Rupin Pass trek is a remote and beautiful trek from Uttarakhand (Dhaula) to Himachal Pradesh (Sangla), following the Rupin river. The alpine meadows in the Govind National Park and the views along the way are outstanding. The trek passes through several villages and shepherd camps in the Rupin river valley. Rupin is a tributary of the Tons river and meets Supin river at Netwar. This part of the Himalayas is very beautiful and has not been spoilt by development. One can witness the Garhwali culture as well as the Kinnauri culture. There is a stark difference between the two and the most prominent indicator is the style of houses. During the early summer months, it is highly likely that one may encounter snow leading upto the pass. This makes the trek enthralling.
- Enjoy the beauty of Rupin waterfall from the lower waterfall campsite.
- Experience lively wildflowers and lush meadows in the Rupin valley surrounded by the mighty Himalayan peaks.
- Experience a wide range of flora and fauna like the grand Pine trees, majestic Himalayan Griffons, Golden Eagles, etc.
Day 1 – Delhi to Dehradun
- Reporting at New Delhi railway station at 02.00 pm and proceed to Dehradun by train.
- Reach Dehradun by 09.00 pm and check in at Hotel.
- Overnight stay at Hotel near railway station in Dehradun.
Day 2 - Dehradun to Dhaula (1,580 m)
The drive from Dehradun to Dhaula passes through the towns of Mussoorie and the villages of Nainbagh, Damta, Naugaon, Purola and Mori. After Mori, it is a beautiful drive along the Rupin river through mixed Oak and conniferous forests. We reach Dhaula by evening. Overnight stay in Dhaula.
Day 3 - Dhaula (1,580 m) to Sewa (2,000 m) to Aaligad
This is the first day of our trek. The trail is on the true right of the valley climbing up gradually. Pisa and Khana villages are seen across the river. We climb up high above the river to Danti Dhar. The path passes through beautiful rhododendron forests. Sewa has a beautiful Hindu temple and lies on the border of the two states. We camp a little after the village on the banks of the river at a site known as Aaligad.
Day 4 - Aaligad to Jakha (2,300 m)
The trail continues along the true right of the valley. The trail is fairly gradual, going past the two large but remote villages of Dodra and Kuar. This region has recently been connected by road from Rohru (Shimla Region). The road is being extended till Jakha. We cross the bridge below Kuar village and take the path climbing up to the village. This path will join the trail on the true right below Jiskun village. From here the trail steeply climbs to Jiskun, which is located high above the confluence of Rupin and Narkund Khad. Jiskun has a small forest rest house. Continuing along the path, we descend steeply to a side tributary and after a short and steep ascent reach Jakha. Overnight stay in Jakha.
Day 5 - Jakha to Burans Kandi (3,080 m)
This day involves a beautiful walk through blue pine and maple forests. After a while, the trail starts to descend to the river. There is a small bridge taking the trail to the true left of the valley. We camp overnight beside the river at a spot frequented by shepherds.
Day 6 - Burans Kandi to Lower Waterfall (3,450 m)
The forest changes to silver Birch and rhododendron leading to alpine meadows. In season, the area looks spectacular with wild flowers and blue poppies. We walk on the large meadow surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. There is a huge and impressive waterfall in the middle of the valley leading up to the pass. Overnight stay at Lower Waterfall campsite.
Day 7 - Lower Waterfall to Rupin Pass basecamp (4,350 m)
We start early today to make it to the base camp of the Rupin pass by afternoon. We start our journey towards the waterfall and after traversing the steep sections we reach the Upper Waterfall campsite, which is majestic. We spend some time here enjoying the views and have our packed lunch. It seems an ideal campsite but we approach the base camp as it will reduce our ascent to the pass and offer a very different camping experience. The base camp is covered in snow till late June and thus camping in snow from the winters, is a vivid summer experience, with the entire campsite largely to ourselves as we leave most of the groups behind. In the evening we can go climb up the nearby ridges to get panoramic views of the landscape covered in snow.
Day 8 - Basecamp (4,350 m) to Rupin Pass (4,690 m) to Ronti Gad (3,990 m)
There are excellent views of the hanging glaciers and snow fields on the way to the pass. It is a fairly narrow and steep path through the boulders. In case of snow, a rope maybe used. From the pass, one can witness great views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. We descend to the alpine meadows with lots of camping options.
Day 9 - Ronti Gad to Kanda to Sangla (2,650 m)
Today is a beautiful short trek through blue Pine, Deodar and Oak forests overlooking the Sangla valley. It is a fairly steep descent. Sangla valley is known for growing one of the best quality apples in the world. It is also one of the starting points of the famous Kinnaur Kailash trek. Sangla is connected by road to Shimla. One can get public or private transport from Sangla to Shimla.
Day 10 - Time to say good bye and cherish unforgettable memories of trek
- Departure for Delhi by 05.00 am by train and reach New Delhi railway station by approx.12.30 pm.
- You can book your onward journey anytime after 3.00 pm on this day.
- There is an option to book flight directly from Jolly Grant Airport located near Dehradun and fly back home.
What is included in the tour
- Transportation from Delhi to Delhi.
- Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 9 (Dehradun to Dehradun). You will be staying in a Hotel/guest house at the base camp. The rest of the days will be camping when on the trek.
- Vegetarian meals along the trek route from the Base Camp to Base Camp.
- Sleeping bag, mattress, tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
- Professional outdoor experts, guide, cook and support staff.
- All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
- First aid medical kit.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Personal luggage with mass not exceeding 12 kg per bag per person can be carried by porters/mules @ Rs 400 per day per bag.
- Meals during transit from Pune to base camp and back.
- Medical expenses (apart from first aid).
- Any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sight-seeing, and any other expenses of personal nature.
- Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
- Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, down jackets and other special clothing etc. (You can rent out from us)
- Any other item not mentioned in the cost include section.