About The Trek

The Rupin Pass Trek is often hailed as one of the most beautiful treks in the Indian Himalayas. This cross-over trek from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh offers an incredibly diverse landscape, changing dramatically with each passing day - from dense forests to cascading waterfalls, from hanging villages to vast meadows, from snow bridges to steep glacier climbs. The trek follows the Rupin River valley, featuring the spectacular Rupin Waterfall - one of the highest waterfalls in the Himalayas. You'll walk through ancient villages like Jhaka, where houses seem to defy gravity by hanging on steep slopes. The trail takes you across snow bridges, through rhododendron forests, and over alpine meadows before the final challenging climb to Rupin Pass (4,650m). The pass crossing itself is an adventure - a steep snow and scree ascent that rewards trekkers with breathtaking 360-degree views of Kinnaur peaks including Kailash range. The descent into the Sangla valley is equally dramatic, making this one of the most complete Himalayan trekking experiences. Rupin Pass is recommended for trekkers with prior experience, good fitness, and a spirit of adventure. The trek combines technical challenges with stunning beauty, making it a favorite among serious trekking enthusiasts.

Trek Highlights

Cross from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh
Witness the magnificent Rupin Waterfall
Visit hanging villages of Jhaka and Saruwas Thatch
Walk on snow bridges over the Rupin River
Challenging climb to Rupin Pass (15,250 ft)
360° views of Kinnaur Kailash range
Diverse terrain - forests, meadows, glaciers, waterfalls
Descend into the beautiful Sangla Valley

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:Dehradun to Dhaula

Drive from Dehradun to Dhaula village (8-9 hours). Cross through Mussoorie, Nainbagh, and Nowgaon. Overnight in guesthouse/tents. Altitude: 5,340 ft.

Day 2:Dhaula to Sewa

Begin trek through villages and forests alongside Rupin River. First views of snow peaks. Reach Sewa campsite (7,200 ft). Trek duration: 5-6 hours.

Day 3:Sewa to Jhaka via Rupin Waterfall

Trek past the spectacular Rupin Waterfall. Cross snow bridges and reach the hanging village of Jhaka (9,450 ft). Trek duration: 6-7 hours.

Day 4:Jhaka to Saruwas Thatch

Steep climb through meadows and forests. Reach the beautiful campsite of Saruwas Thatch (12,100 ft). Trek duration: 6-7 hours.

Day 5:Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch

Trek through vast alpine meadows with stunning mountain views. Reach Dhanderas Thatch (13,100 ft), the base camp for pass crossing. Trek duration: 4-5 hours.

Day 6:Dhanderas Thatch to Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad

Summit day! Very early start for steep climb to Rupin Pass (15,250 ft). Challenging snow and scree ascent. After crossing, steep descent to Ronti Gad campsite (11,150 ft). Trek duration: 10-12 hours.

Day 7:Ronti Gad to Sangla

Descend through meadows and forests to reach Sangla village. Drive to Sangla town. Trek duration: 3-4 hours.

Day 8:Sangla to Dehradun

Drive back to Dehradun via Shimla. Long but scenic journey. Arrive by evening.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Accommodation in guesthouses and tents
All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 8 breakfast
Trek permits and forest fees
Experienced trek leader and technical guides
High-altitude camping equipment
First aid, oxygen cylinder, and safety gear
Porter support for common equipment
Micro-spikes and technical gear for pass crossing

Exclusions

Transport from Dehradun
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Personal porter/offloading charges
Trekking insurance
Meals during transit days
Emergency evacuation costs
Any personal expenses

FAQs

Is Rupin Pass suitable for beginners?

No. Rupin Pass requires good fitness and prior trekking experience. The pass crossing day is particularly challenging with steep snow slopes.

What makes Rupin Pass special?

Rupin Pass offers incredible diversity - you experience waterfalls, hanging villages, snow bridges, meadows, and a challenging high pass, all in one trek. It's a complete Himalayan experience.

Do I need technical equipment?

Yes, micro-spikes are essential for the pass crossing. These are usually provided by trek operators. Trekking poles are highly recommended.

When is the best time?

May-June offers snow-covered pass crossing and full waterfalls. September-October has clearer weather but less snow. Both seasons are excellent.