Rupin Pass Experience : A Thrilling Himalayan Journey

Experiencing the Rupin Pass with Himalaya Shelter has been such a beautiful journey that I need to tell you more about each magical day we shared in those beautiful mountains of Himachal Pradesh.

The journey begins in Dehradun where 4 members of the trekking team and me met our driver. We drive almost all day to reach Dhaula, the locality where we will start walking the day after. Once we arrived there, we met one other member of the trekking team and the staff that will be accompanying us along the way. The campsite was already set and we just had to settle in our tents. We shared a first dinner together and got to bed early.

Day One - Dhaula To Aaligad

The day starts with a delicious breakfast, hot and so tasty. For the next week we will have so much good food for breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner. A wonderful treat considering the mountain conditions. Our cook was the best and always changes menus!

Our journey starts by crossing the Rupin river and following it to the little village of Sewa. A first climb put our legs in good shape for the rest of the day meanwhile we discover the beauty of the landscape. Beautiful forest, little villages and
local flowers and plants rhythms the way. Once in Sewa we discover the beautiful wooden temple of this local town. The first wonder of this trek.

Further on the way the rain coats us meanwhile we walk the last kilometres before our camping site but it didn’t affect our motivation. Walking in the Himalaya is special and a little rain won’t change that. Fortunately, the sun got out again later and we could enjoy a lovely dinner below the stars.

Day Two - Aaligad To Uduknal

The day is beautiful and hot this morning. We start walking along the river for 30 minutes before going up slowly. There we reach the road. As we would go a little further than the village of Jacka, Bachan arranged a truck so we wouldn’t have
to walk on the road for 3,kilometers.

After this funny adventure in the truck we start walking again and meet three new members of the team and an extra local guide. He will be accompanying us to the Pass.

The climb through the forest was a delight and the weather perfect. We even found a little hut where we could drink a chai before arriving to Jacka for the lunch break.

After lunch we start walking further to reach Uduknal campsite. After the rain started and a few misadventures with the mules we were all glad to rest next to the big bonfire the staff prepared for us to get warm.

Day Three - Uduknal To Lower Waterfall

Here starts one of my favorite day beside the summit part. As usual we follow the river but today we start discovering the high peaks and the snow we will be walking in. This was a beautiful background meanwhile we were walking alongside a multitude of rhododendron trees and other magnificent Himalayan flowers. A green and colorful valley in front of those majestic mountains.

The first steps in snow also started this day just before reaching camp. We had to be careful but the path wasn’t dangerous. That puts you in the mood for the next days as you can see from a far the beauty of the upper waterfall.

As it was an easy day based on walking, with one of the high mountain guide we went exploring the surroundings. The views on the past path and the valley were so beautiful and really completed this perfect sunny day. We were now at
3450m of altitude.

Day Four - Lower To Upper Waterfall

Today we start early and the mules too. The first part of the path is a bit technical as it’s walking in a snow-covered slope. The first on going are the mules. Then the trekking team with the help of our two guides leading the way. Thanks to the crampons Himalaya Shelter gave us everybody completed this first part without trouble and it was such a nice experience.

We continue going up little by little, the view on the lower valley gets better every minute. We are now just next to the waterfall and we feel so lucky to walk just next to it. After crossing this beauty a last climb awaits us and we finally reach
the top and can see our campsite. We are now above 4000 meters of altitude, it’s getting colder but as the landscapes transformed, we adapt our layers.

After exploring the surroundings to stay warm we went to bed early as we start before sunrise tomorrow.

Day Five - Summit

Today the all team wake up at 4 a.m. Breakfast is served at 4:30a.m and at 5a.m we start climbing. The rising sun offers us a magical moment while going up. The surroundings peaks are majestic with this light.

Our team goes first as we have a faster rhythm and waiting in the cold is not recommended at this altitude with still no heating sun. We progress slowly but surely, every step we’re getting closer to the pass.

Once the first big climb is done, the landscape became almost only white. We put on our crampons to continue the ascension. This is definitely one of my favorite moment. Walking on the snow, less oxigen but feeling so alive surrounding
by this beautiful nature and my two companions, Stephanie and our guide Nitin. Now we see the final wall, half on snow, half on rocks. It looks really impressive from down but with the encouragement of our guide we start climbing. After 30
minutes we reach the summit with immense joy and a beautiful sun ! The Rupin Pass stand at 4650m altitude high and the views on the Himalaya from up there are stunning.

This is a magical moment that we will never forget. We stayed there for a long moment meanwhile the mules and the rest of the team could reach the summit.

One last picture and we start descending to our last campsite. After the climb, going down is not easy but the landscape continues to surprise us and give us strength to finish this long journey. We go back to a greenland where goats lead the way to the camp.

Day Six - Ronti Gad To Sangla

After a good night sleep we start our last day. A little walk in this greenland before saying goodbye to the mules. They will go back through the Pass meanwhile we will finish our journey to Sangla. As the weather was not the best we went with the jeep to Sangla, and what’s best than travelling on the roof ! The best end possible !

This epic journey finishes here and I’m so grateful to the team who accompanied us during this wonderful week in the Himalayas. As you understood, everything was so well organized, our journey was an unforgettable experience. I will
definitely be back soon for many other treks.