Sar Pass Trek

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The Sar Pass is in Parvati Valley of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, a state of India.

Contents 1 Overview 1.1 Base camp 1.2 Trek 1.2.1 Guna Pani 1.2.2 Fual Pani 1.2.3 Zirmi Thatch 1.2.4 Tila Lotani 1.2.5 Sar Pass 1.2.6 Biskeri Thatch 1.2.7 Bhandak Thatch 1.3 Gallery Pictures 2 History 3 External links 4 Gallery of Landscapes & Misc. shots in chronological order 5 Gallery of Birds seen in May during Sar Pass Trek in chronological order 6 Gallery of Butterflies seen in May during Sar Pass Trek in chronological order 7 References

[edit] Overview

Himachal Pradesh is considered as the Land of Gods & Goddesses. It also offers best adventure & thrilling activities in the mighty Himalayas. Parvati valley is one of the most beautiful valleys as far as this trek is concerned. This trek is being organised every year by Youth Hostels Association of India. One batch of 40 to 50 persons starts everyday from 1 May to 31 May. This is one of the most challenging and difficult treks offered by Youth Hostels of India over the years.

[edit] Base camp

Kasol (6,500 ft), which is 5 km short of Manikaran, remains the base camp. It is well connected by road from Kullu and Bhunter. Base camp is situated along the mighty and turbulent Parvati river, surrounded by tall, old pine trees.

Two days are kept for orientation and acclimatization at base camp, which includes rappelling and rock climbing on one day and trekking up the nearby forests for a few kilometers up and down with two blankets in the rucksack. One can see hundreds of bird and butterfly species over here and during the trek. After this, trekkers are ready to leave for their next destination.

[edit] Trek

[edit] Guna Pani

Guna Pani is the next camp at 8,000 ft after trekking for about 5 km from Unch Dhar (which is 10 km from Kasol, up to which trekkers come by Bus), via Shila village. Camp is in a grassy field and is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and looks like molten gold at the time of sunrise and sunset. Ghural Jyot, Unch Dhaar, Hattigarh Top, Nakhthaan Top and Manikaran valley are visible from here.

[edit] Fual Pani

The trekkers reach their next camp Fual Paani (9,500 ft) after trekking for about 5 km. Fual means shepherd and paani means water. However, the camp is made in a dense forest where hardly a ray of light can penetrate. However, a small stream alongside provide music to the ears & is a feast to the eyes.

[edit] Zirmi Thatch

As one move up trek becomes more and more difficult, though one is better equipped than the previous day through sheer experience. After 6 km of difficult, high-gradient and tiring trek, one wonders as to when he will reach the destination. However, this tiredness goes away at the sight on reaching the camp at Zirmi Thatch (11,000 ft). One is awestruck at the magnificent view of Rudra Naag top, Tosh Nullah and Khirganga. Rukhaau Thatch and Bakkar Thatch are good resting points before reaching. A thatch is a vast ground with varied flora and fauna.

[edit] Tila Lotani

After crossing Ruari Thatch & trekking for about 6 km, trekkers reach their next camp at Tilalotni (12,500 ft). It is during this stretch that they have the first feeling of trekking on the snow. And how difficult it feels, though the joy is also over-whelming! This is the highest Camp in the trek and offers breath-taking views of the peaks all around. One gets the feeling of being in the Heaven when the sun sets on these peaks, highlighting myriad colours of nature.

While the sky is resplendent with stars at night, morning glow of first rays behind the peaks is heart-warming. Trekkers have to get up early at 4 a.m., so that they are ready to depart at 5 a.m. with their breakfast & packed lunches. This is with a view to cross the Sar Pass before 11 a.m. otherwise it really becomes difficult to trek on melting snow &and loosening grip.

[edit] Sar Pass

Almost the whole days trek is prodding through the snow. After trekking for a while and enjoying sunrise, trekkers have the feeling of being in the snow and nothing else, for quite sometime. Walking on the snow has become a habit to them in a short while. Views all around are magnificent and peaks are at a hands distance. The feeling of joy knows no bound.

But after a while all this becomes quite mechanical and one is tired and breathes heavily due to rarified atmosphere with lesser content of oxygen. However, there is only one way to go forward whether one likes it or not. When one reaches Biskeri Ridge (13,800 ft), after crossing the last hurdle, the feeling of joy of conquering the Sar Pass takes over. Pain is momentary, while the joy is forever!

After resting and eating for a while at Biskeri Ridge (13,800 ft), one gets slides of many kilometers at a stretch. It is very difficult to walk down the snow in such a steep gradient. Better alternative is to slide on the snow while sitting on your buttocks with legs held up & elbows used as brakes, with your rucksack as usual. One can see the streams coming out of, under the snow and a new life begins! Melted snow is giving way to new vegetation. Tubers are growing again with beautiful flowers of primulas, irises, and others.

[edit] Biskeri Thatch

One reaches Biskeri Thatch (11,000 ft) after the longest and most enjoyable trek of 9 km via Sar Pass. With its verdant grasslands, snow-capped mountains and peaks, its beauty is to be seen to be believed. It is not called Switzerland of India for nothing. One can also see many beautiful birds over here around the camp. Already everybody has forgotten the day and date, long back. There is a feeling of timelessness. All the trekkers are so jelled, that they appear as one unit, though they may be from different strata of society, different age groups, different regions, different professions etc.

[edit] Bhandak Thatch

Finally after trekking another 10 km mainly downhill, they reach there last camp site of Bhandak Thaatch (8,000 ft). But beauty encompassing the camp and surroundings is never-ending. One wonders how such a beautiful trek has been created!

Ceremonial camp-fire (without burning anything) is held as at Base Camp & other camps, where trekkers sing songs, tell stories & made everyone laugh. Please note that this is an environment friendly trek. Littering of any wrappers or spoiling the trail in any way, is not allowed. Burning of wood during camp fire is strictly prohibited.

One finally treks down-hill from Bhandak Thaatch to Barsheni & from there by bus to Manikaran. One takes bath in the world famous hot springs of Manikaran, to get refresh to face the world again, along with visiting the Gurudwara & the temple, over here. One finally treks up again to the base camp at Kasol.

[edit] Gallery Pictures

Enjoy the pictures of Landscapes, Birds, Butterflies etc. in separate galleries with more stories & interesting details in description of the picture, if one clicks on the thumbnails.

[edit] History

Earlier this trek used to be conducted by youth hostels for a long time with Grahan (77,00 ft) being the first camp after Kasol, followed by Padri (8900 ft), Ratapani (10,700 ft), Nagaru (12,500 ft), Biskeri Thatch (11,000 ft), and Bhandak Thatch (8,000 ft). Only since 2007, this route has been changed. Nagaru is like a heaven on earth. Camps were made on the ridge, which could be seen from naked eyes even starting from Grahan. It generally used to be covered in snow with frequent snow falls even during May. A big sacred stone over there was called 'Nagaru Devta'- a God of Shepherds, revered by one and all. View of the peaks all around was splendid with beautiful sunsets.

[edit] External links

• [1] on Sar Pass Trek:-2008 of Youth Hostels Association of India.
• [2] on National Himalayan Trekking Expedition - 2008 of Youth Hostels Association of India.
• [3] on Youth Hostels Association of India.

[edit] Gallery of Landscapes & Misc. shots in chronological order

Kashmiri Rock Agama at Kasol in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	A peak under clouds at Guna Pani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Clouds moving up on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Clouds moving up on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Garland of Clouds in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Pine & Birch forests on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	A peak among clouds on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	A peak surrounded by Clouds on way to Zirmi Thaatch in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
On way to Tila Lotani- A view of a Peak, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	On way to Tilla Lotani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Pika in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Sunset at Ruddock Top with clouds from Tila Lotani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.‎	Sunset from Tila Lotani in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	On way to Sar Pass- after reaching at the top, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	On way to Sar Pass- Rays of light soothing trekkers in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Ghoral Top- A view on way to Sar Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Biskeri Top- a part of it, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Sar Pass Top- Trekkers moving ahead to cross Sar Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Biskeri Top as seen on way to Sar Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
A Peak from Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Sar Pass- Struggling trekkers in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.	Biskeri- Snowfall in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

[edit] Gallery of Birds seen in May during Sar Pass Trek in chronological order

Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Male) at Kasol	Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Male) at Kasol	Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Female) at Kasol	Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea- Breeding Male with feed at Kasol
Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus at Kasol	Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys at Kasol	Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus at Kasol	Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature about to jump under water at Kasol
Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature about to jump under water at Kasol	Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature feeding under water at Kasol	Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii - Immature coming out of water at Kasol	Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii- Adult feeding Juvinile at Kasol
Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus - race psaroides collecting nesting material at Kasol	Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus - race psaroides at Kasol	Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus at Guna Pani	Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea (Male) carrying feed for chicks at Guna Pani
Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis (female) at ground at Guna Pani	Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea (Male) carrying feed for chicks at Guna Pani	Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes calling at Guna Pani.	Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes at Guna Pani
Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans (Female) at Guna Pani	Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans (Female) at Guna Pani	Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus on West Himalayan Fir at Guna Pani	Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis on way to Fual Paani
Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis on way to Fual Paani	Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis on way to Fual Paani	Spot-winged Tit Parus melanolophus carrying nesting material on way to Fual Paani	Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris (Male) on way to Fual Pani
Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris (Male) on way to Fual Pani	Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer at Fual Paani	Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer at Fual Paani	Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochrous (Females) on way to Tila Lotani
Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus on way to Tila Lotani	Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus on way to Tila Lotani	Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus on way to Tila Lotani	Goldcrest Regulus regulus on way to Tila Lotani
Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula on way to Tila Lotani	Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax at Tila Lotani	Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax at Tila Lotani	White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogastrus (Female) at Tila Lotani
Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris on way to Sar Pass	Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris on way to Sar Pass	Orange-flanked Bush Robin Tarsiger cyanurus (Male) at Biskeri	Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata at Biskeri
Grey-crested Tit Parus dichrous carrying feed for chicks at Biskeri	Orange-flanked Bush Robin Tarsiger cyanurus (Male) at Biskeri	Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei at Biskeri	Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei at Biskeri
Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus at Biskeri	Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei at Biskeri	Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana on way to Bhandak Thatch	Rufous-naped Tit Periparus rufonuchalis on way to Bhandak Thatch
Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus (Male) on way to Bhandak Thatch	Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus (Female) on way to Bhandak Thatch	Black-&-Yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides (Male) at Bhandak Thatch	Black-&-Yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides (Female) at Bhandak Thatch
White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus (Male) at Bhandak Thatch	Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda on way back from Bhandak Thatch	Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris on way back from Bhandak Thatch	Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris on way back from Bhandak Thatch
White-capped Water Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus carrying feed for juveniles on way back from Bhandak Thatch

[edit] Gallery of Butterflies seen in May during Sar Pass Trek in chronological order

Straight-banded Treebrown Lethe verma at Kasol	Large White or Cabbage White Pieris brassicae at Kasol	Common Punch Dodona durga at Kasol	African Babul Blue Azanus jesous at Kasol
Common Hedge Blue Acytolepis puspa at Kasol	Blue Pansy Junonia orithya at Kasol	Pioneer Anaphaeis aurota with Large Cabbage White Anaphaeis aurota at Kasol	Large Cabbage White Anaphaeis aurota at Kasol
Pea Blue Lampides boeticus at Kasol	Common Sargeant Athyma perius at Kasol	Common Sargeant Athyma perius at Kasol	Blue Pansy Junonia orithya at Kasol
Pioneer Anaphaeis aurota at Kasol	Common Sailor Neptis hylas at Kasol	Paris Peacock Papilio paris at Kasol	Paris Peacock Papilio paris at Kasol
Paris Peacock Papilio paris at Kasol	Painted Lady Vanessa cardui at Kasol	Pea Blue Lampides boeticus at Kasol	Common Sailor Neptis hylas at Kasol
Common Sailor Neptis hylas at Kasol	Pea Blue Lampides boeticus at Kasol	Common Jestor Symbrenthia hippoclus at Kasol	Blue-tail Jester Symbrenthia niphanda at Kasol
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui at Kasol	Indian Tortoiseshell Nymphalis kaschmirensis on way to Guna Pani	Indian Tortoiseshell Nymphalis kaschmirensis on way to Guna Pani	Dark Clouded Yellow Colias croceus at Guna Pani
Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon on way to Zirmi Thatch	Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon on way to Zirmi Thatch	Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon on way to Zirmi Thatch	Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia on way to Tila Lotani
Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia on way to Tila Lotani	Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros on way to Tila Lotani	Indian Red Admiral Vanessa indica on way to Tila Lotani	Indian Red Admiral Vanessa indica on way to Tila Lotani
Common Blue Apollo Parnassius hardwickii at Biskeri Ridge	Common Blue Apollo Parnassius hardwickii at Biskeri Ridge	Common Yellow Swallowtail Papilio machaon at Biskeri Ridge

[edit] References