Sar Pass Trek: When to go and the whole schedule

Getting Started: Kasol - The Gateway to Adventure

The adventure begins in Kasol, a one-horse town that has attracted worldwide backpackers to come and make it their home. Its vibrant scene and bohemian lifestyle draw weekend crowds, mostly uplifting city youth. Many shops in the town provide for trekkers' needs, offering everything from necessities to luxuries.

Sar Pass Trek: A Detailed Trail Guide

The Sar Pass Trek is an exciting trek that takes you through varied scenery. Knowing each stage of the trail makes a successful adventure more likely This is a complete primer for the first two days of this absorbing trek.

Day 1: Kasol to Grahan Village

• Altitude: 1,700 m to 2,350 m

• Distance: 10 km

• Time Taken: 4-5 hours

• Kasol to Grahan: A marked trail, walking along the sides of the Grahan nalah through forests. Beginning in the middle of Kasol and sticking to the genuine left bank of Nalah, this route is a breeze. Thanks to its pleasant sloping gradient, 10 km can be easily covered in 4-5 hours.

Trail Highlights:

• Forest Tranquility: The trail winds through peaceful forests along the Grahan nalah.

• Rocky Ascent: Once the nalah is crossed, the path becomes rocky and steep. Take the left bank of the river.

• Rhododendron Syrup Stalls: Bird's Nest drink The tea, omelets, and rhododendron syrup are sold at makeshift stalls as the trees give way to grass and shrubs.

• Village Arrival: On top of a hill at the end, after a steep climb lies the village- GRAHAN. Guest houses offer accommodations, and camping grounds can be found after leaving the village.

Day 2: Grahan to Min Thach

• Altitude: 2,350 m to 3,400 m

• Distance: 7 km

• Time Taken: 4-5 hours

Trail Details:

• Northern Ascent: From Grahan, a path goes north climbing gently. Many villagers use it in the mornings for their daily duties.

• Panoramic Views: As you climb, the view expands and becomes spectacular. On the mountain to your right sit Min Thach, Nagaru, and Sar Top.

• Forest Exploration: Follow a steepening slope into the dense forest. Some parts of the path could be clearer.

• Meadow Arrival: The forest here is finally opened up to Min Thach, a pretty pasture where villagers bring their cattle out to feed.

• Campsite: The ridge provides shelter from strong winds. Tea, coffee, and omelets at the seasonal vendor's huts. A tap supplies potable water. Trenches should be dug around tents for natural drainage.

Tips for Day 2:

Acclimatization: It is a day for acclimatization and warming up before tomorrow's trek.

Seasoned Trekkers: Experienced trekkers may leave early from Kassal and eat lunch at Grahan. One should reach Min Thach after noon.

Knowing the subtleties of each day's trek is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable Sar Pass expedition. From the tranquility of Grahan village to Min Thach's panoramic views, every step reveals a new facet of beauty. Saddle up, take the trail, and see what unfolds.

Day 3: Min Thach to Nagaru: A Journey To the Heights

• Altitude: 3,400 m to 3,800 m

• Distance: 8 km

• Time Taken: 4-6 hours

• From Min Thach to Nagaru, the journey takes you through difficulties and spectacular scenery. The seemingly short distance as the crow flies transforms into an exploration between woods and ridges.

Trail Details:

• Route Variation: The trail swings south into the forest, avoiding a straight course up along the ridge line.

• Snow Considerations: When the weather is poor, one may encounter snow (especially in shaded areas). To avoid slippery snow conditions, early starts are recommended.

• It looks like a steady climb, until suddenly--a rocky ridge-line and in the distance is glimpsed a grassy meadow. The path goes to Nagaru, poised on cliffs above. It's not easy getting up there, particularly when the mountain is covered with snow. You should take care and may want to seek help from a guide or use a trekking pole.

Nagaru Campsite:

• A Different World: Gorgeous mountain views across the Parvati Valley characterize a surreal experience at the nearby campsite of Nagaru.

• Visible Landmarks: To the northwest lie Chanerkhani ranges, below Min Thach campsite and Grahan village. South-east lies a vast expanse of snow.

• Weather Challenges: Camp is set up early due to strong winds and rapid temperature falls after sunset.

Day 4: Nagaru Sar Pass Biskeri Thach The Summit Scenic Slide

• Altitude: 3,800 m-4,251 m. - 3,796m

• Distance: 14 km

• Time Taken: 6-8 hours

Early Start for Sar Pass:

• Pre-Dawn Wakeup: Acclimatized from the previous day, start at a bad time before dawn for Sar Pass.

• Snow Climb: Heading in a southward direction, the trail follows along on ridge line. There are steep stretches and snow-covered paths with spectacular panoramas of the surrounding white landscape blanketed by powdery snow.

Sar Pass Summit:

• Heavenly Views: At the top, Sar Pass has finally revealed itself. To the east, you get awesome views of Tosh Valley peaks and to the northwest, a surreal layer-cake-layered mountain valley unfolds below.

• Slide Adventure: The trek also includes an exhilarating slide down a half-white time and one hundred feet of the steep slope.

• Valley Views: The slides bring us to a most beautiful valley with snow-capped trees and meadows until we reach the campsite of Biskeri Thach.

Biskeri Thach Campsite:

• Sublime Setting: The scenic spots of Biskeri Thach offer views of pine forests, high mountains, and beautiful grasslands.

• Village Vistas: Valley below: Tosh, Pulga-Tulga, Bursheni, and Nakthan villages.

• Waterfall Scenery: Streaming down from the mountains, a backdrop waterfall adds to this natural beauty.

• Facilities: Water sources including a stream and water tap readily available. Network reception is possible too.

• The trip from Nagaru to Biskeri Thach is a ride through obstacles, adventure, and scenic beauty. From the heights of Sar Pass to the tranquil campsite at Biskeri Thach, each moment only enriches your experience on this trek. Go with the flow, enjoy your surroundings, and allow the mountains to weave their wonders.

Day 5: Biskeri Thach to Bursheni: The Last Reconnaissance

• Altitude: 3,350 m to 2,400 m

• Distance: 10 km

• Time Taken: 4-5 hours

Descent from Biskeri Thach:

• Steep Descent: Starting with a steep descent from Biskeri Thach, the course meanders down on a path to the left of the stream.

• Crossing Streams: After a time, cross the stream and negotiate through another plot of land with fencing. It may take a little exploring to locate the trail.

• Guide's Guidance: Many trails wind through this thick forest, and if you try to blindly explore them without a guide all will be lost. This way heads northeast.

• Tricky Crossing: Come to a stream crossing with a campsite on the other side. You need to descend a rock with the help of a rope before crossing on wooden planks.

• Vendor Tents: There are vendor tents on the campsite, and from here it is left to Pulga's village.

Enchanting Grassland and Woods:

• Scenic Stop: See a lovely grassland skirted with trees for an attractive view out on the trail.

• Dry Channel Descent: Take the path down a dry channel in the woods to undergo another steep descent.

• Clearing in the Forest: Reaching a clearing where trees have already been felled, continue down past the enclosed spot.

• Lumber Yard and Pipeline: Then, pass a forest department lumber yard. After following the water pipeline which runs to Pulga village directly below us there is some food for our spirits:

Pulga and Tulga Villages:

• Stream Separation: Pulga and Tulga are twin villages divided by a stream. Take a bridge over the dammed-up river Parvati to get to Bursheni.

• Bursheni Village: The last stop by road in the Parvati Valley is Bursheni, which provides starting points for treks throughout this region.

• Road Connectivity: Transportation from Bursheni to Kasol, Bhuntar, and other places can be arranged by buses or taxis.

• Conclusion of the Trek:

• From Biskeri Thach to Bursheni is the end of Sar Pass Trek. Reminiscing about the grueling climbs, breathtaking views and newfound friends on this unforgettable journey will stay with you for life.

Proper preparation for the Sar Pass Trek includes packing carefully so that it will be a pleasant, secure journey. Here's a detailed checklist of essentials for your trek:

Meet the author Ayan, a passionate traveler and adventurer with a love for exploring nature's beauty. Working at BanBanjara, a platform dedicated to wanderlust, the author seamlessly combines travel and storytelling. Happy trekking!