Sara Umga Pass Trek: Challenging trek from Kasol to Spiti

The Tosh is a feeder valley of the popular Parvati Valley, which leads to the Pin Parvati Pass. The Tosh Nallah meets the Parbati River at Pulga, coming from the North. The Tosh valley is initially narrow but as you progress higher, the valley starts to open up and you cross several beautiful meadows. At the head of the valley is the Tosh Glacier, surrounded by some well-known peaks: Papasura (6451 m) & White Sail (6446 m). After crossing Sara Umga Pass, you descend into Lahaul valley.

Day 0 (optional): Arrive in Kasol; Acclimatize 

Arrive in Kasolin the morning and reach Base Camp, Haripur, Manali. Unwind after the long drive. Later, meet the team. Explore surroundings like the beautiful ‘somvan’ by the river Beas, Naggar Castle, Roerich art Gallery, etc. Back in time for relaxed evening over bonfire and early dinner to get up early in the morning. 

Day 1: Kasol - Manikaran-Tosh village by jeep (2400 m)-Trek from fromTosh village-Buddhaban (3020 m) Duration: 4 hours

Those who have not stayed the night with us should meet us at Kasol/Manikaran bus stop. After assembling here, drive to Barsheni, The ascent to Barsheni from Manikaran takes about an hour over steep mountain roads. The trail starts from above the Barsheni village, with a commanding view of the Parvati valley dam that is under construction and the confluence of Parvati and Tosh rivers. The walk is a gradual climb from the Tosh village, where we follow the raging Tosh River through dense pine forests to Buddhaban, a largish meadow with a spring of its own and many rocks.

Day 2: Buddhaban-Sharam Thach (3505 m) | 7 hours

It’s a long day’s walk as the path climbs from Buddhaban to cross the treeline. It then continues over meadows and rhododendron clusters to the high-altitude meadow at Sharam Thach.

Day 3: Sharam Thach-Shamshi Thach (3800 m) | 5 hours

An initial steep climb peters out to a narrow path over patches of snow. The Tosh River continues its noisy course throughout. After a short descent, you arrive at Shamshi Thach, which is beautifully set in a little bowl at the base of the valley. To the north is the Tosh Glacier; to the east is the massive face of Kullu Makalu peak and the glacier descending from it.

Day 4: Exploratory day at Shamshi Thach Duration: 5 hours

There is a choice of either going up to Animal Pass (4560 m) for the day or hiking up to the snout of the Tosh Glacier (4300 m).

Day 5: Shamshi Thach-Kuta Thach (4100 m) Duration: 4 hours

Walk to the snout of the Tosh Glacier and continue up on the path bordering the glacier to the small meadow at Kuta Thach.

Day 6: Kuta Thach, Sara Umga Pass (4700 m), Putiruni (3800 m) | 8 hours

The day starts early, as the pass needs to be crossed before noon. From the camp, the climb to the pass is steep over snow and scree. From the top of the pass, you get fabulous views of peaks in both the Lahaul valley as well as the Tosh valley and other surrounding by-valleys. The descent on the other side takes you down to the meadow at Putiruni.

Day 7: Putiruni-Chota Dhara (3700 m) | 6 hours

Another long day but this time the path is gradual with not too many ups or downs. Chota Dhara on the Manali-Kaza road will be the camp for the night.

Day 8: Chota Dhara-Manali by jeep | 8 hours

Drive from Chota Dara to Manali, where the trek ends and participants can board the bus for Delhi/Chandigarh.

OPTIONAL: Head back to DA Base, Mountaineerz, in Haripur in the evening. Have dinner and spend your night there.Relax at the base camp or go Paragliding, Rafting or Angling (some nice spots near our base) the next day before we part ways here to meet soon for our next adventure.

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