The Rupin pass Trek, one can easily underestimate the grandeur of nature yet again. This like every other trek is unique, Lets uncover the mysteries of enchanting Himalayas as we traverse through the thick forests of Garhwal Himalayas.
Why Rupin pass?
- Imagine walking alongside a river that perfectly changes colours with the sky, from the depth of crystal blues to the luminescence of golden hues. The river gushing dramatically through deep pits and narrow cliffs is a magnificent feast for the trekker’s eyes!
- Imagine you camping next to a three – tiered cascading waterfalls, surrounded by lush green meadows as you sip some hot beverage as our team serves you tasty mouthwatering onion pakoras!
- Visit the natures stadium where the terrain opens up into a grand amphitheatre, with walls of cliffs studded with flowers dancing to the song of wind as clouds dance to the sway of nature.
- The final traverse at the end is the one to keep your tabs on, as you cover the steep climb on icy trails you would be gifted with the magnificent view of Kinnaur Kailash range
- Not only being a bustling ancient trade route it also is a botanist’s paradise as its homme to rare alpine flowers like Brahma Kamal and medicinal herbs used by local healers.
This region is also home too exotic species such as red fox and Himalayan blue sheep granting the trekkers one time probability of witnessing the iconic beauties and beasts at the same time.
Technical Trek Details
- Trek Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
- Maximum Altitude: 15,250 feet
- Trek Distance: 52 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Temperature Range: 0°C to 20°C
- Best Season: May to June and September to October
Day-Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Dhaula
- Distance: 210 km | Duration: 10 hours
- Altitude: 5,100 feet
- Highlights: A scenic drive through Mussoorie, Parola, and Mori, with the Yamuna and Tons Rivers keeping you company.
Day 2: Trek from Dhaula to Sewa
- Distance: 11 km | Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 6,300 feet
- Terrain: Gradual ascent through dense oak forests and terraced farms.
- Highlights: The charming village of Sewa, known for its ancient temple with Kinnaur architecture.
Day 3: Sewa to Jiskun via Gosangu
- Distance: 12 km | Duration: 7 hours
- Altitude: 7,700 feet
- Terrain: A mix of steep climbs and level trails, crossing hanging bridges and the roaring Rupin River.
- Highlights: Picturesque views of snow-capped peaks and the remote village of Jiskun.
Day 4: Jiskun to Udaknal
- Distance: 9 km | Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 10,100 feet
- Terrain: Meadows dotted with grazing sheep and vibrant wildflowers.
- Highlights: The tranquillity of Udaknal, perfect for stargazing.
Day 5: Udaknal to Dhanderas Thatch (Waterfall Camp)
- Distance: 6 km | Duration: 4 hours
- Altitude: 11,700 feet
- Terrain: A steep climb leading to the iconic waterfall campsite.
- Highlights: Camping amidst a natural amphitheatre with waterfalls cascading around you.
Day 6: Dhanderas Thatch to Rupin Pass Summit and Ronti Gad
- Distance: 12 km | Duration: 10 hours
- Altitude: 15,250 feet (summit)
- Terrain: Steep icy ascent to the pass, followed by a descent through snowfields.
- Highlights: Panoramic views from the pass, including the Dhauladhar and Kinnaur Kailash ranges.
Day 7: Ronti Gad to Sangla
- Distance: 12 km | Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 8,800 feet
- Terrain: Descending trails leading to the charming Baspa Valley in Sangla.
- Highlights: Orchards, wooden Himachali houses, and the Baspa River.
Rupin Pass Trek Key Highlights:
- Location:
- States: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, India
- Region: Starts in Dhaula (Uttarakhand) and ends in Sangla (Himachal Pradesh)
- Elevation: Highest point at Rupin Pass, approximately 4,650 meters (15,252 feet)
- Rupin Pass Trek Best Time to Visit:
- Season: Late May to June and September to October
- During these periods, the weather is more stable, and the trail is accessible. The monsoon (July-August) can make the trail dangerous, while winter (November onwards) brings heavy snowfall, closing the pass.
- Rupin Pass Trek Duration:
- The trek usually takes about 7-9 days, depending on the specific itinerary and pace.
- Rupin Pass Trek Difficulty:
- Level: Moderate to Difficult
- The trek requires a good level of physical fitness due to long walking days, steep ascents, and the high altitude.
- Rupin Pass Trek Starting Point:
- The trek begins at Dhaula, a small village in Uttarakhand. Dhaula is accessible by road from Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi.
- Rupin Pass Trek Route:
- Dhaula to Sewa: The initial days involve trekking through picturesque villages and dense forests, with gradual ascents.
- Sewa to Jiskun: The trail continues through mixed forests, crossing rivers and small hamlets.
- Jiskun to Jakha: This section passes through the highest and last village on the trail, Jakha, known for its stunning terraced fields and traditional wooden houses.
- Jakha to Dhanderas Thatch: The landscape opens up to wide meadows and the famous Rupin waterfall, a multi-tiered cascade that is a highlight of the trek.
- Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall Camp: A steep climb to the upper reaches of the waterfall, where trekkers camp before crossing the pass.
- Upper Waterfall Camp to Rupin Pass and Ronti Gad: The most challenging day of the trek involves crossing the snow-covered Rupin Pass, followed by a descent to Ronti Gad.
- Ronti Gad to Sangla: The final leg of the trek descends into the picturesque Baspa Valley, ending in the village of Sangla in Himachal Pradesh.
- Scenic Highlights:
- Rupin Waterfall: The multi-tiered waterfall is a spectacular sight, especially when surrounded by snow.
- Snow Bridges: Crossing snow bridges over the Rupin River is an exhilarating experience.
- Alpine Meadows: Expansive meadows at Dhanderas Thatch, covered in wildflowers in summer.
- Kinnaur Kailash Range: Stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash peaks as you descend towards Sangla.
- Flora and Fauna:
- The trek passes through a rich variety of ecosystems, from dense oak and rhododendron forests to alpine meadows.
- Wildlife sightings might include Himalayan monals, snow leopards (rare), and blue sheep.
T R E K I N C L U S I O N S
All meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on last day
– Elaborate spread of veg meals with egg preparations Accommodation on triple occupancy for 8 nights
– Guest House in Sankri on first and last day
– Tents on triple occupancy basis during camping Transport from Dehradun onwards
Tempo Traveler (12 Seat) with Push Back seats Mules to carry camping equipment
Camping equipment
Camping tents, dining tent, Kitchen tent Toilet tents with portable toilet seats Camping stools, table
Sleeping Bags Foam Mattresses
Gaiters, Micro-spikes if needed
Dedicated experienced guide, cook and support staff
Certified Guide with minimum BMC certified & First Aid course
T R E K E X C L U S I O N S / A D D – O N
Any Expenses or services not mentioned in the above inclusions Any costs incurred due to bad weather or roadblocks
Baggage Offload (personal bag up-to 12KG per person) – INR 350 per bag / day
Insurance Coverage for Medical Evacuation, Hospitalization due to Illness or Injury during the trek. Can be upgraded for Missed flights, cancellations, baggage loss.
Travel Tips:
- Acclimatization: Given the altitude, it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Spend adequate time at intermediate camps.
- Permits: Trek permits are required and can be obtained from local authorities or arranged by trek organizers.
- Accommodation: The trek involves camping at designated sites. Basic guesthouses are available at the starting and ending points.
- Preparation: The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes. Carry proper gear, including waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and cold-weather gear.
The Rupin Pass Trek is a thrilling adventure that combines challenging trekking with breathtaking scenery. The variety in landscapes, combined with the thrill of crossing a high-altitude pass, makes this trek a favorite among seasoned trekkers.