Rupin Pass Trek

The Rupin Pass Trek is a spectacular high-altitude crossover trek that takes you through the remote Himalayan landscapes of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Reaching an altitude of approximately 15,250 ft, the trek is known for its constantly changing scenery, traditional mountain villages, dense forests, waterfalls, alpine meadows, snowfields, and the thrilling crossing of Rupin Pass.

Unlike a conventional trek where the landscape remains relatively similar throughout the journey, Rupin Pass offers something different almost every day. One section takes you through quiet Himalayan villages, while another leads through forests and open valleys before the trail eventually enters rugged high-altitude terrain. This dramatic transition is one of the main reasons Rupin Pass is considered such a rewarding Himalayan trek.

Our 7-day Rupin Pass Trek itinerary begins from Shimla, followed by a scenic drive of approximately 195 km to Bawta. The journey itself provides the first glimpse of Himachal's mountain landscapes before you settle into a homestay or guesthouse for the night and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

The actual trek begins from Bawta, taking you through Jiskun and onward to Jakha. Jakha is one of the most fascinating settlements along the route, known for its traditional Himalayan character and dramatic location on the mountainside. Walking through these remote settlements gives you an opportunity to experience a side of the Himalayas that goes beyond mountains and landscapes.

From Jakha, the trail continues towards Saruwas Thatch. As you move deeper into the valley, settlements gradually disappear and forests, streams, waterfalls, and open mountain landscapes begin to dominate the surroundings. This section marks the transition from inhabited Himalayan terrain towards the wilderness of the upper Rupin Valley.

The journey from Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch is one of the most scenic sections of the trek. Dhanderas Thatch is surrounded by towering mountain walls and expansive meadow landscapes, with the magnificent Rupin Waterfall forming a dramatic backdrop. It is one of those campsites where the scale of the surrounding mountains becomes truly apparent.

From Dhanderas Thatch, the trek climbs towards Upper Waterfall Camp. Although this is a shorter trekking day of approximately 3–4 km, the increasing altitude and steeper terrain make it an important stage of the journey. Depending on the season, the landscape around the upper reaches may include rocky terrain, streams, snow patches, and sections of snow-covered trail.

The biggest challenge and highlight of the entire trek comes on Day 6, when you trek from Upper Waterfall Camp to Ronti Gad via Rupin Pass. Covering approximately 12 km, this is the longest and most demanding day of the itinerary.

The ascent towards Rupin Pass at approximately 15,250 ft takes you into a completely different high-altitude environment. Snow conditions can vary according to the season, and the final sections require stamina, careful movement, and good acclimatization. Reaching the pass rewards you with expansive views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape and the satisfaction of completing the highest point of the journey.

Crossing Rupin Pass also marks a major geographical transition. After reaching the pass, the trail descends towards the Sangla side of Himachal Pradesh, eventually leading to the campsite at Ronti Gad. The steep descent and changing landscape make the pass-crossing day one of the most memorable experiences of the trek.

On the final day, the trek continues from Ronti Gad to Sangla Kanda, covering approximately 6 km. As you descend, the rugged high-altitude landscape gradually gives way to the greener surroundings of the Sangla Valley. From Sangla Kanda, a drive of approximately 25 km takes you to Sangla, where the Rupin Pass Trek concludes.

The Rupin Pass Trek is generally classified as a moderate to difficult Himalayan trek. The route includes sustained ascents and descents, high-altitude camping, long trekking days, potentially snowy terrain, and a demanding pass-crossing day. Good cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, endurance, and prior trekking experience are highly recommended.

The popular trekking windows are generally May to June and September to October, although actual conditions vary each year. Early-season departures may encounter more snow in the upper sections, while post-monsoon treks can offer clearer skies and different colours across the mountain landscape. Weather and trail conditions at Rupin Pass can change quickly, so departures should always be planned according to current local conditions.

What makes Rupin Pass Trek truly special is its diversity. Over seven days, you experience traditional Himalayan villages, forests, streams, waterfalls, meadows, high-altitude camps, snowfields, a dramatic mountain-pass crossing, and the beautiful Sangla Valley. Rather than being centred around a single viewpoint or summit, the entire trail becomes the experience.

For trekkers looking to progress beyond beginner-level Himalayan trails and experience a genuine high-altitude crossover, Rupin Pass offers an adventurous journey where the landscape continues to transform from the first trekking day until the final descent into Sangla.