Rupin Supin Trek

A rarely traversed route

Duration
6 days
Trek Altitude
11,800 Feet.
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
30
Group Size
12
Best Time
Summers, Autumn

Rupin Supin Trek

Rupin-Supin; Sounds familiar, right? You may have heard of these if you've done the Har ki Dun Trek. Rupin and Supin are the names of the famous rivers of Uttarakhand that flow seamlessly through the Har ki Dun Valley. When they merge, they give birth to the Tons River. Interestingly, the Tons is a tributary river of the holy river Yamuna. While we won't be exploring these beautiful mountain rivers on this trek, we will certainly be camping on the banks of the Supin River and also the Supin River. We'll be exploring the remote Himalayan villages, forests, and meadows that lie in these beautiful Rupin and Supin valleys.

Rupin and Supin Valleys are stunning regions nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The Rupin Supin Trek, also known as the Rupin Supin Traverse, commences from the quaint village of Himri in the Uttarkashi district. This journey begins in the Rupin Valley and concludes in the Supin Valley. On the initial day of the trek, we camp at Himri village alongside the Rupin River, and on the final day, we camp near Phitadi village by the bank of the Supin River.

If you're eager to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of remote Himalayan villages, this trek offers a perfect opportunity. It will lead you through picturesque Himalayan villages such as Himri, Bheetri, Phitadi, and Jakhol. Beginning from the valley, the trek gradually ascends to high-altitude destinations like Vijay Top, traversing through lush green forests and meadows. Vijay Top stands as the highest point of this journey, situated at an elevation of 12,723 ft.

How does this trek appear in different seasons?

The forests and meadows you traverse through, exhibit a kaleidoscope of colours across different seasons. After the monsoons, they will be lush green. In March and April, they will be partially covered with snow. In May and June, you may find some beautiful mountain wildflowers peeping at you. In the month of September, you will see spectacular flowers blooming and in October end, you will see beautiful golden brownish colours. How magnificent and beautiful our Mother Nature is. Isn't it? The trek becomes unapproachable in peak monsoon and winter seasons. This captivating trek is ventured by only a handful of trekkers due to its lesser-known status. Come, join us on this mesmerizing and offbeat journey.

Rupin Supin Trek

Itinerary

Drive: 190 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 2,100 ft – 4,820 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tents

Our adventure begins with an early start from Dehradun, twisting and turning through the wilderness of Nainbag and Damta. The last significant village on the way, Purola makes for a pretty side visit with its picturesque farmlands and reliable connection to networks. From Purola we explore further in the bewitching Tons valley, moving through Mori and Netwar. Following the clear blue waters of the Rupin, we have it as a constant companion as we go upstream. On this scenic route, the quaint village of Himri becomes a serenely middle spot wedged between Netwar and Dhaula. The drive to Himri stretches over 215 kilometers. This trip is a totally absorbing experience, catering both to the thrill of adventure and the expansive beauty found in Himalayan nature at its finest.

Trek: 7 km, 4-5 hrs
Altitude: 4,820 ft – 8,200 ft – 8,530 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tents

From Himri, you can either trek or take organized vehicles up to Bheetri (2500 meters), the very last motorable village. Bheetri is a sizable agrarian village, wholly dedicated to Whistling God (Sherkudeya Devta), celebrated in the central temple. It has about one hundred households. The stunning seasonal pond on the cliff’s edge, Sarutaal, is a 2-kilometer scenic stroll away from Bheetri. Its setting and its view down into the Rupin valley offer dramatic vistas that leave one speechless After a short respite to recoup and look our environment, we set out on anthill road for 6 kilometers through the forest until one comes upon Kurla Thaach. There you can walk about the clearing in the midst of woods and make yourselves at home for a night.

Trek: 8-9 km, 6-7 hrs
Altitude: 8,530 ft – 11,548 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tents

Starting out first thing the next morning, we climb for a couple of kilometers until our ascent brings us beyond the forest; from there it’s an easy half-hour hike to Simon Tee. Over there, an awe-inspiring vista presents the higher peaks of their surroundings. Beyond we go along a series of mountain tops with gradually rising elevation, crossing over one ridge and getting to Rikatik Odi, an important intersection linking the valleys of the Supin and Rupin rivers. On the Rupin side, we see Bheetri and Dhaula villages. The Supin-side reveals Kasla and Fitadi villages to us. Rikatik Odi is elevated about 3,520 meters high. It has very little in the way of vegetation (no trees; just shrubs and grasses). In springtime, there are flowers all over. Rikatik Odi is a high-altitude savior. With camping sites second to none, we nestle in for our night bathed by the stunning Himalayas.

Trek: 10 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 11,548 ft – 8,200 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tents

Leaving behind the beautiful Rupin valley, we head for the photogenic Supin valley. Here a delightful walk through conifer woods awaits us. The gradient remains gentle, making the walk truly something to enjoy–more so as we enter into the tree line. We drive at a leisurely pace along this scenic route and reach Phitadi village. The Garhwal Himalayas offer this pretty little village with wooden houses and slate stone roofs. Seizing the opportunity to mingle among local residents, we can stay in a home-stay and get on well with such friendly folks. Total trekking distance is 7 km and leisurely pace works well with nature, keeping up for about four to five hours. And this part of the hike not only offers an adventure amidst nature, but also provides a touch of culture as we encounter Phitadi village’s warm-hearted residents.

Drive: 25 km, 2 hrs
Altitude: 8,200 ft – 6,400 ft
Accommodation: Himalaya Shelter Guest house – Sankri

Our final day of our trek, we say goodbye to the peaceful setting of Phitadi village and head for Jakhol. Traveling on a scenic trail beside fertile fields, we reach Jakhol, the gateway to Supin valley. We take some time in the village of Jakhol, which is home to a large temple dedicated to its own deity. So our trip continues on to Sankri, which is only an hour’s drive away. Numerous guesthouses welcome us to decompress and enjoy the final hours amidst Sankri’s quaint village atmosphere. The trek we embark on today covers 6 kilometers and takes about four hours, which gives us plenty of time for us to meander leisurely through the beautiful countryside before ending our little adventure in Sankri’s welcoming embrace.

Drive: 190 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 6,400 ft – 2,100 ft

The return home is mixed in with emotions as we follow our footsteps back along the breathtaking road leading to Dehradun. We exit the enthralling pine forests, and gradually descend towards the city where we see roads grow broader. We follow our familiar route through the changing scenes until we reach Dehradun, a lively city. It’s goodbye from the heart to the quiet mountains and valleys of Uttarakhand, our adventure ending with memories that will stay long after we are gone.

FAQ's about Rupin Supin Trek

The Rupin Supin trek typically takes around 8-9 days to complete.

 

The Rupin Supin trek is considered to be of moderate to difficult level. It involves steep ascents, descents, and walking on snow patches (depending on the season).

The highest point on the Rupin Supin trek is the Rupin Pass, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 15,250 feet (4,650 meters) above sea level.

Accommodation during the Rupin Supin trek is usually in tents.

Essential items include trekking boots, warm clothing (including layers), rain gear, a good quality backpack,  trekking poles, first aid kit, and necessary personal items. It’s also important to carry some high-energy snacks.

It’s generally recommended to carry a water purifier or purification tablets to treat water from natural sources. Drinking untreated water can lead to waterborne illnesses.

Yes, trekkers usually need to obtain permits for the Rupin Supin trek. These permits can be obtained from the Forest Department or the relevant authorities in Uttarakhand.

Mobile network coverage is limited on the Rupin Supin trek. You might get sporadic signals at some higher points, but it’s best not to rely on it for communication.

“I have been doing treks with Himalaya Shelter for the last two years and they are awesome people with pure humbleness.“

Writes Priyesh.

We at Himalaya Shelter consider our trekkers part of our community, a family of sorts and really understand the efforts that you put into taking that much-needed break and setting off to the mountains. Some of you may wait for months and even a year to plan out that perfect excursion. That’s why we want it to be “a perfect excursion” for you.

Our testimonials (read below) are a testament to our service-oriented mindset.

We take safety into great consideration and ensure our team is trained to handle emergency situations.

For a better experience, we provide accommodation on Twin Sharing throughout the trek. With most trekking operators you would get triple or even quad sharing accommodation.

Our Accommodation will have attached washrooms

 

Furthermore, we provide the essential safety gear for your trek –

Without any additional charges.

We pamper you with great food which keeps you going on the trek. (On our google maps out of 300 reviews over 80 Trekkers mention great food😋)

We do not outsource services to ensure topmost quality throughout your journey. We use our own fleet of Vehicles to ferry you to the base camp and return.

The minimum requirement to join our team, Trek Leaders should have done the Basic Mountaineer Course

Trek leaders in Himalaya Shelter have extensive experience in trekking and mountaineering. They are familiar with the specific terrain, weather conditions, and challenges of the region where the trek is taking place.

For medical emergencies, the closest hospital is located in Mori or Purola.

However, for major medical emergencies, it is important to note that the nearest hospital is located in Mussoorie or Dehradun which can take approximately 8-9 hours to reach.

BSNL & JIO networks work till Sankri, while other networks only work till Mori. There is no network coverage beyond Sankri.

Running or Jogging: Start with a comfortable distance and gradually increase your pace and distance over time. Aim for at least 3-4 days a week of cardio workouts.

Hiking Practice: If possible, try to find local trails or hills to practice hiking. Start with shorter hikes and gradually increase the difficulty.

Strength Training:

  • Legs: Focus on exercises that target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Squats, lunges, leg presses, and calf raises are beneficial.
  • Core: A strong core will help with balance and stability on uneven terrain. Include exercises like planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches.
  • Upper Body: Don’t neglect your upper body strength, especially if you’re carrying a backpack. Incorporate push-ups, pull-ups, and shoulder presses.

Flexibility and Mobility:

  • Stretching: Regular stretching helps improve flexibility and prevents muscle tightness. Focus on stretching your legs, back, and shoulders.
  • Yoga or Pilates: These practices can help improve flexibility, balance, and overall body strength.

Reviews

Inclusion
  1. Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
  2. Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
    Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
  3. All vegetarian meals starting from Dinner on day 1 to Breakfast on the last day
  4. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
  5. Professional guide, cook, and support staff
  6. Rent for camping equipment like Tents, Sleeping Bags, Mattresses, Camping Stools and Crampons and gaiters if required
  7. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  8. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  9. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
  10. Tented accommodation throughout the trek on a Triple-sharing basis
  11. Guesthouse accommodation on the first and last day on a Triple-sharing basis
  12. All applicable taxes
Exclusions
  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls, etc.
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodation in Dehradun
  5. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks, etc
  6. Adventure insurance
  7. Porter/Mule charges to carry personal luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day (Weighing up to 12kg)
  8. Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱