Rupin Pass Trek

Trek Overview

The Rupin Pass Trek is a high-altitude adventure that traverses across the majestic landscapes of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Known for its dramatic scenery and ever-changing trails, this trek offers snow bridges, lush meadows, waterfalls, dense forests, and the thrill of crossing the Rupin Pass at 15,250 feet. From quaint Himalayan villages to steep gorges and hanging valleys, every day brings a new terrain and unforgettable views.

This 8-day trek starts in Dhaula and ends in Sangla, making it a point-to-point crossover trail. The journey offers not only natural beauty but also a blend of local culture as trekkers pass through remote hamlets. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or an enthusiastic beginner in good physical condition, Rupin Pass will leave you awestruck and deeply connected with the Himalayas.

Trek Highlights

Cross the iconic Rupin Pass at 15,250 ft, one of the most scenic high-altitude passes in the Himalayas.
Experience multiple landscapes — from pine forests, glacial valleys, and meadows to steep snowy ascents.
Camp beside cascading waterfalls and under starlit skies in remote Himalayan valleys.
Witness the famous Rupin Waterfall — a massive, multi-tiered natural wonder.
Explore traditional Himachali and Garhwali villages like Jhaka, Sewa, and Sangla.
A perfect trek for those seeking both physical challenge and natural beauty in one journey.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Dehradun to Dhaula (Basecamp)

Drive Duration: 8-9 hrs | Altitude: 5,500 ft | Stay: Guest House or Campsite

Your journey starts with a drive through the scenic hill towns of Uttarakhand. Enjoy views of rivers, pine forests, and local life before reaching the small hamlet of Dhaula — the starting point of the trek.

Highlights: Yamuna and Tons River valleys, pine forests, traditional Garhwali homes.

Day 02: Trek from Dhaula to Sewa

Trek Distance: 6 km | Altitude: 6,300 ft | Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs | Stay: Campsite

The trek begins with gentle ascents through forests and farmlands. Reach Sewa, a quaint village famous for its ancient temple and scenic surroundings. Get your first taste of mountain hospitality and remote life.

Highlights: Suspension bridge, temple with a wooden idol, riverside trail.

Day 03: Sewa to Jiskun

Trek Distance: 7 km | Altitude: 7,700 ft | Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs | Stay: Campsite or Homestay

Start with a descent and then a steep ascent along the river valley. Cross a wooden bridge to enter Himachal Pradesh and reach Jiskun — a beautiful village with traditional architecture and alpine views.

Highlights: Cross-state trek, hanging village, lush pine forests.

Day 04: Jiskun to Udaknal via Jhaka Village

Trek Distance: 6 km | Altitude: 9,500 ft | Trek Duration: 6 hrs | Stay: Campsite

One of the most scenic days. Trek through Jhaka — known as the hanging village — and enter deeper into the Rupin valley. Cross forests, wooden bridges, and meadows to reach the Udaknal campsite.

Highlights: Himalayan rhododendrons, vertical cliff paths, forested trail.

Day 05: Udaknal to Dhanderas Thatch

Trek Distance: 10 km | Altitude: 11,700 ft | Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs | Stay: Campsite

A long but spectacular trek. You'll pass through expansive meadows and walk beside the Rupin River. Camp at Dhanderas Thatch, one of the most beautiful campsites with views of the Rupin Waterfall.

Highlights: Waterfalls, alpine meadows, open valleys, glacier-fed streams.

Day 06: Acclimatization and Explore Dhanderas Thatch

Altitude: 11,700 ft | Stay: Campsite

A rest and acclimatization day to prepare for the pass crossing. Explore the surroundings, enjoy photography, and adjust to the altitude. Optional short hikes around the valley are available.

Highlights: Rest day, side hikes, photography, local interaction (if shepherds are around).

Day 07: Dhanderas Thatch to Rupin Pass, descend to Ronti Gad

Trek Distance: 12 km | Altitude: 15,250 ft (Pass) | Trek Duration: 9-10 hrs | Stay: Campsite

The most challenging and thrilling day! Begin early to climb steep snowfields, reach the Rupin Pass, and enjoy panoramic views. Descend carefully to reach Ronti Gad, a stunning high-altitude meadow.

Highlights: Summit push, views of Kinnaur Kailash range, snow bridges, long descent.

Day 08: Trek to Sangla and drive to Shimla/onward destination

Trek Distance: 7 km | Drive Duration: 7-8 hrs | Altitude: 8,800 ft

Descend through forests and pastures to the charming Baspa valley. End your trek at Sangla. From here, drive to Shimla or continue your onward journey. The trek concludes with a deep sense of accomplishment.

Highlights: Transition to civilization, pine forests, Baspa Valley views.

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusions:

Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
All necessary permits and entry fees.
First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.

Exclusions:

Any kind of personal expenses.
Food during the transit.
Insurance.
Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant

Process

The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.

Replacement of Participants

Participants can be replaced through the India Treks dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email info@indiatreks.co.in with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.

Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.

Cash Refund Policy

Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:

30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund

Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.

Voucher Refund Policy

Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:

5+ days before departure: No deduction
Less than 5 days: No Refund

Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.

Cancellation or Change Initiated by India Treks

We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:

A replacement event of equivalent value
A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)

If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.

Changes/Cancellation After Departure

Due to Force Majeure

No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.

Other Reasons

If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).

Participant Dropout During the Event

No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.

Early Return from an Event

If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.

Emergency Evacuation

In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.

Trek Info

Rupin Pass Quick Itinerary