West Bengal trekkers brave the remote Sara Umga Pass

In a remarkable feat of endurance and exploration, a team of seasoned trekkers from West Bengal has successfully conquered the remote and mystic Sara Umga Pass — a soaring 5,003-m high mountain passage nestled deep in the heart of the Himalayas. Known as one of the least-traversed routes in Himachal Pradesh, the pass is revered for its sacred streams, glacial terrain and breathtaking panoramas where earth and sky seem to meet.

The expedition, organised by Terranova Adventures, began in Tosh and wound through a dramatic tapestry of nature — lush grasslands, alpine meadows, treacherous moraines and sheer rock trails. Every step tested their endurance, but the journey was punctuated by soul-stirring views of legendary Himalayan peaks such as Paapsura, Dharmsura, Indrasan, Deo Tibba and the elusive Sentinel. One of the most awe-inspiring sights came in the form of the magnificent Bada Shigri Glacier, unfolding like a frozen river of time.

As the trail transitioned from the verdant valleys of Kullu to the stark, haunting beauty of the Spiti Valley, the trekkers experienced a dramatic shift in landscape. The terrain grew harsher, marked by steep ascents, glacial crevasses and bone-chilling winds — a path fit only for the truly experienced. This journey demanded not only physical grit, but a deep reverence for nature in its most raw and unforgiving form.

The expedition was led by Mallya Banerjee, with valuable contributions from veterans like Kalyan Sinha (62), Pradeep Acharya, Pinki Bhattacharya (64), Subhjay Mandal, Liyajo and Anupam Chatterjee. Their courage was matched by the guidance and support of local mountaineers Chaman Lal Thakur, Chander Thakur, Sushma Thakur and Sheela Thakur — whose deep-rooted knowledge of the region proved indispensable.

As the team crossed into the stark expanses of Spiti, they paused to reflect on the contrasts etched into every ridge and valley they had traversed. In the silence of the high-altitude winds, amidst spiritual lakes and ancient glaciers, the trek became more than a physical conquest — it became a tribute to resilience, unity and the enduring magic of the mountains.