From Chamba to Sach Pass
Sach Pass, located at a distance of around 127 km, is one of the more off beat places to visit from Chamba. Situated at an elevation of 4420 meter, this pass connects Chamba Valley with Pangi Valley. It is open to vehicular traffic only from late June to early October. Rest of the time it remains closed due to heavy snowfall.From Chamba to Sach Pass by Car
Sach Pass is a popular destination both for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Many young adventurists visit the pass on their motorbikes. While this allows them more freedom to enjoy the scenic beauty one can also reach Sach Pass by using more comfortable mode.If you opt for the later, you may catch buses for Bairagarh from Chamba Bus Stand and then proceed via rented jeeps. Otherwise, you may also try for shared taxis from Chamba; but that way you may miss much of the pleasure of travelling through a picturesque valley. That is mainly because shared taxis are generally much too crowded to allow good view of the sights around you.
From Chamba to Bairagarh
Bairagarh is a part of Tissa tehsil of Chamba District. It is located at a distance of 90.8 km from the Chamba city. The average altitude of this place is around 2800 meters. However, before you reach Bairgarh, there is a place called Gati, which is famous for landslides. To be sure, if you are traveling during the rains there is a chance that you will be caught up in one and if you are, do not be disappointed. There is also a chance that the road will be cleared very soon and you will be able to proceed.Bairagarh offers good accommodations and therefore it is prudent to spend the night there. Apart from PWD Guesthouse, the town also offers homestay facilities. Mannat, owned by a local farmer Mr. Prabhdayal, is one among them. In addition, if you intend to complete the journey by motorcar, you must look for rented cars at Bairagarh.
Satrundi on the way to Sach Pass
If you start early from Bairagarh, you may reach Sach Pass by afternoon and come back by 4:00 PM. On the way you will cross Satrundi (3400 meter), which around 19 km from Bairagrah. This place also offer basic accommodations, but they are fewer in number. Many people start their trek from here. In fact, before motorable road was built, Satrundi served as the base camp on the Chamba side while Bagotu (3600 meter) served the same purpose on the Pangi Valley side.
From Bairagarh to Satrundi
However, the scenic beauty all around is truly compelling. The road from Bairagarh to Satrudi passes through a dense forest of deodar. It is known as Kalaban or Black Forest. Wild flowers of different colors and fast flowing streams that are otherwise hazardous for careless driving, add to the beauty. In autumn, the area takes up a new look. The clear sky, along with wild flowers and the changing color of the leaves brings about a different kind of beauty
From Satrundi to Sach Pass
Sach Pass is located at a distance of around 13 km from Satrundi. Although the road condition is far better in this stretch than the last one, initially it is quite steep. If you are hiking you will be required to take quite a few stops. Those traveling on motorbikes also need to stop quite a few times and allow their vehicles to cool.As you travel higher you slowly rise above the tree line. Instead of tall deodar trees you now find field of alpine grasses stretching in all direction. Slowly, they too disappear and you see boulders strewn all over. The area is almost barren. Of Course, in some corner you may also see a small plant peeping out from crevices; but that is very rare.