RUPIN Pass Trek – HIMACHAL

RUPIN PASS TREK – HIMACHAL / UTTARAKHAND

Region: Dhaula → Sewa → Jiskun → Udaknal → Lower Waterfall → Upper Waterfall → Rupin Pass → Sangla

Difficulty: Difficult

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Max Altitude: ~4,650m

Price From: ₹14,000

⭐ Short Overview

The Rupin Pass Trek is one of India’s most dramatic high-altitude crossovers — known for its waterfall amphitheatre, steep snow gullies, hanging villages, and thrilling ascent to the 4,650m pass.
It’s a demanding trek with long days, steep climbs, and constantly shifting terrain, making it ideal for experienced trekkers seeking adventure without technical mountaineering.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Difficult

Why It's Difficult

• Steep climbs (especially Waterfall → Upper Waterfall → Pass)

• Snow gullies that require careful footwork

• Long summit day (8–10 hours)

• High altitude exposure

Trail Type

• Forest trails

• Cliffside traverses

• Meadows & high-altitude valleys

• Snow gullies

• Rocky pass traverse

Daily Distance

• 8–14 km per day

Fitness Required

• Ability to trek long days with steep sections

• Strong cardiovascular endurance

• Prior high-altitude trek recommended

Who Should Avoid

• Beginners

• People with vertigo issues

• Those unable to walk 7–8 hours/day

2. Day-Wise Itinerary

DAY 1 — Dehradun → Dhaula (Drive)

• 7–8 hr drive through Tons River Valley

• Stay in homestay/campsite

• Trek briefing

DAY 2 — Dhaula → Sewa

• Gentle ascent through mixed forest

• Explore Sewa’s wooden temple

• Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs

DAY 3 — Sewa → Jiskun

• Enter Himachal Pradesh

• Steep climb to Jiskun village

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs

DAY 4 — Jiskun → Udaknal

• Forest trails + exposed sections

• Walk into high meadows overlooking Rupin Valley

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs

DAY 5 — Udaknal → Dhanderas Thatch (Lower Waterfall Camp)

• One of the best Himalayan valleys

• Amphitheater view of Rupin Waterfall

• Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs

DAY 6 — Dhanderas → Upper Waterfall → Rupin Pass → Ronti Gad

• Iconic section of the trek:

  • Steep snow gullies

  • Waterfall climb

  • Traverse to Rupin Pass (~4,650m)

• Descend into Sangla side (steep scree & snow)

• Trek Duration: 8–10 hrs

DAY 7 — Ronti Gad → Sangla

• Long descent into Baspa Valley

• Trek ends at Sangla village

• Optional transport to Shimla/Chitkul

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Camping: tents + sleeping bags + mats

• All meals during trek

• Certified trek leader

• Technical team for snow gullies

• Microspikes/ropes (if needed)

• Forest permits

Exclusions

• Transport to/from Dehradun

• Gear rental (shoes, jackets, poles)

• Porter/mule services

• Any personal expenses

4. How to Reach

Base Hub: Dehradun

Start: Dehradun → Dhaula
End: Sangla (HP)
Transport from Sangla to Shimla/Chandigarh/Dehradun available by shared cabs.

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• Campsites throughout

• Jiskun may offer homestays depending on season

Food

• Hot vegetarian meals

• Soup, tea, energy snacks

• Packed lunches on long days

6. Safety & Weather

Safety

• Snow gullies require rope/microspike support

• Steep descent from pass

• Weather shifts rapidly near pass

• Guides monitor AMS symptoms

Weather

• May–June: Snow-heavy, more technical

• Sep–Oct: Clear skies, stable conditions

7. Best Time

• May–June (snow adventure)

• September–October (best views)

Avoid monsoon due to slippery rock sections.

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes

• Down/padded jacket

• 3–4 warm layers

• Waterproof gloves

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp

• Sunglasses

• 1–2L water bottles

Optional

• Gaiters

• Microspikes (usually provided)

• Power bank

9. FAQs

Q. Is Rupin Pass beginner friendly?
No — it demands experience & fitness.

Q. What’s the toughest part?
The climb from Waterfall Camp → Upper Waterfall → Rupin Pass.

Q. Can it be done solo?
Not recommended due to navigation & snow gullies.

Q. Mobile network?
None after Dhaula.

Ready for one of India’s most thrilling high-altitude pass crossings?