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. The path itself is located across mostly uninhabited areas in the Himalayan ranges above sea level. Rupin Pass 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.

Short Itinerary

Day 1-Reach at Dhaula (5,100 ft.); 220 Km drive from Dehradun

Day 2-Dhaula (5,100 ft.) to Sewa (6,300 ft. appx)

Day 3-Sewa (6,300 ft.) to Jhaka (8,700 ft. appx)

Day 4-Jhaka (8,700 ft.) to Saruwas Thatch (11,150 ft. appx)

Day 5-Saruwas Thatch (11,150 ft.) to Dhanderas thatch (11,700 ft.) (LOWER WATERFALL)

Day 6-Dhanderas Thatch (11,700 ft.) to Upper Waterfall Camp (13,100 ft. appx)

Day 7-Upper Waterfall camp (13,100 ft.) to Rupin Pass (15,380 ft.) via Rati Pheri, further on to Ronti Gad (13,100 ft. appx)

Day 8-Ronti Gad (13,100 ft.) to Sangla (8,600 ft.) via Sangla Kanda (11,427 ft. appx)

Detail Itinerary

Day 1

Reach at Dhaula (5,100 ft.); 220 Km drive from Dehradun

Assemble at the Dehradun Railway station by 6.30 AM.Our journey begins as soon as we hit the road from Dehradhun. A long, yet enjoyable drive, whereby, we proceed to Kempty Falls, near Mussoorie, to enjoy a hearty breakfast. While our journey recommences, you will appreciate the company and the lovely views of the serpentine river Tons. Smell the fresh air whilst appreciating the leaves of the numerous pine trees swaying in the breeze as we pass by Purola. Driving by a place called Mori, nearing closer to Sankri, you will get a glimpse of the river Tons joining a glacial stream to become the river Supin.

Duration:3 hours

Day 2

Dhaula (5,100 ft.) to Sewa (6,300 ft. appx)

The beginning of the Rupin Pass trek starts with an easy day. It takes about 5-6 hours from Dhaula to Sewa. You will cross the Rupin and walking on an undulating trail through the forests. The invisible singing birds lost in the trees will ardent company through the walk. The pebbled path has pine cones of different sizes strewn all over. The winding road leads you through small hamlets dotted with apple and apricot trees and village kids scamper about with their alluring smiles. As you reach Sewa, you will come to the history of the most renowned Lost Shiva temple. After a splendid day, spend the night in tents.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 3

Sewa (6,300 ft.) to Jhaka (8,700 ft. appx)

Today the trail is not easy. The initial climb will be steep and it progressively gets steeper with intermittent descents. It takes about 7-8 hours to reach the hanging village of Jhaka, a challenging but rewarding climb. You will walk on a narrow trail by the side of the mountains trying to keep as close to it as possible often casting a glance at the deep gorge on the other side. Soon the meandering trail brings you to the village of Jiskun. The highest and the last village on Rupin Pass trek is Jhaka which is very pretty and picturesque.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 4

Jhaka (8,700 ft.) to Saruwas Thatch (11,150 ft. appx)

The day’s walk is possibly one of the best you’ll ever do. What’s astonishing about Saruwas thatch is the sight of the Rupin gushing out of a gorge just ahead and to your left. Start off with a steep ascent which slowly leads into the wide valley. This trail takes about 5 hours to reach Saruwas Thatch. There are Bhoj Trees on the way – the leaves of which were used by our ancient sages to record the history of those times. After a while, a narrow trail ascends through the mountains and leads to you campsite through a lush green patch dotted with rocks.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 5

Saruwas Thatch (11,150 ft.) to Dhanderas thatch (11,700 ft.) (LOWER WATERFALL)

Today brings you lots of nature surprises on the trail from Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch which takes about 3-4 hours to reach there. The trail ahead from the campsite will be rocky. Enjoy the gentle undulating walk to the first hurdle of your trek: a snow bridge over the thundering Rupin. Abruptly, it opens out to a wide expansive valley with waterfalls trickling and thundering down from all side and you will walk on a green carpet adorn with blue, purple, green, yellow and white flowers.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 6

Dhanderas Thatch (11,700 ft.) to Upper Waterfall Camp (13,100 ft. appx)

This will be the shortest walk in the entire stretch and the most important day of your trek which takes about 3-4 hours to reach Upper Water Fall. You will climb the waterfall, gingerly stepping on a glacier and a snow bridge lest it gives away. The fluffy white clouds held the mountain tops in the tight embrace; it is the kind of natural romance you want to get in the hall. For the first time, you see a view of what it is actually like at the top of the waterfall.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 7

Upper Waterfall camp (13,100 ft.) to Rupin Pass (15,380 ft.) via Rati Pheri, further on to Ronti Gad (13,100 ft. appx)

Today is the longest day of the Rupin Pass Trek with a steep ascendant and the most grueling – and perhaps the most exciting too. It takes about 9-10 hours to reach the next campsite i.e. Ronti Gad. Get up early morning and make sure you are out of the camp by 05:00 AM. An hour of climbing, you will discover different and amazing sights from the Rati Pheri. The only views from the Rati Pheri are of the vast expanse of snow stretched all over, making your paths through them is your next exhausting task for the day to reach thrilling adventurous climb the Rupin Pass Gully.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 8

Ronti Gad (13,100 ft.) to Sangla (8,600 ft.) via Sangla Kanda (11,427 ft. appx)

The descending path from Ronti Gad to Sangla will be quite gentle except for the small pebbles and rocks that make it tougher. With the river (a tributary of Baspa) on the right and vast meadows ahead; it will be a pleasant trail. At the bus stand, there are restaurants where you can eat and good places to stay. The last bus for Shimla leaves at 05:00 PM and gets to Shimla at 03:00 AM the following day. Transport will be arranged at an additional cost from Sangla to Shimla at 02:00 PM.

Duration: 3 hours

Photo Gallery

Other Information