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Tucked away in the Parvati Valley of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, the Sar Pass Trek is an amazing Himalayan journey. This circular trek starting from Kasol culminates at the misty Sar Pass at 13,700 feet before descending the other side to Barshaini. The 5-6 day trek showcases incredible biodiversity, gushing rivers, hot springs, villages, and meadows with breathtaking mountain vistas along the way. Here’s a complete itinerary and details to plan your Sar Pass trek adventure:
Best time for Sar Pass Trek
The best season for the Sar Pass trek is from May to October. Mid-June to mid-October are ideal to avoid rain or snow.
May – October: The mountain passes are snow-free and the weather is pleasant. Ferns and wildflowers bloom in the meadows. However, May can have intermittent showers. Post-monsoon months of September-October also have clear blue skies.
March – April: Trails may still be snowbound at higher altitudes early in the season with chances of avalanches. The climb is challenging but rewarding.
November – February: Heavy snow makes the trek difficult and prone to dangers like avalanches and landslides, only for experienced trekkers.
Daywise Sar Pass Trek Itinerary
Let’s look at the detailed day-by-day itinerary for the Sar Pass trek covering a total distance of 48 km:
Day 1: Kasol – Grahan Village
Trail: Grahan Village – 6 km trek, altitude 8580 feet
The trek starts from Kasol. Drive 1.5 hours to the village of Grahan which is the trailhead. Start your trek from here climbing steadily through thick cedar forests. The trail overlooks the roaring Parvati River and ends at the campsite in Grahan village. Explore this scenic village with its farmsteads and temples.
Day 2: Grahan Village – Pandav Thatch
Trail: 9 km, altitude 9700 feet
Start early towards the meadow of Pandav Thatch. The trail opens up to beautiful vistas of Dhauladhar and Bisco peaks. Pass the Sar Pass waterfall with a vertical drop of 50 feet. Spend the night camping at the vast meadows at Pandav Thatch with the imposing Bhrigu peaks towering over you.
Day 3: Pandav Thatch – Biskeri Thatch
Trail: 5 km, altitude 11,319 feet
This is a short but steep ascent to the higher altitude Biskeri Thatch. Biskeri Thatch is a wide-open meadow dotted with boulders with awesome vistas of the valleys below. The climb can be demanding due to the high altitude. Overnight in tents at Biskeri before the toughest part of the trek tomorrow.
Day 4: Biskeri Thatch – Sar Pass – Whiskey Point – Vashisht
Trail: 12 km, Sar Pass altitude 13,700 feet, Whiskey Point 11,200 feet
The longest and toughest day of the trek involves an early start to summit Sar Pass. After a challenging but rewarding climb, enjoy the stunning 360-degree Himalayan views from the top. Start descending towards Whiskey Point and further on to reach Vashisht. Soak in hot sulfur springs to soothe tired muscles. Night halt at Vashisht.
Day 5: Vashisht – Barshaini
Trail: 16 km, altitude 6700 feet
From Vashisht, traverse ridges passing Negi village and Rudra Naag waterfall to reach Barshaini. Barshaini is the end point of your trek, situated at the confluence of the Parvati and Tos rivers. Freshen up and drive back to Kasol by evening.
The exhilarating Sar Pass Trek rewards you with the contrasting beauty of Parvati Valley – from lush green forests to rocky ridges to snowy peaks!
Acclimatization
It is important to ascend gradually and have rest days in between to acclimatize to high-altitude terrain, reducing the risk of AMS. Ideal places to schedule acclimatization breaks are Grahan Village, Pandav Thatch, and Biskeri Thatch.
How to Reach Kasol
The closest railhead is Pathankot railway station, from where you can take a cab or bus directly to Kasol. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, just 50 km away from Kasol. Taxis/cabs are available both from Bhuntar Airport and Pathankot railway station. Alternatively, you can self-drive to Kasol as well.
Where to Stay
Kasol has budget hotels and guesthouses ranging from ₹300-1000 per night. At Grahan Village, Pandav Thatch, and Vashisht, camping accommodation is arranged by trek operators in dome tents. Most accommodations provide basic shared washrooms and dorm-style beds. Vashisht has a few better stay options.
Guide and Porters
It is mandatory to take a certified guide and porters along in a group for the Sar Pass trek due to safety reasons. YHAI and IndiaHikes are reputed adventure organizations arranging fixed departure treks with all gear and staff included. You can also directly hire local guides from around Kasol Basecamp.
Trek Permits
You need to obtain camping & environmental permits for the Sar Pass trek from the Forest Department in Kullu. The fee is ₹450 per person plus ₹50 entrance fee to Great Himalayan National Park. Permits can be procured via trek operators or directly from Kullu DC Office. Carry ID proof.
What to Carry
Backpack, trekking shoes, woolen socks, fleece jackets, warm layers, waterproof gloves, sunglasses, toiletries, sunscreen, basic medication, water bottle, flashlight, dry fruits and snacks. Pack light and carry only essentials.
ATM Points
Kasol has the last easily accessible ATM on the trek route. At other halts like Grahan or Vashisht, it is very limited. It is best to carry enough cash for the duration of the trek.
Connectivity
Most of the trek route from Kasol onwards has remained stable with no mobile network. Grahan village and Vashisht have satellite phone booths for emergency calls. It is advisable to inform your family about disconnection and keep in touch via guide phones when possible.
Climate and Temperature
In summer, day temperature averages 15-20°C, and nights are around 5-10°C. In other seasons, sub-zero temperatures with snowfall are common, especially at high altitudes. Nights tend to be cold, so carrying adequate warm clothing is important.
So if you are looking for an invigorating Himalayan adventure that takes you through mystical places like Sar Pass and Pandav Thatch steeped in mythology, incredible biodiversity, and sweeping mountainscapes, the Sar Pass Trek is tailor-made for you! Follow this comprehensive guide to make your trekking experience smooth and memorable.
