Is this trek good for me?
expand_moreSara Umga Pass Trek is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done a trek that climbs to 3700-4300 metres. It is recommended not to opt Sara Umga Pass trek if you cannot get acclimatized in high altitudes. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek.
Experience required
expand_moreA basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 ? 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Fitness benchmark
expand_moreJog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and Hold your breath for 40 seconds and 3 sets of Climbing 30 ? 40 steps in one stretch and Push Ups ? 10 and Lunges & Squats ? 15 X 2 sets
Requisite Skills
expand_moreHow to use an Ice Axe How to use Climbing boots & Crampons How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending How to self-arrest using an ice axe Knowledge of Basic First aid
Why should I go for this trek?
expand_moreIf you are looking for a sheer challenge, then the Sara Umga Pass Trek is the one for you. One of the least traversed passes and certainly a difficult one, the Sara Umga Pass at 4800 meters takes you from Tosh in Parvati Valley to Chotadhara in Lahaul and Spiti Valley. The pass is located between the massive Bara Shingri Glacier and the Hampta Pass. The trail is flanked by notable peaks like Papsura, Indrasan, Deo Tibba and Dharamsura. It takes you across lush valleys, grasslands, moraines, glaciers, snowfields, barren cold deserts and a stunning pass thus meant only for experienced trekkers.
What are the best months to visit this trek?
expand_moreJuly to October are the best months to do the Sara Umga Pass Trek.
How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
expand_moreThe starting point of Sara Umga Pass trek is from Kasol. Kasol is a hamlet in the Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is 520 km from Delhi. There are public buses running between Delhi and Kasol. Kasol is easily accessible through road, rail and air transport. By Road:?The distance between Delhi and Kasol is 520 km. There are frequent buses from Delhi to Kasol. Most of them are not direct buses so you will have to take an HRTC bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi towards Manali and change the bus at Bhuntar (30 km from Kasol) and reach Kasol either by a local bus or a private taxi. There are very few direct buses from Delhi to Kasol but they are run by private companies. You can also hire a taxi or outstation cab from Delhi to Kasol. By Rail:?To reach Kasol by railways you have to get off at the nearest railway station to Kasol which is Joginder Nagar railway station, about 144 km from the village of Kasol. You can take a cab from the station to reach Kasol or a bus from the Joginder Nagar Bus Stand towards Manikaran which should take about 4.5 to 5 hours. By Air:?The nearest airport to Kasol is almost 31 Kms away, Bhuntar Airport located near Kullu. It is connected to three cities Delhi, Pathankot and Shimla. You can hire local cabs or private vehicles from there to reach Kasol.
What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
expand_moreNo mobile network after Tosh.
What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
expand_moreThere are a number of places to visit around Kasol in the Parvati Valley. Manikaran, a pilgrim site with its hot springs is a famous attraction near Kasol. The waters of the hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties. There are plenty of hiking trails from Kasol to its surrounding villages like Choj, Chalal, and Rashol. One can also visit the quaint village of Tosh by a private or a shared taxi. A day hike to the famous Kheerganga, a spiritual destination with hot springs, can also be done from Barshaini.
What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
expand_moreThe minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
expand_moreOn trekking days you will be accommodated in tents on twin sharing basis.
What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
expand_moreWe provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
expand_moreToilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
expand_moreYou will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axes.
What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
expand_moreVegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread, and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
What equipment can I rent from you?
expand_moreYou can rent the following - trekking shoes, backpack/rucksack, trekking poles. ponchos, fleece
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
expand_moreThe temperature during the day will be between 25 to 15 deg celsius however at night the temperature may drop to as low as -5 deg celsius. The higher the altitude you gain the colder it will be.
When will there be snow on this trek?
expand_moreYes there will be snow on the trek.
Is there an option to offload my backpack?
expand_moreIf you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Who will lead us on the trek?
expand_moreA team of participants will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Is the trekking pole necessary?
expand_moreYes, it is necessary since the descent is steep. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
expand_moreKasol has a reasonable size market. However, we will have to head to Tosh and there will be no time for shopping. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
expand_moreYes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
expand_moreYes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
expand_moreWe will pick you up from Kasol and drive to Tosh from where the trek starts. At the end of the trek our vehicles will pick you from Chotadhara and drive you to Manali.
What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
expand_moreExpect to reach Manali by late afternoon.
What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
expand_moreID Proof (Voter, Adhaar, Passport) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) is the mandatory document required for the trek.
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Refunds will be processed back to the bank account or credit card account used to pay for the event i.e., the source of payment. The amount refunded will be based on the net amount paid for the event, excluding additional components such as transportation, rent, or portage.
Is this trek good for me?
expand_moreSara Umga Pass Trek is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done a trek that climbs to 3700-4300 metres. It is recommended not to opt Sara Umga Pass trek if you cannot get acclimatized in high altitudes. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek.
Experience required
expand_moreA basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 ? 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Fitness benchmark
expand_moreJog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and Hold your breath for 40 seconds and 3 sets of Climbing 30 ? 40 steps in one stretch and Push Ups ? 10 and Lunges & Squats ? 15 X 2 sets
Requisite Skills
expand_moreHow to use an Ice Axe How to use Climbing boots & Crampons How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending How to self-arrest using an ice axe Knowledge of Basic First aid
Why should I go for this trek?
expand_moreIf you are looking for a sheer challenge, then the Sara Umga Pass Trek is the one for you. One of the least traversed passes and certainly a difficult one, the Sara Umga Pass at 4800 meters takes you from Tosh in Parvati Valley to Chotadhara in Lahaul and Spiti Valley. The pass is located between the massive Bara Shingri Glacier and the Hampta Pass. The trail is flanked by notable peaks like Papsura, Indrasan, Deo Tibba and Dharamsura. It takes you across lush valleys, grasslands, moraines, glaciers, snowfields, barren cold deserts and a stunning pass thus meant only for experienced trekkers.
What are the best months to visit this trek?
expand_moreJuly to October are the best months to do the Sara Umga Pass Trek.
How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
expand_moreThe starting point of Sara Umga Pass trek is from Kasol. Kasol is a hamlet in the Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is 520 km from Delhi. There are public buses running between Delhi and Kasol. Kasol is easily accessible through road, rail and air transport. By Road:?The distance between Delhi and Kasol is 520 km. There are frequent buses from Delhi to Kasol. Most of them are not direct buses so you will have to take an HRTC bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi towards Manali and change the bus at Bhuntar (30 km from Kasol) and reach Kasol either by a local bus or a private taxi. There are very few direct buses from Delhi to Kasol but they are run by private companies. You can also hire a taxi or outstation cab from Delhi to Kasol. By Rail:?To reach Kasol by railways you have to get off at the nearest railway station to Kasol which is Joginder Nagar railway station, about 144 km from the village of Kasol. You can take a cab from the station to reach Kasol or a bus from the Joginder Nagar Bus Stand towards Manikaran which should take about 4.5 to 5 hours. By Air:?The nearest airport to Kasol is almost 31 Kms away, Bhuntar Airport located near Kullu. It is connected to three cities Delhi, Pathankot and Shimla. You can hire local cabs or private vehicles from there to reach Kasol.
What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
expand_moreNo mobile network after Tosh.
What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
expand_moreThere are a number of places to visit around Kasol in the Parvati Valley. Manikaran, a pilgrim site with its hot springs is a famous attraction near Kasol. The waters of the hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties. There are plenty of hiking trails from Kasol to its surrounding villages like Choj, Chalal, and Rashol. One can also visit the quaint village of Tosh by a private or a shared taxi. A day hike to the famous Kheerganga, a spiritual destination with hot springs, can also be done from Barshaini.
What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
expand_moreThe minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
expand_moreOn trekking days you will be accommodated in tents on twin sharing basis.
What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
expand_moreWe provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
expand_moreToilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
expand_moreYou will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axes.
What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
expand_moreVegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread, and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
What equipment can I rent from you?
expand_moreYou can rent the following - trekking shoes, backpack/rucksack, trekking poles. ponchos, fleece
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
expand_moreThe temperature during the day will be between 25 to 15 deg celsius however at night the temperature may drop to as low as -5 deg celsius. The higher the altitude you gain the colder it will be.
When will there be snow on this trek?
expand_moreYes there will be snow on the trek.
Is there an option to offload my backpack?
expand_moreIf you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Who will lead us on the trek?
expand_moreA team of participants will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Is the trekking pole necessary?
expand_moreYes, it is necessary since the descent is steep. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
expand_moreKasol has a reasonable size market. However, we will have to head to Tosh and there will be no time for shopping. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
expand_moreYes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
expand_moreYes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
expand_moreWe will pick you up from Kasol and drive to Tosh from where the trek starts. At the end of the trek our vehicles will pick you from Chotadhara and drive you to Manali.
What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
expand_moreExpect to reach Manali by late afternoon.
What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
expand_moreID Proof (Voter, Adhaar, Passport) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) is the mandatory document required for the trek.
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Refunds will be processed back to the bank account or credit card account used to pay for the event i.e., the source of payment. The amount refunded will be based on the net amount paid for the event, excluding additional components such as transportation, rent, or portage.