Sara Umga La
Duration
9 Days
Best Time
July - September
Elevation
4,950m / 16,240ft
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Difficulty
Fitness Level
The Sara Umga La trek is a high-altitude crossover linking the Parvati Valley with Lahaul, moving from the lush landscapes of Kullu into a more rugged, glaciated environment. The route follows the Parvati River upstream before gaining height through moraine and glacier terrain to reach the pass.
This is a serious expedition-style trek, with a steady transition from forest and alpine meadows into high-altitude wilderness. As the route progresses, trails become faint, terrain more complex, and movement increasingly dependent on route finding and conditions. The approach to the pass involves navigating moraine fields, snow slopes, and glacier sections, with crevasses present depending on the season. The crossing itself is gradual but sustained, requiring consistent effort at altitude. The descent into Lahaul is more rugged, with loose terrain and remote camps.
What defines Sara Umga La is its remoteness and commitment. It is not a marked or frequently travelled route, and once inside, the journey demands self-sufficiency, endurance, and the ability to adapt to changing terrain.
We approach this trek with a focus on acclimatisation, glacier travel management, and strong expedition logistics, ensuring the team is prepared for both the crossing and the remote terrain beyond.
What to expect from this Expedition
The Sara Umga La trek is a demanding high-altitude expedition trek, with difficulty driven by altitude, terrain, and isolation rather than technical climbing. The route includes forest trails, alpine meadows, moraine, and glacier travel, requiring steady movement over varied ground. The pass crossing can be physically taxing, especially with snow and glacier conditions influencing the approach. Weather in this region can be unpredictable at higher elevations, and camps are set in remote locations with no infrastructure. The sense of isolation increases as the trek progresses beyond the Parvati Valley. Endurance and mental consistency are key. The distances are long, and the terrain demands focus throughout. Prior trekking experience is recommended, along with basic preparation.
Note on Itinerary: While we aim to follow the planned schedule, all itineraries are subject to change based on weather, glacier conditions, and team acclimatisation. Decisions are made on the ground to ensure safety and continuity of the journey.
Day 1 – Arrive Kullu
Day 2 – Drive to Tosh, Trek to Buddhaban
Elevation: 8,135 ft / 2,480 m → 9,350 ft / 2,850 m
Distance: 4-5 hrs
Drive to Tosh. Begin trek through farmland and forest. Pass Kutla and continue with a steady ascent to Buddhaban, a common shepherd campsite.
Day 3 – Buddhaban to Saram Thach
Elevation: 9,350 ft / 2,850 m → 11,420 ft / 3,480 m
Distance: 5–6 hrs
Trek through grazing lands and forest sections. Cross Songre Nala and continue over undulating terrain to reach Saram Thach, a wide meadow with views of surrounding peaks.
Day 4 – Saram Thach to Samsi Thach
Elevation: 11,420 ft / 3,480 m → 12,630 ft / 3,850 m
Distance: 5–6 hrs
Gradual ascent along a high trail above the valley. Terrain becomes more open with reduced vegetation. Cross streams and rocky sections to reach Samsi Thach.
Day 5 – Samsi Thach to Lake Camp (Sara Lake Region)
Elevation: 12,630 ft / 3,850 m → 14,170 ft / 4,320 m
Distance: 5–6 hrs
Steep ascent followed by a gradual traverse. Cross Sara Nala and reach camp near the lake basin. Surrounding peaks like Papsura and Dharamsura dominate the skyline.
Day 6 – Lake Camp to Base Camp
Elevation: 14,170 ft / 4,320 m → 15,350 ft / 4,680 m
Distance: 5–6 hrs
Descend and traverse along moraine and glacial terrain. Follow the lateral moraine of the Tosh Glacier to reach Base Camp. Terrain is rocky with no defined trail.
Day 7 – Cross Sara Umga La, Descend to Putiruni
Elevation: 15,350 ft / 4,680 m → 16,486 ft / 5,025 m → 12,630 ft / 3,850 m
Distance: 9–10 hrs
Early start to cross Sara Umga La. Ascent involves glacier travel with crevasses. Descent follows the Chhota Shigri Glacier before reaching Putiruni.
Day 8 – Putiruni to Chhatru / Batal, Drive to Manali
Elevation: 12,630 ft / 3,850 m → 11,020 ft / 3,360 m
Distance: 6–7 hrs
Descend along the Chandra River valley. Cross multiple streams depending on route and conditions before reaching road head at Chhatru or Batal. Drive back to Manali.
Day 9 – Departure
Depart from Manali after completing the expedition.
Price
Sara Umga La
₹64300 - 9 Days / Ex.Kullu - Manali
- Train / Flight / Bus reservations for your expedition should be made as soon as possible.
- Please forward a copy of your travel itinerary before final payment so we can review departure and arrival dates.
- We make hotel arrangements to meet individual itineraries.
- Visas & Passports To enter India – You must have a passport that is up to date and valid for at least six months after the end of your intended trip in order to enter India.
- Citizens of SARC nations do not need visas, but they must have a valid form of identification with them at all times (see country-specific rules before travelling).
- It is the responsibility of participant to ascertain and meet entrance criteria for their passports or nationalities.
- We are delighted to assist with this procedure. We advise you to review the entry requirements on the relevant country’s official website.
Flying to Kullu / Manali : The nearest airport is Kullu–Manali Airport, which is well connected with major domestic airports. From the airport, Manali is about 1–1.5 hours by road. This trip requires that you arrive in Manali on Day 1 of your expedition. Early afternoon arrival is preferred. A taxi will take you to your hotel (can be arranged by us at an additional cost). Departure: You may plan your onward travel any time after 12:00 Hrs on the last day of your itinerary.
Bus to Manali : Manali is well connected by regular bus services from Delhi and Chandigarh. Both government and private buses operate daily, including overnight options. You will arrive at the Manali bus stand, from where a taxi can take you to your hotel. Pickup can be arranged on request.
Early Arrival/Late Departure: For those arriving early or departing after the scheduled itinerary, we can make hotel and transport arrangements at an additional cost. Please contact our office in advance if you would like us to make additional reservations.
Missed Flights / Buses: If you miss your flight / bus or if your travel is significantly delayed, please contact us through WhatsApp on +91 94076 89444 and follow the prompt for 24-hour contact. Participants are responsible for determining and meeting travel and identification requirements based on their nationality.
- Accommodations as per the Itinerary
- International Backpacking guide fees
- Guide with First aid Certification
- Porters, Camp staff
- Breakfast and dinner in the during stay at town / city
- All food and lodging during the trek and climb. No expense is spared in providing high-quality food. (If you have particular dietary requirements, please give us specific details and we will accommodate your needs.
- All transportation as per the Itinerary
- All group equipment needed to reach Base Camp and climb the mountain: cooking gear, fuel, stoves, ropes, all forms of rock and ice protection, radio communications, medical supplies etc.
- Permit & Park / Forest fee
- Waste disposal bags
- Wire transfer fee (if applicable)
- IFMGA/UIAGM-certified mountain guide fees (You need to inform us prior to book)
- India entry visa and airport fees (If Required)
- Any extra nights’ lodging
- Single room supplement
- Meals not listed above
- All personal snack/lunch food
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks (bottled water)
- International & Domestic Airfare / Trainfare
- Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- Any transportation not mentioned
- Personal gear, clothing and sleeping equipment
- Forest Charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
- Personal communication (phone, fax, email)
- All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc.)
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Pahadi Bakra Adventure
- Insurance. Trekkers are required to have a comprehensive medical insurance policy in order to embark on this expedition.
EXPENSES
For purchases and supplemental costs in India, we advise combining cash and credit/debit cards. After Manali, there aren’t many establishments that accept cards or UPI, therefore we advise you to bring additional cash. Request modest denominations of change when exchanging money because bigger note change is difficult to get outside of major cities. Alcoholic beverages and bottled beverages are not included with your meals, and as we do not promote the use of single-use plastic, it is advised that you bring your own water bottle. If you intend to purchase refreshments, please bring some additional cash. Ahead of Schedule/Evacuation You are in charge of paying any costs incurred (such as extra hotel nights, transportation costs, and evacuation fees) if you have to leave the adventure before it is finished. It is advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance so that these expenses may be paid for should they arise.
TIPPING
Every effort is made by our staff to make sure your trip or excursion is successful, safe, and as fun as possible. Gratuities are a great way to express your gratitude after a satisfying encounter. Since we think gratuities should depend on the quantity and quality of services, as well as an amount that fits your budget, it’s challenging to suggest a precise sum. Your lead guide and coordinator can accept any contributions to the guides’ tip fund, and the entire team will be grateful.
- 25% cancellation of the package cost after confirmation/issuing the hotel voucher.
- 30% cancellation of the package cost Between 60 to 45 days of the traveling date.
- 50% cancellation of the package cost Between 44 to 30 days of the traveling date.
- 100% cancellations Between 29 – 0 days of the travels date.
- 10% amount is non-refundable at any point.
- If the customer cancels his/her booking because of reasons like Illness, personal problems death, accident or No Shows amount will be deducted according to the policy.
- All cancellations must have interacted in writing.
- Policy may be different for Foreigners or International traveler / participants.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE
- As there are many unforeseen circumstances that may occur during or leading up to the trip, we highly recommend trip cancellation insurance.
- In many situations, this may be the only way to receive a refund for unused services.
- In brief, trip cancellation insurance may allow you to get reimbursed if you need to cancel your expedition when you are not entitled to a refund from Pahadi Bakra.
PACKS & BAGS
Duffel Bag (1 Piece, 90–100L)
Primary load bag for transporting all personal gear. Should be durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for rough handling.
Backpack (1 Piece, 50–60L)
Main trekking pack for carrying daily essentials. Must have proper load distribution and hip support.
Dry Bag / Pack Liner (1 Set)
Internal waterproofing system to protect critical gear from moisture and river crossings.
CLOTHING SYSTEM
Base Layer (1 Set)
Moisture-wicking thermal layer used for temperature regulation during cold conditions.
Trekking Clothing (2–3 Sets)
Lightweight, quick-dry layers suitable for sustained movement over multiple days.
Mid Layer (1 Piece – Fleece / Light Insulation)
Active insulation layer for moderate cold during movement.
Insulated Jacket (1 Piece – Down / Synthetic)
Primary thermal layer for static conditions and high-altitude camps.
Waterproof Shell Jacket (1 Piece)
Technical outer layer providing protection from wind, precipitation, and exposure.
Waterproof Shell Pants (1 Piece)
Protective lower layer for high pass crossings and adverse weather.
Trekking Pants (1–2 Pieces)
Durable, breathable pants for daily use across varied terrain.
HEAD, HAND & FOOTWEAR
Warm Cap / Beanie (1 Piece)
Thermal protection for cold and high-altitude exposure.
Sun Cap (1 Piece) – Optional*
Protection against direct solar radiation at altitude.
Buff / Neck Gaiter (1 Piece) Optional*
Multi-use protection from wind, dust, and cold.
Insulated Gloves (1 Pair)
Primary hand protection in cold and windy conditions.
Trekking Boots (1 Pair)
Mid to high-ankle boots with stiff sole for stability on uneven terrain and load carrying.
Camp Footwear (1 Pair)
Lightweight footwear for recovery and movement at camp.
Socks (3–4 Pairs)
Combination of moisture-wicking and insulating layers for foot management.
CAMPING GEAR - Can be Rented
Sleeping Bag (1 Piece, Comfort -10°C to -20°C)
Insulated system suitable for sub-zero high-altitude conditions.
Sleeping Mat (1 Piece)
Ground insulation to reduce heat loss and improve recovery.
PERSONAL ITEMS
Headlamp (1 Piece)
Hands-free lighting system for early starts and camp movement. With extra battery or Charger.
Sunglasses (2 Piece, Category 4 or with UV Protection)
High-altitude eye protection against UV exposure and snow glare.
Sunscreen (1 Piece, SPF 50+)
Protection against intense solar radiation.
Lip Balm (1 Piece)
Prevents cracking and sun damage at altitude.
Personal First Aid Kit (1 Set)
Basic medical kit tailored to individual needs.
HYDRATION & NUTRITION
Water Bottles (2 Pieces, 1L each)
Carrying capacity for maintaining hydration at altitude.
Personal Snacks (1 Set) Optional*
Supplementary nutrition for energy during long trekking days.
MISCELLANEOUS
Trekking Poles (1 Pair)
Aid in balance, load distribution, and reducing joint strain.
Power Bank (1 Piece)
Backup power source for essential electronics.
Repair Kit (1 Set)
Basic field repair tools for gear maintenanc
DOCUMENTS
ID Proof (1 Piece)
Mandatory for permits and identification.
Insurance
Travel insurance copy printed.
Cash (Small Amount)
Required for remote regions with no digital access.
Customise This Expedition
While most of our departures are designed as small, fixed groups, this itinerary can also be run as a private or customised expedition. Group journeys often create strong connections and shared experiences, but we understand that certain trips require a more tailored approach—whether it’s timing, team composition, or objective. Over the years, Pahadi Bakra has led private expeditions across multiple Himalayan regions, working with climbers, trekkers, filmmakers, and organisations. A private departure allows for better control over pace, team size, and overall structure—especially in remote or high-altitude environments where flexibility matters.
Build It Around Your Objective
This itinerary can be adjusted based on your requirements. Whether you need a specific start date, a modified route, or additional acclimatisation days, we can structure the expedition accordingly. It also works well for focused objectives—recce trips, training-based journeys, documentation projects, or small team expeditions. We keep the approach practical—fewer people, better logistics, and a structure that fits your goal, rather than forcing you into a fixed format.
Get in Touch
If you’re looking to customise this trip or run it privately, reach out to discuss your plan. We’ll work with you to shape an expedition that fits your timeline, team, and objective.
Why Trek With Us!
