Hampta Pass in June: What to Expect on This Epic Cross-Valley Trek

Ever dreamt of walking through green meadows, snowy trails, and high mountain passes all in just a few days? Well, Hampta Pass in June is exactly that kind of experience. It's one of those treks where you start off in Manali with chai in hand, and five days later, you're sitting near a blue alpine lake in Spiti, wondering how you even got here.

I did the Hampta Pass trek last June, and let me tell you it was epic. If you're planning to do it or are just curious about what it’s like during that time of year, here’s the full breakdown: simple, real, and straight from someone who actually walked the walk (and slipped on snow more than once ).

What Makes June So Special?

June is when Hampta Pass really starts to open up for trekkers. The snow has started melting, but there’s still plenty of it left up on the higher reaches. It gives you the best of both worlds:

Lush green valleys at lower altitudes
Snow-covered trails and icy patches as you gain height

It’s also one of the less crowded months, compared to July-August, so if you like peace and fewer photo-bombers, June is your time.

Hampta Pass Weather in June

Let’s talk about the weather, because in the mountains, it decides everything.

Lower camps (Jobra, Chika): Cool and fresh, around 10°C to 15°C in the day
Higher up (Balu Ka Ghera, Shea Goru): Much colder, with nights dropping to 0°C or even below
At the pass (14,000 ft): Windy and snow-covered—you’ll want gloves, a beanie, and your warmest jacket

It doesn’t rain much in June, but sudden showers can happen. Carry a poncho or a good rain jacket just in case. Better safe than soaked!

Snow, Snow, and More Snow!

If you’ve never walked on snow before, June will give you that chance. Somewhere around Balu Ka Ghera, you start seeing snowfields, and by the time you reach Hampta Pass, it’s a full-on white carpet.

But a heads-up: snow trekking isn’t easy. You’ll be slipping, sliding, and using your trekking pole like a third leg. But trust me—the views from the top make it totally worth it.

You’ll see massive mountains, deep valleys, and that feeling of standing on top of the world? Goosebumps!

Trekking Route (5 Days of Pure Magic)

Here’s what the usual itinerary looks like in June:

Day 1: Manali to Jobra, Trek to Chika

A short drive, then an easy walk through forests. Perfect warm-up day.

Day 2: Chika to Balu Ka Ghera

You’ll walk alongside rivers and enter the alpine zone. Views start getting unreal!

Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass

The big day! Long climb, snow patches, and finally crossing the actual pass at 14,000 feet.

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru, Drive to Chandratal (if road is open)

The trail descends into the Spiti Valley. If roads are clear, you'll drive to Chandratal Lake—a surreal blue lake at 14,000 ft.

Day 5: Drive back to Manali

Tired legs, full heart, and thousands of photos.

Trek Distance and Difficulty

The total trekking distance is about 26-30 km, spread across 4-5 days. It’s considered moderate to challenging, mostly because of the snow and altitude.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but some prep helps:

Walk 5-6 km daily a few weeks before
Climb stairs instead of taking the lift
Basic cardio (like cycling or jogging) helps with stamina

Pro tip: Take it slow on the trek. Don’t compete. It’s not a race, bro. Enjoy the views!

Permits and Paperwork

June is the start of the season, so permits are easily available and usually arranged by your trek operator. Still, carry:

Aadhaar card or government ID
Two passport-sized photos
COVID certificate (some groups still ask for it)

What to Pack for June

Packing for Hampta Pass in June is all about layering and waterproofing.

Must-haves:

Warm clothes (thermals, fleece, jacket)
Waterproof gloves and a windproof jacket
Raincoat or poncho
Trekking shoes (no sneakers!)
Sunglasses (snow glare is intense)
Sunscreen (yes, even in snow you can tan)
Power bank (no charging on the trail)

Also carry some snacks like chikki, dry fruits, glucose, and of course, a packet or two of Parle-G.

What You’ll Feel Along the Way

Here’s the emotional rollercoaster I went through:

Day 1: “This is chill, why do people say it’s hard?”
Day 2: “Okay, my legs hurt. But look at those views!”
Day 3: “Why am I doing this to myself?” → Reaches pass → “OH. MY. GOD. Totally worth it.”
Day 4: “Spiti is so peaceful. I’m never going back to the city.”
Day 5: “I need a hot shower and pizza, but also… can I stay here forever?”

Hampta Pass in June isn’t just a trek—it’s a full-on experience. You get the snow without getting stuck in snowstorms, fewer crowds, and some of the most unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

Final Words

If you're thinking about doing Hampta Pass in June—stop thinking and just do it. It’s the perfect balance of challenge and beauty. You’ll return fitter, tanner, and full of stories.

You’ll laugh, cry, slip, slide, and maybe even scream at the cold—but you’ll also fall in love with the Himalayas.

So book that trek, tie your laces, and let the mountains do the rest.

Ready to say goodbye to the Wi-Fi and hello to snowflies?