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Chatru

Chatru

Published on August 23, 2025

High in the rugged mountains of Himachal Pradesh lies Chatru, a small yet significant settlement surrounded by raw beauty and dramatic landscapes. Located on the route between Manali and Spiti Valley, Chatru sits at an altitude of about 11,000 feet (3,353 meters) and marks the meeting point of three stunning valleys — Spiti, Rohtang, and Hampta. Though tiny and remote, this hamlet is a lifeline for trekkers, bikers, and travelers making their way across some of the most challenging Himalayan roads.

If you are planning the Hampta Pass trek, or traveling to Spiti Valley, there’s a high chance you will pass through Chatru. But this is not just a stopover — its rugged charm, gushing rivers, and towering peaks make it a destination worth experiencing.

Where is Chatru Located?

Chatru lies on the Manali–Kaza highway in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh. It is about:

  • 70 km from Manali via the Atal Tunnel and Gramphu.

  • 100 km from Kaza in Spiti Valley.

  • 35 km from Gramphu, the junction point leading toward Spiti and Leh.

This remote location is surrounded by glaciers, rocky slopes, and snow-fed rivers, making it a true Himalayan wilderness.

hampta pass tour package

Why is Chatru Famous?

  1. Meeting Point of Valleys – It connects travelers from Kullu, Spiti, and Lahaul, making it an important stopover.

  2. Base Camp for Trekkers – The Hampta Pass trek usually ends at Chatru, where trekkers are picked up and driven back to Manali or onward to Spiti.

  3. Adventure Hub – Popular among bikers and road trippers tackling the Manali–Leh or Manali–Spiti routes.

  4. Raw Himalayan Beauty – The untouched scenery, with glaciers and barren cliffs, makes it a photographer’s dream.

Scenery Around Chatru

The first thing you’ll notice about Chatru is how dramatically different it looks compared to the lush green Kullu Valley. The mountains here are rocky, barren, and imposing, with patches of snow even in the summer months. The Chandra River, fed by melting glaciers, flows alongside, creating a stunning contrast between the icy blue water and the dark cliffs.

During late spring and summer, tiny patches of greenery appear near the riverbanks, and wildflowers bloom, adding color to this otherwise stark landscape.

Reaching Chatru

  • By Road: The only way to reach Chatru is by road, either from Manali via Gramphu or from Kaza via Kunzum Pass. The roads are narrow, unpaved, and full of streams formed by melting snow, making it an adventure in itself.

  • By Trek: Trekkers arrive at Chatru at the end of the Hampta Pass trek. After days of hiking through forests, meadows, and snowfields, the descent into the barren Lahaul landscape is a spectacular reward.

Chatru on the Hampta Pass Trek

If you are trekking to Hampta Pass, Chatru is where your trek officially ends. After crossing the high-altitude pass at 14,000 feet and descending into Lahaul, trekkers reach Chatru, where vehicles are usually arranged to drive them back to Manali.

This stop is crucial because it’s one of the few places with temporary camps and dhabas (roadside eateries) where you can rest, warm up, and enjoy simple food like hot Maggi, parathas, or tea after days in the wilderness.

Facilities at Chatru

Being a small settlement, Chatru doesn’t have permanent hotels or markets, but during the trekking and road-trip season (June to September), you’ll find:

  • Temporary campsites with basic tents and food.

  • Local dhabas serving tea, snacks, and meals.

  • Vehicle pickup points for trekkers returning to Manali or heading to Spiti.

This is not a luxury stop — it’s a rugged Himalayan outpost — but that’s what makes it charming.

Best Time to Visit Chatru

The roads to Chatru open only in late May or June after the snow clears and remain accessible until early October.

  • June to July: Snowmelt streams flow across the roads, adding adventure.

  • August to September: Clear skies, fewer snow patches, and stable weather.

  • October onward: The region becomes very cold and roads may close due to early snowfall.

Winters are harsh, and the area is cut off for months due to heavy snow.

Things to Do in Chatru

  1. Rest and Recover: For trekkers and bikers, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the raw beauty of nature.

  2. Photography: Capture stunning shots of glaciers, rivers, and mountain peaks.

  3. Camping: Spend a night under a star-filled sky with the sound of the Chandra River nearby.

  4. Explore Offbeat Routes: If time permits, you can explore the nearby valleys or head toward Chandratal Lake by vehicle.

hampta pass trek

Nearby Attractions

  • Hampta Pass: If you’re trekking, this is the highlight before reaching Chatru.

  • Chandratal Lake: About 45 km away, this crescent-shaped lake is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in India.

  • Gramphu: A small junction where roads diverge toward Leh, Spiti, and Manali.

What to Pack for Chatru

Since Chatru is remote with no shops, you must carry all essentials with you:

  • Warm Clothing: Even in summer, nights are cold.

  • Trekking Gear: Good shoes, walking stick, and gloves if you’re trekking.

  • Snacks & Water: Limited food options are available.

  • Medical Kit: Carry your own medicines and first aid.

  • Power Bank: No electricity or charging points are available.

In Conclusion

Chatru is more than just a stop on the map — it’s where three valleys meet, where nature reveals its raw and untamed beauty, and where adventure travelers pause to catch their breath. Whether you arrive by trekking over Hampta Pass or by driving along the thrilling Manali–Spiti highway, Chatru greets you with gushing rivers, massive cliffs, and a sense of peace that only the high Himalayas can offer.

For trekkers, bikers, and explorers, Chatru is not just a resting point — it’s a reminder that the journey through the mountains is as beautiful as the destinations themselves.