The Sar Pass is located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, among the greener mountain ranges. Given the lush foliage that you will encounter on the Sar pass trek, it is an excellent choice for the verdant monsoon months. Because of the high heights and treacherous slopes or passes to cross, Himachal monsoon trekking has a reputation for being difficult. However, even total beginners can finish this trek in Kasol. Before we get into the specifics of why this excursion is a must-do, here’s some context and background information.
What You Should Know Before We Start
The Sar pass trek distance is around 30 kilometres of terrain covered over a five-day period. The summit of the Sar pass is blanketed in snow due to its elevation of 13,580 feet. It’s a stark contrast to the lush foliage and fauna of the ascent to the pass. You’ll also get to see grazing livestock and streams that boil down valleys along the way. This walk in Kasol is renowned among adventurers due to the variety of landscape.
The Sarpass hike is open to anyone above the age of seven. So you may even go on the walk with your family and have a good time. The journey is relatively easy, and you will travel through several villages where you may stop and recuperate. If you want to do a Himalayan trek but aren’t quite ready for professional or strenuous excursions, this is the route for you.
The tailored Moustache trip is well-planned and extremely safe. The hike includes all vegetarian meals, as well as tents and sleeping bags. The knowledgeable local guide and team are equipped with safety equipment and a first-aid pack. Even your permits are pre-arranged, so all you have to do is enjoy the scenery.
A Spectacular Experience at Every Turn
Now comes the exciting part. The Sar pass trip contains some of the nicest aspects of Kasol trekking. This portion is best supplemented by the trek itinerary because practically every location you will visit has its own unique appeal.
The Mini Israel of Himachal — Kasol
Kasol, a hill station in Parvati Valley, serves as the trek’s base camp. Because of its considerable Israeli community and huge number of establishments having an Israeli background, it is often referred to as Himachal Pradesh’s “mini-Israel.” In truth, Israeli culture developed when Kasol tourism became a popular getaway for Israeli troops after they completed their mandatory military service. They boosted the economy to the point where signboards were inscribed in Hebrew and cafés served delectable Israeli cuisine. When you get at Kasol, take advantage of the delicious meals.
Kasol is located on the banks of the Parvati River and is surrounded by natural beauty, hence the majority of locations to visit in Kasol are known for their natural beauty more than anything else. Manikaran, a neighbouring village known for its all-natural hot springs, is one example. Visitors from the cold highlands can’t help but take a dip. White-water rafting on the Parvati River is one of the most popular activities in Kasol. Trout fishing is very popular, but requires permission from the forest department.
Follow Along the Grahan Nallah
The first section of the walk is the Grahan nallah or Grahan ravine. Following it from Kasol, this section of the hike is essentially a delightful walk in the forest with fairly easy slopes. Locals also utilise this route frequently. However, once you cross the nallah, the track abruptly changes to a fairly rough uphill route. The first tiny reveal moment on the journey is when the woods give way to shrubs and kiosks selling tea and snacks. A must-try here is a drink made from crushed rhododendron petals in syrup and blended with cold water. It’s really refreshing and will energise you for the hour-long uphill climb to Grahan village.
Up the Mountain to Min Thatch
This is the point at when the whole extent of your journey becomes apparent. Your next three stops are up the mountain to the north of Grahan village: Min Thatch, Nagaru, and the Sar Top. The adventure starts right here. A hike up through deep forest will lead you to the Min Thatch first. Thatch means “meadow” in the local tongue, and this campsite is nothing more than a grassy area on a particularly picturesque ridge. This is an excellent camping spot with stunning views of Chanderkhani and other mountain ranges. Depending on the season, there may even be one or two stalls selling omelettes. Enjoy the scenery and snap plenty of photos (only to be uploaded when you get cell service, of course).
Brave the Way to Nagaru
Nagaru does not appear to be far away from Min Thatch. The path to Nagaru, however, is along a ridge with a deep valley below it, making this the most dangerous portion of the walk. Brave it with your guts and your equipment until you reach another stunning reveal. The Nagaru campground is a level spot at the summit of the hill, a sharp contrast to the steep slopes and ridge you’ve been navigating for hours. It takes a lot of effort to get here, and the vistas reward you accordingly. You’ve been staring up at Nagaru the entire time, but now you’re looking down at all that came before it.You can see all the way back to Manikaran. This is also your first clear view of the Beas Valley ranges.
Marvel at technology here, since even if the single tap at the flatland isn’t working, you’ll still have mobile service. It’s time to upload all those photos while they’re still fresh.
The Star Attraction
The final difficult stretch to Sar Pass has arrived, but you’ll be well-prepared thanks to the previous day’s activities. This section of the trail is frequently covered in snow, especially near the Sar Top. Surprisingly, this pass is not like any other. The frozen pond at the pass is referred to as ‘Sar.’ However, the genuine pass is a tiny and steep climb that must be traversed with a rope. Not to worry, the guide will explain and encourage you throughout the process. A marked trident marks your accomplishment at the top.
The scenery from Sar Pass is just breathtaking. The brilliant Tosh Valley runs eastward. The snow-capped peaks of Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba loom so close that you believe you could walk to them (you can’t, unless you add more days to your itinerary). The air is clear and the wind is brisk; plainly, what you’ve just gone through was well worth it. It’s time to start your descent… in an unexpected way.
Slip & Slide to Biskeri Thatch
The 100-foot drop from Sar Pass is so slick and steep that there’s just one way to get down it: by sliding. If the snow conditions are favourable, you can ‘whoop’ your way down one kilometre in a matter of minutes. You’ll have the time of your life walking down the lower slopes and sliding down the steeper ones. Where else can you find a natural playground as large and beautiful?
Finally, after passing through icy forests and streams, you will arrive at the beautiful Biskeri Thatch. It has stunning views of numerous villages and pastures. There is a beautiful waterfall and a stream coming from the mountains. Network is also returning. Finally, you will descend to the settlement of Barshaini and return to Kasol, bringing your walk to a close.
Also Have a Look on- Hampta Pass Trek
