Tushar
I have a background in engineering, but I have chosen to pursue blogging. I have a great passion for portrait and nature photography, so I always make sure to bring my DSLR camera with me whenever I go out or have special moments with loved ones. During my spare time, I enjoy reading and writing blogs, as well as spending quality time with my child.
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Known for high-altitude trekking at 15250 ft, Rupin Pass trek offers absolute excitement and thrill to the adventure lovers. The picturesque trek begins and ends at the “Lands of Gods”, including Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. So, naturally, the pristine beauty of the scenic landscapes on this trek are pure bliss for the ones who love a rendezvous with nature.
During this expedition, a hiker has the opportunity to travel through quaint villages, vibrant meadows, hanging bridges, thick woodlands, breathtaking rivers, and rushing streams and waterfalls.
- Visit two picturesque Himalayan villages, namely Jhanka and Mori, situated atop a hill.
- Walking through the dense forests of oak, pine and rhododendron in the Govind National Park
- Witness the captivating and extraordinary display of unique vegetation and wildlife found in the Himalayas.
- Discover the customs and heritage of mountain dwellers.
- Crossing suspension and snow bridges enhances excitement and trekkers can feel the adrenaline rush
- The towering waterfalls create the sensation that divine forces are pouring sacred water from the vast blue sky.
- Offer prayers at Kinnaur Temple and Pokhu Devta, situated at the confluence of the rivers Rupin and Supin
- Lose yourself in the captivating magnificence of the towering Kailash Peak and mountains covered in snow.
Best Time to Head to Rupin Pass: The Rupin Pass trek can be undertaken in two seasons, one in summer, i.e., from May to June and another in the post-monsoon season, i.e., September and October. Notably, summer experiences heavy snowfall, while in the post-monsoon season the landscape turns green and the weather becomes clear. However, the grass starts turning golden from the end of October, referring to the arrival of winters. During the day, the temperature in Rupin Pass typically varies between 13°C and 18°C, while it can drop to 0°C to 7°C at night.
Rupin Pass: A Glimpse of My Long Journey To The ‘Land of Gods’
Region – Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
Duration – 8 Days
Grade – Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude – 15250 ft
Distance – 52 km
Being one of the most adventurous and beautiful trails, the Rupin Pass trek is known for showcasing a breathtaking contrast in the green and snow-covered landscapes. The trail is admired for its awe-inspiring beauty and appealing charm. A walk through the valley, encompassing exquisite flora and fauna, is a unique experience in itself. A panoramic sight of the River Tons and the Kailash Peak makes this journey, the most memorable experience.
After a peaceful 2-hour flight from Delhi to Dehradun, I arrived at Jolly Grant Airport at 8 am. Outside the airport, I met up with my guide and fellow trekkers. We all exchanged introductions with each other. Since we were a group of 15 individuals, our guide had organized three Tata Sumos for transportation. Once we got into our assigned vehicles, our picturesque journey commenced on the scenic hilly road adorned with lush greenery.
We indulged in a glass of lassi (a traditional Indian drink made from buttermilk) and aloo-pyaaz parathas (bread filled with mashed potatoes and chopped onions) with butter at a dhaba (a small eatery located by the roadside). Afterward, our vehicles stopped at Mori for us to offer prayers to Lord Pokhu (the deity associated with law and order) at Pokhu temple, an exquisite wooden temple situated in the village of Netwar. The temple is renowned as the meeting point of rivers Supin and Rupin, as well as the source of River Tons.
Continuing on, the path proceeded through breathtaking hill views and it took us approximately 7 hours to arrive at Dhaula via Mussorie. Dhaula, located in the Uttarkashi district, served as the starting point for our trek. Following a two-hour break at the base camp, our guide provided us with a thorough overview of the itinerary and routes. Additionally, each trekker was given a map for the 8-day expedition. After having dinner, we spent the night at the campsite.
The following day, I awoke to a breathtaking sunrise. We were then instructed to participate in warm-up exercises and stretches. Soon after, we embarked on the thrilling Rupin Pass trek from Dhaula to Seva. The path led us through charming villages, aromatic apricot and apple orchards, and suspension bridges over the River Rupin. Along the way, we stumbled upon a small shop operated by a local couple from the mountains, where they sold tea and biscuits. Unable to resist, we indulged in a steaming cup of tea and some light snacks. Afterwards, we continued our journey through dense forests and open meadows for approximately three hours, taking regular breaks along the way.
As I journeyed, the soothing sound of flowing rivers and streams created a beautiful harmony in my ears. When we finally arrived at our intended location, we stumbled upon a magnificent temple renowned for its Kinnauri customs. After hiking for 10 minutes, we reached a bridge that linked Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. We successfully crossed the suspension bridge and arrived at Seva, where we established our campsite near the river stream.
On the third day, we ventured into the dense rhododendron forest. After approximately two hours of walking, we came across a wooden bridge known as ‘No Man’s Place’. Our guide explained that it earned this name as it is not owned by any particular state. Our first destination was Gosangu, and from there, we continued our journey to Kwar. Within the following two hours, we arrived at Jiksun. Along the way to Jiksun, we had energy drinks and bars to keep us fueled. We spent about 20 minutes at Jiksun, where we took breathtaking photos of the valley and the snow-covered mountains.After walking for one hour, we eventually arrived at Jhaka Village.
The trekking became more challenging as we made our way towards a smaller river that branches off from the main river. The trail became steeper and required more effort. However, the lush green forest and the breathtaking view of the snowfields kept us inspired. We successfully crossed a snow bridge that led us to a forest filled with rhododendron trees. After walking for an additional hour, we arrived at the Saruwas Thatch campsite. From this point, we were treated to a magnificent view of the Rupin waterfall.
The next day, we began trekking after having breakfast. We went through pictorial and dense maple and blue pine forests. We walked for around 1 hour and then we descended towards a river to cross a bridge to reach the other side. The forest comprised of silver birch, rhododendrons and alpine meadows. Here, my eyes enjoyed a magnificent vista of the bright colors of the wildflowers including Himalayan daisy, lily and blue poppiesAdditionally, we arrived at Dhanderas Thatch in a time span of 6 hours.
The following day, we trekked across the snowy terrain to reach Upper Waterfall Camp. I took photos of the landscape adorned with vibrant marigold flowers. After a leisurely 3-hour hike, we arrived at the campsite and rested there overnight.
Based on my experience, the seventh day proved to be the most difficult part of this trek. The trail was narrow, steep, and slippery, making it quite challenging. Additionally, we had to hike for a total of 10 hours. However, upon reaching the summit, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range. We took numerous group pictures and selfies at this picturesque spot. We spent approximately one hour at the top before making our way down to the alpine meadows and finally reaching Ronti Gad, where we stayed overnight.
The following day, we headed down towards Sangla. As we descended, the path became steeper. We kept up a steady pace and proceeded with caution. It took us approximately 6 hours to reach Sangla. Once there, we engaged in conversations with the locals to learn about their traditions and culture. We also took numerous photographs with them. Later that day, around 5 pm, we arrived in Shimla by taxi.
These are the items that you must definitely include in your packing list…
- Trekking shoes/trekking pole
- Warm clothes/mosquito repellent
- LED flashlight/headlamp that comes with additional batteries
- Extra pair of woollen socks/raincoat/gloves
- Sunscreen lotion/sunglasses/lip balm
- Water bottles/energy drink and bars/emergency medical kit
ATM Facility and Mobile Connectivity:If someone is running out of money while traveling from Dehradun to Dhaula, they can find an ATM in Purola. The mobile networks of BSNL, Vodafone, and Airtel are accessible at three specific locations: Dhaula, Jiskun, and Sangla.
Porter and Pony Facility: Pony and porter services are provided at Dhaula and other locations along your journey. These services come at a reasonable cost and involve the porter and pony carrying all your belongings. Additionally, utilizing these services can assist in maintaining a steady pace at higher elevations.
Must-carry Documents:A trekker must have an identification proof like a driver’s license, voter ID, or passport with a photo, as well as a medical certificate confirming their fitness for the trek. Additionally, it is necessary to possess a disclaimer certificate indicating the voluntary participation in the Rupin Pass trekking expedition.
Some Tips To Make Your Rupin Pass Trek A Success
- Always take the advice given by the instructor into consideration.
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicating substances while trekking.
- Do not take any quick routes and refrain from commencing your journey once the sun has set.
- Please refrain from littering the scenic area and show respect for nature.
- Take as many photos as possible.
- Appreciate the culture and traditions of the local people, and greet them warmly with a smile.
- Do not attempt to compete with other trekkers, simply establish your own rhythm.
This adventurous yet beautiful trek gave me a gamut of experiences from fear to courage and of course, a sense of achievement. It was truly a lifetime experience for me. I must say that this trek is mandatory for those whose eyes are looking to explore the mesmerising beauty of the great Himalayas.
