The Sar Pass Trek is one of the highly rated as well as popular treks in Himachal Pradesh, located in its picturesque Parvati Valley. Considered with unbelievable scenery, numerous hardships, and magical sights, this Sar Pass Trekking is an experience of its own where the trekkers are taken around snow-capped valleys, greenery, and beautiful villages. Whether you are experienced or a newcomer, the Sar Pass is an interesting challenge, offering incredible views that leave you awe-inspired as well as a fulfilling sense of success.
The trek leads through thick forests and alpine meadows along with gushing waterfalls and ends at Sar Pass, the highest point of the trek at 13,800 ft. Throughout the trek, the trekkers will be treated with stunning views of the snow-covered ranges including the latter ranges of Parvati Valley. In this matter, we will give you information on the day-to-day program of the Sar Pass trek, the important trekking equipment to carry along with the best season to visit, so that you would have a perfect trekking all around. You can consider this trek if you are planning for the same or only assuming what it looks like in that part of the world. You will get all the details here regarding the Sar Pass Trek and the area of interest.
Sar Pass Trek Itinerary
DAY1: ARRIVAL IN KASOL
Kasol is a picturesque town located in the Parvati Valley where you can take time off and enjoy the scenery. Check-in and afterward, take pleasure in the sights of the Parvati River while indulging in the local cuisine. Following this, interact with your assigned guide and commence the incredible trek of Sar Pass along with Himalayan Daredevils.
It is particularly advisable to start on the Sar Pass Trek very early in the morning. Trekking from Kasol to the beautiful Grahan Village will be an epic journey, so brace yourselves. This trek extends from the first village to the last and takes about 7 hours crossing beautiful hills, grasses, and meadows, and finally surrounded by beautiful mountains. Today, you reach Grahan Village and you can finally put your head to the pillow in a cozy tent and head off to sleep with nature around you. It will be a commendable way to conclude an active day, a beautiful night with many stars in the cloudless sky.
DAY 2: GRAHAN TO MIN THACH
From Grahan Village, you will see high snow-capped mountains in the context of the morning views. Next, proceed for Min Thach which is in an approximate distance of 4 to 5 hours of walking. The early stage of trekking lies in the gentle upward slope and is easily done through the worn footpaths of the inhabitants. As one goes more towards the north from Grahan 1865m, the skyline expands at Min Thach, Nagaru, and Sar Top of peaks making the adventure very enjoyable for the trekkers.
The ascent is rather smooth yet a little steep after some time. As the journey goes deeper into the forests, the trees become denser and the climb even more steeper. The jungles provide a guarantee for a cool shade as one walks through the tangled thick vegetation as trees are almost everywhere. Progress of the climb is gradual and the sights commence one at a time as though they are in an erecting frame. It is also a good quiet area with birds chirping through the soft wind making it pleasant to walk on any of the numerous tracks available and wait for the next walk.
After the forest, come across Min Thach which is 11,150 ft (3,400 meters) above sea level. This is your last post for today, and you will be in the same spot for the night and enjoy the open sky with mountains all around. While moving towards the overnight forest camp, keep looking around and relax in the peace of the place, as tomorrow is going to be an action day.
DAY 3: Min Thach to Nagaru
At Min Thach, after a sound sleep, wake up and take in the cold air with an incredible view of the hills. Enjoy a hot dish to regain energy before going further to Nagaru situated at an altitude of 12,500 ft (3810m). Due to the elevation, the area has a rugged terrain with thick forests alongside the trail where steep climbs and declinations are common.
This part of the trek is dubbed as one of the toughest sections of the trek since there is a steep slope that plunges deep to the valley. Expect some compromises on your focus as well as stamina while haggling with steep ascents, but it will be worth the while. There are claims that the camping site of Nagaru is the first place to experience the snow after a shy snowfall. From here one gets to be treated to sweeping views of the Parvati Valley, the little town of Manikaran, and most of the other valleys set amidst the majestic mountains in the background.
Day 4: Nagaru to Biskeri Thach
Today’s focus is to climb Sar Pass which is 4868m high. It takes a significant amount of time to complete this trek and its components as one must journey through the forests, mountain ridges, and snow-covered valleys. It is ok; with a little more patience, the climber is treated to beautiful sloping views of towering peaks in every direction with the Glacier in sight. Relive the experience, and make recordings of the achievements. It is somewhat simple to walk on the pathways that have been made by the natives, while in motion. It is surreal the idea of going up the ocean after busting through the mountain. The amount of calmness one gets after witnessing the lifestyle of the people of this place – is extraordinary. What can be greater than this?
Thereafter Sar Pass is crossed, the gradient is somewhat steep and goes straight into the Tosh Valley. Once one gets into a rhythm, it is fortunate that the flowing terrain makes it much easier. The pleasure adds so much enthusiasm to pushing on. The valley is so cool and has so much variety across numerous slopes.
DAY 5: Biskeri Thatch to Kasol through Barshaini
Eat a hearty breakfast and head off early. This is the final stretch of the trek, which should feel worth everything. There should be interesting views on this trail with a combination of heightened greenery, sandstones, and wide grasslands on the way to Barshaini. In the course of it, you’d pass Pulga and Tulga, a pair of neighboring twin villages lying across a brooded stream. The beauty of these villages adds enhancement to the trek. Triangulate the location deep in the woods and then deep into a valley, look for a ford across the stream in the surrounding area and a camp location just beyond it. But getting to that crossing isn’t easy!
To finish with the Sar Pass, head back to Kasol by crossing a bridge to reach the last village of Barshaini. Here, you can proceed by jeep or backtrack to Kasol where the trek is concluded. Recall the laughter and relationships built over the days of walking through the magnificent invigorating mountains as well as the dramatic sights. Once you are back in Kasol, enjoy your return from such an incredible experience!
Best Time to Visit Sar Pass Trek
Pre-Monsoon (Mid-June to Early July): The Sar Pass Trek is most enjoyable during the pre-monsoon stage. The weather is warm and dry with heavy rains and the scenery is beautiful as it is primarily wet with plants. There are lots of flowers around, a few trekkers around, and the views are free of clouds.
Summer (April to June): The summer months, when the temperatures are between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, are also a pleasant time for a trip to the Sar Pass Trek. The weather is generally pleasant, and clear, giving great trekking weather and mountains that have snow on the top and a valley covered in crushed green plants.
Autumn (September to October): The autumn period is another good season to climb the trail because the weather is not extremely hot and the trail is not wet. Snow-covered mountains and tin shades of autumn complete the picture and this time makes for one of the best times to trek.
Key Highlights of the Sar Pass Trek
The Sar Pass Trek offers immense beauty in the Parvati Valley along with certain attractions that simply cannot be forgotten. The trek takes you through thick jungles, beautiful grasslands, and beautiful villages like Grahan and Min Thach. Standing at its highest point which is Sar Pass, it is 13800 feet high with striking views of high peaks and valleys. The trekkers will be confronted with the different features of the terrain that should including steep ascents and snow-covered paths and also the fun of achieving the Sar Pass. Camps also provided trekkers with very high mountain ranges so beautiful that they were ideal locations for the peace and calm they yearned for in their trekking experience.
Challenges and Tips for Trekking the Sar Pass
Physical Efforts: Sar Pass Trek involves crossing the Sar Pass which has its steep climbs and steep descents as well. Walking poles will ensure balance when climbing up and down. These will also work to prevent base injuries. Most importantly, walk slowly, listen to the body, and take regular quiet breaks.
Altitude and Temperature: The maximum altitude reached during the trek is 13800, hence altitude sickness is possible. To mitigate possibilities, sufficient time must be taken to acclimatize and drink plenty of water. On the right side, it is necessary to wear layers that are water-resistant since weather patterns will include rain, snow, and high extremes.
Rugged Terrain and Snow: In winter or pre-monsoon, the trail gets snowed and becomes slippery. It is best to use trekking poles for balance, pack warm clothes, and wear gaiters for snow protection on the boots. Tips provided by the guide while crossing the difficult stretches should be ice adhered to.
Conclusion
The Sar Pass Trek is loaded with spectacular sights, and challenges in the form of routes, and the icing on the cake is the opportunity to stand on the top of the tremendous Sar Pass. The landscape is mostly covered with snow, trees, valleys, and plants, it is nothing short of a paradise for those who love trekking. Although the trek has its share of difficulties, good planning and understanding of the altitude as well as the right equipment is the key to having a marvelous experience. Himalayan Daredevils is a professional company that provides trained staff for help and guidance for any trekker looking for something a bit more intense. For those with the right frame of mind and sense of purpose, the Sar Pass Trek is an experience that even words will fail to describe.
