Rupin Pass Trek is a classic trek with an amazing journey through the lower Himalayan ranges (Shivalik) tracing the source of the River Rupin. It starts with a gentle walk through villages and forests and thereafter gets exciting with rocky trails, flowery meadows, the edge of the cliff steep curves regularly leading to crossing the river Rupin jumping over stones and wobbly timber bridges. The real thrill is in spending a stolen moment in a hanging house permitting the Himalayan magic to seep in; to drink the pure Himalayan water from the numerous streams, enjoy the orchestra of the small and large waterfalls, stare upon the million stars in the sky, cross snow bridges in measured steps and finally cross the steep Rupin Pass only to slide down a snowfield into enormous green meadows of Govind National Park with mesmerizing views. Untouched by development, this is an extremely beautiful location to trek and observe Garhwal and Kinnauri culture. The style of housing differentiates between both these cultures very prominently. The Himalayas are addictive in a few ways, their mysticism exposed to the lucky ones who experience their grandeur from close quarters. You may encounter snow leading up to the pass in the early summer months further making it an exciting trek and great experience!
Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October. Expect hiking on the snow at the beginning of May. September and October is a pleasant time to trek here. After October, it is generally not advisable to trek alone due to the extreme cold. After November, expect heavy snow in the area.
Arrive in Dhaula, a hamlet in Uttarkashi, 10-11 hours’ drive from Dehradun. The Cab will be arranged at an additional cost from Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM. Cost of the Cab – Rs. 6,000/- per vehicle. The journey 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 lovely drive alongside the Rupin River through mixed oak and conifer forests. Stay will be in Guest House/Home Stay/Camp on sharing basis. The trail will commence the next morning at 07:00 AM with light breakfast and a brief session of Rupin Pass trek by Apeksha Adventure team.
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.
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. It could be easily renamed hanging village with almost every house appearing to hang out from the mountains. Later in the night, retreat to your tents.
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. There is a sudden burst of colour as flowers bloom on the sides through the rhododendron trees. Relax well and admire the nature’s different shades on the perfect campsite.
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. Unwind at Dhanderas Thatch and get ready to participate in some amusing activities.
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. It is quite the opposite of what you expected, keeping to the tradition of surprises of the Rupin trail. Dangle your legs over as you watch the Rupin crash down to the valley below and enjoy your day.
Today is the longest day of the Rupin Pass Trek with a steep ascendant and the most gruelling – 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. The Summit is revealing a 360° degree view of hundreds of little stone cairns, connected by the pass, which is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags and after a while at the sprawling Rupin Valley you will descend to the Ronti Gad- another green paradise on earth. After a splendid day, you will retire for the night in tents.
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. You can see Sangla Valley from a distance and it so appears that you are walking straight into Kinnaur Kailash range. After about 3½ hours, you will be in Sangla Valley walking into a pretty town blessed by the Baspa River and snowy peaks around. You are at the end of the Rupin Pass trek journey, Sangla. 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. Cost of the Cab – Rs. 7,500/- per vehicle.
