Rupin Pass Trek Overview

This is the first day of our trek. The trail is on the true right of the valley climbing up gradually. Pisa and Khana villages are seen across the river. We climb up high above the river to Danti Dhar. The path passes through beautiful rhododendron forests. Sewa has a beautiful Hindu temple and lies on the border of the two states. We camp a little after the village on the banks of the river at a site known as Aaligad.

The trail continues along the true right of the valley. The trail is fairly gradual, going past the two large but remote villages of Dodra and Kuar. This region has recently been connected by road from Rohru (Shimla Region). The road is being extended till Jakha. We cross the bridge below Kuar village and take the path climbing up to the village. This path will join the trail on the true right below Jiskun village. From here the trail steeply climbs to Jiskun, which is located high above the confluence of Rupin and Narkund Khad. Jiskun has a small forest rest house. Continuing along the path, we descend steeply to a side tributary and after a short and steep ascent reach Jakha.

It is a beautiful walk through blue pine and maple forests. After a while the trail starts to descend to the river. There is a small bridge taking the trail to the true left of the valley. We camp overnight beside the river beside a spot frequented by shepherds.

The forest changes to silver Birch and rhododendron leading to alpine meadows. In season, the area looks spectacular with wild flowers and blue poppies. We walk on the large meadow surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. There is a huge and impressive waterfall in the middle of the valley leading up to the pass.

We start early today to make it to the Base camp of the Rupin pass by afternoon. We start our journey towards the Waterfall and after traversing the steep sections we reach the Upper Waterfall campsite, which is majestic. We spend some time here enjoying the views and have our packed lunch. It seems an ideal campsite but we approach the base camp as it will reduce our ascent to the pass and offer a very different camping experience. The base camp is covered in snow till late June and thus camping in snow from the winters, is a vivid summer experience, with the entire campsite largely to ourselves as we leave most of the groups behind. In the evening we can go climb up the nearby ridges to get panoramic views of the landscape covered in snow.

There are excellent views of the hanging glaciers and snow fields on the way to the pass. It is a fairly narrow and steep path through the boulders; in case of snow a rope maybe used. From the pass, one can witness great views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. We descend to the alpine meadows with lots of camping options.

Today is a beautiful short trek through blue pine, deodar and oak forest overlooking the Sangla valley. It is a fairly steep descent. Sangla valley is known for growing one of the best quality apples in the world. It is also one of the starting points of the famous Kinnaur Kailash trek. Sangla is connected by road to Shimla. One can get public or private transport from Sangla to Shimla.

The Rupin Pass is a moderate-level trek. This trek needs a moderate level of fitness. You should feel at ease walking for a few hours on bumpy ground and have the energy to walk about 5 to 6 kilometers each day. You need strong lungs and legs. If you struggle a lot, you might not enjoy the beauty of the trek. So, make sure you’re ready for a good adventure.

Although the trek isn’t very hard, getting ready is really important for staying safe. Make sure you’re fit and have the right gear. This way, you can have a fun and safe trek!

The Rupin Pass trek is known for being moderately challenging, making it suitable for both beginners and those with some hiking experience. It offers good accessibility, ensuring an enjoyable adventure for all.

This trek is open to people of different ages, from active 15-year-olds to lively folks in their 60s. But it depends on how fit you feel. It’s suggested that you should be able to walk 4 to 5 kilometers in 2 hours on a flat path without much trouble.

Rupin Pass is a tall path in the Himalayan mountains, located in Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s on a route that shepherds and hikers have used for a long time, starting in Dhaula, Uttarakhand, and finishing in Sangla, Himachal Pradesh.

• Rupin Waterfall:- The Rupin Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder, plunging down 1500 feet. It’s one of the most famous spots on the trek. You can enjoy its beauty from the Lower Waterfall campsite or even try a thrilling climb nearby.
• The Rupin Valley is like a colorful painting with lively wildflowers and lush meadows. It’s a beautiful setting for the trek. The winding Rupin River adds to its charm, mirroring the tall peaks around it.
• Rupin Pass: Standing tall at 15,252 feet, reaching Rupin Pass is the pinnacle of the trek. It’s a moment of triumph, gifting trekkers with awe-inspiring, wide-ranging views of the mighty Himalayas.
• Nature’s Riches: The Rupin Pass trek boasts a diverse array of plant and animal life. Hikers may come across vibrant wildflowers, grand pine forests, and a spectrum of bird species, from the majestic Himalayan griffons to the graceful golden eagles.
• Rich Cultural Encounters: The trek winds through villages where vibrant local communities reside, offering a window into their distinctive culture and age-old traditions. Connecting with these friendly folks adds a unique and heartwarming touch to the journey.
• Personal Triumph: Conquering the Rupin Pass trek showcases not only physical strength but mental fortitude. Overcoming obstacles along the path amplifies the sense of achievement, making the journey all the more gratifying.
• Indelible Impressions: The Rupin Pass trek is an adventure that imprints itself onto memory. The breathtaking scenery, demanding trails and warm connections weave a tapestry of enduring moments.

Even though the Rupin Pass trek is generally considered a moderate-level trek, it might be difficult or challenging if the below points are not taken care of-

• Physical stamina: This is crucial for any trek that you have good or normal stamina. Without it, the trek can be tough. Regular exercise and proper rest are essential to ensure you’re up for the challenge.
• Weather Variability: The Himalayan weather can be unpredictable. Without proper gear, sudden shifts in temperature, rain, or snowfall can pose challenges. Pack versatile clothing to stay comfortable in any condition.
• Basic Amenities: While campsites offer basic amenities, they may be limited. To ensure comfort, pack necessities like toiletries, a first-aid kit, and any personal medications for a hassle-free trekking experience.

The Rupin Pass trek is best enjoyed in two main seasons: summer (May-June) and autumn (September-October). Weather conditions are most favorable during these times, but it’s crucial to pack suitable clothing due to varying temperatures between seasons and altitudes.

Summer (May-June):

• Daytime: Expect warm and sunny days with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 19°C.
• Nighttime: At higher altitudes, nights get colder, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C.

Autumn (September-October):

• Daytime: Days are still pleasant for trekking with temperatures between 12°C and 16°C.
• Nighttime: As autumn progresses, expect even lower temperatures. At higher campsites, it can drop to around -4°C with possible frost.”