Sar Pass Trek

One Soul, Three Trails: My Himalayan Love Affair with Sar Pass, Hampta Pass & Kashmir Great Lakes

 

I never thought a city-dweller like me would fall in love with silence. The kind of silence you only hear when you’re a few thousand feet above sea level, surrounded by snow and sky. But over the last three years, I’ve walked the 3 most iconic Himalayan treks that changed me: Sar Pass, Hampta Pass, and the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Each one left a different mark on my soul, and together, they became my own Himalayan trilogy.

Sar Pass Trek

 

https://www.himalayanhikers.in/sar-pass-trek/

 

My journey began with the Sar Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh. It’s a trek that I often recommend for beginners, but trust me, it’s no walk in the park. I remember climbing out of the pine forests near Grahan village, the scent of woodsmoke in the air, and then waking up to a snow-covered trail that looked like something out of a dream. The thrill of sliding down the snowfield after crossing the Sar Pass was pure, unfiltered joy. If you're new to high-altitude adventures, this one is the perfect place to start.

Hampta Pass Trek

The next year, I took on the Hampta Pass Trek. I’d read that it’s a crossover trek from the lush greenery of Kullu Valley to the cold deserts of Spiti, and the contrast hit me like a jolt. One day I was walking through blooming meadows with sheep grazing beside me; the next, I was surrounded by jagged cliffs and cold desert wind. Crossing the actual pass felt like stepping into another world. If you go, make sure to check the weather updates because nobody knows the moodswings of Himalayan weather. We got caught in a hailstorm that almost pushed us to turn back.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

But nothing, and I mean nothing, prepared me for the raw beauty of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Seven alpine lakes, each more unreal than the last. Vishansar, Gadsar, Gangbal… their names still echo in my head. For me, trekking here was a spiritual connection between nature and me. The trail tested my endurance, but it also softened something in me. We walked past wildflowers, army camps, and nomadic Gujjar families who offered us noon chai with the warmest smiles. I’ll admit I had doubts about trekking in Kashmir, but the Himalayan Hikers helped me to complete this beautiful trek in the heart of Kashmir.

 

https://www.himalayanhikers.in/sar-pass-trek/

Conclusion

If I’ve learned anything from these treks, it’s that the mountains don’t care who you are or where you come from. They strip you down to your raw self. They show you how small you are and how much beauty there is in that.

 

For anyone dreaming of stepping into the wild, start with one trail. But don’t be surprised if you come back craving more. Just be sure to train well and respect the rhythm of the mountains. Also, follow the sustainable practices for trekking in the Himalayas. They give everything to those who walk with humility.