A Trek, A Tale, and Some Maggie: Ritik’s Sar Pass Trek Review
Some experiences in life aren’t just about the destination or ticking off a list of places. They’re about the people you meet, the laughter you share, the inside jokes that develop, and, most importantly, the stories you bring back.
And Ritik’s Sar Pass trek was the kind of journey that becomes a legend, the tale you'd tell around campfires for years, filled with laughter, mishaps, and moments that make you wish time would slow down.
New Friends, Old Boots, and High Spirits
It all began with Ritik and his two buddies, all software engineers, who had decided that coding lines weren’t enough of an adventure for their bachelor days.
And off they went, straight to the hippie haven of Kasol, filled with excitement and anticipation. They had heard Sar Pass was challenging, but little did they know, it wasn’t the ascent or descent that would be the hardest part—it was resisting the temptation of Maggie at every rest stop!
But trekking isn’t always about who you start with. Halfway through, they bonded with their other group members. They were all a mixed bag of trekkers—students, solo wanderers, and engineers, entrepreneurs.
The entire group formed an instant connection over stories, laughter, and the shared complaints of sore calves.
The Surprise
By the time they reached Grahan village, Ritik and his friends had already bonded with the group over several topics: how ‘the weather app lied,’ how the mountain air felt fresher than Delhi’s (duh!), and who packed the worst snacks (spoiler: it was Ritik).
As they trekked through the narrow trails, the mountain views began to steal the show. The quietness of the valley echoed with their banter, the kind of light-hearted teasing that only happens when you know you’re in for something incredible.
Grahan village welcomed them like a postcard out of a dream. The rustic charm of wooden houses, little kids playing in the streets, and the subtle scent of pine in the air hinted that this was the beginning of something magical.
Ritik found himself smiling for no reason, the kind of smile that only fresh mountain air and the promise of an adventure can give you.
And then there was Maggie. Hot, steaming, and comforting – it felt like a hug from the mountains themselves.
Through the Woods
Moving from Grahan to Mung Thach was where the real trekking challenge began.
The paths got steeper, and the air thinner. Ritik recalled it was the kind of climb where your legs burn, but your spirit soars.
It didn’t help that they kept stopping every five minutes, not because they were tired (of course not!), but because someone spotted a breathtaking view or a “perfect spot for a selfie.”
“Dude, if you post one more Instagram story, we’re leaving you behind,” Ritik joked with one of the group members.
But jokes aside, those were moments worth capturing. The views kept changing every few minutes—from lush green to snow-capped horizons. It felt as if nature was slowly pulling back layers, revealing a secret world only trekkers like them could access.
And then came the evening that was filled with the joy of arriving at Mung Thach, which felt like an oasis after a day of testing your limits.
They sat around campfires, exchanged stories, laughed at things that probably weren’t that funny (altitude does that to you), and enjoyed the simplicity of the moment.
In the middle of nowhere, with no cell service, all that mattered was now.
The Summit of Emotions
Then came the day they had all been waiting for—the day they would cross the Sar Pass. Climbing towards the summit, Ritik’s group faced snow-covered landscapes that stretched for miles.
There’s something both humbling and exhilarating about standing amidst snow at that altitude. It's as if the world stops for a moment, and all you’re left with is the crisp air in your lungs and the beauty that surrounds you.
They stood there, at the top of the world—or at least, it felt like it—looking down at the valleys they had come from and the ones they had yet to cross.
The snow beneath their boots crunched as they made their way across the pass, slipping, sliding, and, occasionally, tumbling into the snow with laughter.
At the summit, someone yelled, “We did it!” And it wasn’t just about reaching Sar Pass. It was about the journey—the sore muscles, the sleepless nights, the deep conversations with strangers-turned-friends.
This trek had become more than just a trail on the map. It was an emotional checkpoint in their lives.
Downhill Thrills and Unplanned Spills
Crossing Sar Pass was just the beginning. The descent to Biskeri Thach, though easier on the lungs, was an adventure of its own.
There were snow-covered slopes that were too tempting not to slide down. Ritik and his crew spent more time sledging down those slopes than walking. And every fall was met with more laughter.
If anything, this part of the trek turned them into kids again, making them forget the sore muscles, the cold, and the exhaustion.
As they reached Biskeri Thach, their last night in the mountains, there was a mix of relief and sadness. The realization hit—tomorrow, they would be heading back to home.
But that night was a one-of-a-kind celebration. They sat under a sky full of stars, reminiscing about the trek, cracking jokes about who had the worst blisters, and singing songs out of tune but with all their hearts.
The Realization
Their final stretch back to Barshaini was bittersweet.
Sure, they were looking forward to a proper bed, a hot shower, and some city food, but there was something melancholic about leaving the mountains behind.
Ritik knew he’d be back someday, but this experience, with these people, on this trail—it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
As they reached the base camp, Ritik turned to his friends, both old and new, and said, “Well, who’s up for Sar Pass 2.0?”
Laughter erupted, but deep down, they all knew that this trek offered them the moments, the people, and that overwhelming feeling of standing on the edge of something great.
After all, sometimes, it’s not about the miles you cover but the memories you make.
Read more: Thrillophilia Himachal Trek Reviews