Rupin Pass: Where Every Step is a Story of Grit & Glory

“The Rupin Pass Trek is a breathtaking Himalayan journey where nature unveils its grandest spectacles. Trek through lush green meadows, dense pine forests, and charming wooden bridges over gushing streams. Witness the majestic Rupin Waterfall, a thunderous cascade plunging from rocky cliffs, creating rainbows in its mist. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into snow-clad trails and glacial valleys, with panoramic views of towering peaks like Kinner Kailash. Cross the thrilling snow bridges and high-altitude meadows dotted with wildflowers. Every turn reveals a new wonder—pristine alpine lakes, dramatic ridges, and star-lit camps under the shadow of mighty mountains. A paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike!”

Ultimate Guide to Rupin Pass Trek: Detailed Itinerary, Cost, Stay, Food & More

Overview of Rupin Pass Trek

The Rupin Pass Trek is one of India’s most thrilling and scenic high-altitude treks, crossing from Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand at an elevation of 15,250 ft (4,650 m). Known for its dramatic landscapes—snow bridges, waterfalls, dense forests, and alpine meadows—this trek is a favorite among adventure seekers.

Quick Facts

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
  • Duration: 7-8 Days (Ex-Delhi)
  • Best Time to Trek: May-June & September-October
  • Total Distance: ~52 km (One Way)
  • Max Altitude: 15,250 ft (Rupin Pass)

Detailed Itinerary (Day-by-Day Breakdown)

Day 0: Delhi to Dehradun (Travel Day)

  • Travel Mode: Overnight bus (Volvo) or train (Dehradun Express)
  • Cost:
    • Bus: ₹800-1,500 (Semi-sleeper/Sleeper)
    • Train: ₹400-1,200 (Sleeper/3AC)
  • Stay: Budget hotels in Dehradun (₹500-1,500/night)

Day 1: Dehradun to Dhaula (Drive) – Base Camp

  • Distance: 180 km (8-10 hrs drive)
  • Route: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Purola → Jarmola → Dhaula
  • Stay: Homestay/Guesthouse (₹500-1,000 per person)
  • Food: Local meals (Dal-Chawal, Roti-Sabzi) included in trek package

Day 2: Dhaula to Sewa (Trek Start) → Jhaka (6 km, 4-5 hrs)

  • Trek Route: Follow Rupin River → Cross hanging bridges → Reach Jhaka (village on a cliff)
  • Altitude Gain: 7,700 ft to 8,900 ft
  • Stay: Camping (Tents provided by trek operator)
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Vegetarian meals)

Day 3: Jhaka to Saruwas Thatch (5 km, 4-5 hrs)

  • Highlights: Waterfall views, dense forests
  • Altitude Gain: 8,900 ft to 10,500 ft
  • Stay: Tents in a lush meadow
  • Food: Hot meals served at campsite

Day 4: Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch (5 km, 4-5 hrs)

  • Highlights: Snow patches, Rupin Waterfall
  • Altitude Gain: 10,500 ft to 11,800 ft
  • Stay: Camping near river

Day 5: Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall Camp (4 km, 4-5 hrs)

  • Highlights: Steep climb, snow bridges (if early season)
  • Altitude Gain: 11,800 ft to 13,100 ft
  • Stay: High-altitude campsite

Day 6: Upper Waterfall to Rupin Pass (15,250 ft) → Ronti Gad (12 km, 8-10 hrs)

  • Most Challenging Day: Steep ascent & descent
  • Views: Himalayan peaks, glacier crossing
  • Stay: Camp at Ronti Gad

Day 7: Ronti Gad to Sangla (Trek End) → Shimla/Delhi

  • Drive: Sangla to Shimla (8-10 hrs)
  • Stay: Shimla hotel (₹1,000-3,000/night) or overnight bus to Delhi

Cost Breakdown (Budget vs Luxury)

1. Budget Trek (₹12,000 – ₹18,000)

  • Inclusions:
    • Basic tents, meals, guide, permits
    • Excludes: Travel to/from Delhi, rentals
  • Companies: Indiahikes, Trek The Himalayas

2. Mid-Range Trek (₹18,000 – ₹25,000)

  • Inclusions:
    • Better tents, experienced guides, transport from Dehradun
  • Companies: Bikat Adventures, Himalayan Hikers

3. Luxury Trek (₹30,000+)

  • Inclusions:
    • Premium camping (inflatable tents), better food, porters for luggage
  • Companies: Aquaterra Adventures, White Magic Adventures

How to Reach Rupin Pass (From Delhi)

  1. Delhi → Dehradun (Train/Bus)
  2. Dehradun → Dhaula (Shared taxi/private cab)
  3. Trek starts from Dhaula

Best Trekking Companies for Rupin Pass

CompanyPrice Range (₹)Inclusions
Indiahikes15,000 – 18,000Meals, tents, guide, permits
Trek The Himalayas16,000 – 20,000Transport from Dehradun
Bikat Adventures18,000 – 22,000Better equipment, experienced guides
Aquaterra30,000+Luxury camping, gourmet food

Packing List (Essentials)

  • Clothing: Thermal wear, trek pants, waterproof jacket
  • Footwear: Trekking shoes (ankle support), woolen socks
  • Gear: Trek pole, headlamp, sunglasses
  • Documents: ID proof, medical certificate

Permits & Safety Tips

  • Permit: Required (arranged by trek operator)
  • Fitness Level: Prior trekking experience recommended
  • Acclimatization: Proper hydration & rest to avoid AMS

Final Verdict

Rupin Pass is a must-do trek for adventure lovers, offering unmatched Himalayan beauty. Budget trekkers can do it under ₹20,000, while luxury options go up to ₹35,000.

Best Time: May-June (snow) & Sept-Oct (clear views)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (due to steep climbs)

Would you like recommendations for solo vs group trekking? Let me know! 🚀🏔️

1 thought on “Rupin Pass: Where Every Step is a Story of Grit & Glory”

  1. Pingback: Top 10 Treks in India: From Easy to Expert (Budget-Friendly Guide) - travelertrio.com

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