About Sar Pass Trek
Sar Pass Trek is also a great way to discover the surrounding villages that are still off the beaten path and to experience what life is like for villagers living in remote mountain communities. The trek affords you the opportunity to meet locals, learn how they live, what they do, and see some of the beautiful views around them.
You’ll have plenty of time to stop at lodges or tents along the way. Sar Pass Trek takes you right through five different communities and villages, so you’re not just meeting villagers all day long in one area most of the time; it gives you a chance to get out into more remote areas. You might find yourself walking through villages or pastures with little to no people at all, then suddenly you’re in the middle of a bustling village.
But don’t worry about having too much time out of your day for activities. The trail is relatively flat and easy-going, and the experiences along the way are more than enough to keep you interested in what’s happening around you. It’s just like taking a trip around the world in 15 days, with each village providing something unique and different from one another.
The Trek
It’s a long trek around 5 kilometers each way. But you’ll probably be hiking at least that much most of the time. You’ll be climbing ridge after ridge and using sturdy trekking poles to make sure that you don’t slip and fall down off of any cliffs or into any crevasses.
Since your trekking poles will be out most of the time, you might find yourself having to stop and let other people pass by. But since the route is relatively flat, it’s a great trek for all levels of hikers; you’ll be able to enjoy yourself even if you’re not as fit or used to being out on the trail. You’ll have plenty of beautiful views and chances to take photos too.
Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to stop at different lodges or tents along the trail. Some are similar from one village to another but others have their own unique styles and attractions. Some are simple, others are luxury and others are downright bizarre.
You might spend most of your time outside of the lodges or tents, but you’ll still have options for wearing nicer clothes and getting a hot shower at some of the top-notch lodges or tents along the way. The trek ends at Chame, which sits at an elevation of almost 6470 meters above sea level. It’s right near a major highway so you can get picked up or drop off there as well.
Plus many people choose to stay in Pokhara for a few days before or after their trek (before for warm weather and after if it’s colder), so that’s another place to look into when planning your trip.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Sar Pass, from luxury lodges to simple tents. You’ll have your pick from a few different places along the way and many of them are surprisingly affordable and charming. Here’s some of what you can expect for a night or two in Sar Pass.
Sarangkot Village
This place is really cute and homey, with a great lodge that looks like it was built by the villagers themselves and has lots of local touches throughout. The rooms are also very nice and you’ve got an outdoor common area with a table, chairs, an electric stove, water pump and lots of other amenities. It’s a little more expensive than other places in Sar Pass, but it’s still reasonably affordable for the quality and amenities you get.
Namche Village
This village is much larger and has a lot more options and sights to see along with a nice lodge that has all the amenities you can ask for. You’ll have your own lounge space, restaurant, common area, and even an outdoor kitchen. It’s very well-thought-out and has the comforts of a hotel without being one. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to spend some time in Namche on your trek.
Chame Village
This village is located at the end of the trek, so it’s a great place to spend some days in the mountains and relax after a tough day of hiking. It’s not as fancy as some of the places in Sar Pass, but it’s still nice enough and has all the amenities you might need. Plus, it has its own grocery store, post office, and Internet cafe, so you’ll be able to get online and make use of your cell phone if you want.
Cost
You’ll need to be ready to spend a fair amount of money if you want to do this trek. About Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 55,000 per person is a good estimate. You can definitely do it cheaper, but keep in mind that you might not be able to stay in so many lodges and tents along the way and still have room for everything else. You could save some money by not doing as many stops and staying in tents, but we’d advise against it; you’ll lose out on the great things that are going on at each village.
Conclusion
Sar Pass is a truly magical place and this trek is one of the absolute best ways to experience it. It’ll take you through some of the most breathtaking, natural beauty in all of India and you get to stop in at a few villages along the way. You’ll come across locals making trekking poles, eating dinner, or just sitting around having tea. And if you’re lucky, you might find yourself with an open window that looks right out into the valley below and all the beautiful mountains surrounding it. There’s no better way to experience all of this in the spirit of a trek.
It’s very advisable to do this trek with a guide, even if you’re an experienced hiker. The best thing you’ll find is that everyone we’ve ever taken to Sar Pass has loved it and wants to go back again. They all tell us they wish they knew about it sooner! It’s well worth the money and effort you put into it.