Rupin Pass Trek

its a long drive for the day, so arriving early becomes very important. G8iven the fact that this drive is longer, we go easier on the next day to acclimatize well and start late for the day compensating for the tiresome drive on day 1

A short trek for the day keeping in mind the sleeping altitude and tiring drive of the previous day. 

A gentle trek leading to the campsite on a small opening amidst the forest and besiode the gushing rupin river. In early may, there will be many snow bridges we might need to criscross

Our trail for the day climbs up gradually to the beautiful meadow of Dhanteras Thatch. We may chose to walk on the left of the river, or right or on top of it, depending on which month you are trekking. During May, you trek on top of the river is hidden beneath thick and solid snow cover. It's an easy day today and time flies as we reach hour of trek we reach our campsite for the day - a grand meadow called the Dhanteras Thatch. It is famous for it waterfall views. During late June, early July when the snow melts, lots of waterfalls are created which are seen from this campsite and has a all round view. From here is also visible the mighty, 2 stage waterfall of the Rupin river.

This is one of the best campsite of this trek and we miss no chance to feel and capture its beauty.

A flat walk on the Dhanteras Thatch brings us to the base of the climb where the waterfall hits the ground. We take to the right of the waterfall and start to climb up by the side of it. Soon, we are on top of the second waterfall. We take some rest here and appreciate the beauty of the Rupin valley. From here, most of our trail can be seen. 

We then start to climb further up. A little flat walk and then we traverse to the left of the first waterfall which looks quite dangerous, and so it is. People have paid prices for being careless here. Another hour of a steep climb from here brings us above the famous and thrilling Rupin Waterfall. The gush of the Waterfall remains a memory ever after. After some good rest, we climb a little more and camp in a secluded area in the beautiful campsite of Rata Feri.

Today is the most important day of our trek. We start early and after some motivated push at altitude above 4300 meters, we bring ourselves to the base of the pass. Having camped at Rata Feri the previous night eases our pass crossing effort today. We are well acclimatized and need to walk lesser in the cold. We reach the base of the Rupin Pass in about 30 minutes. Here we take some rest, grasp some breath, consume some energy and then hit the most interesting, tiring and challenging stretch of our trek. The L-shaped steep climb of the Rupin Gully.

Sheer determination, mental stamina and physical effort brings us to the top of the pass, where we offer prayers to the mighty gods of the valley. The feeling of achievement makes us forget all the pain we went through as we celebrate our success. We distribute the offerings made to the god amongst us and then start the long descent.

Initial difficult stretch which eases out very soon as we head towards Ronti Gad. We follow the Baspa river and after some distance, at the confluence of 2 rivers.

We head down on a small trekking trail and marks of civilization already reflects on our eyes and mind. An hour and half of descend brings us to Kanda Sangla, marked by a small pond.Mobile networks are available here ( BSNL, Vodafone and Airtel ).

Today we end our trek. A beautiful and life-changing journey comes to an end. With that months of careful planning ends as well. A couple of hour more of trek remains which brings us closer to civilizations. The beautiful valley of Sangla and Gushing Baspa river is a fascinating sight.

Once in Sangla, we end our trek and freshen up. Our trek ends by around 10AM, so we have enough time in hand to explore Sangla or travel down to Shimla. We can leave the same day in the afternoon or take up a hotel for the night. Sangla is a tourist destination and you can find all basic necessaries here. You can also choose to visit Chitkul from here which is just an hour away from Sangla

There is a direct bus to Shimla and Chandigarh from Sangla around 5 in the evening for those who want a cheap mode of transportation. Cab can be booked to Shimla or Kalka railway station.