Rupin Pass Trek

SHORT ITINERARY:

• We begin our journey including a 185 km long drive to Jiskun from Shimla that takes about 7 hours. This is a stress-free drive in Himachal, while you take one of the most picturesque drives and leave one of the busiest places ever created behind you.

• On the way, see some tranquil villages, huge pine forests, and green valleys cradled in hilly areas packed with the sights of rural Himachal’s charm.

• The closer you get to Jiskun, the more rugged the terrain gets and the more narrow and rough the road is; this makes the drive even more exciting.

• Jiskun is located at an altitude of 7,700 feet, get to Jiskun and witness the calmness of this village and the breathtaking views of the mountains this village is surrounded by.

• Get set at the base camp of Jiskun where the trekkers prepare for the hard-packed days ahead and unwind themselves. It’s a nice place to be before stepping onto the grueling Himalayan wilderness.

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

To start the journey, you will travel by road from Shimla to Jiskun which is around 185 km. The driving time is approximately 7 hours and is also one of the most beautiful drives in Himachal Pradesh. After leaving the busy streets of Shimla City behind and a few kilometers along the narrow road you will find some peaceful villages, tall pine trees, and valleys surrounded by hilly terrain. You will encounter rougher landscape as we get nearer to Jiskun village which is perched at an elevation of 7630 feet. 

This basecamp, which is the starting point of Rupin Pass Trek, facilitates trekkers with the possibility of enhancing a long trek through harsh Himalayan conditions in a respected environment first. Jiskun is a great place to begin because of its breathtaking scenery and great peace followed by the demanding and tough days of trekking. The basecamp can provide trekkers with the necessary comfort and support before the actual trek into the heart of the Himalayas begins.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• The first marker in your adventure begins from Jiskun. You cut down swiftly through the deodar and walnut groves, making it easy for you.

• Cross over a wooden bridge and gaze at the towering rock cliffs ahead, alongside which an ancient path, now almost forgotten, has been cut into the cliff beautifully. This path appears out of place, its creation a mystery, and allows you a chance to think and admire its sculpting.

• The trail continues to rise but there are magnificent views as you ascend through the lowland mixed forests of trees with a steep cliff followed on one side. Though there's a steep look of the trail when seen from below, the actual climb is quite easy and the beauty that surrounds the place with the chirping of the birds, is indeed breathtaking.

• After approximately one hour, which is about 900 meters of hiking, you will step into Jakha, a traditional village that is known not to consume any meat. With serene countries this time around, it is a great setup for such a place to help you to catch a breather before continuing your trek.

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

The next village to visit on the Rupin Pass trek is Jakha which is only 3 1⁄2 km away from the starting point. On leaving Jiskun the track drops quickly through deodar and walnut grove to where there is a deep and mysterious fold in the mountain range. Where it has been said, no man has ever set foot at the higher portions of the fold. One can still see remnants of an ancient wooden bridge that has been shrouded by trees. From this level, look across the new wooden bridge and arch your head to a new rock cliff where an old path is embedded – ridiculous and unsuited to its surroundings that you take a few moments to wonder how and who created it.

It takes about one hour to climb through one of the most scenic hiking trails. The views are quite dynamic. The trail begins by making its way steadily up the slope’s ridgeline. From a lower perspective, it seems to be a steep trail that stretches to the heavens. After beginning the climb, it is not as severe as it appears to be. The path is beautifully covered by mixed trees and the face of a cliff on one side of the valley, along with birds singing in this area. Two-thirds way up, be mindful of another broad path that branches off to your left. The trail is mostly ascending aside from one section that is a gentle stroll. Jakha is a village that is wholly steeped in the traditions. 

No flesh is consumed in this place. There is no need to expect live animals or snacking on tinned meat. The camping ground is located a little above the village and is also used as a playing field for the children. Another option for a campsite is the compound of the school itself. Jakha is the final place to get any last-minute supplies and also to search for porters if you happen to be low on either. For the next few days of your trek, there is hardly any person you will bump into, except gaggles of shepherds keeping their sheep. 

SHORT ITINERARY:

• First, start to climb Jakha from the majestic upper fields of the upper Jakha village where farmers and cows go about their daily routines before heading into the wilderness.

• The beginning of the fir forest comes abruptly and it feels almost like crossing over a threshold. One moment you are in open meadows and the next moment you are engulfed with the lush evergreen trees.

• Such great trees help you navigate through the ancient wilderness which is still intact and stunning.

• The beauty and peace of the forest cannot be described in words. Tall trees interspersed with autumn leaves further enhance the tranquility and natural beauty of this trail.

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

The trek from Jakha to Saruwas Thatch brings one to the heart of the green valleys, vibrant blossoms, and breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. The day starts with a beautiful trek over a beautiful fir beam which is truly all uphill, one of the best on any trek. The squirrels together with the lovely towering trees, the lovely aroma of growing pine trees, and the tranquil nature of the morning complement one another.

Later on, as we continue the trek, we descend into a gorge where the Rupin River flows giving its waters a free run on the rugged land. The gentle ripples of the river can always be heard as you slice through the thick shrubbery. As you carve along the mountainside, burgeon these dwarf rhododendrons that can be found around Udaknal which are literally a must for the eyes to behold.

The route then courses toward Saruwas Thatch, a beautiful meadow, where the trekkers would wish to pause and appreciate the fabulous views of the mountains and valleys in the vicinity. The magnificent sceneries will be the first thing you will meet once you ascend Saruwas Thatch, and after such a beautiful day this will be an exceptional location to pitch camp. Such serenity and beauty of nature in this section appear to be one of the highlights of the Rupin Pass trek.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• In the morning, a stroll through the scenic meadows studded with blue blossoms would be quite a visual treat, particularly in summer and autumn. While on the journey, the wide flat territory with many scenic sights makes one’s eyes sparkle.

• In continuation, the pathway becomes visible with remarkable Himalayan mountains in the background. It feels calm and tranquil, allowing trekkers to indulge in breathtaking vistas of the high-altitude region, the wilderness mostly untouched by civilization.

• The ascent, which is brief in duration, poses some difficulties since the trekker has to go from an altitude of 10,770 ft to about 11,700 ft. The landscape becomes rough and rugged, with water flowing towards Dhanderas Thatch base camp.

• Soak in the beauty of the Bridge, about 1,500 ft from Rupin Waterfall.

  
  

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

The fourth day of the Rupin Pass is arguably the most beautiful, with wide meadows and Dhanderas Thatch at the far end. So let’s get the trek underway and start walking up these beautiful meadows, which get very hot in the summer because blue flowers blossom beautifully throughout the meadows. Wonderful photos can be taken at this point. Both summer and autumn seasons offer generous hues to this part of the landscape. The next setting is breathtaking as the vast numerous peaks of the Himalayas stand sentinel over the area as you move further in the trek and it feels peaceful to be in such a wilderness location in the higher regions of the world.

Indeed, the climb is quite short, but it does not come easy as the trail goes from an elevation of 10,770 ft to 11,700 ft. The terrain becomes grimmer as you reach the end, and the sound of flowing water echoes back and forth as you draw closer to the Dhanderas Thatch campsite. This site lies under the 1500 ft high Rupin Waterfall. It is the most breathtaking place where you can put up your tents with the roaring sound of the waterfall in the background. The ambiance narrated by the water perforating into the rock below is sublime and indescribably beautiful. This scenic viewpoint is ideal for relaxing, enjoying nature, and telling stories.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• Start the trek from Dhanderas Thatch at an easy pace so that your body can accommodate the changes in altitude. The climb from the tail end of the waterfall to its top will help you adjust to the strenuous pull that is required on the next day to the Rupin Pass.

• The first leg of the climb takes you to the head of the waterfall approximately one kilometer from the Dhanderas Thatch. Be careful of the snow patch at the top of the waterfall. Do not just go and stand there and step on the snow. Rather, go around and move uphill over some rocks to find the path that runs towards the top at an angle. You should get trekking poles or ice axes to balance if they are there.

• If the trail on the snow is a little difficult to find, then you could use your feet or your ice axe to make cuts into the snow to cross that particular area safely. This particular part of the trek is important for normalizing the body temperature for the trek before reaching out to the Rupin Pass.

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

Today might be the most significant day of your whole trek. Above everything else, the climb to the top of the waterfall will greatly assist you in your subsequent climb to the Rupin Pass. Additionally, the first stage will come in handy when the time comes to cross the Rupin pass.

The starting altitude at Dhanderas Thatch already enables us to maintain approximately twenty-five hundred feet more to cross the additional elevation of the mountains enclosing the Rupin Pass region. It is significant, and one can almost make sure that many people will face issues of altitude sickness. Better is to climb up at least about one thousand five hundred ft which is about the head of the waterfall, so that you can allow your body to be feeling the altitude effects. As you are somewhat acclimatized, your body will be ready for the next day’s strenuous climb of the Rupin pass. Please, in contrast to most days, begin your day at a more relaxed pace. Allow your arms and legs to gain strength back. Immediately following breakfast, step up for the climb of the waterfall.

From Dhanderas thatch till the head of the waterfall, it might be about one kilometer away. On the route, you will have great opportunities to jump and hop across various streams and also be dazzled by vibrant yellow butterfly-like heads of marigold flowers dancing in the wilderness. Another time, the flowers were rolled in so thick that it looked like a clear soft fold as we moved deep into the flower beds.

The snow patch at the bottom of the waterfall is serious. Do not step onto the snow patch directly; instead, head uphill on the boulder-strewn hillside till you discover the trail which runs diagonal to the snow patch. It seems sensible to use a stick or trekking pole for balance. At this point an ice axe is highly recommended. If the trail is faint, begin to use your boots or ice axe to cut steps and then very carefully cross the ice sheet. This lets you to the top of the lower falls.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• The day starts quite early at Upper Waterfall camp 13,275 Feet; it is quite a task to pull oneself from one’s dreams and a hearty breakfast is surely desirable before going for the 7.4 km up-hill trek to Rupin top 15,279 ft. This should be in the range of 9-10 hours approx and is likely to be the hardest and longest section including snow and rocky areas in moderate amounts of portions.

• While you move upwards, the winds will be stronger and the thin air will make the journey more challenging. The range keeps getting more and more beautiful, the sight of snow-capped peaks and tabletop glaciers makes the view even more stunning.

• Finally reaching Rupin Pass it already feels like the hardest part of the trek is behind. You can begin the descent from the summit, but making loose skip contacts will require precision. At this point, it is impossible to describe the feeling since the most difficult part of the trek has been surpassed.

• Ronti Gad from this position is at a height of 13,005 feet which takes around 3-4 hours to descend to. It is perhaps the only time in life where the pain while going up and the joy while coming down is truly transformative. On reaching the site, one could lie down, see the first stretches of paradise and know that the capital of the pass has been extended.

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

Rupin Pass Trek day 6 is arguably the most demanding yet exhilarating section of the trek – the pass-crossing day. The day starts with an early start from the Upper Waterfall camp at an elevation of 13,275 ft. After a substantial meal, the trekkers head towards the Rupin Pass which has an elevation of 15,279 ft. The day’s trek is quite long whereby a distance of about 7.4 Km is expected to be covered in around 9-10 hours.

The first section of this stage involves climbing through snow and rocky elements with relatively moderate levels of stamina engagement. As the climbing continues towards the crossing point of the Pass, the winds grow stiffer and the air grows a little thin. However, as you start moving upwards, the sights get even better with icily shrouded mountain peaks and sheets of glaciers all around.

Once this pass is crossed, the descent starts towards Ronti Gad, a stunning campsite that stands at an elevation of 13,005 feet. Just like any other trek, the descent in a way is a different ball game altogether and there are risks associated with it as well as one has to be extra careful about the loose rocks and patches of ice. The journey to Ronti Gad takes approximately 3-4 hours, however fatigue is not felt as much as the feeling of completion of the camp is very high. At Ronti Gad, during this time the trekkers can settle down and admire the breathtaking scenery while reminiscing about the successful crossing of the Rupin Pass and the battles that were confronted.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• Trek 11.9 km in 6 hours, descending from almighty 13,005 ft to 8,660 ft from a mountainous region across alpine snow regions which are rather rugged.

• As it moves, the melting snow on the mountains is succeeded by grassland, which now serves as a good contrast to the white peaks that were seen earlier.

• The path starts to get wider as you approach Sangla, with the river and bank lined with greenery and many small villages.

• After Sangla, proceed for a lovely 6-7 hour drive that passes through stunning Kinnaur Valley. Finally, flex your legs at Shimla Old Bus Stand and reminisce about the stunning trek.

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

On Day 7 of the Rupin Pass Trek, The Ronti Gad descent to Sangla is achieved after trekkers have traveled a distance of 11.9 km for a period not exceeding 6 hours. The first day begins at an elevation of 13005 feet, whereas the last day at Sangla elevation is 8,660 without any significant gap. The first half of the trek descends through rough terrain down to the foothills above the valleys. Further, as you descend, alpine snow regions give way to extensive grassland areas that seem completely unlike the white peaks and posts that you were trekking.

As you come closer to Sangla, the valley widens, and the trail runs alongside the river which fetches a journey among the hills through parts of vegetation and villages. The last part of the trek runs along the banks of the river and the green plants and water ending off the hard journey of the trekkers. After arriving at Sangla, the first base camp of Shimla is where a car awaits.

It takes nearly 6-7 hours to drive back to Shimla and while you are at it, you can also enjoy the mesmerizing surroundings of Kinnaur Valley which adds a soothing finish to an exhilarating experience. The trek concludes at the Shimla Old Bus Stand where you are left off and think about what indeed has been a great expedition.