RUPIN PASS TREK
If there is a trek in India that surprises you at every turn, it has to be the Rupin Pass trek. This trek is like an orchestra, building momentum with surprises in scenery every hour. You’ll never see it coming. Allow us to take you through the trek.
To begin with, Rupin Pass is a high altitude mountain pass, climbing to 15,250 feet. The adventure and thrill of ascending to such an altitude in the Indian Himalayas makes it a terrific trek on its own. And then come the surprises.
The surprises begin even before the trek, on your drive from Rohru over the Chainsheel Pass. Unpaved roads wind uphill through forests, changing views by the minute. The forest is so unique that you will want to step out of your vehicle now and then to admire it. At around 11,000 feet, you burst out of the forests into grasslands. These grasslands stretch far and wide. They last until you reach the Chainsheel Pass.
DAY 1
Drive from Rohru to Jiskun (7,630 ft)
Drive distance: 85 km | Drive Duration: 5 hours | Pick up point for himalaya journey trekkers: Hotel Lok Sewa Grand (near Rohru ISBT) | Pickup time: 9.00 am | Location of himalaya journey basecamp: Jiskun
Transport will be organised from Hotel Lok Sewa Grand at 9.00 am. The cost of the cab is Rs 6,500 (Bolero) per vehicle. The fare is split among trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Your cloakroom and rental procedures will take place at the pick-up point at 8.00 am.
DAY 2
Trek from Jiskun to Jakha
Trek Distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude gain: 7,630 ft to 8,755 ft
A lovely trek through remote, traditional villages of Himachal. The trek is a challenging one. Expect an hour’s descent followed by an hour’s steep ascent.
DAY 3
Trek from Jakha to Saruwas Thatch
Trek Distance: 7.10 km | Trek duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 8755 ft to 10,770 ft
The day’s trek starts off in a magnificent fir forest, one of the best forest sections on any trek. Further, the trail descends down into the valley, snaking on the banks of the Rupin River. Look out for beautiful dwarf rhododendrons after Udaknal, just as you approach the meadows of Saruwas Thatch.
DAY 4
Trek from Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch
Trek Distance: 3 km | Trek Duration: approx. 2 hours | Altitude gain: 10,770 ft to 11,700 ft
The shortest and perhaps the prettiest day of the trek, as you walk through small meadows, which are flower beds in summer, and beautifully colourful in autumn. The day’s trek culminates at the iconic Dhanderas Thatch or Lower Waterfall campsite, where you camp at the base of the roaring 1,500 ft Rupin Waterfall.
DAY 5
Trek from Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall
Trek Distance: 2.4 km | Trek Duration: 2-3 hours | Altitude gain: 11,700 ft to 13,275 ft
A quick and continuous ascent of the 1,500 ft Rupin Waterfall. In summer, expect to cross the waterfall on a snow bridge. In autumn, the trail is on rocky, and sometimes slippery terrain.
DAY 6
Pass-crossing day: Upper Waterfall camp to Rupin Pass, further on to Ronti Gad
Trek Distance: 7.4 km | Trek Duration: 9-10 hours | Altitude gain and loss: 13,275 ft to 15,279 ft to 13,005 ft
The most adventurous day of your trek. You start from the Upper Waterfall Camp at around 3 am to make it to Rupin Pass by 7 or 8 am. The day’s climb is hard, with steep ascents, through snowfields of rocky beds to the pass. The climb to the pass through the Rupin Gully is an iconic one. The descent and long walk to Rontigad is a true test of your endurance.
DAY 7
Trek from Ronti Gad to Sangla. Drive to Shimla
Trek Distance: 11.9 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude loss: 13,005 ft to 8,660 ft | Drop off point: Shimla Old Bus stand.
The day’s trek involves a steep descent all the way to Sangla, where your trek ends. Despite being the last day, this is one of the most picturesque days as you trek through the lush grasslands of Sangla. The trek ends at the River Baspa, which marks the beginning of civilization after your 7-day trek.
The cost of the cab is Rs 10,500 (Bolero) per vehicle. The fare is split among trekkers and paid directly to the driver. You are expected to reach Shimla by 1 am at night on the 8th Day.
Alternatively, you can choose to take a return cab from Sangla Kanda. It will cost an additional Rs 3,500. This decision, you can inform your Trek leader a day before the last day of the trek