Sar Pass Trek Story: A Trail Through Snow, Silence, and Self-Discovery

The Sar Pass Trek is often hyped as one of the most breathtaking trails in the Indian Himalayas. I’d seen the Instagram reels, the drone shots, the slow-motion snow slides, and wide-eyed captions. Honestly, I thought it was overrated. Just another “Insta trend” to get more likes than it deserves. One day, I had dinner with my best friend. We were recalling our adventurous memories of Himachal Pradesh, and she started telling me about her last year’s adventure to Sar Pass trek. And I was already fed up from hearing about this trek from social media, but then she said something that stayed with me.

“What you’ve seen on social media is just a bucket. What you don’t know is an ocean—waiting just for you.”

So I looked at her and said, “Alright. Ok, I’ll do this trek on one condition: only if you will go with me.” She booked our flight tickets for Bhuntar and a trek package for Sar Pass Trek with Himalayan Hikers. We had done a couple of treks with this organization, and their services had been top-notch. So once again, we put our faith in them. 

Quick Facts About Sar Pass Trek

• Sar Pass Trek Altitude: 13,800 ft
• Duration: 5 Days
• Sar Pass Trek Distance: 37 Kms
• Sar Pass Trek Difficulty: Moderate (but expect some tough patches)
• Accommodation Type: Homestay/Tents
• Start Point: Kasol
• End Point: Biskeri Thatch

While the Sar Pass trek is labeled a moderate trek, there were moments, especially on snowy sections, that felt anything but easy. But as with all great journeys, those moments made the views even sweeter.

What Does “Pass Trek” Mean?

If you’ve never heard the term before, a pass trek means your starting and ending points are different. You ascend from one side of a mountain range and descend from another, often crossing a high-altitude “pass” in between.

For the Sar Pass Trek, we started our journey in Kasol, a place I had explored during my college years. Our day 1 trek started with a nostalgic vibe from Kasol to Grahan Village which is at the height of 7,709 feet. We covered roughly 7 km in 4-5 hours. The trail was moderately tough, but the views of Parvati valley kept us going to continue the journey. 

 

Quick Itinerary and Campsites on the Sar Pass Trek

Each day on the trail brought something new, and each campsite had its own flavor. Therefore, I have crafted a short outline of our Sar Pass trek itinerary. Feel free to check it out:  

• Day 1 – Pick up from Kasol Bus Stand at 9:30 AM and We trekked to Grahan Village
• Day 2 – Grahan Village (7,709 feet) to Min Thach Camp: A charming Himachali village with wooden houses and winding trails. Our overnight stay was inside the shared tent.
• Day 3 – Min Thach (11,154 feet) to Nagaru: Open spaces, clear skies, and distant mountain silhouettes. Our overnight stay was inside the shared tent.
• Day 4 – Nagaru (12,400 feet) Biskeri Thach via Sar Pass Trek Summit (13,800 feet): The real-deal, which we couldn’t complete without the help of our trek organizer’s (Himalayan Hikers) team. Snow all around, and the stars? Brighter than I’ve ever seen. Our overnight stay was inside the shared tent.
• Day 5 – Biskeri Thatch (11,100 feet) to Pulga. Then we returned back to Kasol: Meadows, wildflowers, and that sense of calm that only comes after you’ve earned it.

The Toughest, Most Beautiful Day – Nagaru

The climb to Nagaru was where things got serious. The trail narrowed into a snow-covered edge, barely wider than a footstep. We walked in single file, poles stabbing the snow for balance, hearts racing from both altitude and adrenaline.

At one point, we were pulling ourselves up with ropes on a steep incline. No exaggeration! We were hauling ourselves up a snow-covered slope, trying not to look down. And when night fell? We camped on the snow. No soil beneath us. Just a thin sheet of plastic, sleeping bags, and frozen silence. Every movement made the snow shift slightly, like you were slowly sinking into a cold cocoon. And yet… It was magical. Why? Because dinner was delicious. 

Reaching Sar Pass – A Snow Desert of Dreams

When we finally made it to Sar Pass Summit, we were surrounded by what I can only describe as a white desert. Snow stretched out in every direction, broken only by the outlines of distant peaks. The wind was fierce, howling across the open space and cutting into our cheeks, but it didn’t matter. This was it. The moment. The reason for all the early mornings, the sore muscles, the aching feet.

I just stood there, breathing hard, eyes wide. Everything was still. No noise, no signal, no distractions except the beautiful tomato-red face of my bestie, who was relieving the magic of mountains, sky, and snow.

The Descent to Biskeri – Peace on the Other Side

After soaking in the summit, we began the gentle descent toward Biskeri Thatch. Compared to the previous days, descent was less difficult, but it needed careful footing. The trail weaved through alpine meadows and forests that looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. We didn’t feel rushed; we just walked, breathed, and let it all sink in.

Are You Preparing for Sar Pass? Then Start Early

If you’re thinking about doing the Sar Pass trek, I’d recommend you to start training at least 6 weeks in advance. Here’s what helped me:

• Cardio: Incline walking or jogging, 30–45 mins a day, and try to cover more distance than the previous day. It will help you improve your lung and heart muscles. By the end of the 4th week, you will begin to see the improvement in your running capacity. 
• Strength training: Legs, core, shoulders training (for carrying a backpack)
• Practice short hikes: Walk with a loaded backpack; it makes a difference. 

Trekking isn’t about sprinting to the top. It’s about consistency, mindset, and listening to your body.

Network? What Network?

After Kasol, say goodbye to the mobile signal. Grahan might have patchy Wi-Fi (emphasis on might), but otherwise, it’s a full digital detox. Honestly? It was refreshing. No pings. No scrolling. Just trees, stars, and stories around the campfire.

Why I Chose Himalayan Hikers

As I said before, my best friend and I have done some treks with Himalayan Hikers, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team. The guides were experienced, encouraging, and always put safety first. They had everything covered, from meals and medical kits to motivation on tough climbs. 

And when one trekker felt dizzy at high altitude, they handled it calmly, got them down safely, and checked on them regularly after. That kind of care matters. If you’re doing this trek, I truly recommend going with a team like theirs.

Pro Advice: I suggest you carry your medical kit, and if you have any health problems, then please consult with your doctor. Also, you should learn about altitude sickness. You can learn more about Altitude Sickness and how to deal with it through this article link: 

What Is Acute Mountain Sickness? Its Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention Tips

Final Words

Sar Pass isn’t just a trek. It’s a journey through layers of yourself. With every step, you leave behind noise and ego and meet a quieter, stronger version of who you are. The snow may challenge you. The silence may surprise you. But the mountains? They give more than they take. 

I’m truly thankful to my best friend and the Himalayan Hikers team who helped me to realise that “What I knew about the Sar Pass was just a bucket. What I didn’t know was an ocean, waiting for everyone.” 

If you’re even slightly considering this adventure, take it from me and do it. The Himalayan Hikers are always ready to serve you with lots of care and love. You can book your Sar Pass Trek package from here. 

You’ll come back with stories in your heart and snow in your soul.