The Rupin Pass trek is regarded as the most enjoyable hikers‘ trek among all the treks located in the Indian Himalayas. This trek is at a height of 15,250 ft and it also presents a perfect mixture which comprises adventure, culture, and natural landscapes hence the name Rupin Pass trekking. The trek takes you through beautiful villages, green pastures, thick forests, and tough mountains with breathtaking views of glittering peaks and beautiful valleys.
The Rupin Pass trek is known to be interesting due to varied landforms such as rivers, snow-covered areas, steep uphills, and the like, hence attracting more experienced trekkers. The journey starts at the base camp in Jiskun and gradually goes up the hills passing through neighboring villages Jakha and Dhanderas Thatch. Each of the segments of the trekking has its fair share of hurdles and scenic visuals putting memorable pictures on one’s mind.
It is important to be aware of the trekking essentials before setting off on this trek, so as not to put your life in danger and enjoy the trek. Trekking in the rugged northern Indian weather is not easy and the right clothing, right equipment, and awareness of the rough terrain are very important. Also, the best months to visit Rupin Pass is winter around May to October when the weather is mild and the trail has been cleared.
Rupin Pass Trek Itinerary
DAY 1- Shimla to Jiskun
Starting on the journey you will go by road to Jiskun from Shimla about 185 km away. The journey takes about 7 hours and is one of the most picturesque drives in Himachal Pradesh. Once you have left Shimla City and a couple of kilometers through the narrow winding road, a few of the villages, evergreen coniferous, and hilly pockets come into view. The elevation rises further as we approach the typical Jiskun village situated at an altitude of 7,630 feet.
This basecamp, which marks the commencement of the Rupin Pass Trek, gives trekkers the option of wisely prolonging their possible long trek in high altitudes later without undue exposure to the harsh conditions of the Himalayas. Jiskun is perfect to commence as it has stunning views and tranquillity then comes the other end of the spectrum where days prior to the strenuous demanding trek are filled with beauty. The base camp offers trekkers coziness and comfort which they require before commencing the actual high trek, deep into the mountains of the Himalayas.
DAY 2- Trek from Jiskun to Jakha
Jakha is the next village in the Rupin Pass trek and it is quite close to the starting point. On leaving Jiskun, the path descends steeply through deodar and walnut plantations and reaches a point where the mountain ranges have an intimidating and strange depression in them. It is said that, to this point, no man has ever climbed to the upper recesses of the fold. There are still some traces of an ancient timber bridge which has long been covered by the woods.
At this level, turn around from the new wooden bridge and tilt your head toward a new rock cliff where an old track is – embedded – and quite out of place so that it takes quite a while for you to consider who and how manufactured and placed it there.
Going through a beautiful hiking trail takes around one hour. The path initiates a climb to the upper ridgeline of the mountain slope. From the bottom, the view suggests that it is a steep trail reaching high into the sky. After starting the ascent, it is not as bad as it looks.
The area is occupied by trees on one side of the valley with a cliff’s face on the other and the chirping of the birds echoing in this region. Approximately two-thirds of the way up, take note of a wide path heading towards your left. It can be said that the trail is quite ascending except for one almost flat portion. Jakha is a traditional village.
DAY 3- Trek from Jakha to Saruwas Thatch
This particular trek connecting Jakha to Saruwas Thatch is a delightful one, for it takes the traveler through some of the stunning landscapes within the Rupin Pass. The day starts northwards on a really pleasant trek through the clumps of fir, which is somewhere on the best forest sections experienced in any Himalayan trek. While moving through these colossal and age-old trees, one can have an odiferous billow of pine scent which is calming and refreshing.
The next stage of the trek is downward towards a thinner part of the valley that matches the meandering river bank composition of the Rupin River, a gentle stream that follows through thick woods. The area is abundant and rich as there are hills brimming with different kinds of species. When one gets closer to Udaknal, attention should be paid to some dwarf rhododendrons, which provide lively shades of red and pink against the green background.
As the hikers reverse direction and leave the valley, you have to climb through a rough steep terrain to get to Saruwas Thatch, a picturesque alpine pasture with wonderful views of the surrounding Himalayan higher ranges and valleys. After a journey through diverse flora and landscapes, this scenic camp located in gentle meadows, surrounded by beautiful hills is quite an enchanting and soothing place. The area between Jakha and Saruwas Thatch is indeed the best part of the Rupin Pass trek, a mix of peaceful forest and river walking with great mountain scenery.
DAY 4- Trek from Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch
The Dhanderas Thatch and the vast meadows make day four of the Rupin Pass hike sufficient cause to plan a trek in a hurry. So let’s put ourselves into further imbalance heading towards the upper ranges decorated with blue wildflowers all around the meadows. Lovely pictures can be clicked at this location during the autumn and summer seasons when this part of the landscape is richly colored. It is an awe-inspiring sight to cross vast countless peaks of the Himalayas on further progression of the trek, such a remote part of the world gives inner peace.
It is only about a vertical mile in distance, but that altitude is achieved from 10,770 feet to 11,700 feet. Bracing gets tougher at the end point with the gurgling sound of water reverberating amidst the gradual approach towards the Dhanderas Thatch campsite. This site is beneath Rupin Waterfall which is 1500 feet high.
It is the most astonishing place, where you can pitch your tents and the sounds of the waterfall can be heard. The surroundings described by the water seeping into the rock underneath it, are wonderful, almost beyond words. This vantage point is the perfect setting for unwinding, soaking up the scenery, and bonding over tales.
DAY 5- Trek from Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall
From all that has been said and done, today could be the day when everything changes in this journey of yours. First while moving out, the climb to the top of the waterfall is going to benefit you immensely while attempting the next climb which is the Rupin Pass. Secondly, the first stage is going to prove useful at the time when the actual crossing of the Rupin Pass takes place
The first starting altitude at Dhanderas Thatch itself helps to be about twenty-five hundred feet higher than the rest of the land which is required to cross the additional elevation caused by the mountains surrounding the Rupin pass area. It is indeed, and one can nearly guarantee that several individuals will suffer from altitude sickness problems.
It is advisable to move up by at least about one thousand five hundred feet which is about the head of the waterfall, so that you can allow your body to feel the altitude effects. As you are somewhat acclimatized, your body will be all set for the coming day’s effort involving going past the Rupin pass. In contrast to most days, it is advisable to wake up in a more calm and relaxed manner. Let your limbs rest. After breakfast, get ready and go for the climb of the waterfall.
DAY 6- Pass-crossing day: Upper Waterfall camp to Rupin Pass, further on to Ronti Gad
Rupin Pass Trek day 6 is probably the most enjoyable section and the most difficult one also – the pass–crossing day. The day begins with a trek from the upper waterfall located at an altitude of 13275 feet to the upper waterfall camp. Once the trekkers finish their breakfast, they proceed to the Rupin Pass which is situated at 15279 feet elevation. A long day’s hiking includes covering a distance of approximately 7.4 Km in about 9-10 hrs.
The first section of this stage of the climb is through snow and rocky elements with moderate levels of stamina engagement. As the climbing continues towards the crossing point of the Pass, the winds get stiffer and the air tends to be a little thin. But then, as one starts to scale higher, the views get even better with snowy columned mountain tops and expanses of glaciers all around.
Beyond this pass lies the start of the descent to Ronti Gad which is an enchanting campsite set at an altitude of 13005 feet. As in any other trek, the descent in a way is an entirely different ball game and there are dangers in it too as one has to watch out for loose gravel and ice patches. One takes around 3 – 4 hours to an hour to reach Ronti Gad. However, fatigue is not felt much as the desire to complete the camp is pretty high.
DAY 7: Trek from Ronti Gad to Sangla
On Day 7 Rupin Pass Trek the ‘Ronti Gad’ descent to Sangla after trekkers have traveled 11.9 km distance takes less than 6 hours. Notably, the first day starts from 13,005 feet whereas the last day in Sangla is at 8660 feet with no relevant gaps in between. The initial stage of the trek is about descending from the high to the lower foothills above the valleys, through extremely rugged terrain. Further, with a step-down, the area occupied by alpine snow changes into large expanses of grassland that look nothing like those white peaks and posts that you have just been trekking.
Approaching Sangla valley, the valley gets wider and the trek path follows the course of a river making it possible to cover trees and village areas amidst the hills. The last section of the trekking has the river, green vegetation, and water which precede the end of the tough seeking trek for the trekkers. Upon reaching Sangla, it is the first base camp of Shimla that has a waiting car for you.
The return journey to Shimla takes about 6-7 hours and en route, the scenic beauty of the Kinnaur Valley makes an ideal ending to the whole experience. The trek ends at the Shimla Old Bus Stand, which is where you were dropped off, and you ponder over what has in fact been an amazing voyage.
Best Time to Visit Rupin Pass trek
The perfect time to go for the Rupin Pass trek is the pre-monsoon time which is usually between May to early June. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and there is little heavy snow on the trail, thereby making it easier. Warm temperatures prevail, making it ideal for trekking as it’s neither extremely cold as in winter nor humid like in the monsoon season. Furthermore, the terrain is green and full of flora, and the trekkers enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and valleys with blooming flowers and clear skies. This period guarantees a hassle-free and delightful time while traversing the Rupin Pass.
Trekking Essentials for Rupin Pass Trek
Clothing and Layering: Weather on the Rupin Pass trek might vary, so it would be wise to carry clothing that enables effective layering. In addition pack some thin materials that draw out moisture away from the body, an insulated middle layer, as well as a water-resistant outer layer suitable for withstanding rain and snow. Gloves hats and warm thermal clothes are very important for those considering climbing to the mountains.
Trekking Shoes and Gear.: If you want to do the Rupin Pass trek, it is important to have sturdy trekking boots that fit well and provide good ankle support. Furthermore, a comfortable backpack, trekking sticks/ poles for stability, a sleeping bag that is rated for low temperatures, and a headlamp with additional batteries also are required for early starts or evening treks.
Health and Safety Essentials: A first aid kit should be equipped with important medications, blister management, and altitudinal sickness tablets. Several options exist such as a water bottle with a filtration system or purification tablets that will ensure clean drinking water is accessible. Protection against the sun's rays is needed, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat since they are all important at higher altitudes.
Key Highlights of the Rupin Pass trek
The Rupin Pass trek can be described as an exciting one with characteristic features such as varying landscapes and stunning views. Some highlights are –mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks, vast forest areas, and clear rivers. The trekkers reach beautiful hamlets such as Jiskun and Jakha, where they can interact with local people and culture. Then there is Dhanderas Thatch which boasts the famous Rupin Water Falls, which is about 1,500 ft tall. The trek takes you over meadows during the summer months and snowy trails when it is winter, and the last stage of the trek is Rupin Pass which is at 15250 feet in altitude and gives an amazing view of the Himalayan Range.
Challenges and Tips for Trekking the Rupin Pass
Altitude and Acclimatization
Acclimatization is first and foremost important when undertaking the Rupin Pass trek which has an altitude of 15,250 feet as altitude sickness may be incurred without a curb. Make sure you trek slowly and rest if necessary whilst ensuring a proper intake of fluids. It may be prudent to spend more time at lower altitudes to acclimatize before climbing.
Weather Conditions
It should however be noted that with altitude variations, the weather in the Rupin Pass region is not predictable as rain, snow, or cold temperatures can appear suddenly. Bring clothes in layers and include waterproof clothes as this will be essential to keep warm and dry. Make some allowances for considerable variations in temperature, especially in the higher altitude areas, which can be terribly cold even during the daytime.
Steep and Rugged Terrain
The trek involves physical effort as there are steep ascents, rocky paths, and river crossings. It is wise to use trekking sticks in order to balance and you should wear good quality waterproof and high ankle-supported shoes for safety while moving through hard terrain.
Limited Facilities and Supplies
The trek will take you through isolated areas where the means of getting supplies or medical assistance will be scarce. Make sure you have carried all basic amenities with you such as food items, water, a first aid kit, any medication required by you, etc. Try to buy everything before starting the trek, especially at Jakha, the last village that has some shops.
Conclusion
The Rupin Pass trek is such a wonderful adventure wherein trekkers are spoiled with the sights of nature’s glory, the toughness of the terrains, and the sheer pleasure of scaling one of the most famous passes in the Indian Himalayas.
Starting from the beautifully stretched meadows through to the breathtaking views of the towering snow-covered peaks and eventually conquering the Rupin Pass at 15,250 feet, this trek will leave every single individual shocked and awed by its beauty. Himalayan Daredevils specializes in providing trekkers with the tools and know-how for such a difficult and beautiful trek, and if you are looking for a truly spectacular holiday experience, leave these in the mountains to the professionals.
