Sar Pass Trek

Sar Pass, located in Parvati Valley of Kullu district, is a frozen bay of Himachal Pradesh and a trek to this beautiful place is an unforgettable experience. The trek begins in Kasol and will take you through the lush forests of Parvati Valley leading you to Grahan Valley. Camping under the infinite stars here is an amazing experience. 

As you move along the trek after such a refreshing experience, you’ll pass through the pine and Deodar-dotted trails of Chanderkhani to Nagaru. The trek will lead you to the pristine white surroundings of Sar Lake, rewarding your efforts with its magnificent beauty.

The total distance of trek is around 50 km and takes 5 to 6 days to complete. The highest point of trek is Sar Pass, located at an altitude of around 4,200 m (13,800 ft). The trek includes major snow sections, walking on snow or a thrilling snow slide while descending on the pass makes it the top choice of snow lovers and adventure seekers.

The best time to do the Sar Pass trek is May-June and September-October. Whether changes quickly in this region and acclimatization plays a crucial role. It is best suitable for experienced trekkers. Overall, the Sar Pass trek offers you to experience the core Himalayan beauty with few challenges but countless unforgettable memories.

History of Sar Pass Trek

The name 'Sar' means a small lake which is considered sacred in various cultures. Though there's no lake present, Sar Pass suggests a frozen lake-like area which hardly melts until peak summer. 

It lies in famous Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Parvati Valley is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Himalayas, meditated for years. The valley is named after her and the whole region is considered holy and revered due to it. 

There's no particular historical records available regarding the Sar Pass region but it was a part of ancient trade routes and local shepherd trails. Tribes from Kullu and Spiti regions used these high passes to move their livestock. 

Post 1990s, the region nearby Kullu, started gaining popularity due to increase of tourism. Tourists started exploring new places for trekking and adventure. Organizations like YHAI (Youth Hostels Association of India) promoted it by organizing professional trekking. Boosting tourism helped grow the economy of the region. Guesthouses, homestays, food and transport services opened to facilitate tourists. Today, despite its popularity and advancement, Sar Pass trek still retains its natural charm and offers a true Himalayan trekking experience.

Highlights of Sar Pass Trek

Mini Israel at Kasol:

Kasol serves as a basecamp and a scenic campsite of Sar Pass trek. It is a small village, sometimes called a 'Mini Israel' due to its large Israeli travel base. You can see the fusion of Indian and Israeli cultures here: Hebrew signboards and cozy cafes offering the Middle Eastern food make this place a cultural surprise.

Grahan Village – A Hidden Gem:

Sar Pass trek's trail passes through Grahan which is a peaceful remote village surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, waterfalls and pine forests. Here you can see stone houses and wooden temples which represent untouched Himachali lifestyle. Unlike Kasol and Tosh, Grahan is relatively unknown to mainstream tourists, this is why it is also called a 'hidden hamlet'.

Pine, Rhododendron & Walnut Forests:

Trails of Sar Pass are full of forest sections, especially the section between Kasol and Min Thach is full of dense forests of pine, rhododendron and walnut. These trees are very enchanting with birds chirping on them and the sound of rivers. In summer times, their lush green appearances catch the eyes of photographs and nature lovers.

Snow Slide Adventure:

Sar Pass trek is full of thrill and adventure. One of the main highlights of this trek is sliding on snow. After the summit of Sar Pass, trekkers slide on snow while descending. Descending can be done on foot but trekkers prefer sliding for having fun and adventure. This experience is very rare and adds uniqueness and playfulness to Himalayan journey.

Biskeri Thach’s Meadows:

Biskeri Thach is one of the most underrated campsites of the trek. This site looks very beautiful with snow-capped peaks, alpine flowers and open grass pastures. Due to its raw and mesmerizing beauty, it looks straight out of a fairy tale and offers a perfect place to unwind far away from the crowd.

Difficulty Level of the Sar Pass Trek

Sar Pass, located in Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is considered a moderate to difficult trek. It is located at the altitude of around 4,220 m (13,845 ft) and best suitable for experienced trekkers. Fit beginners, adventurous families and teens (above 14 years) can also do this trek with proper caution and preparation.

The terrain of Sar Pass is highly diverse. It ranges from dense forests to lush meadows, rocky trails, icy slopes, glacial zones and thrilling snow slides. 

The total trek duration is around 5 to 6 days which covers approx 48-50 km, depending on the route. Trekkers have to walk 5 to 7 hours daily. One of the most challenging parts is the pass crossing day, where you ascend snow slopes early in the morning and descend steep ridges later in the day.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable at higher altitudes. Snowfields can be present even during the summer. Sudden rainfall and hailstorm can add difficulty.

Though the trek doesn't require any technical climbing, taking support of an experienced guide or joining a well-organized trekking team is advisable for navigation and emergencies.

Best Time to Visit Sar Pass Trek

The best time to explore the Sar Pass is during the summer and autumn seasons. During these windows, the trail becomes accessible with minimal snow blockages and suitable weather conditions.

June to Mid-July

Most of the trekking sessions start in June. This time snow starts and leaves the meadows lush green with full of blooming wild flowers. Days are pleasant this time but nights can be chilly. You can find some snow patches remaining at higher elevations.

• Day temperature: Around 10°C to 18°C
• Night temperature: Around 0°C to -5°C

September to October

This is the best time to visit Sar Pass as rain goes away and sky is clear. You can clearly view the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Landscapes are fresh and give peaceful vibes. Trails are less crowded. The time is ideal for photography lovers for clear and crisp visibility of surrounding nature. 

• Day temperature: Around 12°C to 20°C
• Night temperature: Around 3°C to -2°
  

Not Recommended in Monsoon and Winter 

• Monsoon (July-August): Due to heavy rain, trails can be slippery and prone to landslides. Trekkers need to be cautious and watchful, better avoid trekking during this time.
• Winter (Late November to April): Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the pass becomes inaccessible. Temperatures can drop below-10° and trails are covered with thick snow layers.
  

How to Reach Sar Pass Trek

• Tosh Valley is located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. To reach here, start your journey from Bhuntar (Kullu) in Himachal Pradesh. 
• Bhuntar is well-connected by road and air. Bhuntar Airport (KUU) is the nearest airport, approx 50 km from Manali. You can also take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to reach Bhuntar.
• From Bhuntar, drive towards Kasol. Kasol is well-connected by road. Regular buses and taxis are available to Kasol (about 1.5 hrs).
• Upon reaching Kasol, report to the basecamp (set by trek organizers). Mostly Sar Pass treks are organized by agencies like YHAI and private trekking organizers. They manage internal transport and logistics from Kasol onward.

Things to Carry in Sar Pass Trek

• Backpack (20–30L): Lightweight & comfortable
• Valid ID Proof
• 1 warm jacket/fleece
• Thermal innerwears
• 2-3 quick-dry t-shirts
• Trekking pants (avoid jeans)
• Raincoat (especially in monsoon)
• Woollen cap & sun cap
• Hand gloves 
• Extra socks & basic wears
• Good quality trekking shoes with grip
• Light slippers for campsite
• Tent (if not booking through a trek provider)
• Sleeping bag/mat
• Headlamp or torch (with extra batteries)
• Water bottle (minimum 2 litres)
• Electrolytes or ORS
• Energy bars, chocolates, dry fruits
• Toiletries 
• Sunscreen 
• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkiller, Diamox for AMS if going higher)
• Mobile + power bank
• Camera (optional)
• Trekking pole (optional but helpful)
• Small towel or napkin
• Garbage bag (leave no trace)