Living Out Loud: Ritik’s Review of Sar Pass Trek with Thrillophilia
As we sat in our favorite café, we talked about how we hadn't traveled together for a long time.
“Why not go for a trek in the Himalayas?” I suggested. That was when my friends exchanged excited glances, and their faces lit up with curiosity. I had just casually thrown the idea among us, not realizing that it would soon turn into a brainstorming session.
We picked up our phones and started researching various treks in the Himalayas. After browsing several packages, we decided to book a Sar Pass Trek with Thrillophilia.
It was so exciting to be able to travel with your best friends, and that too on a trek in the snow-covered mountains. All of us have been nature enthusiasts since we were kids, and a trek to the mountains with each other sounded like the best plan ever.
“I say let's bring our ideas together in a shared document!” my friend proposed, and soon we got busy with creating lists of gear, snacks, and other essential items.
And soon, we were ready for the trip and the breathtaking sights that awaited us.
The Start of Something Special
It's crazy how quickly a destination may absorb you into its ambiance.
The moment we stepped out of the bus in Kasol, we found ourselves gripped by the natural beauty of the region. The cool breeze, lush greenery, and tall mountains - it was just breathtaking.
“Can you believe we’re all finally here?” my friend asked, smiling at me. We fist-bumped each other, acknowledging the thrill of adventure surging through our veins. After all, regardless of the passion the friend groups across the world hold for traveling, not all of them get a chance to actually do it.
At that moment, we simply felt grateful that we were blessed enough to pull off our travel plans for real.
Our trek began shortly after, and we headed for one of the most scenic places in the area called Grahan Village. Since it was the beginning of the trek, the paths had a comfortable incline and went through dense pine forests. Every step that we took brought us closer together, and we found ourselves sharing jokes that sparked loads of laughter.
It was amazing how we encountered several delightful surprises along the trails - an unexpected waterfall, and a unique rock formation that caught our attention. We all paused to click pictures, capturing our adventure for Instagram posts.
When we reached Grahan, we were welcomed by the locals, who shared interesting stories about survival in the mountains.
Sweat, Smiles, and Stories
Mornings in Himachal are very different from those that we experience in metro cities.
Nothing beats waking up with the warm sun peeking from the clouds. Despite being a little tired, we found ourselves ready to head out for our next adventure. After enjoying a hot cup of coffee and some light snacks, we started our journey to the next stop - Mung Thach.
“We are going to be super hungry after this one!” A friend remarked, and we all laughed. We told him about the snacks we had packed and that we had his back
The trail was demanding, but it was lined with breathtaking views throughout, making our efforts worthwhile. Every now and then, we took small breaks to admire the views around us - mighty mountains, clear blue skies, and tall trees.
During those breaks, we would also share our dreams and aspirations, and the mountains served as a perfect background for our deep conversations. “Isn’t it amazing how we open up about our lives so easily when among nature?” I said, feeling a sense of independence that can only be felt in the wilderness.
Reaching Mung Thach felt like a great achievement - another feather in our caps. During sunset, the three of us would gather around the fire with the rest of the trekkers, and take turns sharing stories about our roots.
Wrapped in a warm blanket, with a hot cup of tea, speaking to fellow travelers - it felt like an experience that we all longed for.
When the Memories Echoed
This was the part where the trail became the most challenging with a steep incline along the way.
Our trek to Nagaru had us feeling the chill in the air as we pushed ourselves through exhaustion. I realized that treks work pretty much like our lives, there are challenges that you need to endure, for the fantastic rewards at the end.
With our spirits ignited, we laughed our way through the steep trail, pushing each other to keep going.
“Is it just me, or is this climb legendary?” one friend exclaimed, trying to catch his breath.
“Keep going...we're in the middle of making epic memories!” I replied, smiling as we moved ahead.
Along the way, we also came across some of the hidden gems - Biskeri Lake and several patches of vibrant wildflowers. We took a moment to admire our surrounding landscape, when one of my friends said, “We are about a kilometer or two away from the summit, but the views have turned magical already!”
A couple of minutes later, we finally reached Nagaru, and the panoramic views left us all in awe. After setting up our camp, we watched one of the most memorable sunsets of our lives, as the sky turned pink.
Our final trek via Sar Pass was worth every drop of sweat. And as we made it to the top, we felt a sudden rush of accomplishment and togetherness. We all fist-bumped again, this time with a collective 'Woohoo!' echoing through the mountains.
Read More: Thrillophilia Himalayan Trek Reviews