We all have things which we love doing on holidays or days when we are relatively free. Some love relaxing at home, some love to go out and meet their friends while some love travelling to places.
There are some people who love combining a bit of adventure in their travelling experiences. Trekking remains by far the most popular activity which people love indulging among adventurous experiences.
There was previously a misconception that only people who were experienced in trekking and would frequently go on trekking expeditions were the ones could only take part in this activity.
But thanks to the improvement in infrastructure and accessibility of trekking destinations across the country, trekking is popular among all types of people- experienced as well as beginners.
India is obviously blessed with a number of trekking destinations. Trekking helps you know your strengths and weaknesses. You come in close contact with nature. It surely rejuvenates the mind and the soul.
Rupin Pass trek is one such trek that boasts of beautiful Himalayan landscapes. It is challenging but at the same time exciting and adventurous.
Excited much? Let us go straight into the details.
Which is the best season/seasons to go on Rupin Pass Trek?
What will be the total expense?
Best Things to do on a Rupin Pass Trek
Where can I rent Trekking equipment?
How good is Rupin Pass for solo travel Plan?
Is the guide required for this trek?
About Rupin Pass trek
The Rupin Pass trek is one of the beautiful treks that provides some stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. This high altitude pass situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh is situated at a height of about 15250 feet above sea level.
There are a number of routes to reach this place but the most frequented route is the one that starts from Dhaula in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand and finally ends in Sangla in Himachal Pradesh.
The whole trail is beautiful with remote beautiful villages, lush green forests, alpine meadows and a number of waterfalls on its way. The Rupin river also flows by the side of this trail. There are a number of small temples on the way as well.
The total distance that one needs to cover during the whole duration of 7 nights and 8 days on this trek is around 52 kilometers. The trek falls in the moderate to difficult category but will surely excite you.
The forests comprise of fir, rhododendron and oak trees. You can also witness the simple lifestyle of the local people here who live in the villages on the way. There is a large number of wildflowers that bloom along the route.
The final stretches of this trek provide stunning views of the majestic Kailash peak. The Rupin river that originates from one side of this pass eventually meets the Yamuna river while stream originating from the other side of the pass eventually flows and merges with the Sutlej river.
Rupin Pass trek is full of surprises and natural beauty all along. Going on this trek is a wonderful experience which you will cherish throughout your lifetime.
Trek Details
The itinerary of the Rupin Pass trek would span along the whole time period comprising 7 nights and 8 days. We will start at Dehradun, which is easily connected with all major Indian cities by road, rail and air.
From Dehradun, we will move further towards Dhaula from where the actual trek starts. Let us cover the details of the whole trip day wise below-
Day 1 – Dehradun to Dhaula
We will reach Dehradun early in the morning by train and then drive towards Dhaula via Mori. A number of buses and private cars will drop you at Dhaula. Mori is a small village by the banks of the Tons river.
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The temple of Pokhu Devta will also fall on the way where we will stop to pay our respects. A road journey of about 7-8 hours will bring us to Dhaula, which is located 195 kilometres away from Dehradun. The trek starts from Dhaula. We will, however, stay in tents here for the night and gear up for the next day’s trek.
Day 2 – Dhaula to Sewa
We will start our day with some hearty breakfast and then head towards Sewa. This trek will take around 3-4 hours to complete. This is stretch with moderate ascent and will not pose many difficulties.
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We will find some beautiful villages on the way where most residents are very courteous. You may also find small tea shops on the way where you can stop for some refreshment. Small temples with architecture typically found in Kinnaur region can be seen here as well.
The rest part of the trek passes through forests of rhododendron and alpine meadows. On reaching Sewa, we will set up our tents and stay here for the night.
Day 3 – Sewa to Jakha
Today we will cover the distance between Sewa and Jakha. Jakha is the highest and the last village in this Rupin pass trek route. A number of small villages also fall on the way where you can witness the local culture and simple lives of the local people. The trek today will approximately take around 5-6 hours today.
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The trail passes through lush green forests and provides stunning views of the snow clad Himalayan peaks. The trail also has the river flowing by the side of it. The trek will be challenging today with some rocky patches and will test endurance. After reaching Jakha, we will stay in our tents.
Day 4 – Jakha to Suruwas Thach
We will start our day early today and head towards Suruwas Thach which is famous for its alpine meadows. The trek will take around 5-6 hours today as well. On the way, we will first cover a stretch full of towering fir and pine trees You will again find the Rupin river by the side of you during this trek.
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The ascent will be steep today. The Rupin river flows in three stages from the mountains. The first sight of this waterfall can be seen from this place. The meadows are also places where you will a number of flowers of different colours blooming abundantly. We will stay here for the night in tents.
Day 5 – Suruwas Thach to Waterfall Camp
Today we will cover a challenging part of the trek. This will be a stretch requiring continuous ascent and will also have snow patches. We will start our ascent from the Suruwas Thach meadows and then slowly head over the upper waterfall camping area.
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There is high altitude in this stretch and some might face breathing problems due to the low oxygen levels. You will find a number of small glacial streams also on the way.
Trekking to the upper waterfall camp area can be difficult with the snow all around but taking the steps slowly and along the boulder-strewn route can help. The sight of the waterfall is mesmerizing.
On reaching the top of the waterfall camp the stunning views will charm you. A number of small glacial streams from the nearby snow clad mountains merge together in this area forming a waterfall which later flows as the Rupin river.
We will stay here in tents for the night and relax after a long gruelling round of trekking.
Day 6 – Waterfall Camp to Rupin Pass and Ronti Gad
We will start our day early as today we will have to cover a long distance. It will approximately take around 8-9 hours to complete the whole stretch. This is a stretch that will require you to ascend through portions filled with snow as well as rocks.
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The Dhauladhar range can be seen from this stretch. Once you reach the Rupin Pass, the views of the Kinner Kailash Himalayan peaks are clearly visible.
From here we will descend to Ronti Gad which is located by the banks of a stream. From the snowy fields, you are suddenly transported back to landscapes with greenery all around at Ronti Gad. Ronti Gad is an ideal place to camp. We will set up our tents and stay here for the night.
Day 7 – Ronti Gad to Sangla
We will start our day with some light breakfast and then further descend to Sangla. The portion of the trail has spectacular views of the Kinnaur Kailash range.
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You will also pass through the Baspa Valley where the Baspa river flows in full stream. You will also witness the lake of Sangla Kanda and a number of small remote hamlets on the way. After reaching Sangla, we will spend the rest of the day relaxing. At night we will stay here in tents.
Day 8 – Sangla to Shimla
It is the last day of our trekking expedition. We will wake up early and head over to the bus station from where we will board a bus for Shimla.
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The journey between Shimla and Sangla takes around 6 hours. From Shimla, we will head over to our respective hometowns. A beautiful and memorable trip comes to an end here.
Location and how to reach
The Rupin Pass lies at an altitude of 15250 feet above sea level. The trek starts from Dhaula which can be easily reached from Dehradun. A number of private vehicles can drop you till Dhaula. Dehradun is easily connected by road, air and rail.
The Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun has frequent flights connecting all major cities in India. The trek ends at Sangla. There are a number of buses from Sangla towards Shimla, Delhi and Chandigarh.
Things to carry
It is a medium to difficult level trek and tests endurance. Thus it is advisable to carry a good amount of water and dry fruits during the ascent. The valley is at a high altitude and therefore has low levels of oxygen and low temperatures. There are portions with a steep ascent and arduous terrain types.
Make sure you carry sufficient amount of warm and comfortable clothes. Camphor also helps in breathing at such high altitudes. Some basic trekking gear like sleeping bags and walking stick is also required.
Along with this gloves, goggles and a good pair of trekking shoes is a must on this path. Frostbites and shoe bites can be avoided by wearing the right footwear and right socks. The right type of socks also helps in blood circulation that is really helpful on an enduring trek like this.
Also, do not forget to carry your camera to capture the beautiful sights and landscapes on the trek. It is also a must to carry umbrella and raincoats to protect yourself from the rain. Your identification cards, passport photo, medical fitness certificate and voluntary declaration advocating your participation in this trek are compulsory.
These are required for the various permits and permissions required on the way. Carry a basic first aid kit with basic medicines like antiseptics, antipathetic and analgesics. Since this, a long enduring trek, do carry crepe bandages and pain reliever creams also.
If you are having any ailments, make sure you carry your prescription and the prescribed drugs. Carry your mobile power backups as you will trek the whole day.
Difficulty Level
The Rupin Pass trek is a medium to difficult level trek. It does have a mix of different terrains including muddy, slippery, snow and rocky. However, there is also an immense amount of adventure and excitement that you will experience while doing this trek.
It surely will test your endurance as well. People who love adventure and are up for new challenges will surely love this experience. Sights on the trek are absolutely stunning.
Although the trek is quite frequented by many trekkers, there are portions which are not so well defined. There is a fair mix of gradual and steep ascent during the whole trail.
If you are leading a rather sedentary life, then make sure you workout or make yourself physically fit a month prior to this in order to do this trek. Making yourself mentally prepared for this will also help. You can use a walking stick during the trek. The trek passes through some high altitudes and there might be low levels of oxygen.
Some people might experience difficulties with that, so they should come prepared. Also the temperatures high up there might be very low, proper woollen clothes and gear should be carried.
ATM and Connectivity
There are no ATMs on this trekking route. The nearest ATM is at Purola which is nearby to Dhaula. It is advisable to withdraw money from Dehradun which has a number of ATMs once you start the journey.
Make sure you withdraw sufficient amount of cash for the entire journey and carry it with you. None of the cell phone networks also work up there properly, however, you might get limited network at times.
Make sure you complete all your important calls and let your family members know about this connectivity issue before you start the trek.
Permissions/Passes/Permits
People doing the Rupin Pass trek need to have a permission from the forest check-post. This is easily available and the original and xeroxed copies of identification cards are required.
Identification cards such as driving license or voter ID along with a passport size photo are compulsory and would be required while obtaining the permit for the trek. There are no other permissions or permits required. Camping charges are separate and may vary.
Which is the best season/seasons to go on Rupin Pass Trek?
The best time to do the Hampta Pass trek is either the summer season ( May and June) or the post-monsoon period( Sept to October). The summer months are the best times if you want to witness snow on the trail.
The temperatures also remain relatively normal during these times. You can also expect some light showers. This is also the season when rhododendrons bloom all over along this trail.
Planning a trip during monsoons should be avoided as heavy rains can cause rivers to overflow and cause landslides. Also, the terrain becomes muddy and slippery.
The post monsoons period is absolutely hassled free if you are planning the trek. The sky is clear and the weather is perfect. The monsoons transform the landscape, making it verdant and green. Wildflowers that grow in the valleys along the trekking route also remain till September.
Ideally temperatures during the day range from 13 to 18 degree Celsius and 0-7 degrees Celsius during the night. During winters the temperatures drop further.
What will be the total expense?
The whole trip stretches for about nine days. There are buses from Delhi to Dehradun. Dehradun can also be reached by rail with major trains stopping at this station. From Dehradun, one has to go to Dhaula from where the trek starts.
Private cars can be booked for the distance between Dehradun to Dhaula. A car ride from Dehradun to Dhaula approximately costs approximately Rs.6000.
If you go in a group, food and every other expense will be shared, thereby reducing the cost. Try carrying bottles of water and food with you because as you go up the trek, there is a very rare possibility to find shops.
Make sure you have all the proper camping and trekking gear with you. If you plan to cook in the camp, do carry your own rations and items.
If you plan to hire a guide, you will have to bargain and settle at a decent price. Guides can help in navigating through the forests and you can avoid getting lost.
There are no hotels on this route. People mostly stay in tents. There are campsites with basic amenities. Camping can be actually fun.
The Rupin pass trekking expedition would approximately cost anyone between Rs.14000 to 15000 for one person for the whole duration ideally but again can differ from person to person based on the needs. Planning the trip and booking the tickets in advance also helps in saving a good amount of budget.
How to prepare for this trek?
This is a trek that will test anyone’s patience and endurance. It has a mix of different terrains ranging from medium to difficult levels. It also requires you to have a certain level of physical fitness. If you are a person who is not physically fit and mostly leads a sedentary life, then it is advisable to indulge in some form of physical activity like exercises or sports to make yourself fit for the trek.
Legs and calf muscles need to be worked upon especially as they are used the most. People who are not very comfortable with treks at such high altitudes can do some form of yoga as it helps in building mental and physical confidence.
Carrying basic first aid kit with yourself during the trip is also compulsory. Consult your doctor before coming to this trek and ensure that you are medically fit to go for this trek as the trek does have some difficult terrains and climatic conditions.
It is also a must to buy raincoats and umbrellas prior to the trip if you are going during the monsoons. Also, make sure you have sufficient warm garments for the trip and buy them. Do research well everything on the internet or ask friends who have come here to get a proper understanding and information about the place.
Any precautions?
Ensure you have raincoats and umbrella in case it rains. Make sure you have a walking stick that can help you during the ascent. Carry water and dry food material with you. Stock your luggage with extra clothing and warm garments.
Carry basic medicines and a first aid kit during the entire journey. If you have some serious ailment, it is advisable to get yourself checked from a doctor prior to the trip. Buy the right pair of trekking shoes and socks for the journey, as to as have a comfortable trekking experience.
Best things to do on Rupin Pass Trek
Rupin Pass trek is one of the most beautiful treks with provides panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. The trekking route to this high altitude pass passes through lush green forests of fir, rhododendron and pine, glacial meadows and waterfalls.
The Rupin river flows along the trail from Dhaula. From Dhaula, the Rupin and Supin rivers merge to form the Tons river which is one of the tributaries of Yamuna river.
The route also has a number of remote villages where you will see houses with architecture common in the Kinnaur region. You can also witness the simple lifestyle of the local residents here.
The trail has a good mix of different terrains- snow, muddy, rocky and plain. Post monsoons, the valley bed transforms a stretch covered with flowers of different hues.
The trek is challenging but fun. It starts from Dhaula and ends in Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. At the higher altitudes, you can also expect snow. The Kailash peak is also visible from this place. Treks like these help you to know your strengths and weaknesses. They help you to become for resolute and strong.
Camping and staying in tents is the only option here during a trek. It is a wonderful experience to stay in tents. You cook your own food, meet new people and interact with them.
Necessary Trekking Equipment
The trek is a medium to difficult level trek and requires you to carry basic trekking gear. Proper trekking shoes are compulsory for this trek with a thick sole. If they are waterproof, that will be even better.
A walking stick or support is also necessary for the entire trail as the path can be slippery due to the monsoons. Also, carry a sufficient amount of water and dry fruits for the entire trek. Make sure you carry umbrellas and raincoats in case of rains.
Carry basic medicines and first aid kit for the entire trek duration. A good backpack is also required that can accommodate a lot of things. Do not make your it heavy as it might cause difficulty while trekking.
Also make sure you carry a torch, sunglasses and proper woollen garments for the trek. Sunscreen lotions or creams are also necessary as the UV rays might cause damage to the skin.
Where can I rent trekking equipment?
This trek does not require you to have advanced trekking equipment but basic trekking equipment like having good trekking shoes, a walking stick and a good backpack are a must.
Good trekking shoes can be purchased from any good footwear store. Walking stick or support can be rented from any shop on the way. Good backpacks and trekking gear can be purchased or rented online.
Websites like TripToes,www.10kya.com, trekkit, Wildcraft and many more provide a huge range of options in adventure and trekking gear to choose, buy or rent from online. A lot of agencies who conduct these trekking expeditions here also rent out some of the things.
How good is Rupin Pass trek for a solo travel plan?
The Rupin Pass trek can be surely done as a solo trek but it is recommended to do it in groups given the difficult terrain and weather conditions. If you even planning to go solo, it is advisable to hire a guide compulsorily who is versed with the whole terrain and route.
The path is also not well defined in parts. The trail has a mix of terrains including muddy, snow and rocky patches. Travelling solo will have a certain range of pros and cons.
The pros would be you will be able to walk at your own pace and plan your own schedule. For expenses also, you can plan as per your own convenience. However, the cons would be that if there is some problem on the way, having a group really helps.
It is always fun to be with a group as you can talk and go on the way. Cost wise also, going as a group does help in reducing some cost as the whole budget gets divided among the members. However, if you are planning a solo trip here, it will not be an issue much here and you will love the whole experience as a solo traveller.
You will stay in tents here and camping experience is actually quite memorable. You will eventually meet a lot of new people of the way.
The sights and views it is surely mesmerizing. The peace, serenity and beauty of the place will surely mesmerise you.
Is the guide required for this trek?
The trek has portions with difficult terrain and tough weather conditions but is also at the same time full of adventure. It is advisable to hire a guide as he can help you navigate and explore the place better.
A guide generally is aware of all the flora and fauna about the place. He can also tell you about the local stories and the history of the place. If you are going without a guide, you will not come across any such information. Sometimes guides can also help you with shortcuts in such trekking trips and help you save a lot of precious time.
Conclusion
If you have been wanting to go on the Rupin Pass Trek, here we have sorted most of your queries and we hope that now you can enjoy the trek to the fullest.
All the precautions, safety measures and the tricks that we have shared here are surely going to help you. Do share your opinion and your experiences about the trek with us in the details as well.
If you have any other query related to Chadar Trek which is not resolved by this article then put a comment below.
And if you have gone on Rupin Pass Trek, share your experience.
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