Rupin Supin Trek

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.