The short version
- 15 days, about 30-35 km on foot, topping out at 4,206m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Jun.
- 3Starts from Kasol, reached via Kasol.
- 42 nights gain more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹11,300 to ₹12,000 per person; 2 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
Sar Pass (4,206m) is one of India's most popular first Himalayan pass treks — 5 days from Kasol through the Parvati Valley to a snow pass with excellent Kullu mountain panoramas. The far side is famous for its snow descent — a glissade down a steep snowfield on your back or sitting — one of the most purely joyful moments in Himalayan trekking.
Right for you if
- You're new to trekking and want one snowy pass, starting from Kasol
- You'd enjoy sliding down the snow on the descent
- You can walk 5–6 hours a day, with one long pass day
- You're happy in a big organised group: most go with YHAI
Think twice if
- You want solitude: it's a popular, busy trail
- You're going after June: the snow, and the slide, are gone
Season
When to go
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Kasol
Nearest airport
Kullu (Bhuntar), about 1 hour away
Nearest railway
Chandigarh, then an overnight bus to Bhuntar
By road
Bhuntar to Kasol, about 1 hour
Most operators run a shared pickup from Kasol early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 28 km with about 3,820 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 3, climbing 1,230 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Kasol → Grahan
Up from Kasol along the Grahan stream to a remote village
≈5.1 km1,090 m960 msleep at 1,738 m
- Day2
Grahan → Min Thach
A steep climb through forest to an open shoulder
≈3.7 km800 m220 msleep at 2,298 m
- Day3
Min Thach → Nagaru
Up onto snow to the high camp, exposed and windy
≈3.6 km1,230 m0 msleep at 3,524 m
- Day4
Nagaru → Biskeri Thach
via Sar Pass
Across the pass at 4,200 m and down a long snow slide on your back
4.7 km590 m80 msleep at 4,090 m
- Day5
Biskeri Thach → Barshaini
Down through meadows and forest to the road in the Parvati valley
10.5 km50 m1,920 msleep at 2,214 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
1,565 m
Highest night
4,090 m
Highest point
4,123 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest or camping fees on some routes, arranged by operators. Carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Sar Pass Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Sunglasses rated UV400, worn all day on snow, and SPF 50 for your face and lips
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
2 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹11,300 to ₹12,000 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹11,300
- Bikat Adventures4.7₹12,000
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Sar Pass Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 4,206m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Sar Pass Trek?
May–Jun. Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
How many days does the Sar Pass Trek take?
5 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 5 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Sar Pass Trek?
Most groups meet in Kasol. Nearest airport: Kullu (Bhuntar), about 1 hour away. Nearest railway: Chandigarh, then an overnight bus to Bhuntar. Bhuntar to Kasol, about 1 hour.
How much does the Sar Pass Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹11,300 to ₹12,000 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Sar Pass Trek?
Forest or camping fees on some routes, arranged by operators. Carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.