Trekking in the Himalayas had always been a dream, but the cost of guided treks often felt like a roadblock. When I heard about Hampta Pass, a stunning crossover trek from the lush Kullu Valley to the barren Spiti region, I knew I had to do it. Instead of booking an expensive package, I turned to Bino to help me find budget-friendly transport, homestays, and local guides. What followed was an adventure filled with river crossings, breathtaking landscapes, and an unforgettable visit to Chandratal Lake.

Day 1: Manali to Jobra – A Humble Start

My journey began in Manali, a town buzzing with trekkers, café-hoppers, and adventure seekers. Most tour operators quoted over ₹10,000 for the trek, but thanks to Bino, I found a local homestay for ₹500 a night and a group of independent trekkers looking to split costs.

Early morning, we took a shared cab (₹100 per person) to Jobra, the trek’s starting point. As soon as we stepped out, the crisp mountain air and thick pine forests welcomed us. The first day’s trail was relatively easy, weaving through maple and deodar forests with the Rani Nallah river gurgling beside us. By sunset, we reached Chikka, our first campsite, where we set up tents by a stream, warmed ourselves around a small fire, and shared stories over a simple dal-chawal meal (₹100).

Day 2: Chikka to Balu Ka Ghera – Into the Wild

The real adventure began on Day 2. The trail got steeper, and we found ourselves jumping over boulders, crossing icy rivers, and trekking through vast meadows. We encountered a flock of sheep grazing under the watchful eyes of Gaddi shepherds, their colorful turbans adding vibrancy to the already picturesque landscape.

Balu Ka Ghera, our second campsite, was a surreal expanse of golden-brown sand surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We could see the Hampta Pass in the distance, looking both inviting and intimidating. That night, as we lay under a blanket of a million stars, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for making this trek happen on a budget.

Day 3: Crossing Hampta Pass – A Test of Endurance

This was the toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. We started our ascent before dawn, the cold biting through our layers. The trail turned treacherous, with knee-deep snow and narrow ridges. The final push to the 14,000 ft-high Hampta Pass was exhausting, but the unreal 360-degree view from the top made every step worth it.

Looking down from the Pass, the drastic contrast between Kullu’s greenery and Spiti’s barren landscapes left me speechless. It felt like stepping into another world. The descent was equally challenging, as we carefully navigated loose scree and icy patches, eventually reaching Shea Goru, a stark and beautiful valley where we camped for the night.

Day 4: Shea Goru to Chhatru & Chandratal Lake – The Grand Finale

Descending from Shea Goru to Chhatru, we followed the Chandra River, its icy blue waters cutting through the barren Spiti terrain. The sight of colorful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind reminded me that we had entered the land of monasteries and mysticism.

At Chhatru, most trekkers took cabs straight back to Manali, but I couldn’t miss Chandratal Lake, often called the "Moon Lake" for its perfect crescent shape. A group of fellow trekkers and I hitchhiked on a local truck (₹200) and reached the lake just before sunset.

Nothing could have prepared me for Chandratal’s breathtaking beauty. The lake, surrounded by towering snow-clad mountains, reflected the sky in shades of blue and green. I sat by its edge, dipping my fingers into its icy waters, feeling both the exhaustion and exhilaration of the past few days.

How I Kept My Trek Budget-Friendly

• Instead of a pre-booked trek, I found an affordable local guide (₹3,500 for 4 days, including food and tent rental).
• Used Bino to find a cheap homestay (₹500/night) in Manali before the trek.
• Opted for public/shared transport instead of private cabs, saving at least ₹2,000.
• Rented trekking gear from a local shop (₹400 for the entire trek) instead of buying expensive equipment.
• Split costs with fellow budget trekkers for food and campsite stays.

Hampta Pass was everything I had imagined and more—challenging yet rewarding, dramatic yet peaceful. What made it even more special was experiencing it without spending a fortune. With the right planning and Bino helping me find affordable stays, guides, and transport, I realized that even a Himalayan adventure could be done on a tight budget.

If you're looking for real-time travel recommendations, budget hacks, or local transport options, just message Bino on WhatsApp at +91 9800081110. Happy trekking!