Rupin Pass Trek

Day 1 – Shimla to Jiskoon | 139 km | Altitude: 7,630 ft

Shimla to Jiskoon
Start your journey early in the morning at 7:00 AM from the Shimla Old Bus Stand, where our team will meet you. Get ready for a picturesque drive towards Jiskoon, the base camp for the trek. The journey is a scenic one, winding through the beautiful pine and oak forests of Himachal Pradesh, with numerous sharp bends along the way.

Highlights of the Day:
– Duration of Drive: 8-9 hours, with comfortable breaks for meals and rest.
– Route: You will drive along the river and pass through several charming hill stations, enjoying the stunning vistas of the Himalayas.
– Arrival at Jiskoon: Once you reach Jiskoon, relax and take in the breathtaking sunset views over the mountains.
– Overnight Stay: Enjoy a warm dinner and stay in a cozy homestay, resting up for the adventure ahead.

This day offers the perfect opportunity to ease into your trek with a scenic drive and a peaceful evening, surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas.

Day 2 – Jiskoon to Jakha | Altitude: 8,755 ft

Jakha
Start your day early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over the mountains. After a fulfilling breakfast, begin the trek to Jakha, situated at an altitude of 8,755 ft. The trek is 5 km long and features a gentle incline throughout, making it a pleasant day of walking through nature.

Highlights of the Day:
– Trek Duration: 5 km, approximately 4-5 hours of trekking.
– Scenic Views: The trail passes through fragrant apple and apricot orchards, along with blooming rhododendrons, adding color to the journey. The fresh mountain air and beautiful flora make this leg of the trek a relaxing and peaceful experience.
– Arrival at Jakha: Once you reach Jakha, enjoy the spectacular views and take in the peaceful surroundings. The sight of the landscape as the sun begins to set is truly breathtaking.
– Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner under the starry Himalayan sky before heading to your homestay for a restful night.

This day offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty and tranquility, with a gradual trek that allows you to appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Rupin Pass region.

Day 3 – Jakha to Dhanderas Thatch | 11 km | Altitude: 11,700 ft

Dhanderas Thatch
Begin the day with the beauty of the sunrise, setting the tone for an exciting trek ahead. After a nutritious breakfast, we embark on the journey to Dhanderas Thatch. This stretch of the trek is a challenging 11 km, taking approximately 8 hours to complete.

Highlights of the Day:
– Trek Duration: 11 km, roughly 8 hours of trekking, making it the longest and most challenging day so far.
– Terrain: The trek begins with a moderate ascent, winding through dense mixed forests, and eventually opening up to reveal snowy ridges that signal the changing landscape as you gain altitude.
– Scenic Beauty: As you climb, the route offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. The views grow more dramatic as you get higher, with expansive vistas of the Rupin Pass region that will make every step worth the effort.
– Arrival at Dhanderas Thatch: After a long, rewarding trek, you’ll reach Dhanderas Thatch, a beautiful camping spot. Unwind, take in the views, and enjoy a delicious dinner around the campfire.
– Rest for the Night: After a fulfilling meal, rest in your tents, preparing for the exciting next stages of the trek.

Day 4 – Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall | 3 km | Altitude: 13,275 ft

Upper Waterfall
Begin the day with the beauty of a serene Himalayan sunrise, greeting the day from your campsite in the valley. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll start the trek to the Upper Waterfall, located at an impressive altitude of 13,275 ft.

Highlights of the Day:
– Trek Duration: 3 km, taking approximately 4 hours to complete. While shorter in distance, the trek continues to climb steadily, offering incredible scenic beauty.
– Terrain: The path begins with a gradual ascent through dense forests of Silvery Birch trees, alongside towering pines and ancient oaks. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the sound of cascading waterfalls and bubbling streams, making it a refreshing and peaceful journey.
– Waterfalls and Streams: The route is dotted with various roaring waterfalls, creating a magical atmosphere as you hike through the forest. These waterfalls provide picturesque spots to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings.
– Arrival at Upper Waterfall: As you reach the Upper Waterfall, you will find yourself in a secluded valley, surrounded by dramatic landscapes. This is where you will set up camp for the night.
– Rest and Sunset: After settling in, take some time to reflect and enjoy the tranquility of the area. As the sun sets, the views of the surrounding peaks are truly mesmerizing.
– Evening: End the day with a delicious dinner around the campfire before retiring to your tents for the night, surrounded by the peace and serenity of the high Himalayas.

Day 5 – Upper Waterfall to Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad, Cross Rupin Pass | 13 km

Rupin Pass
This is going to be the longest and most exciting day of your trek, so be prepared for an early start. You’ll begin your trek at 4:30 am, as you head toward the Rupin Pass, surrounded by snow patches. The terrain will test your endurance but reward you with stunning panoramic views.

Highlights of the Day:
– Trek Duration: Approximately 13 km, with a challenging ascent to the Rupin Pass followed by a steep descent to Ronti Gad.
– Altitude Gain and Loss: Starting from an altitude of 13,100 ft at Upper Waterfall, you’ll ascend to 15,263 ft at Rupin Pass and descend to 13,005 ft at Ronti Gad.
– Rupin Pass: The last 200 meters leading to the pass are steep and strenuous, so take it slow. Once you reach the pass, you’ll be greeted by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and expansive views of the valleys and peaks that surround you.
– Crossing the Pass: The Rupin Pass is the highest point of the trek, and crossing it will be a memorable achievement. From the pass, you’ll experience an incredible view of snow-covered peaks and the vast, open landscape.
– Descent to Ronti Gad: After soaking in the beauty of the pass, it’s time to descend steeply toward Ronti Gad. The descent can be tricky, so take careful steps as you make your way down.
– Camp Setup: Once you reach Ronti Gad, you’ll set up camp. This will be your resting point for the night, where you can enjoy the sense of accomplishment and reflect on the journey so far.
– Note: Be sure to carry enough hot water from the previous camp, as resources are limited on this day.

End the day by retiring to your tents and enjoying a well-deserved rest after a long day of trekking at high altitudes.

Day 6 – Ronti Gad to Sangla Road & Drive to Shimla | 10 KM Trek

Sangla
On the final day of the trek, wake up to a fresh morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and begin your descent towards Sangla.

– Trek Duration: Approximately 10 km, with a steady descent through the valleys and forests, as you make your way toward Sangla.
– Altitude Loss: Starting from 13,005 ft at Ronti Gad, you will descend to 8,600 ft at Sangla, and then to 4,467 ft at the base.
– The descent offers a last opportunity to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty of the area.
– Drive to Shimla: Once you reach Sangla, you’ll board a vehicle for the return journey to Shimla. The drive will take about 7-8 hours, covering a distance of 213 km.
– This will mark the end of your Rupin Pass trek, and you will arrive back in Shimla by evening, completing your journey.

Reflect on your amazing adventure as you travel back, filled with memories of the stunning landscapes, the thrill of reaching the Rupin Pass, and the camaraderie of your fellow trekkers.

Inclusions :

– All required permits and requisites for the Rupin Pass Trek
– Professional Trek Leader and Support Team for the entirety of the trek
– Relevant camping gear for stay (Tents, Sleeping Bags, etc.)
– Nutritious vegetarian meals for the entire trek duration
– Accommodation: Camps on a sharing basis

Important Note :
– A medical certificate and high-altitude trek insurance are mandatory for participation.
– Aadhar card is required for identification and documentation purposes.

Anything which is not included in inclusions.

Things to Carry :

• Cancellation before 25 days prior to the scheduled departure, would levy a 50% of total cost of the tour as cancellation charges.
• Cancellation made within 0-15 days prior to the scheduled departure, would levy a 100% of total cost of the tour as cancellation charges.
• No exception to this policy can be made for any reason.
• In case of events beyond our control like political unrest, natural calamity, regulations of the government, etc. BackPackClan has the right to reschedule the activity or conduct an alternate activity, any refund will not be given in lieu of such events.

1. What is the best time to do the Rupin Pass Trek?

• The best time to undertake the Rupin Pass trek is between May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the snow is manageable. The trek is closed in the winter (November to March) due to heavy snowfall, and the trail can become dangerous.

2. How difficult is the Rupin Pass Trek?

• The Rupin Pass trek is considered challenging to difficult. It involves steep ascents, high-altitude trekking, and snow patches. The trek also requires a good level of physical fitness and stamina. It’s ideal for trekkers who have previous high-altitude trekking experience.

3. What is the highest altitude of the Rupin Pass Trek?

• The highest point of the trek is Rupin Pass, which stands at an altitude of 15,263 feet (4,650 meters).

4. How many days does the Rupin Pass Trek take?

• The trek generally takes around 6 days to complete, including travel from Shimla to the base camp and back.

5. What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?

• During the trek, you will stay in camps on a sharing basis. Tents are provided for overnight stays at various campsites along the way. Sleeping bags and other camping gear will be provided as well.

6. What are the fitness requirements for the Rupin Pass Trek?

• You should be in good physical condition for this trek. It’s recommended that you engage in cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming for at least 4-6 weeks prior to the trek. A strong endurance level is important to cope with the high altitude and the strenuous nature of the trek.

7. Will there be a guide on the Rupin Pass Trek?

• Yes, a professional trek leader and support staff will be with you throughout the trek. They will guide you, ensure safety, and provide assistance in case of any difficulties.

8. What meals are provided during the trek?

• The meals provided are vegetarian and nutritious. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the camps, including fresh fruits, dals, rice, chapati, and vegetables. Energy snacks like biscuits and fruits will also be provided during the trek.

9. What equipment will I need to carry?

• You need to carry personal trekking gear such as a rucksack, trekking shoes, warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and a torch. All camping gear, including tents and sleeping bags, will be provided by the organizers.

10. Is there an age limit for the trek?

• Generally, the age limit for the Rupin Pass Trek is between 14 to 55 years. However, individuals above or below this range can also participate if they meet the health and fitness criteria. A medical certificate is required for trekkers above 50 years.

11. Do I need travel insurance for the trek?

• Yes, it is mandatory to have high-altitude trekking insurance. This is essential in case of emergencies, including evacuation or medical assistance.

12. Is there any mobile network on the Rupin Pass Trek?

• Mobile network coverage is limited in the higher reaches of the trek. You may have network coverage in the base camps or during certain stretches, but once you ascend further, you may not be able to get a signal. It’s recommended to inform your family or friends in advance.