Rupin Pass Trek

Lush green valley, wide open snowfield, Colorful flowers, Gushing rivers & waterfalls, Shepherds and more surprises each day

📅
Duration
7 Days, 6 nights
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Altitude:
4650m
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Grade:
Moderate+
how we grade
👍
Best Time:
May June, July, Sep Oct
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Temperatures:
-5 to 18 degrees Celsius
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Starts From:
Chirgaon
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Airport:
Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
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Railway:
Kalka, Himachal Pradesh

Key Geographical Highlights

1 High Passes:

Rupin Pass ( 4650m )

1 Lakes:

Rata Feri Lake ( 4532m )

3 Rivers:

Rupin, Baspa, Tons

2 Villages:

Jhakha, Jiskun

1 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary

Reach Chirgaon find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Rupin Pass Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayJiskun 2380m
Arrive In Jiskun
Overnight In: Jiskun (2380m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Chirgaon
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
Day 1
435 - Shimla
Day 1
1560 - Rohru
Day 1
2380 - Jiskun
7hrs.
▼ Day 2Trekking DayJhakha 2750m
From Jiskun (2380m ) To Jhakha (2750m ) - 2 - 3 Hrs. 4 Kms
Overnight In: Jhakha (2750m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
A short trek for the day keeping in mind the sleeping altitude and tiring drive of the previous day.
Day 2
2380 - Jiskun
Day 2
2750 - Jhakha
4Km, 2 - 3hrs.
▼ Day 3Trekking DaySaruwas Thatch 3350m
From Jhakha (2750m ) To Saruwas Thatch (3350m ) - 4 Hrs. 7 Kms
Overnight In: Saruwas Thatch (3350m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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
Day 3
2750 - Jhakha
Day 3
3350 - Saruwas Thatch
7Km, 4hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayDhanteras Thatch 3620m
From Saruwas Thatch (3350m ) To Dhanteras Thatch (3620m ) - 3 Hrs. 2 Kms
Overnight In: Dhanteras Thatch (3620m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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.
Day 4
3350 - Saruwas Thatch
Day 4
3620 - Dhanteras Thatch
2Km, 3hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayRata Feri 4300m
From Dhanteras Thatch (3620m ) To Rata Feri (4300m ), Via - Upper Waterfall (4070m ) . Excursion to Rata Feri Lake (4500m ). Excursion to Rata Feri Lake - 5 Hrs. 6 Kms
Overnight In: Rata Feri (4300m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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.
After lunch, we go on an excursion or acclimatization walk and exploration to a Lake nearby.
Day 5
3620 - Dhanteras Thatch
Day 5
4070 - Upper Waterfall
Day 5
4300 - Rata Feri
Day 5
4500 - Rata Feri Lake
Day 5
4300 - Rata Feri
6Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 6Pass Crossing DayKanda Sangla 3365m
Cross Rupin Pass And Reach Kanda Sangla via Rontigad - 6 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Kanda Sangla (3365m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 ).
Day 6
4300 - Rata Feri
Day 6
4650 - Rupin Pass
Day 6
4000 - Rontigad
Day 6
3365 - Kanda Sangla
8Km, 6hrs.
▼ Day 7Departure DayShimla 450m
From Kanda Sangla (3365m ) To Shimla (450m ), Via - Sangla (2670m ) - 2 Hrs. 7 Kms
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning tea, Breakfast
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
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.
Day 7
3365 - Kanda Sangla
Day 7
2670 - Sangla
Day 7
450 - Shimla
7Km, 2hrs.

Rupin Pass Trek - An Elaborate Description

The Rupin Pass trek is a thrilling journey that takes you through the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas. This trek is a must-do for any adventure enthusiast, offering a unique blend of challenge and beauty.

Location and Duration

The trek starts from a very beautiful village Jiskun in Himachal Pradesh and ends at the popular tourist spot of Sangla in Himachal Pradesh.
It typically takes about 6 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 32 kilometers.

Scenic Beauty

The trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush green valleys to snow-covered peaks.
The trail passes through quaint villages, dense forests, and across stunning rivers.
The highlight of the trek is the three-stage waterfall at Rupin Pass, which is a sight to behold.

Difficulty Level

The Rupin Pass trek is considered moderate trek, making it suitable for trekkers from beginners to those with some prior experience.
The highest point of the trek is at an altitude of 15,250 feet, requiring physical fitness and acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to undertake the Rupin Pass trek is from May to June and then from September to October.
During these months, the weather is generally stable, providing clear views of the surrounding peaks.

Preparation

Proper preparation is crucial for the Rupin Pass trek. This includes physical fitness training, packing the right gear, and understanding the trail.
It’s also important to respect the environment and local culture during the trek.

In conclusion, the Rupin Pass trek is a captivating journey that promises an unforgettable adventure. Its stunning landscapes, challenging trails, and the sense of accomplishment it offers make it a bucket-list-worthy experience for every trekker. So, lace up your boots, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Rupin Pass Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

Surprises on every corner and turns: The Rupin Pass trek is known for its dynamic landscape that changes dramatically at every turn. One moment you’re walking through dense forests, the next you’re crossing snow bridges, and then you’re navigating steep cliffs. This constant change in scenery keeps trekkers engaged and excited about what’s to come.
Snow and lots of it during May-June season: The best time to experience the snow-covered landscapes of Rupin Pass is during the months of May and June. During this time, the entire trail is blanketed in a thick layer of snow, transforming the region into a winter wonderland. It’s a sight to behold and a unique experience that makes the trek even more memorable.
The hanging village of Jhakha and its people: Jhakha, often referred to as the ‘hanging village’, is a highlight of the trek. Perched on the side of a mountain, it seems to hang in the balance. The villagers are known for their warm hospitality, offering trekkers a glimpse into their simple yet contented lives.
The pious valley of Gods - Rupin Valley: The Rupin Valley is often called the ‘Valley of Gods’ due to its serene and divine beauty. Reaching the top of Rupin Pass is a rewarding experience, as you’re greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Baspa Valley. It’s a moment of accomplishment that fills every trekker with a sense of awe and reverence for the majestic Himalayas.
Sangla, a lovely scenic place where you end your trek: The trek concludes at Sangla, a beautiful town known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Just an hour’s drive from Sangla is Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Known for its architectural marvels and delicious local cuisine, it’s the perfect place to relax and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just undertaken.

Each of these elements contributes to making the Rupin Pass trek a truly unforgettable adventure. Whether it’s the thrill of the ever-changing landscapes, the beauty of the snow-covered trails, the charm of Jhakha, the divine beauty of the Rupin Valley, or the serene end at Sangla, there’s something for every trekker to enjoy.

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate+

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging+

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Rupin Pass Trek

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN PRICE

Duration: 7 Days / 6 nights of trek cost from Shimla to Shimla
Accommodation In Base Village (Jiskun): 1 night in a standard hotel in Jiskun.
Accommodation On Trek: Spacious, sturdy and High-Quality Dome Tents will be provided on twin sharing basis.
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Mattress complemented with Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Warm Fleece Sleeping Bag Inners For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and table for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat.
Meals: All meals starting Evening Tea in Chirgaon on Day 1 till Breakfast in Kanda Sangla on Day 8 morning. 3 meals (B,L,D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks and extra energizers/juice for summit days
Trail Safety: Gaiters, Anti Slip Crampons and Ice Axe depending upon snow conditions.
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied with a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:6. That is 1 guide for every 6 trekkers.
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc
Permits: All required forest entry permits and camping fees as per the rules of the land
Transfers: All transfers ex Shimla for the trekking team and support crew.
Max Team Size: Small group of not more than 12 members.

Add-On Services ( At Extra Cost)

Personal Porterage: Rs. 4000

Private Accommodation On Trek: Rs. 10000

These services can be availed at extra cost. Please enquire to know more

Equipment Available On Rent At Extra Cost

High Ankle Waterproof Trekking Shoes (Quechua): Rs 1000
20 degrees Down Jackets: Rs. 1200
Windproof/Waterproof Jackets: Rs. 600
Windproof/Waterproof pants: Rs. 600
Headlamps: Rs. 250
Poncho: Rs. 250
Trek Pole: Rs.. 250
Rucksack: Rs. 500
Waterproof Gloves: Rs 250
Headlamp: Rs. 250

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

PERSONAL PORTERAGE: (check add-on services)
Personal Travel Insurance
Personal Purchases
Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Personal Gears (check add-on services)
Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Rupin Pass Trek

Cost Terms

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 1 - 12 people team.PackageInclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

International Guests

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International Guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers Rs. 5000 per person.

Booking Process

Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Customized Private Group For Rupin Pass Trek

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Customize This Trek

ENQUIRE FOR PRICING

We work exclusively on Personalized Private Groups – its perfect for solo climbers, couples, families, friends or teams.

We keep it small for low ecological footprint, better experience, flexible itinerary, highest safety standards and superior success rate on the summits. Team size: 1 to 10 max.

Enquire for detailed pricing based on your preferences and group size.

Email Us

Customize

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