Sar Pass Trek

On way to Sar Pass- colours of the morning.

Sar Pass Top as seen from Sar Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

The Sar Pass is in Parvati Valley of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, a state of India.

Overview

Himachal Pradesh is considered as the Land of Gods & Goddesses. It also offers best adventure & thrilling activities in the mighty Himalayas. Parvati valley is one of the most beautiful valleys as far as this trek is concerned. This trek is being organised every year by Youth Hostels Association of India. One batch of 40 to 50 persons starts everyday from 1 May to 31 May. This is one of the most challenging and difficult treks offered by Youth Hostels of India over the years.

Base camp

Parvati river at Kasol.

Kasol (6,500 ft), which is 5 km short of Manikaran, remains the base camp. It is well connected by road from Kullu and Bhunter. Base camp is situated along the mighty and turbulent Parvati river, surrounded by tall, old pine trees.

Two days are kept for orientation and acclimatization at base camp, which includes rappelling and rock climbing on one day and trekking up the nearby forests for a few kilometers up and down with two blankets in the rucksack. One can see hundreds of bird and butterfly species over here and during the trek. After this, trekkers are ready to leave for their next destination.

Trek

Guna Pani

Sunset at a Peak as seen from Guna Pani.

Guna Pani is the next camp at 8,000 ft after trekking for about 5 km from Unch Dhar (which is 10 km from Kasol, up to which trekkers come by Bus), via Shila village. Camp is in a grassy field and is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and looks like molten gold at the time of sunrise and sunset. Ghural Jyot, Unch Dhaar, Hattigarh Top, Nakhthaan Top and Manikaran valley are visible from here.

Fual Pani

A stream at Fual Pani.

The trekkers reach their next camp Fual Paani (9,500 ft) after trekking for about 5 km. Fual means shepherd and paani means water. However, the camp is made in a dense forest where hardly a ray of light can penetrate. However, a small stream alongside provide music to the ears & is a feast to the eyes. The slopy side of the mountain on which the camp certainly adds excitement to our stay.

Zirmi Thatch

Valley under clouds on way to Zirmi Thaatch.

As one move up trek becomes more and more difficult, though one is better equipped than the previous day through sheer experience. After 6 km of difficult, high-gradient and tiring trek, one wonders as to when he will reach the destination. However, this tiredness goes away at the sight on reaching the camp at Zirmi Thatch (11,000 ft). One is awestruck at the magnificent view of Rudra Naag top, Tosh Nullah and Khirganga. Rukhaau Thatch and Bakkar Thatch are good resting points before reaching. A thatch is a vast ground with varied flora and fauna.

Tila Lotani

Sunset at Sar Pass Top as seen from Tila Lotani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

After crossing Ruari Thatch & trekking for about 6 km, trekkers reach their next camp at Tilalotni (12,500 ft). It is during this stretch that they have the first feeling of trekking on the snow. And how difficult it feels, though the joy is also over-whelming! This is the highest Camp in the trek and offers breath-taking views of the peaks all around. One gets the feeling of being in the Heaven when the sun sets on these peaks, highlighting myriad colours of nature.

Morning Glow at Sar Pass.

While the sky is resplendent with stars at night, morning glow of first rays behind the peaks is heart-warming. Trekkers have to get up early at 4 a.m., so that they are ready to depart at 5 a.m. with their breakfast & packed lunches. This is with a view to cross the Sar Pass before 11 a.m. otherwise it really becomes difficult to trek on melting snow &and loosening grip.

Sar Pass

Dhauladhar ranges in the background, trekkers resting a bit on way to Sar Pass.

Sar, in local dialect, means a Lake. Therefore, Sar Pass means passage through the (normally) frozen lake in Dhauladhar ranges situated at 13,800 feet.

Almost the whole days trek is prodding through the snow. After trekking for a while and enjoying sunrise, trekkers have the feeling of being in the snow and nothing else, for quite sometime. Walking on the snow has become a habit to them in a short while. Views all around are magnificent and peaks are at a hands distance. The feeling of joy knows no bound.

Trekkers crossing Sar Pass.

But after a while all this becomes quite mechanical and one is tired and breathes heavily due to rarified atmosphere with lesser content of oxygen. However, there is only one way to go forward whether one likes it or not. When one reaches Biskeri Ridge (13,800 ft), after crossing the last hurdle, the feeling of joy of conquering the Sar Pass takes over. Pain is momentary, while the joy is forever!

Biskeri Top as seen from Sar Pass.

After resting and eating for a while at Biskeri Ridge (13,800 ft), one gets slides of many kilometers at a stretch. It is very difficult to walk down the snow in such a steep gradient. Better alternative is to slide on the snow while sitting on your buttocks with legs held up & elbows used as brakes, with your rucksack as usual. One can see the streams coming out of, under the snow and a new life begins! Melted snow is giving way to new vegetation. Tubers are growing again with beautiful flowers of primulas, irises, and others.

Biskeri Thatch

Biskeri Camp.

One reaches Biskeri Thatch (11,000 ft) after the longest and most enjoyable trek of 9 km via Sar Pass. With its verdant grasslands, snow-capped mountains and peaks, its beauty is to be seen to be believed. It is not called Switzerland of India for nothing. One can also see many beautiful birds over here around the camp. Already everybody has forgotten the day and date, long back. There is a feeling of timelessness. All the trekkers are so jelled, that they appear as one unit, though they may be from different strata of society, different age groups, different regions, different professions etc.

Bhandak Thatch

Bhandak Thaatch- Snowfalling at higher reaches.

Finally after trekking another 10 km mainly downhill, they reach their last camp site of Bhandak Thaatch (8,000 ft). But beauty encompassing the camp and surroundings is never-ending. One wonders how such a beautiful trek has been created!

Bhandak Thaatch- Camping.

Ceremonial camp-fire (without burning anything) is held as at Base Camp & other camps, where trekkers sing songs, tell stories & made everyone laugh. Please note that this is an environment friendly trek. Littering of any wrappers or spoiling the trail in any way, is not allowed. Burning of wood during camp fire is strictly prohibited.

One finally treks down-hill from Bhandak Thaatch to Barsheni & from there by bus to Manikaran. One takes bath in the world famous hot springs of Manikaran, to get refresh to face the world again, along with visiting the Gurudwara & the temple, over here. One finally treks up again to the base camp at Kasol.

Gallery Pictures

Enjoy the pictures of Landscapes, Birds, Butterflies etc. in separate galleries with more stories & interesting details in description of the picture, if one clicks on the thumbnails.

History

Nagaru camp- on the ridge of snow-covered mountains.

Earlier this trek used to be conducted by youth hostels for a long time with Grahan (77,00 ft) being the first camp after Kasol, followed by Padri (8900 ft), Ratapani (10,700 ft), Nagaru (12,500 ft), Biskeri Thatch (11,000 ft), and Bhandak Thatch (8,000 ft). Only since 2007, this route has been changed. Nagaru is like a heaven on earth. Camps were made on the ridge, which could be seen from naked eyes even starting from Grahan. It generally used to be covered in snow with frequent snow falls even during May. A big sacred stone over there was called 'Nagaru Devta'- a God of Shepherds, revered by one and all. View of the peaks all around was splendid with beautiful sunsets.

External links

• [1] Sar Pass Trek - Youth Hostels Association of India.
• [2] List of current treks - Youth Hostels Association of India.
• [3] on Youth Hostels Association of India.
• Birds, Butterflies, Landscapes etc. of Sar Pass Trek
• Birds of Sar Pass Trek & Saurkundi Pass Trek
• Butterflies of Sar Pass Trek & Saurkundi Pass Trek
• Landscapes of Sar Pass Trek

Gallery of Landscapes & Misc. shots in chronological order

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  Kashmiri Rock Agama at Kasol in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  A peak under clouds at Guna Pani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Clouds moving up on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Clouds moving up on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Garland of Clouds in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Pine & Birch forests on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  A peak among clouds on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  A peak surrounded by Clouds on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  On way to Tila Lotani- A view of a Peak, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  On way to Tilla Lotani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Pika in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Sunset at Ruddock Top with clouds from Tila Lotani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.‎
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  Sunset from Tila Lotani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  On way to Sar Pass- after reaching at the top, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  On way to Sar Pass- Rays of light soothing trekkers in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Ghoral Top- A view on way to Sar Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Biskeri Top- a part of it, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Sar Pass Top- Trekkers moving ahead to cross Sar Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Biskeri Top as seen on way to Sar Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  A Peak from Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Sar Pass- Struggling trekkers in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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  Biskeri- Snowfall in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Gallery of Birds seen in May during Sar Pass Trek in chronological order

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  Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Male) at Kasol
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  Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Male) at Kasol
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  Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Female) at Kasol
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  Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea- Breeding Male with feed at Kasol
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  Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus at Kasol
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  Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys at Kasol
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  Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus at Kasol
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  Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature about to jump under water at Kasol
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  Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature about to jump under water at Kasol
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  Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature feeding under water at Kasol
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  Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature coming out of water at Kasol
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  Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii- Adult feeding Juvinile at Kasol
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  Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus - race psaroides collecting nesting material at Kasol
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  Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus - race psaroides at Kasol
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  Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus at Guna Pani
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  Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea (Male) carrying feed for chicks at Guna Pani
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  Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis (female) at ground at Guna Pani
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  Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea (Male) carrying feed for chicks at Guna Pani
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  Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes calling at Guna Pani.
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  Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes at Guna Pani
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  Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans (Female) at Guna Pani
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  Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans (Female) at Guna Pani
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  Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus on West Himalayan Fir at Guna Pani
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  Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis on way to Fual Paani
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  Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis on way to Fual Paani
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  Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis on way to Fual Paani
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  Spot-winged Tit Parus melanolophus carrying nesting material on way to Fual Paani
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  Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris (Male) on way to Fual Pani
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  Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris (Male) on way to Fual Pani
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  Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer at Fual Paani
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  Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer at Fual Paani
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  Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochrous (Females) on way to Tila Lotani
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  Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus on way to Tila Lotani
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  Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus on way to Tila Lotani
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  Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus on way to Tila Lotani
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  Goldcrest Regulus regulus on way to Tila Lotani
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  Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula on way to Tila Lotani
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  Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax at Tila Lotani
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  Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax at Tila Lotani
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  White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogastrus (Female) at Tila Lotani
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  Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris on way to Sar Pass
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  Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris on way to Sar Pass
• Orange-flanked Bush Robin Tarsiger cyanurus (Male) at Biskeri
  Orange-flanked Bush Robin Tarsiger cyanurus (Male) at Biskeri
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  Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata at Biskeri
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  Grey-crested Tit Parus dichrous carrying feed for chicks at Biskeri
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  Orange-flanked Bush Robin Tarsiger cyanurus (Male) at Biskeri
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  Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei at Biskeri
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  Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei at Biskeri
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  Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus at Biskeri
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  Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei at Biskeri
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  Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana on way to Bhandak Thatch
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  Rufous-naped Tit Periparus rufonuchalis on way to Bhandak Thatch
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  Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus (Male) on way to Bhandak Thatch
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  Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus (Female) on way to Bhandak Thatch
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  Black-&-Yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides (Male) at Bhandak Thatch
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  Black-&-Yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides (Female) at Bhandak Thatch
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  White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus (Male) at Bhandak Thatch
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  Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda on way back from Bhandak Thatch
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  Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris on way back from Bhandak Thatch
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  Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris on way back from Bhandak Thatch
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  White-capped Water Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus carrying feed for juveniles on way back from Bhandak Thatch

Gallery of Butterflies seen in May during Sar Pass Trek in chronological order

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  Straight-banded Treebrown Lethe verma at Kasol
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  Large White or Cabbage White Pieris brassicae at Kasol
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  Common Punch Dodona durga at Kasol
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  African Babul Blue Azanus jesous at Kasol
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  Common Hedge Blue Acytolepis puspa at Kasol
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  Blue Pansy Junonia orithya at Kasol
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  Pioneer Anaphaeis aurota with Large Cabbage White Anaphaeis aurota at Kasol
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  Large Cabbage White Anaphaeis aurota at Kasol
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  Pea Blue Lampides boeticus at Kasol
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  Common Sargeant Athyma perius at Kasol
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  Common Sargeant Athyma perius at Kasol
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  Blue Pansy Junonia orithya at Kasol
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  Pioneer Anaphaeis aurota at Kasol
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  Common Sailor Neptis hylas at Kasol
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  Paris Peacock Papilio paris at Kasol
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  Paris Peacock Papilio paris at Kasol
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  Paris Peacock Papilio paris at Kasol
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  Painted Lady Vanessa cardui at Kasol
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  Pea Blue Lampides boeticus at Kasol
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  Common Sailor Neptis hylas at Kasol
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  Common Sailor Neptis hylas at Kasol
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  Pea Blue Lampides boeticus at Kasol
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  Common Jestor Symbrenthia hippoclus at Kasol
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  Blue-tail Jester Symbrenthia niphanda at Kasol
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  Painted Lady Vanessa cardui at Kasol
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  Indian Tortoiseshell Nymphalis kaschmirensis on way to Guna Pani
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  Indian Tortoiseshell Nymphalis kaschmirensis on way to Guna Pani
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  Dark Clouded Yellow Colias croceus at Guna Pani
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  Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon on way to Zirmi Thatch
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  Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon on way to Zirmi Thatch
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  Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon on way to Zirmi Thatch
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  Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia on way to Tila Lotani
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  Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia on way to Tila Lotani
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  Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros on way to Tila Lotani
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  Indian Red Admiral Vanessa indica on way to Tila Lotani
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  Indian Red Admiral Vanessa indica on way to Tila Lotani
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  Common Blue Apollo Parnassius hardwickii at Biskeri Ridge
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  Common Blue Apollo Parnassius hardwickii at Biskeri Ridge
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  Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon at Biskeri Ridge