“Where rhododendrons bloom, snowfields stretch, and the sky feels just a step away.”
📖 Overview
The Sar Pass Trek is a 5–6 day high-altitude journey through the Parvati Valley, starting from Kasol and culminating at the Sar Pass (4,220 m / 13,845 ft). The trail offers a dramatic blend of pine forests, alpine meadows, quaint villages, and snow-covered ridgelines, making it one of the most scenic and beginner-friendly treks in Himachal. The name “Sar” comes from a small frozen lake near the pass, which trekkers cross en route to Biskeri Thach.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Kasol (via Grahan Village)
Pass Altitude
4,220 m (13,845 ft)
Trek Distance
~48–50 km
Trek Duration
5–6 days
Grade
Easy to Moderate
Best Season
May–June & September–October
Permit Required
Yes (forest entry + local registration)
🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Kasol ➝ Grahan Village (~10 km)
Forest trail along Grahan Nallah
Stay in Grahan, a 200-year-old Himachali village
Day 2: Grahan ➝ Min Thach (~7 km)
Steep ascent through rhododendron forests
Camp in alpine meadows with views of Chandrakhani ridge
Day 3: Min Thach ➝ Nagaru (~8 km)
Trail climbs above the treeline
Camp at Nagaru (3,800 m) with panoramic views of Parvati and Tosh valleys
Day 4: Nagaru ➝ Sar Pass ➝ Biskeri Thach (~14 km)
Early start to cross Sar Pass
Descend through snowfields to Biskeri Thach, a lush meadow
Day 5: Biskeri ➝ Barsheni ➝ Kasol (~9 km + drive)
Walk through pine forests and waterfalls
Drive back to Kasol via Pulga or Tosh
🌄 Trail Highlights
Sar Pass Crossing: A thrilling snow traverse with views of Deo Tibba, Pir Panjal, and Parvati peaks
Alpine Campsites: Sleep under the stars at Min Thach, Nagaru, and Biskeri Thach
Flora & Fauna: Spot rhododendrons, blue poppies, Himalayan monals, and marmots
Cultural Touchpoints: Interact with locals in Grahan and Pulga, known for their wooden temples and folk tales
🛕 Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Grahan Village: A traditional settlement with Pahari-style homes, local deities, and sacred groves
Sar Lake (Frozen): Considered sacred by locals—crossed respectfully during the trek
Pulga & Fairy Forest: A mystical detour with cedar groves, stone shrines, and hippie cafés
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
Trekking shoes with ankle support
Clothing
Layered (cold nights, warm days)
Gear
Rain poncho, walking stick, headlamp
Camping
Tents at all campsites (guided or self-supported)
Food
Provided by trek operators or self-cooked
Safety
Mild AMS risk at Nagaru and Sar Pass—acclimatize well
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Bhuntar ➝ Kasol: ~30 km (via Kullu)
Buses and taxis available from Manali and Delhi
By Train: Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): ~30 km from Kasol
