still conditions. Camping directly beside the lake is restricted for conservation reasons; designated campsites lie a short distance away, with a 15–20 minute walk to the shore.
How the seasonal road typically opens and closes
In a typical recent season, the Kunzum Pass side of the approach opens in late May once the Border Roads Organisation clears winter snow, and the rougher Batal-to-Chandratal diversion road follows one to two weeks later, often by mid-June. By late summer the surface is packed down and in noticeably better shape than it was in early June, but it remains rough, and heavy rain can put water back across the diversion road within hours. The road usually stays passable into early October before winter closes it again. Even mid-season, a clear morning is no guarantee of a clear afternoon, so your operator's on-the-day call matters more than the calendar.
The road, honestly described
Chatru to Chandratal is roughly 70 km of unmetalled road with stream crossings that swell in the afternoon heat. It typically takes three to four hours each way in a sturdy vehicle and is unsuitable for low-clearance cars. The weather guide explains why afternoon water levels matter.
Is the extra day worth it?
If you want the Spiti landscape and have a flexible schedule, yes: the contrast with the green Kullu side is striking. If your return travel is fixed or you dislike long rough drives, the five-day Hampta Pass Trek is a complete experience on its own.
Questions to ask before booking
Get the answers in writing before paying.
- Is the Chandratal vehicle included or charged separately?
- Where exactly is the night five camp or stay?
- What is the plan and refund if the road is closed?
- Are extra meals and permits included for day five?
Six-day format
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Manali → Jobra, trek to Chika |
| 2 | Chika → Balu ka Ghera |
| 3 | Balu ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Shea Goru |
| 4 | Shea Goru → Chatru |
| 5 | Chatru → Chandratal excursion → camp or return |
| 6 | Return to Manali via Atal Tunnel |
Day 5 is conditional. Operators normally run a direct return to Manali when the Chandratal road is closed.
Common questions
Asked before booking.
Can you trek from Hampta Pass to Chandratal?
Not on this itinerary. The lake is reached by road from Chatru; the walking section ends at Chatru.
When is Chandratal open?
In a typical recent season, the approach road opens between late May and mid-June and stays passable into early October, closing again for winter. Short closures of a few hours to a day or two, usually after heavy rain, are common even mid-season, so treat any specific date as provisional until your operator confirms it close to departure. The best time guide compares each month.
Is Chandratal usually open during the main trekking season, June to September?
Most years, yes, for the bulk of that window. The road is normally open by mid-June and stays open through September, with short weather-related interruptions possible at any point.
How much more does it cost?
Operators usually charge an additional amount for the vehicle, camp and extra day. Request the current written quote; our listed price covers the core trek.
Can you camp at the lake?
Camping right at the shore is not permitted. Designated sites are a short distance from the water.
Trek routes, weather, road access, campsites and Chandratal accessibility can change due to weather, trail conditions, local restrictions and operational decisions. Confirm current conditions and itinerary details before departure.
Plan with confidence
Ready to cross the pass?
Get current dates, the latest trail update and a clear inclusion list before you book.