Sar Pass Trek
The Sar Pass Trek is a popular trekking route in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is named after the Sar Pass, a mountain pass situated at an altitude of approximately 4,220 meters (13,845 feet). The trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, meadows, dense forests, and the opportunity to witness the beauty of the Parvati Valley. Here's some information about the Sar Pass Trek:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trek Distance: 50 Kms
- Trek Duration: 5 Days
- Highest Altitude: 13,800 ft
- Basecamp: Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Duration: The Sar Pass Trek typically takes around 5 to 6 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trek.
Difficulty Level: The trek is considered moderately difficult and requires a decent level of fitness and stamina. It involves steep ascents, descents, and walking on snow-covered terrain. Some sections may be challenging, especially during winter or when the weather conditions are unfavorable.
Best Time to Trek: The best time to undertake the Sar Pass Trek is generally from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively pleasant, and the trails are clear. It's advisable to avoid trekking during monsoon season (July and August) due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides.
Trek Route:
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Kasol (1,580 meters) to Grahan Village (2,200 meters): The trek starts from Kasol, a popular tourist destination in the Parvati Valley. From Kasol, you trek to Grahan Village, which is situated amidst beautiful forests. The trek to Grahan Village takes around 4 to 5 hours.
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Grahan Village to Min Thach (3,200 meters): From Grahan Village, the trail continues through lush forests, offering stunning views of the valley. You ascend towards Min Thach, a scenic campsite surrounded by meadows and mountains. The trek from Grahan Village to Min Thach takes around 5 to 6 hours.
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Min Thach to Nagaru (3,800 meters): From Min Thach, the trek becomes steeper as you approach higher altitudes. The trail takes you through a forest and then opens up to vast meadows. Nagaru serves as the base camp for the Sar Pass summit. The trek from Min Thach to Nagaru takes around 4 to 5 hours.
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Nagaru to Sar Pass (4,220 meters) and Biskeri Thach (3,400 meters): From Nagaru, you ascend to reach the Sar Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After crossing the pass, you descend towards Biskeri Thach, a beautiful campsite with green meadows. This section of the trek takes around 6 to 7 hours.
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Biskeri Thach to Barshaini (2,350 meters): The final leg of the trek involves descending from Biskeri Thach to Barshaini, passing through dense forests and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Parvati Valley. The trek from Biskeri Thach to Barshaini takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Tips:
- Ensure you have proper trekking gear, including sturdy shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, trekking poles, a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
- Acclimatize properly to the altitude before starting the trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
- Carry sufficient cash, as there are no ATMs available beyond Kasol or Barshaini.
- It's recommended to go with a registered trekking agency or a local guide who is familiar with the route and can provide assistance if needed.
- Respect the environment and follow the principles of Leave No Trace by not littering and maintaining the cleanliness of the trek
