About the Trek
The Sar Pass trek is a classic Himalayan adventure in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Starting from the charming village of Kasol, the trail climbs through dense pine and oak forests, alpine meadows, and finally crosses the Sar Pass at 4,200 metres before descending to Barshaini.
The trek passes through some of the most beautiful forest sections in Himachal — towering deodar and pine trees create cathedral-like groves, and the meadows of Nagaru and Biskeri offer stunning views of the Parvati Valley and surrounding peaks.
Sar Pass is an excellent moderate-difficulty trek that bridges the gap between easy beginner treks and more challenging high-altitude adventures. The snow crossing at the pass adds an element of excitement, and the descent through Biskeri Thatch offers one of the most fun snow slides in Himalayan trekking.
Trek Highlights
- Cross the Sar Pass at 4,200m with a fun snow slide descent
- Dense cathedral-like deodar and pine forests
- Alpine meadows of Nagaru and Biskeri with valley views
- Start from charming Kasol in the Parvati Valley
- Excellent stepping-stone from easy to moderate trekking
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 5-day trek from Kasol in the Parvati Valley across the Sar Pass at 4,200m to Barshaini.
- Drive from Manali to Kasol
- Begin trek to Grahan village
- Climb through pine forest
- Reach the beautiful village of Grahan
- Overnight in tents
- Continue ascending through dense forest
- Reach Min Thatch meadow
- Climb to Nagaru campsite
- Views of the Parvati Valley
- Overnight in tents
- Early start for the pass crossing
- Climb to Sar Pass at 4,200m
- Fun snow slide descent on the other side
- Reach Biskeri Thatch meadow
- Overnight in tents
- Descend through forest to Barshaini
- Arrive by afternoon
- Optional visit to Kheerganga hot springs
- Overnight at guesthouse
- Drive back to Manali via Bhuntar
- Trek concludes — departure or explore Manali
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy fleece / down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell
- Woollen cap, balaclava, gloves (inner + outer)
- Trekking pants x 2
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate grade trek. You'll be walking 5–8 hours on some days, often at altitudes above 3,500 m. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory but a solid 4–6 weeks of preparation will make a real difference.
Cardio — Start 4–6 Weeks Before
- Run/jog: Build up to 5 km in under 28 minutes, 4x per week
- Brisk walks: 8–10 km weekend walks with a 5–8 kg daypack
- Stairs: 10–12 floors daily, or use a stair machine at the gym
- Cycling / swimming: Great cross-training — 30 min sessions, 2x per week
Strength (3–4x per week)
- Squats — 3 sets of 20 (add 5 kg dumbbells in week 3+)
- Lunges — 3 sets of 15 each leg
- Step-ups on a bench — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Planks — hold 60 seconds, 3 sets; side planks 30 sec each
- Dead hangs — grip strength helps on rocky scrambles
Diet & Hydration
- 3–4 litres of water daily throughout your training period
- High-protein meals (eggs, dal, paneer, chicken) for muscle recovery
- Complex carbs (oats, brown rice, sweet potato) for sustained energy
- Cut alcohol completely 1 week before departure
- Carry electrolyte sachets and glucose powder for the trail
Altitude Awareness
- Moderate treks often cross 3,500–4,200 m — AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real risk
- Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and hydrate constantly above 3,000 m
- Know the symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness
- Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel unwell — never push through altitude symptoms
- Consult your doctor about Diamox if you have a history of altitude sensitivity
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the snow slide is on a gentle slope and is one of the most enjoyable parts of the trek. Our guides ensure everyone slides safely.
The trek is rated Moderate. Beginners with good fitness can manage it, but at least one short trek beforehand is recommended for comfort.
Snow is usually present at the pass from December to June. The May-June window offers the best combination of accessible trails and snow at the top.
Kasol is a vibrant village in the Parvati Valley known for its cafes, backpacker culture, and beautiful riverside setting. It is a great place to spend a day before or after the trek.