Rupin Pass Trek : An Epiphanies Journey
The Rupin Pass trek is a glacial crossover from the state of Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh. The trek begins with a drive from Dehradun to Dhaula which is a 130km long journey by road and ends at Sangla village in Himachal Pradesh. Dhaula is located at an altitude of 5,100 ft. The Rupin Pass trek boasts a max altitude of 15,300 ft. That's a massive gain in altitude and therefore trekkers need to be prepared for this moderate to difficult grade trek as trekkers will have to cover about 10km each day.
Rupin Pass is one of the best treks when it comes to diversity of sceneries & sudden changes in the trail. At one point you might be climbing a steep trail which would suddenly change into an easy walk.
The trek is full of surprises at every step which includes the Jhaka Village also known as the hanging village. The unique position of the village on the edge of the mountain makes it appear as if the village was hanging through the cliff. Apart from this, you will encounter a number of snow bridges, Deep dark forests of fir, Oak & Rhododendron, waterfalls that appear to be falling from the sky and the view of majestic Kinner Kailash at the end of the Rupin Pass Trek will surely leave you spellbound.
The first day of the trek begins with a 190 km long ride from Dehradun to Dhaula and takes around 7 hours. The ride will be filled with the scenic beauty of the mountains. You will pass through the queen of hills - Mussooriee, Purola, Mori & Naitwar as we drive alongside the Yamuna river. Upon arrival at Dhaula you will be served hot dinner by The Crazy Mountaineers team.
Brief Overview of The Day
Today, we will start walking. It's going to be a long trek of 11 km until we reach Sewa. The trail is an easy path so it is not going to be a tiring walk.
As we leave Dhaula, the trail will enter a climb for about 200 m. but after this, it's an easy level walk. You will be able to view the Rupin river flowing into its bed.
Rupin pass gives you a surprise at every turn, you will find yourself walking surrounded by apple & apricot trees. When we reach Sewa, you can explore the village and the famous Kinnaur temple that is located here. Tonight we will camp outside the Sewa village near the Rupin River.
Brief Overview of The Day
Today, you will get used to ups and downs of the trek as today’s trail is a bit difficult. Listen carefully what you trek guide has to say as the route is prone to landslides. The variation in the trail also makes it a bit difficult.
The hike today will give you a brief glimpse of the surprises that Rupin Pass trek has to offer. You will be walking through the crop farms and then suddenly enter a dense forest. Soon you will be crossing a bridge that connects the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The bridge does not belong to either of the two states and hence referred to as “No Man’s Place”.
Walking under the shade of walnut trees on a steep trail we will soon reach Batwa and rest for the day.
Muster all your energy and prepare yourself for today as we cross the highest and the last village of the trek. The trail is a continuous ascent for 4 to 5 hours and you will need all your energy to walk on this trail full of twists and turns.
The trail is a moderate ascent and after reaching Jiksun the trail will start descending. Walking through the dense forest you will find a wooden bridge form where the trail will suddenly enter into a zig zag walk. Overnight stay in tents.
Brief Overview of The Day
Waking up in the morning we will start moving on a well defined trail through the Jakha village and enter a forest again. Walking further the scenery of the places starts changing as we encounter snow patches on the way. Soon we will be crossing our first snow bridge over Rupin. Walking down further you will encounter a wooden bridge.
About an hour of walk from here, walking carefully on the rocky path will take you to another forest of Rhododendron trees. As we keep walking few more kilometeres we will reach Saruwas Thatch. The view form here is absolutely mersmerizing you will be able to see the the Rupin waterfall in a distance, as you continue walking on the snow patches you will once again enter the forest. Moving further up you will find yourself surrounded with eternal bliss, thousands of waterfalls below you will hypnotize you for a while.
As we move down towards the valley, you will cross beautiful green meadows and after crossing some snow bridges, you will reach Dhanderas Thach. Overnight stay in camps.
Brief Overview of The Day
The altitude from Dhanderas to Upper waterfall rises quickly and is enough to make you vulnerable to Altitude Mountain Sickness. Pay attention to the trek leader as you will be briefed about how to cross the snowy trail ahead.
Walking further on the trek, we will reach Dhanderas base. Crossing the many rvulets of Rupin as we push further you will see the train enter thick snowy region. Paying attention to your trek leader will help you navigate this area safely. Soon we will cross the last snow bridge which is a picturesque sight in itself. A short steep climb from the bridge will take us to our campsite for tonight.
Brief Overview of The Day
The altitude from Dhanderas to Upper waterfall rises quickly and is enough to make you vulnerable to Altitude Mountain Sickness. Pay attention to the trek leader as you will be briefed about how to cross the snowy trail ahead.
Walking further on the trek, we will reach Dhanderas base. Crossing the many rvulets of Rupin as we push further you will see the train enter thick snowy region. Paying attention to your trek leader will help you navigate this area safely. Soon we will cross the last snow bridge which is a picturesque sight in itself. A short steep climb from the bridge will take us to our campsite for tonight.
Brief Overview of The Day
The last day of the Rupin Pass Trek will start with a steep downward decent and the altitude drops rapidly. If someone ever told you that climbing up is easier than climbing down, Rupin Pass Trek sets a perfect example for this
Listen to your trek leader carefully and follow his instructions to avoid injury. As we keep walking down the trail, we will exit the Ronti Gad valley & will be able to view the magnificent Mount Kinner Kailash.
Our next stop will be a lake near the lake of Sangla Kanda. The route from there will enter a steep descent once again, 30 minutes of walking will take you to Baspa Village and another 20 minutes from Bapsa, you will reach Sangla. Your trek ends here.
You can hire a vehicle from Sangla to Shimla which is not included in the trek price.
Brief Overview of The Day
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun
By Train :-
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi
By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhi?s ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station
Basics Gear | |
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Head torch | 1 Nos. |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
People who use hydration pack | |
1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter | |
Carry at least one thermos flask | |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Be comfy at the Rupin Pass Trek | |
T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Think about your head | |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. |
People who wear spectacles- | |
(A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) | |
(B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Mind your step | |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (The Crazy Mountaineers team will notify you if required) |
Keep these handy | |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
Personal Utilities | |
Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
Lip balm | Quick dry towe |
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund (Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
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