Rupin Pass is a high-altitude hike that begins in Uttarakhand’s Dhaula and concludes in Sangla. The majority of your trekking will be done in Himachal, as 80 percent of the trip route is located there.
Rupin Pass, at an altitude of around 15250 feet, is one of India’s high-altitude trekking expeditions. The varied amount of panoramas and abrupt fluctuation in pathways attract many nature enthusiasts, and the high altitude is not the only reason for its appeal among trekkers. Rupin Pass Trek will wow you with the amount of variation that Mother Nature has to offer you at every hour. The routes can be tough at times, with steep climbs that suddenly shift to gentle treks.
Rupin Pass is a wonderful walk for any adventure because it offers treks on snow, rugged terrain, along and across water streams, and through meadows. As you near the finish of your walk, you will begin in greener and hotter environments and go to and through the coldest of locations over the snow.
Day 1
You must go to Dehradun on your own, and transportation to Dhaula will be arranged from the Dehradun Railway Station. The temperature along the journey will not be particularly cold, but it will be humid. The nice sights of the hills, on the other hand, will keep you excited for the more spectacular sight ahead. Except for the last few kilometres, where a narrow uneven stretch is covered with mud, the roads until Dhaula are in decent shape.
Day 2
Even though today’s trip is 9 kilometres long, it will not be too taxing for you because the entire trek is an easy stroll on undulating paths until you reach Sewa. After leaving Dhaula hamlet and passing through a livestock shelter, the trail begins to climb for around 200 metres. After 20 minutes, it becomes easier again, and a short stroll further will reveal a new view of Rupin flowing below into its bed. Just before Sewa, you’ll come to a road where you can stop for tea and refreshments and take in the scenery of Rupin flowing and making calming sounds. Visit the famed Kinnaur Shrine in Sewa, where villagers’ medals and trophies are displayed outside the temple. Remain in the camps.
Day 3
Today’s hike gradually progresses from moderate to challenging. Because the area en route is prone to landslides, and the trail’s frequent variations contribute to the difficulty level, our staff will instruct you for the day. After 3 hours of moderate walking, there will be a 1 hour severe rise. A change so abrupt and unexpected that you have to look back to get your bearings. For the first time on the trek, you walk beside the river rather than on it.
Day 4
Today you will pass through the trek’s highest and final settlement. In addition, the course will consist of a continuous uphill for 4-5 hours. So, before you go on the zigzag mixed trail, take in all of your energy. The entrance to the woodland is so abrupt that it feels as if someone has opened a gate for you. The towering blue trees, some hundreds of years old, lead you through pristine and unspoiled settings. A wooden bridge can be found amid the deep woodland. From the bridge, the path begins to ascend in a zig-zag pattern. This is the last water stop for the day, so refill your bottles at Selwan Khad. Don’t worry, there are plenty of tea shops along the way if you run out of water. At night, retire to your tranquil tents.
Also See: Bhrigu Lake Trek
Day 5
It’s pure delight to wake up at the campsite near Jhaka Village. The trail is well-marked, goes through Jhaka village’s field, then enters a forest with tall fir trees, evoking centuries of immaculate civilization. The ascent is difficult. The Rupin on your left and next to you rapidly climbs in a sequence of tiny waterfalls. The ascent isn’t long. It evens out ten minutes later, leaving you flabbergasted. Thousands of Rhododendrons are in full bloom all around you. Move downward through green and yellow meadows to reach the valley, and after crossing a series of snow-bridges, you will find yourself in the midst of a valley, Dhanderas Thatch. After lunch, we have the entire day to explore and photograph. It’s time to call it a day once the tents have been set up and dinner has been served.
Also See: Weekend Places to Visit
Day 6
The Rupin pass crossing gains over 2,500 feet in altitude from Dhanderas Thatch. It’s a sizable number, and it’s practically inevitable that many people will get altitude sickness. It’s preferable to climb up to the top of the waterfall, roughly 1,500 feet above sea level, and let your body adjust to the altitude. Your body is better prepared for the arduous climb to the Rupin pass the next day now that you’ve acclimatised. Start your day at your leisure, unlike most days. Allow your limbs to regain their strength. Prepare for the climb to the top of the waterfall after breakfast. The base of the waterfall is roughly a kilometre away from Dhanderas Thatch. There are lots of streams to hop and jump over along the route, as well as a wild display of yellow marigolds. You might wish to lie down on the marigolds if they’re put out in a carpet.
Day 7
Begin your day even before the sun rises. Make sure you leave the camp before 5:00 a.m. Breakfast should be brought with you. For your brief halt at the top of the pass, you’ll need the extra energy. The approach to the pass is steep, and the descent is much steeper. This is the longest and most difficult day of your journey, as well as the most exciting. It’s packed with enough adventure to linger in your mind for a long time. The long stroll through the undulating snow fields seems to go on forever. The snow makes it tough to get about. You will occasionally slip and slide a few metres. Your foot will sink in up to your thighs at times. But it will never be so difficult that it will terrify you to death. The landscape is unusually white. The trail to Rupin Pass is short but treacherous, with loose stones falling from the sky. Our team recommends that you carefully stroll in line, putting your best foot forward. After a short descent, you’ll be ready to embark on the next adventure of sliding down the snow to Rukti Gad. A easy walk leads to Ronti Gad, followed by a steep descent. Camping at the coldest but most charming campsite amidst snow-covered mountains.
Day 8
Today’s hike will be a downhill ascent, but one that will be quite difficult due to the trail’s quick descent in altitude. Our crew will perform another fight to help you adjust to the acute descent, allowing you to climb down with greater ease and without injuring your foot or knees. The Kinner Kailash range and the blue pines of the Baspa valley are visible for the first time. From here, you can see where you’ll be stopping next, i.e. Sangla Kanda Lake is surrounded by tiny communities. Relax in the village and take in the views of Sangla Kanda Lake. The final trail is wide and well-defined, but descends quickly to Sangla; after 30 minutes, you will reach Baspa Village, and another 20 minutes of climbing, you will arrive in Sangla, the end of your hiking expedition. Embark on a road trip to Shimla in taxis.
