Overview

Overview


At an altitude of 13,850ft Sar Pass Trek has one of the most beautiful trekking trails consisting of cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys and the pristine Parvati river. It is also one of the most popular treks in the months of May and June, and you can easily do it while you’re in Kasol or Parvati valley. If you are planning to visit Kasol anytime soon then you might want to take a look at Sar Pass Trek as well. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

The Sar Pass Trek starts from the quaint Grahan village, which is a tiny hamlet a few kilometers away from Kasol, and surrounded by beautiful Rhododendrons trees. Many people who visit Kasol are unaware of this peaceful village and it remains a hidden gem of Himachal where peace still exists.

The best part about this trek is that you get to explore the nearby areas and get a glimpse at the diverse and rich Himachali culture. The people here lead slow paced lives and it's only when you are in close proximity to them do you actually understand just how much simple pleasures can make you feet content. 

The Sar Pass trek offers many picturesque landscapes for you to marvel at. When you are traversing and on your way to the Biskeri Ridge, you will come across a small frozen lake given the name Sar which gives you the impression of being in a fairyland with its 100ft tall snow laden slopes that surround it.

The trekking trail of Ming Thach is lined with dense forest and after traversing through it, you will get to witness the Great Himalayan ranges beckoning you closer.

Nagaru village is one site among the popular places to visit in Kasol. After we cross this  charming village, we will be staring at a spectacular view of Parvati valley with its vast expanse of green land, surrounded by majestic mountains. 

The fifth day on the Sar Pass trek awaits with the longest trekking round among all the other days. While you’ll probably be out of breath, it's a sure thing that it will all be worth it for the snow slide, the Rhododendron forests and the views of the Tosh valley will get etched in your mind. 

A fun fact about the Sar Pass trek, it's a mountain ridge rather than being an actual pass but still, the name suggests otherwise. With the Parvati river flowing alongside it, the scenic views of the pass are simply exquisite and makes the experience of overcoming all the hurdles even more redeeming. 

The sublime feeling of camping at the Biskeri Thach is indescribable.  Pine forests speckled all over the majestic mountains make you feel as if you are in paradise and it's one of the best parts about the Sar Pass trek.

Now on our way back to Kasol, we’ll go through the Pulga village and the Barshaini village which are two popular stops while on the Sar Pass Trek. And you get to be quite close to the Parvati river which flows relentlessly, where you get to experience the serenity that comes with being in the mountains. 

To get the best experience of Sar Pass Trek one needs to choose the timing correctly. And the best time to go on the Sar Pass trek is during April and May. You will get to enjoy thick snow when you reach the higher altitudes and the weather in Sar Pass is extremely pleasant during these months.

Time and again, people say that Sar Pass Trek is one of the most beautiful treks of India. The shift of the scenic view from forests to the meadows to the ice blankets is spectacular and manages to take your breath away.

When you slide down the slope from Sar Pass you will feel like you are riding a roller coaster. The trek serves best for any one who is looking to spend a few moments of peace with a little bit of adventure.

Sar pass trek also makes up a perfect retreat as you can always take some time off in Kasol, and get a closer glimpse at the culture and lifestyle of people in the mountains. You can try the Israeli cuisine which Himachal is especially famous for and one of the reasons why many people prefer Sar Pass.

For novice trekkers who want to traverse on different kinds of trails, and don’t have much experience, Sar pass trek is a great place to start although it’d be advisable for trekkers to maintain proper footing and mimic the walking pattern of other trekkers for proper caution. 

You will come across thick pine forests, alpine meadows, charming villages, snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes all in one place in the Sar Pass Trek. All these distinct terrains encompass a good trekking experience, making it an ideal choice for first timers.

Not only is it easy but also gives you splendid views. The total trek distance comes to about 48 km and is close to a height of 14,000 ft where you will see views of the majestic mountains of the Parvati Valley from the pass. The frozen lake that Sar Pass gets its name from also makes up for a spectacular view.

The temperature during the trek varies from 0 degrees to -20 degrees, depending greatly on time of the day. Even minute factors like being under the shade or in direct sunlight can significantly impact your body temperature for the Sar Pass trek so it's better to be prepared. 

One of the most popular treks in the Shivalik mountain ranges, the Sar Pass Trek still poses a challenge due to its altitude being 14,000ft above, making it one of the highest altitudes in Himachal Pradesh. And hence you need to be aware of your own bodily responses. 

 

5 Night 6 Days 11 May, 18 May, 25 May, and more
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

Accommodation: 5 Nights of Tented Accommodation on a triple sharing basis.

Transportation: Surface transfer from Barshaini - Kasol by Sumo / Bolero.

Meals: All Veg meals from Day 1st Dinner to Day 6th Lunch. 

Snacks: Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks and soup while on the trek.

Camping logistics: Tent, Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Dining tent, Toilet tent. 

Trek Leader: Qualified and Experienced Trek leader and support staff.

Permits: All necessary fees and permits.

Trekking Equipment: Gaiters, Micro Spikes, and Rope if required.

Safety Equipment: Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter & Oxygen Cylinder. 

Guide ratio: 1:10 

Any expenses of personal nature.

What is NOT included in the tour

Meals during transit.

Any insurance of any kind. 

Any fees and permits (for non-Indians).

Unscheduled delay due to landslide.

Cost Escalation due to “ Force Majeure and Evacuation charges”.

Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.

Note: You can apply for travel insurance prior to the trek.
Bag offloading cost is Rs 4200 (maximum weight should not be more than 10 kg)

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 01

Kasol Arrival | Group Introduction
The group will assemble in Kasol which serves as the base camp for the Sar Pass Trek. We’ll check into our campsite at 12:00 PM (tentative).
The rest of the day is at leisure but travelers are advised to go cafe hopping in Kasol and indulge in some local sightseeing.
In the evening, we’ll have dinner followed by an overnight stay in Kasol.

Day 02 

Trek to Grahan Village (7 Kms, 4 Hrs Trek)
After early morning breakfast, we'll head towards Grahan village which is one of our campsites for the trek.
Grahan is a tiny hamlet nestled in Himachal, away from the hustle and bustle of cities. On your way to Grahan you will get to traverse through green meadows and listen to the song of birds. The ever ceaselessly flowing stream of the Parvati river will wash away all your burdens.
Finally, dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay.

Day 03

Grahan to Min Thach (9 Kms, 6 Hrs Trek)
After early morning breakfast, we will head towards Min Thach. 
You will be traversing through Eden-like forests with Kanwar wildlife sanctuary in the backdrop. You will hear the calls of many animals and birds.
We will check into our campsite. You are happy to explore the premises where you might see cattle grazing peacefully in the fields. If you stroll a bit further,  you will get a sneak peek of  Nagaru and Sar Top.
Indulging in some stargazing at Min Thach followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Day 0 4

Min Thach to Nagaru (6 Kms, 4 Hrs Trek)
After breakfast, we will head towards Nagaru. Elevated at a staggering height of 12,500ft, it is the highest as well as the coldest campsite of this trek.
The trek is short but ends with a rewarding sight of the beautiful landscape of Beas river, Parvati valley, Chanderkhani as well as Grahan village.
We will set our camp at the Nagaru base. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can enjoy some moments of peace and scenic views of the entire valley.
Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Nagaru.

Day05

Nagaru to Biskeri Thach via Sar Pass (14 Kms, 10 Hrs Trek)
We will wake up a bit earlier to see the sun rising from behind the mountains, which would be a breathtaking sight to behold.
After that, we'll have breakfast and will head out for Biskeri Thach.
En route, we will be crossing Sar Pass which is a frozen lake that connects Parvati valley to Sainj Valley.
We will probably reach the Biskeri Thach campsite right in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Biskeri Thach.

Day 06

Biskeri Thach to Barshaini (10 Kms, 4 Hrs Trek) | Drive to Kasol (17 Kms, 1 Hr Drive) | End of Tour

After breakfast, we will trek down to Barshaini to embark on our return journey.  En route, we will see the Parvati river bidding us adieu.
Upon reaching Barshaini, we'll depart for Kasol where we will part our ways with fond memories.
End of Tour.
Short summary of your Sar Pass Trek

It’s safe to say that the Sar Pass Trek is bound to excite the beginner, charm the seasonal trekker and bring out the adventure expert. You will get to see the captivating vistas of Kasol, the green forests of Grahan, sun-soaked campsites of Nagra, bewitching views of the valley and the mystic Sar pass.

The summer months are usually the best time to go for the trek. This is when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the slopes of the mountains are covered in lush greenery.

Depending on the seasons, the trek itinerary varies to accommodate changes. The weather is unpredictable, hence each trekker will have a unique experience. 

The experience you relish in when you embark on the Sar pass Trek is extremely rewarding, not just because of the picturesque view you get at the pass but also because you get to traverse and witness the serene beauty of nature firsthand. 

This itinerary of Sar Pass trek is curated after keeping in mind that your body needs proper time and rest to be able to acclimatize well.

 

Things to Carry
Rucksack: You must pick a good quality backpack with a comfortable fit and straps that won’t give you shoulder pain. You can check out your nearest Decathlon store for a good trekking backpack. Day-Pack.png Day Bag / Day Pack: When you head towards the summit, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one on the campsite. Hiking-Shoes.png Hiking Shoes : Durable footwear designed for rugged terrains. Floaters.png Floaters or Sandals: Although the entire trek requires a good quality shoe, you still need to let your feet breathe to avoid chafing and blisters. When you are at the camp, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely. Tees.png Tees / Tshirts: You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene. Poncho.png Poncho: A poncho is an evolved form of a raincoat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from rain. Towel.png Quick Dry Towel: A quick dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It must dry quickly because the wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth. Sanitizer.png Sanitizer: Essential for maintaining cleanliness while trekking. Sun-Cap.png Sun Cap / Hat: A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and avoid sunburns on a sunny day. Sunscreen.png Sunscreen SPF 40+: To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream. Water.png Water Bottle (Re-usable): Hydration is extremely important when it comes to trekking. Carrying a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must. Toileteries.png Personal Toileteries: A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitizers, paper soap, etc should be carried in a ziplock bag. First-Aid.png Personal Medication / First Aid: A few cuts and bruises are almost inevitable when you are on a trek so carrying a medical kit with bandages, Dettol, etc is necessary. Sunglasses.png Sun Glasses / Reading Glasses: Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti-glare shades depending upon exposure to the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip-on glasses etc. Charger.png Charger: To keep your electronic devices powered during the trip. powerbank.png Power Bank: Ensures your devices stay charged when there are no outlets. Documents.png Personal Documents & ID's: Identification proofs like Aadhar Card, Drivers License. Laundry-Bag.png Laundry Bag (Waterproof): In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in polythene. However, make sure that all the plastic that you are carrying into the woods leaves with you. Don’t litter in the mountains. Track-Pants.png Track Pants: A good pair of track pants made of polyester will let your skin breathe. They’re lightweight, dry easily, and comfortable to walk around in. You can easily avoid chafing and rashes by investing in a good pair of track pants. Hiking-Shoes.png Trekking Shoes: A good trekking shoe is comfortable, provides ankle support, and has a good grip as well. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead, they should be lightweight and sturdy. Socks.png Cotton Socks: Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet. Woolen-Socks.png Woolen Socks: A good pair of woolen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odors and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night. Gloves.png Woolen Gloves: Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands and also provide a better grasp on trekking poles. Jacket.png Main Jacket: It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry a heavy jacket that you can put on over your other clothes. Woolen-Cap.png Woolen Cap: A woolen cap will help prevent cold when you ascend to high altitude. You can also cover your ears to avoid any pain and discomfort you might face in them when going at high altitudes. Hoodie.png Hoodie: A versatile layering option for various temperatures. Scarf.png Scarf / Balaclava: Along with sun rays and chilly winds, you also get hit by dirt and grime during treks which is why it's important to carry a scarf or balaclava so you can cover your face when needed. Head-Lamp.png Head Lamp: You can’t rely on moonlight when you are in the mountains. A torch or even a headlamp with a fresh pair of batteries is always a good idea to bring along. Trekking-Pole.png Trekking Pole: The trekking pole assists in more than one way. It saves energy while also providing stability and helps you to maintain proper balance. Camera.png Camera: This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trek. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well. Riding-Kit.png Riding Gear: If your trip involves biking or motorcycling. Cold-Cream.png Moisturiser & Cold Cream: To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream. Lip-Balm.png Lip Balm: Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it's important to keep them moisturized. Sanitary-Pads.png Sanitary Pads: Essential for feminine hygiene. Odomos.png Insect Repellent: Guards against pesky bugs and insects. Cash.png Cash: Emergency funds for unexpected situations. Thermals.png Thermals: Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when going on a high-altitude trek. Snacks.png Snacks / Dryfruits / Energy Bar: Provides quick energy on the go. Positive-Attitude.png Positive Attitude: The most important item for a successful trek or trip, keeping your spirits high and adaptable to the challenges of the journey.
Cost
9500/- per person