Rupin Pass Trek:

Upcoming Rupin pass trek starting on 16th May, 22 May,  and 31st May, 7 June, 14 June, 20June, 10 September, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 8 Oct, 15 Oct, 22 Oct, 2024 from Dehradun.

When you think of a high altitude trek in summer, Rupin pass trek is not to miss. There are several passes which connect the Baspa valley of Kinnaur to the Garhwal in south. Once these passes were used by shepherds and traders rather than using the circuitous Hindustan-Tibet road in present days. The route offers wide range of landscape, altitude and gradient. Initially the trail is inside the Govind National Park (Govind Vanya Pashu Vihar) and passes through Oak and Fir forests , interior villages in the river valleys at lower elevation while beautiful meadows (referred as Thach in local language), alpine wild flowers, waterfalls, steep ice fields on higher altitude. The route is typically rich in wild flowers, specially just after monsoon. Famous Brahma Kamal flourish in abundance in the surrounding areas of the pass. During summer, the trail above the meadows remain covered in heavy snow. In monsoon the snow melts and the shepherds cross for grazing opportunities. From the pass there are spectacular views of Kinnaur Kailash range and other peaks of Charang Ghati ridge. The other side of the pass i.e. Kinnaur is famed for its “Golden Delicious” apple orchards.

Brief Itinerary for Rupin pass trek:

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Dhaula – 200 Km by car – 10 hours
Day 2: Trek to Sewa – 10 Km – 5/6 hours
Day 3: Trek to Jhaka – 12 Km – 6/7 hours
Day 4: Trek to Buras Kandi – 7 Km – 5 hours
Day 5: Trek to  Dhanderas Thatch (Lower Waterfall) – 6 Km – 4 hours
Day 6: Trek to Rati Pheri/Upper waterfall – 5 Km – 4 hours
Day 7: Trek to Sangla Kanda over Rupin Pass – 12 Km – 8/9 hours
Day 8: Trek to Sangla – 4 Km – 2 hours

*** Trekkers need to reach on their own to Dehradun on Day 1 morning (by 7 am) or the previous night. You will reach Sangla by early afternoon on Day 8. It is advised that you book your return tickets from Delhi on Day 10 morning or later. Transportation cost to reach Dhaula and return from Sangla are included in the TREK FEE.

Best time/Seasons for Rupin Pass trek:

As all high altitude treks in the Himalayas (apart from few trans Himalayan treks), Rupin Pass trek also can be done best in two seasons. One being in summer before monsoon and the later being post monsoon in fall.

Summer (May/June): Starting from early May to end of June. Because of the residual snow of winter expect moderate to heavy snow during this time. You will get snow from lower waterfall camp in patches and above. Due to heavy snow normally Rati Pheri camp is not possible this season but upper waterfall will be the highest camp before Rupin pass. The nature of snow will be icy/slushy as it melts during daytime and refreezes again in the night. Micro spikes/anti-slip grips (don’t get confused yourself with mountaineering crampons) are helpful. Also you will in love with Rhododendrons in summer. These blooms in abundance around Buras Kandi (Buras means Rhododendron in local language). So, if snow is your priority then this is your season. Brief showers in the afternoon is a normal occurrence.

Post monsoon (Sep/Oct): Traditionally this is the best window for any high altitude pass on the Himalayas. After monsoon the weather becomes clear and haze free. September is typically greener and you will get the meadows (called Thatch in local language) at their best. Variety of flowers bloom in monsoon and remain till late September. Most revered Brahma Kamal bloom on the higher rocky ridges. From October the grass will turn into golden and it will become colder. Also there will be chance of fresh snowfall on high altitude above 14000 ft. Experienced hikers who have already been to snow treks and don’tt have any special liking for snow normally prefer this season.

Rupin valley, its people and culture:

Rupin pass trail is all about following the Rupin river from Dhaula (at Dhaula Supin and Rupin forms Tons river, the main tributary of Yamuna) to its origin. Following upstream you will not only witness its twist and turn but also cross very interior villages of Uttarakhand (up to Sewa village) and then villages of Himachal (Jiskun and Jakha). The architecture of their houses and attires have similarities with Kinnaur region. Most of the people at Jiskun and Jakha are of Satsangi religious sect and are pure vegetarian.

Access to Rupin pass trek base (Dhaula):

Based upon your request we will arrange a pick up and drop from Dehradun to Dhaula. This will be shared equally by the team members on actual basis. You pay directly to the driver/transporter. The fare is Rs 6000 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Maxx/Bolero one way. This can accommodate 6 to 8 people. A Tempo Traveller charges Rs 9000 (12-14 seat) one way.

While returning from Sangla either one can take the overnight bus to Shimla at 5 pm or board the bus next morning at 8 am. The 235 Km journey will take 10 to 12 hours. From Shimla there are frequent bus services for Chandigarh and Delhi.

Return from Sangla (trek end point) to Shimla/Chandigarh/Delhi:

Rupin pass trek ends at Sangla. You should reach Sangla latest by noon on Day 8, starting from Sangla Kanda. Some trekkers start their return journey on the same evening whereas few prefer to stay back at Sangla for the night. The last village on Baspa valley is Chitkul, which is 25 Km further up from Sangla. Here are the different options which you can avail:

1) There is a state transport HRTC operated bus starts in the afternoon/evening (4/5 pm) and reaches Shimla in 10/12 hours. From the same bus terminus you will get busses for Chandigarh and Delhi which will take 4 and 9/10 hours respectively.

2) If you prefer to stay the night at Sangla (there are plenty of accommodation options) then you can avail the next morning HRTC bus ( at 6 am) directly going to Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) via Shimla. This will take around 18/20 hours.

3) At times trekkers take a reserved vehicle from Sangla to Shimla on Day 8 evening or Day 9 morning. Our team will help you to get one. This will be shared equally by the availing team members and a Tata Sumo charges around 7000/8000 Rs.

To reach the trek base Dhaula independently/public transportation, check the details in GETTING THERE TAB.

AVAILABLE DATES:

16th May, 22 May,  and 31st May, 7 June, 14 June, 20June, 10 September, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 8 Oct, 15 Oct, 22 Oct, 2024 from Dehradun