Rupin Pass Trek, Uttarakhand
Uninhabited by humans, the Rupin pass is placed at 15, 250 feet above sea level, starts at Dhaula in Uttarakhand, and comes to an end in Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. The trek is placed along the river Rupin and takes you through icy slopes, rocks, glaciers, snowfields, wooden bridges, appealing hamlets, gushing rivers, velvety meadows, and evergreen Deodar forests.
There are some alternate trekking routes as well. Apart from several natural wonders, this trek also offers camping opportunities amid green jungles. Though the difficulty level is moderate as per the intensity of snow, the trail might become a challenging one. The view of the Kinner Kailash range is also fabulous.
Rupin Pass Trek Highlights
- Altitude: 15,250 ft / 4,650 m
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (varies with snow conditions)
- Trek Duration: 7–8 Days
- Distance Covered: 52–55 km approx.
- Best For: Experienced trekkers & fit beginners
- Major Attractions: Rupin Waterfall, Hanging Village of Jhaka, Kinner Kailash views, snowfields & glaciers
Best Time to Visit Rupin Pass Trek
The ideal months to plan this trek are:
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| May – June | Spring blooms, moderate snow patches, pleasant weather |
| September – October | Clear skies, autumn landscapes, stable conditions |
- Avoid monsoon (July–August), slippery trails & landslides
- Winter heavy snowfall, risky route
Day-by-Day Itinerary for Rupin Pass Trek
| Day | Route / Activity | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dehradun to Dhaula | Campsite |
| Day 2 | Dhaula - Sewa Village | Camp/Homestay |
| Day 3 | Sewa - Jhaka Village (Hanging Village) | Camp |
| Day 4 | Jhaka - Saruwas Thatch | Camp |
| Day 5 | Saruwas Thatch - Dhanderas Thatch | Camp near waterfall |
| Day 6 | Dhanderas - Upper Waterfall Camp | Snow zone |
| Day 7 | Cross Rupin Pass - Ronti Gad | Camp |
| Day 8 | Ronti Gad - Sangla - Transfer to Shimla/Rampur | Hotel/Return |
The trek involves steep climbs, snow slopes & altitude challenges — proper acclimatization required.
How to Reach the Starting Point (Dhaula)
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Hire a taxi/bus to Dhaula (approx. 210 km / 9 hours)
By Train
- Dehradun Railway Station (210 km from Dhaula)
- Regular taxis available towards Purola - Dhaula
By Road
- Direct road access to Dhaula from Dehradun - Purola - Sankri Route
Things to Do on Rupin Pass Trek
- Witness the 3-stage Rupin Waterfall
- Explore Jhaka – the famous Hanging Village
- Snow trekking & glacier crossings
- Lakeside camping in high-altitude meadows
- Capture incredible views of Kinner Kailash
- Bird watching & Himalayan wildlife spotting
Rupin Pass Trek Cost (Estimated Pricing Table)
| Package Type | Duration | Cost per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Trek Package | 7N/8D | Rs. 18,000 – Rs. 22,000 | Tents, meals, permits, guide |
| Premium All-Inclusive | 8N/9D | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 32,000 | Transport + gear + extra stay |
| Customized/Private Group | On Request | Flexible | Personal arrangements |
Prices vary depending on trek operators & batch dates.
Safety Tips for Trekkers
- Acclimatize properly before high climbs
- Carry sufficient warm clothing & waterproof shoes
- Hire certified local guides or trekking organizers
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Avoid trekking during bad weather
- Monitor altitude sickness (AMS) symptoms
Nearby Attractions
After completing the trek, you may explore:
- Sangla Valley
- Rakcham Village
- Chitkul (Last village of the India border route)
- Baspa River
- Kamru Fort
Perfect options for extending the trip by 1–2 days.
Quick Facts – Rupin Pass Trek
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Location | Uttarakhand - Himachal (Dhaula to Sangla) |
| Maximum Altitude | 15,250 ft (4,650 m) |
| Trek Length | 52–55 km |
| Duration | 7–8 Days |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
| Temperature | Summer: 5°C to 18°C, Nights: -5°C to 5°C |
| Nearest Airport | Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Dehradun Railway Station |
| Base Camp | Dhaula Village |
The Rupin Pass Trek is a thrilling crossover expedition that rewards trekkers with unmatched scenery and Himalayan charm. Whether it's the massive waterfalls, snowfields, or the majestic Kinner Kailash views, every step of this journey brings excitement and wonder. For adventure enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding Himalayan trek, Rupin Pass is one of India’s finest trekking experiences.
