Travelling to the Himalayas was always on my bucket list. Sarpass one of the most memorable trek ever witnessed, infact proud to say this was my first Himalayan trek:-). Sarpass is located in the heart of Parvati Valley Kasol district of Himachal Pradesh. Sar, in the local dialect, means a lake. While trekking, across the path from Tila Lotni to Biskeri Ridge, one has to pass by a small, (normally) frozen lake (Sar) and hence the name Sar Pass Trek, one gets rewarded by beautiful green meadows, quaint villages, views of snow-covered mountains and the amazing slide after the pass.
The Beginning of the Journey.
So, having heard a lot about the giant SARPASS trek, I made up my mind to do it. My friend and myself decided to go with Kailashrath group for Sarpass Trek. I had already done one basic Manali trek with Kailashrath trek so had prior experience with them. By the end of Feb we did all our bookings to and fro Mumbai. We booked end may batch of this trek, to beat the summer heat of Mumbai.
Few weeks before the departure we started accumulating things required for trekking and finally the day arrived when we left for Delhi.
We had some spare time so decided to go for Delhi Sightseeing, we managed to cover few places Qutubminar, Indiagate and Rashtrapati Bhavan , since it was May school vacation all places were super crowded. Also weather in Delhi was too hot and humid, but somehow managed to complete.
We boarded overnight bus at around 8 pm from Majnu ka tilla bus stop and the entire ghat region was 13 hours to reach Bhuntar.
Day 1 Kasol Base Camp - The Acclimatization walk
Around morning 9 am we reached Bhuntar , next destination from Bhuntar was Kasol which was our base camp and was nearly 40 km from Bhuntar, 0ur hunt for the cheaper travel option began and private taxi's demanded ₹ 400 per head and then we came to know that there is frequent bus for Kasol and it costs ₹ 35 per head, so we finally boarded one local bus after few 10 min wait. The entire 40 km journey to Kasol was in the ghats with serene views and along the river Parvati . Bus dropped us very close to our base camp and the first view of the base camp was amazing.
We quickly freshened up , had our lunch and rested for a while, post lunch we did registration, collected rucksack and gaiters. Our trek leader took us for acclimatization walk to Chalal Village, trust me the acclimatization walk was a reality check of what the next five days would be, also we got basics instructions of do’s and don’ts for this high altitude trek.
We had our dinner early went back to our tent and packed our important stuff to carry with us from next day onwards. All other stuff was left at room and we were off to bed little sooner that day.
Day 2 Kasol Base Camp to Grahan Village (7700ft)
Post breakfast around 8 am all the trekkers assembled near base camp for the head count and three trek leaders were assigned who will lead our group for this entire trek. Our group was of 30 participant filled with high enthusiasm, all of us were ready for this adventure. For the first couple of hours the trek trail passed through a forest adjacent to Grahan nalah with a few easy ascents and then passing through the lovely pine forest.
The next couple of hours post lunch the trek gradually became difficult with climbing and rocky uphill’s with heavy backpack. On a way one local old lady offered me some flower made juice, she didn't even charged me for that juice, I was so thirsty and tired decided to have one glass , trust me it was so refreshing and I really appreciated her for this gesture.
After final hour steep climb we reached second base camp Grahan village.
Grahan is a beautiful village located at approx. 7700 ft. had all the basic things like primary school, market, electricity. From Kasol Base Camp to Grahan Village it took us around to reach 6 hrs about 9 km . Once we reached Grahan base camp evening we were served with hot pakoda and tea which was refreshing for us . Occupying ourselves in the tents, we wandered around the camp, taking pictures and gazing at the beauty of mountains. After evening snacks our trek leader called us for stretching exercise and after that again we went for acclimatization walk, we encountered beautiful small waterfall . It was just mesmerizing between the dense forest.
Late evening we reached back to base camp and interacted with other participants . After having our nutritious food and a glass of Bornvita, we had a bonfire session and off to bed to recharge ourselves for the tomorrow's trek.
Day 3 Grahan Village to Mung Thatch Base Camp (11200ft)
Next trek was from Grahan village to Mung Thatch . After post breakfast we headed to of Mung Thatch Base Camp .
The real test started now, the trail to Mung Thatch passed through the meadows with sometimes confusing and zigzag trails at some places and more steeper . There are plenty of lovely spots amongst the trees, with a nice shelter which makes you feel lost within the dense forest.
We took break for some time had our lunch and continued further, finally after 6 hours reached Mung Thatch Base Camp, suddenly it started raining and heavy hailstorm for few min , after bad weather sky was clear .
Mung Thatch campsite placed on a patch of the mountain is surrounded by trees, flowers , vast and spacious. It truly offers a unique camping experience. I was just admiring the magnificence of the Himalayan ranges surrounding the campsite. We got a chance to click beautiful sunset pictures here . Post dinner once again we had bonfire session and went back to our tent for final good night sleep.
Day 4 Mung Thatch to Nagaru Base Camp (12500ft)
After power pack breakfast early morning we started our trek to Nagaru Base Camp, from Mung Thatch Nagaru camp was visible , short trek but difficult. The most beautiful experience of this route is to face the towering peaks, sunkissed mountain. Apart from providing clear and majestic views of ice-covered peaks, the simplicity of this place left speechless. The mountain ranges are at eye level, the air was fresh, the wind was steady, the views are spectacular.
After crossing steep slope for 5 hours, we reached Nagaru campsite highest camp site of the trek, it feels exhilarating. . Nagaru camp was full covered with snow and between snow our tent. We managed to get mobile network here, finally got a chance to call our family members after three days. We kept our bags in the tent allotted to us and got ready for some amazing photo shoots . We clicked loads of pictures and best sunrise view, by evening temperature drops to 1 degree Celsius. It was too windy on the top and temperature again drops to nearly minus, But only problem we struggled was for water in Nagaru campsite, so we collected snow and boiled it .
We finished our dinner early and we were off to bed early.
Day 5 Final Summit Nagaru Base Camp (crossing Sarpass) to Biskeri thach (13800ft)
Final D-day we had to wake up around 3 am, I finally managed to take a half and hour nap and woke up for breakfast at 3:30 am. It was freaking cold, we were dressed up in three layers to walk on the snow for the next six hours , we all 30 participants were so enthusiastic for the final summit , so by 5 am we moved towards sarpass, as the climb was so steep through the snow which slows you down, all my fellow trek mates we motivated each other around 6.30 am we reached Sarpass top, best and unforgettable moment of my life, proud feeling I did it . The whole place looked like heaven. It seemed like we have entered in a snow world.
We spent an hour on the top breathing the fresh air from the snow-covered mountains ,posing for pictures and now the sun was on top, we started moving towards sarpass ridge which was steep climb short and difficult. With every passing minute, snow was melting slowly which was making the trail slippery . That day I fell around 5 to 6 times. Also the trail was so narrow that only one person can walk at a time. We were informed to be extra cautious as the trail was very slippery.
And then came the most exciting part, the famous slide!! It was almost a kilometer-long slide. You feel like you’re flying on the ice when you slide down, a mesmerizing experience indeed. Where my jacket was filled with huge balls of snow:-)
After continuously walking 6 hrs in the snow more 4 hrs to go. I was so tired and suddenly suffered breathing problem for few min . But the trek guide and my friend helped and motivated me somehow with small steps and few breaks between I managed to reach next base camp Biskeri Thatch.
Biskeri Thatch camp sites presents a sublime view of the pine forests, the majestic mountains and the lovely grasslands. Biskeri Thatch also known as Mini Switzerland. After around 10 hours of exhausting trek, you can’t expect anything other than this. Being the last camp of the trek, I was just sitting and embracing the beauty of nature, it had a pleasant sight.
I had my quick dinner and and went back to my tent to sleep early.
Day 6 Biskeri Thatch to Kasol Base Camp via Barshini
Since it was our last day of our trek we clicked group pic at Biskeri Thatch with a beautiful view. With renewed energy, we were all set to descend. From Biskeri we started descending towards Pulga village. The entire stretch was green with scenic walkways, plateaus for good breaks, beautiful colourful flowers to make the whole stretch magical.
At Pulga village we did rapelling and crossed Parvati River which was very thrilling experience , we took halt for lunch and continued further to reach Barshini, finally after 6 hours about 10km we reached Barshini village
From Barshini village we took jeep and returned back to Kasol Base Camp. So our adventurous trip comes to an end here with beautiful memories. Once we reached base camp, we were welcomed with tasty breakfast and cheered ourself ,congratulated each other that we completed our trek successfully, also we thanked our trek leaders, porters who motivated us to complete our trek, after evening breakfast we deposited rucksacks and collected our bag took leave from the bliss of 6 long days.
We stayed back at Kasol that evening to explore few places, next day morning we visited famous Manikaran Gurudwara . What makes one wonder is the hot water springs in the Gurudwara which are naturally occurred . We didn't missed langar food in Gurudwara.
We returned back to Kasol and went around for shopping , did our lunch at famous cafe Moon Dance cafe and time to say Goodbye Kasol, we boarded our bus from Kasol back to Delhi with good memories.
My this encounter of Himalayan adventurous journey was really special and etched forever on the wall of my memory lane. When I look back, these moments seem as fresh as it is a tale of yesterday. Every visual is still enchanting and giving a sweet nostalgia.
It was an escape from every day, from routine, from known, from certainty, from so-called 9 to 5. It was indeed an Escape from myself to another part of myself. It was a journey within. The satisfaction you have after 6 days of untamed wilderness, miles and miles of walk in the mighty Himalayas is unparalleled!
I bet you should go for a Himalayan trek at least once in your lifetime.
So keep exploring...
Incase you are planning for any Himalayan trek important info
-Respect the traditions, culture and dialect of the place.
-Carry all basic necessities and wear warm clothes.
-Start early in the morning to avoid extreme weather conditions.
-Don’t go out at night, wild animals could be lurking.
-Follow instructions of trek leaders
-Good fitness level physically and mentally just before you plan for any treks.
Above cost includes flights Delhi to Mumbai roundtrip , bus tickets (Delhi to Kasol and return), trek registration, Food.
Thank you for reading. I hope you liked my above blog.
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