Rupin Pass Trek: The Test of Your Fortitude

About Rupin Pass Trek

A crossover trek with surprises and changing scenery on every turn; that’s what a brief description of Rupin Pass would be like, the Rupin Pass trek shows many beautiful pictures in this whole journey. Rupin Pass is a high altitude pass across the Himalaya mountain range in state of Himachal pradesh India. It lies on a traditional shepherd and hiking route which starts from Dhaula in Uttarakhand and ends in Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. Green meadows which look more luxurious than any branded car, natural water flowing through streams is enough to capture your attention. Being a moderate level trek, Rupin Pass demands specific skills and trekking gear to navigate the terrain efficiently.

Difficulty : Mpderate to Difficult
Best time to visit : May to June and then October
Temparature : Day 5°C to 12°C & Night – 2° C to – 5° C
Hightest Altitude : 15,250 Ft.
Pickup point : Dehradun

About Rupin Pass Trek

Rupin Pass trek trek consists of trails dug out of rock faces and wooden bridges, cut through deep dark folds in the mountain, glaciers and icy slopes, and over snow fields. Along the way there are white Rhododendrons and expanse of green meadows.. There are different trails that access the Rupin Pass. One of them starts at the sleepy village of Gosangu which is the last road head of Himachal Pradesh. Generally, trekkers and adventurers travel to Gosangu by road from Shimla via Rohru. The alternate route to Rupin Pass starts from Naitwar, which is accessible from Dehradhun via Dhaula. From either of the two road heads, the first camp is Jhaka, the hanging village and the last stop for replenishing stocks and a look at the civilization. Traveling the Rupin Pass is a moderate – difficult level of climbing. The trails follow the Rupin river all the way to the top (Upper waterfall camp).

Your trek will start from Dhaula and from there itself you will see several villages around you which depict a complete traditional picture. You will see people with benign nature and they will always pave the way for you in case of any need. Doesn't matter how far you will come across but you will always feel like the trek is far from over, and this shows that the place has never-ending beauty.

The trek is the most beautiful one but you may also find it difficult to pass. Therefore it is very important for you all to have a strong grip while walking through the trek. While trekking, you will find dense forests of pine trees, various flora and fauna, several beautiful colorful flowers blooming, Enchanting weather, and many more. A lot of part of this trek lies in the Himachal region. As it is one of the highest ascents, you need to be cautious all the time. This 8-day long trek will give a huge number of memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.

Rupin Pass trek is not only seen as a trek but as a great adventure too. People fond of adventure or trekking are heartily welcome. We provide the best facilities in the Rupin pass trek package. We have a great experience of conducting similar treks efficiently and hence you can rely on us without any doubt. This high altitude trekking experience of Rupin Pass offers you diversity in every form. During the trek, you experience every kind of terrain with sudden variations. From snow cover fields to rocky terrain; from lush green meadows to deep folds in the mountain; from glaciers, snow bridges, icy slopes to habitations, and religious sites- you have it all in one trek. Although summits are a highlight of most trek routes, Rupin Pass’ diversity and the experience it offers all through the trek route has proven to be the attraction of the trekkers from all over the world. Even with trekking for 5 to 6 hours on an average while advancing 10 km each day can prove strenuous for some, but the thrill of adventure and the experience it offers along with the marvelous sights makes it all worth the effort..

DAY 1: Pickup to you from Dehradun railway station drive to Dhaula camp (209 km) (8/9 Hours) (5,100) feet)
DAY 2: Trek from Dhaula camp to Sewa village (08 km) (5/6 Hours) (6,300 feet)
DAY 3: Trek from Sewa village to Jiskun / Jhaka village (09 km) (5/6 Hours) (7,700 feet)
DAY 4: Trek from Jhaka village to Udaknal camp (10 km) (6/7 Hours) (10,100 feet)
DAY 5: Trek from Udaknal camp to Dhandaras thatch camp (8 km) (4/5 Hours) (11,700 feet) hours)
DAY 6: Trek from Dhandaras thatch to Upper waterfall camp (4 km) (2/3 Hours) ((13,100 feet)
DAY 7: Trek from Upper waterfall camp to Rupin Pass summit (15,260 feet) via Rati Pheri and Ronti Gad (13,100 feet) (13 Km) (10-11hours)
DAY 8: Trek Ronti Gad camp to Sangla road head (11 km) (5/6 Hours) (8,600 feet) via Sangla Kanda

Day 1: Pickup to you from Dehradun railway station drive to Dhaula camp (209 km) (8/9 Hours)

Description: The journey begins from the capital city of Dehradun. Om Adventures organizes transport for trekkers from Dehradun Railway Station in the morning, which leaves for Dhaula camp around 6:00 am to 7:00 am.
The drive will take you through the infamous Kempty falls tucked in high mountain cliffs in Mussoorie. Once you cross Mussoorie, a sparkling Yamuna River runs alongside the road throughout. As you move ahead, deep gorges on the sides are replaced by a canopy of blue pine forests that carry the misty scent of woods.
Further, you also cross the small markets of Nainbagh, Damta, and Naugaon. Reach Purola around 1:30 and take a break there for lunch. After having lunch proceed to Sankri via Jarmola. From there, the back of Kedarkantha is visible. Go through the picturesque zig-zag road amid the pine forest of Jarmola. Reach Mori, and after 1 hour, you come across a check post Naitwar, reaching the Dhaula campsite you enjoy the tea or snacks.

Day 2: Trek from Dhaula camp to Sewa village (08 km) (5/6 Hours)

Description: After a scrumptious breakfast, we begin our trek to Sewa at 9 am. The distance from Dhaula to Sewa village is 8 km and would take 5-6 hours to cover.
The trek begins on a dusty trail that runs on the true right of the valley. You will be able to see striking views of the Rupin River swerving in the gorges, about 500 feet below you. Since we will be walking on what is predominantly a shepherds’ trail, you are likely to encounter mule traffic and livestock accompanied by local farmers along the way. The trek gradient is quite easy with gentle ascents and descents throughout.
Almost 3 hours into the trek, the trail runs into a thicket of Rhododendron forests with a sweet mist of pine and deodar woods invigorating a new zest for the trek ahead. Rhododendron blooms cover the trail in red and bright pink during the late winter and spring seasons here. The richness of the number of streams in the last leg of the trail is absolutely mesmerising. Thick apple and apricot trees sheath the region here with the Rupin River running alongside.

Day 3: Trek from Sewa village to Jiskun / Jhaka village (09 km) (5/6 Hours)

Description: Wake up early to catch a beautiful sun rising from the lofty mountains. We begin the trek at 9 AM to Jiskun. The trail climbing out of Sewa is narrow and uneven, crossing mixed farming fields and towering Oak forests. During the summer-monsoon months, bright green plants flank either side of the pathway and there is heavy foliage on the trees around. It is a moderately steep hike for the initial part of the trek before you start descending through the forest to reach the Rupin riverbed.
The Rupin River acts as a handrail for a major part of the trek today. Two hours into the trail, after crossing several brooks along the way, you enter a dense jungle with Deodar and Walnut trees. This comes as a pleasant surprise as the vegetation changes from fields of potato and barley to a thicket of dark forests. Continue trekking to reach a wooden bridge over a tributary of Rupin river that will mark our crossover from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh.
The trek gradient is easy for the first 3 hours or so and becomes moderately steep as you begin the final leg to Jiskun. Follow the steep incline leading you to a motor-able road leaving the Rupin River in the gorge below. Continue walking uphill. You will cross the remote villages of Dodra and Kuar on your way. Jiskun is at a 500 m steep incline from here, located high above the confluence of Rupin and Narkund Khad. We will be staying in a homestay for the night.

Day 4: Trek from Jhaka village to Udaknal camp (10 km) (6/7 Hours)

Description: After having breakfast, leave this quaint Himalayan village behind and proceed towards your next campsite, “Udaknal.” Go through the forest of pines, and ahead, you can spot a change instead of pines trees. There will be Fir trees. A descent through the forest and look at the snow bridge present below, this bridge catches the complete attention.
By the way, it’s built. It is across Rupin, and the trail lies on the other side, it is a narrow path made by shepherds for their use. Take this trail and trek along the left bank of Rupin and come across a bridge that made of wood and grassland is visible ahead, it is a famous camping spot. Cross this section and hike through a rocky zone, and the trail changes now cross a stream and step in a forest.
Udaknal is a small grassland and your campsite for today, cattle’s graze here. Set up your tents and after having a meal retire for the night.

Day 5: Trek from Udaknal camp to Dhandaras thatch camp (8 km) (4/5 Hours)

Description: As soon as you step out of the grassland you enter a forest, the ascent is gradual through this forest, it is a short one, and you can see many mini waterfalls on the way. Further, the trail turns beautiful with many colorful flowers blooming together, and it remains covered by Rhododendrons with different colored flowers.
Continue the trek and notice an island amidst the forests covered by lush green grass, and you can also see Rupin pass waterfall from a distance that merges with the Rupin River. Now, the trail leveled, and the walk is through meadows.
Snow patches can be seen all over these meadows. After crossing a snow bridge, you reach the bank of River Rupin. Crossing the snow bridge is fierce as the slope is steep, but once you have crossed it, the path becomes level. Now, the meadows and wildflowers welcome you, walk through these meadows, and higher lies “Dhandaras Thach.”
The most beautiful meadow on this trek, snow-covered walls, can be seen on both sides. Many flowing streams and waterfalls are around this place. Place your tents at this unique place, have a healthy diet, and relax in tents.

Day 6: Trek from Dhandaras thatch to Upper waterfall camp (4 km) (2/3 Hours)

Description: The morning begins at leisure allowing the trekkers to rest their limbs properly. For about 1 km, the trail is fairly level as you cross several streams on your way decorated with a display of wild flowers and marigolds. The trek on snow is particularly challenging as the trail is steep and narrow in many sections. This continues for the next 1.5 kms before you reach the meadow at the top.
The Upper Waterfall Camp is a gorgeous meadow on the banks of a gently flowing stream. You will get to see the spectacular mountain ranges covered in snow and several streams running down through them merging into the Rupin river and disappearing below your feet. While everyone has seen a waterfall closely, only a few can claim to have seen it right from the top and observe it fall down right into the valley. You will one of those lucky few. Capture this moment at the most cinematic location one can imagine. This campsite is a true sight to behold!

Day 7: Trek from Upper waterfall camp to Rupin Pass summit (15,260 feet) via Rati Pheri and Ronti Gad (13,100 feet)

Description: Today we have to wake up early in the morning because it will be going a big day for us. Have some excellent and hygienic breakfast. Start your trek early, and it is going to be the longest day of your trek.
Rupin Pass is at an altitude of 4,650 meters, and the trail is exhilarating. Today you need proper trekking equipment to climb the pass successfully. Please take your guide and helpers help. Without their help, we can’t do this trek.
Climb to Rati Pheri, which is a steep ascent, reach there in 1 hour, and take a break here for 10-15 minutes. And then start hiking. Witness the extraordinary changes in the scenery, and it is a real delight and bliss to explore so much variety on a single trek.
Now, trek through fields, covered in snow, and from here have the first glimpse of Rupin Pass. It looks beyond reach, the climb to this pass starts, and it is going to be thrilling. Walk through the rocky area, there are loose rocks on the way, and stones can fall from above, so you need to be careful and follow the instructions of the guide. Reach the top, and the first thing you see is colorful flags flowing with the wind with a lovely view of Dhauladhar Range.
After spending some time on the summit, plan your descent. Descending is fun, slide down in excitement and reach leveled trail, which leads to the meadows of Ronti Gad. These meadows are different from the ones which you addressed earlier, and this is a big meadow, the view of snow-covered mountains and meadows blooming in greenery looks entrancing. Today was a tough day, have salubrious food, and have a good tight sleep in tents.

Day 8: Trek Ronti Gad camp to Sangla road head (11 km) (5/6 Hours) (8,600 feet) via Sangla Kanda

Description: Many trails lead to Sangla, go through a path frequently used by shepherds through a valley, and you see Sangla Kanda Lake on the way. At some distance, there lies a village that is accessible through a forest.
The changing sceneries and majestic views of “Kinner Kailash” are mind-blowing. Trek through the pine forest, and you reach a village; there you can see orchards of apple and wooden houses. Further, reach Sangla and from there leave for Shimla.

Includes

Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
Welcome refreshment
Three times meals (Veg+egg): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Snacks
All necessary permits and entry fees
First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
Mountaineering qualified & professional guide and Support staff.
Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and retorn (According to itinerary)
Porter or mule charges for carrying camping equipment and rations
Morning Tea
Evening Tea with snacks
Guide Charges
Hot drinking water
Outside Explorers approved trek completion certificate
Dry fruits, chocolates, biscuits, toffees provided during the trek

Excludes

Porter/mule for personal bags
Any meals or services not mentioned in inclusions
Any charges for video cameras or still cameras
Charges for soft drinks or any other beverage
Personal expenses such as tips, laundry or telephone calls
Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances like landslides, bad weather or road blocks, etc
Any kind of personal expenses.
Food during the transit.
Insurance.
Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.

Note : Normally Outside Explorer expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.

Charges of offloading backpack:-

INR 2100/- if you make an online payment, 6 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.