Rupin Pass trek is one such experience that all adventure lovers should indulge in. Located at an altitude of around 15250 feet, the mountain pass is in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. The trek is fairly undulating, but it will allow you to be pleasantly surprised by the change in scenery at every other corner. The state itself is known for its pristine natural beauty and the trek to Rupin Pass will take you among some of the best landscapes here. Meandering rivers, dense forests and snow-clad mountain ranges make for a perfect feast for the eyes.

The Rupin Pass trekking tour starts at Dhaula in the state of Uttarakhand. From here, head to the Sewa village where you will come across a Kinnauri-style temple. The ethnicity of the inhabiting tribe is symbolised by this captivatingly beautiful temple. Cross a few more charming villages, such as Saruwas thatch and Jakha, to reach the Rupin Valley camp. Capture a few shots of the scenic waterfall positioned here. Further, proceed towards Rati Pheri before the ultimate climb to the pass begins. The views of hanging glaciers and the Kinnaur Kailash Mountain Range from the summit will be more than enough to mesmerise you.

The last phase of the Rupin Pass trekking experience starts when you head towards Sangla. Pay attention to every scenic detail of the lushness surrounding you, so that you can forever cherish this memory. A trekking trip such as this will stay with you for a long period of time. Plan the trip to breathe in the fresh scent of mountain air, infused with sweetness of apples and apricots. A million more reasons including the chance to witness the nature in an absolute un-spoilt form will compel you to take up the challenge of this thrilling vacation.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Dehradun | Dehradun to Dhaula
Upon arrival in Dehradun by a train from Delhi, you can choose between driving to Dhaula and taking a bus from Dehradun to Naitwar. Upon reaching here, take a shared Jeep ride to the village of Dhaula. On arrival in the village, enjoy an overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 02: Dhaula to Sewa (7 KM | 6300 ft | 7 hours)
The adventurous Rupin pass trek starts today from a site, located a little outside Dhaula. Along the trail, you will encounter a few human settlements, and after sometime the pristine Rupin River will be visible flowing through a gorge about 500 feet below. The trek continues as you walk along the left side of the valley and pass through fragrant apple and apricot trees.

Carry on with the walk till you reach a shop, selling refreshments, on the way. Relish a steaming cup of tea, complemented with some light snacks, here. This break will refresh you enough to continue the Rupin pass trekking tour further. Today’s excursion ends at Sewa – a village, which a little uphill from the floor of the Rupin River. Upon reaching Sewa, you will come across a small temple that reflects the exquisite Kinnauri traditions and beliefs. Stay on the trail until you hear the rippling sounds of the stream.
 

Post hiking for sometime along the gushing rivulet, come across a bridge, which acts as a passage between the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Cross the bridge to reach the bank of the river, and set up tents here for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Sewa to Jhaka (9 KM | 8700 ft | 7 hours)
In the morning, walk along the crop fields as we enter lush forest. As you walk through the thick verdant forest, you will reach a wooden bridge which is commonly known as the "No man's Place" as the bridge does not belong to any state. After reaching Gosangu, continue walking to Kwar .Walk on the bridge, across a river, and then take the track leading up to the village. Climb up to Kwar and reach the rapidly ascending trail, which will take you to the village of Jiksun. The trail heads along the right bank of the river, as you tackle the demanding climb to Jiksun. Another one hour walk will talk you to Jhaka Village, this village is your camping destination for the night.

Day 04: Jhaka to Saruwas Thatch (6 KM | 11150 ft | 5 hours)
Resume the Rupin Pass trekking venture by descending along the trail that becomes more demanding and steep as it leads towards a tributary of the main river. Admire the breathtaking views and cross forest and reach a beautiful snow fields. Follow the snow bridge which will take you to another forest of Rhododendron. Another walk for a few kilometers will take you to campsite of Saruwas Thatch. Admire the amazing views of the Rupin waterfall from your campsite and spend the night.

Day 05: Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch (5 KMS| 11680 ft | 4 hours)
In the morning, continue the trek to Rupin Pass by walking through picturesque and thick maple and blue pine forests. After strolling for a while, you will eventually start to descend towards a river. Cross the bridge to reach the left side of the valley from the right side. Maple forests now give way to those of silver birch and rhododendrons, and finally to alpine meadows. In the blooming seasons, the vivid colours of the wild flowers and blue poppies come alive and turn the meadow into something enchantingly beautiful. Reach the campsite for an overnight stay.

Day 06: Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall camp (13120 ft | 2-3 hours)
After acclimatizing at Dhanderas, start walking to the Upper Waterfall camp. Cross the patches of snow and fields of marigold flowers, to reach a thick snow trail. After a short sharp climb reach your campsite and relax for the night.

Day 07: Upper water fall to Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad (10 KM | 15250 ft | 11 hours)
Rupin Pass trekking tour now becomes a bit more challenging as you move along a trail, less in width and having a high angle of ascent. Continue to make progress on the expedition while passing through perilous boulders. For your safety, take the support of a rope if these have snow. On reaching the summit of the pass, enjoy the spectacular views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range of the Himalayas. Finally, descend towards alpine meadows to set up camps for at Ronti Gad for an overnight stay.
 

Day 08: Ronti Gad to Sangla Via Sangla Kanda. Overnight drive to Shimla (12 KM | 8800 ft | 6 hours)
All the while, continue enjoying enthralling views of the Sangla Valley. Descending towards Sangla, the trail grows steeper, so walk downhill carefully and maintain a comfortable pace. Hike downhill for around one and a half hour and experience an elevation decline of more than 1500 feet. The Rupin Pass trek comes to an end upon reaching Sangla. Having reached here, you will find that the town has excellent links to other cities. Either stay in Sangla in any of the numerous accommodation options offered in the form of hotels, and bed and breakfasts; or travel to Shimla by road.