Trek to Sar Pass

Tripoto
6th Jun 2016
Photo of Trek to Sar Pass 1/1 by Kailash Rath

Day 1 : Reporting and Acclimatisation.
Receiving at Rumsu base camp. Registration and orientation. Acclimatisation walk to Naggar town, and then trek back to Rumsu base camp. The trek route from Naggar to Rumsu resort is very informative and interesting. The trek covers many famous places like “Gowrishankar temple” 11th century old shiva temple, Tripura sundari temple, Naggar castle and Roerich art gallery. Naggar's glory is reflected in many famous temples in the vicinity of Castle Fort. This old castle is a marvellous medieval building. A  further walk lead us to Tripura Sundari   temple  which is a beautiful example of  Pahadi style Temples . Later on one could also see Roerich Art Gallery on their way. Orientation regarding the trek will be given by the chief organiser in the evening. The orientation will cover information like ruck sack packing, marching/walking technique and general awareness about the trek route. Overnight stay at Rumsu.

Day 2: Drive to Kasol, trek to Grahan village ( 4-5 hours)
The trek starts from the centre of Kasol and keeps to the true left of the Grahan nalah. The trail is easy and frequently used by locals.
The trail goes through lovely pine forests. The ascend is gentle and easy. One can effortlessly cover much distance in a couple of hours. After Grahan nalah the trail becomes rocky and climbing uphill, away from the right bank of the river. Buras (Rhododendrons) grow in the forest. Rhododendron petals can be eaten whole and the syrup can be mixed with water to make a refreshing drink. After a steep climb of about an hour, one reaches the village of Grahan, situated at the top. Overnight stay in tents at Grahan.

Day 3: Grahan to Min Thach ( 4-5 hours)
In the morning we climb towards the north of camping ground at Grahan. Villagers can be seen using this path for Min Thach. After walking for a while, one can see Min Thach, Nagaru, and Sar Top on the mountain to the right. The trail also becomes steeper and leads into the woods. The slope becomes steeper and the path is confusing in some places. After crossing the forest we arrive in Min Thach. Chandrakhani stretch and other ranges are visible clearly from here.

Day 4: Min Thach to Nagaru (4-6 hours)
Trek from Min Thach to Nagaru goes into the woods. It is difficult part of the trek, the slope falls steeply to the valley below and the snow may be slippery. After crossing steep slope for a couple of hours, one finally reaches Nagaru campsite. Facing north, one can see magnificent mountains across the Parvati valley, the town of Manikaran is also visible. Night is very cold due to the chilling wind.  It is advisable to sleep early to avoid cold and the next day involves an early start.​

Day 5: Nagaru to Biskeri Thach via Sar Pass ( 6-8 hours)
Next day we have to make an early start, as the climb is steep through the snow. Sar pass and the elevated peaks of the Tosh valley are now visible.
As one reaches the top, the view is exhilarating. After that the slide is the most fun and completely harmless as long as some precautions are taken. The slide takes one as far as a kilometre to a gentler slope of the valley. Valley arrives after walking for an hour. This is the campsite of Biskeri Thach, which is reached after crossing a few streams.​

Day 6: Biskeri Thach to Barshaini and drive back to Rumsu base camp ( 4-5 hours)
Biskeri presents a sublime view of the pine forests, the majestic mountains and the lovely grasslands. From Biskeri, a path goes down steeply across a plot of land with fencing all around. After crossing the dense forest for a good time, one spots a crossing on a stream, with a campsite across. The path to the village of Pulga goes to the left of the campsite. The twin villages of Pulga and Tulga are separated by a stream. From Tulga, we have to cross a bridge on the river Parvati, to reach the village of Barshaini. Jeep ride to Rumsu base camp.

Day 7:  Departure
 After breakfast participants can take departure from Base camp.

Photo of Rumsu, Himachal Pradesh, India by Kailash Rath