
“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)
- Delhi → Dehradun (Train/Bus)
- Dehradun → Dhaula (Shared taxi/private cab)
- Trek starts from Dhaula
Best Trekking Companies for Rupin Pass
Company | Price Range (₹) | Inclusions |
---|---|---|
Indiahikes | 15,000 – 18,000 | Meals, tents, guide, permits |
Trek The Himalayas | 16,000 – 20,000 | Transport from Dehradun |
Bikat Adventures | 18,000 – 22,000 | Better equipment, experienced guides |
Aquaterra | 30,000+ | 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! 🚀🏔️
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