Sar Pass 2014

             Probably SarPass memories will be there forever in my life. The beauty of nature, Himalayas, chilling cold, new friends and last but not least sliding on the snow everything went just like a dream. Probably all those memories making me write this blog after 4 months. Do not miss to see videos at the end of blog.

           It was soon after Kodachadri Trekking (I think Nov-2013), when I and my friend discussed about Himalayan Trek. We started searching various options with an eye on budget as well. Evaluating all other hiking clubs, Youth Hostel Association of India(YHAI) was the best option. I and two of my friends (Pawan&Ullas) blocked calender from 1 May 2014 to 12 May 2014.

             Reaching the base camp (Kasol, Himachal Pradesh) was not that difficult. Kasol is a small town and  is heaven for people from all around world. Virtually you get everything. Here is a short video of Kasol

Day 1 (May 1 Reporting to Base Camp): Soon after the paper work lunch was ready. Roti, Dal, Rice, Curry and Payasam. Food is simple but very nutritious. Evening YHAI provided us soup and tea. We all gathered first Camp Fire at 8.30 pm and everyone had fun.

Base Camp entry -Kasol

Day 2 (May 2 Acclimatization): The day started as early as 5.30 am. Having face wash was difficult with freezing temperature water. 6 am sharp much awaited Tea was ready and we started towards first day exercise. Second day was over with acclimatization, orientation program and little view of Kasol town.

Acclimatization walk

Trek Buddies

Day 3 (May 3): This was a boring day. We did not have nothing to do apart from Rock climbing and rappelling. We played Kho-Kho evening which was fun part.

Day 4 (May 4 7700 ft, 9 km, 5 hr): Trek from Base Camp to Grahan: 

              First day trek started with grand welcome by our next batch. We started at around 8.30 am. I suppose and reached the lunch point at 11.30 am. As early as 3 pm we finished Day 4 trek. Grahan is a small village with nice people. I could manage talking to couple of villagers too.   

At Grahan Village

Camping at Grahan

Temperature was less during night. Probably close to 5 degrees. The food provided by YHAI were simply superb. Every camp will have hot soup and welcome drink. People from here are really nice. We had a nice time during campfire with Himachali songs.

Campfire with friendly people of Grahan

Day 5 (May 5 9300 ft, 9 km, 6 hr): Trek from Grahan to Padri :Day started with wearing beautiful Himachal dress. I touched first snow patches this day.

I tried dancing with Himachai dress

First Snow patches on my way

Padri Camp

Day 6 (May 6 11,200 ft, 10 km, 6 hr): Padri to Mithatch :As per schedule Ratapani was the camping site but due to heavy snow YHAI shifted to camping location to Minthatch.

Crossings are dangerous

Near Ratapani

@ Minthatch

Day 7(May 7 12,500 ft , 8 km, 5 hr): Mintatch to Nagaru : Oh My God! Is this heaven ? This is was you feel at Nagaru. No one wants to stay back at the tents here. Amazing view. Initially heavy iced rain stopped us coming out of tent. But he had courtesy. I am sure this the place where most photos were taken .I made a short video to capture this moment.

View on my way

Nagaru

Got to remove that often

Did he touch clouds!

That was heaven

Day 8 (May 8 13,800 ft @ Sarpass and Camp at 11,000 ft ): Nagaru to Biskeri via SARPASS

This is the much awaited day. SARPASS comes here.We woke up at 5 am morning and started towards Biskeri. Before sunrise it was essential to cross SarPass as it starts melting. Therefore I would say this was the biggest day we walked almost 14 km on ice!. Morning temperature was -ve. YHAI provided nice food in the morning. I liked custard they made this day.

Sarpass

Sarpass

Himachali Song by Snowguides

Lunch Point

Biskeri Camp

Day 9 (May 9 8000 ft, 12 km, 6 hr ): Biskeri to Bhandak Thatch : This was relatively easy path but I did not make me boring. Amazing view continues for every step. 

Bhandak Thatch

Day 10 (May 10): Bhandak Thatch to Barshini:

Day began with little confusion. Few of us wanted to skip YHAI schedule and leave early to get a bus. Accordingly few of us did leave early 6.30am and reached Barshini, a small village, and took a bus to Manikaran. We visited Gurudwar at Manikaran. Hot water springs are specialty of this place. It felt so good to take bath in hot water after 10 days. Had lunch at the Gurudwara. And back to Base Camp Kasol!!

Gurudwara at Manikaran

Hotwater

 Short Videos. Do not Miss it !

   

                       

I am waiting for another chance to go Himalaya. What about you ?

Thanks!