Where Every Trail Tells a Story: Rupin Pass Trek

If there’s one trek that embodies the raw, untamed beauty of the Indian Himalayas and delivers a cinematic trail story at every turn, it’s the Rupin Pass Trek. This high-altitude crossover trail begins in the verdant hills of Shimla and ascends into the dramatic folds of Kinnaur, ending in the remote valley of Sangla.

Every curve, climb, and camp on the Rupin Pass trail unveils a new character of the mountains: quaint Himachali villages, roaring waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and the formidable Rupin Gully itself. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious soul venturing into the wild, this trek is a masterclass in endurance, grace, and gratitude.

Our team recently followed this trail alongside a local guide, collecting fresh insights and updates from the ground. Here’s a comprehensive, real-time look at this exhilarating adventure.

🗺️Quick Glance: Rupin Pass Trek Details

• Trek Duration: 6 Days (+ 2 for travel)

• Maximum Altitude: 15,279 ft (Rupin Pass)

• Trek Gradient: Moderate to Difficult

• Best Season: Mid-May to June & Mid-September to October

• Starting Point: Shimla (Drive to Jiskun)

• Ending Point: Sangla (Return to Shimla)

• Total Trek Distance: ~34 km

Why the Rupin Pass Trek Is a Must-Do

• Dramatic Landscape Changes: Pine forests, glacial valleys, hanging villages, and alpine meadows—each day feels like a new trek.

• Roaring Rupin Waterfall: Camping right below a 1,500 ft cascading waterfall at Dhanderas Thatch is unforgettable.

• Cultural Connect: Interact with locals in remote Himalayan villages like Jakha, where architecture and hospitality reflect a simpler, richer way of life.

• The Rupin Gully Challenge: A thrilling snow/rock ascent to the pass—both technical and rewarding.

• Photogenic Trails: Every segment is postcard-worthy—from rhododendron-laden paths to snow bridges and sky-kissing cliffs.

The Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary

Day 1 – Drive from Shimla to Jiskun (7,630 ft)

• Drive Distance: 280 km | Time: 10–11 hours

• Route: Shimla – Rohru – Kharapathar – Janglik – Dodra Kwar – Jiskun

Your journey begins with a dramatic drive, winding through narrow mountain roads, dense deodar forests, and apple orchards. Jiskun, your base camp, is a sleepy Himalayan hamlet tucked on a hilltop with wooden houses and the majestic Dhauladhars in the backdrop. The temperature dips here, setting the tone for what lies ahead.

Travel Tip: Try local Himachali food in Rohru or Kharapathar en route. Carry Diamox if you’re prone to altitude-related issues.

Day 2 – Trek from Jiskun to Jakha (8,755 ft)

• Trek Distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours

• Trail Type: 1 hour descent, followed by a steep ascent

The trek begins with a descent into the forest, crossing wooden bridges and small rivulets, eventually leading to a lung-busting climb to Jakha, the highest and last inhabited village in the region.

Jakha surprises trekkers with its sloped-roof houses, friendly locals, and terraced fields hanging off cliffs. You may even see school kids sprinting up steep paths—teaching us endurance in the most effortless way.

Day 3 – Trek from Jakha to Dhanderas Thatch (10,770 ft)

• Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

This day is one of the most scenic segments of the trek. After Jakha, the forest thickens with towering firs and rhododendrons. Soon, the Rupin River appears on your left, carving its way dramatically through the valley.

As you approach Dhanderas Thatch, the entire valley opens up into a wide meadow, dominated by the thunderous 1,500 ft Rupin Waterfall. The campsite here is a dream, often carpeted with yellow wildflowers and guarded by snow-speckled cliffs.

Spiritual Pause: Meditating or simply sitting here as the waterfall roars can be humbling. Let this moment sink in—it’s rare to be this close to raw natural energy.

Day 4 – Trek to Upper Waterfall Camp (13,275 ft)

• Trek Distance: 2.4 km | Trek Duration: 2–3 hours

• Trail: Steep ascent beside and over the waterfall

Today, the climb intensifies. In early summer, expect snow bridges across the waterfall; in autumn, you’ll scramble over rocky trails.

The terrain gets alpine quickly—dwarf shrubs, loose stones, and thinning oxygen levels become part of the challenge. Upper Waterfall Camp offers surreal views of snowfields and a silent, starlit night sky. This is the last camp before the summit.

Trek Tip: Acclimatize well. Don’t overexert. Hydration and layering are key.

Day 5 – Rupin Pass Summit (15,279 ft) to Ronti Gad (13,005 ft)

• Trek Distance: 7.4 km | Trek Duration: 9–10 hours

This is the day everything leads up to. You start at 3 AM, with torches lighting up the trail. The Rupin Gully—a snow chute or rock gully depending on season—is a thrilling, heart-racing climb that requires careful steps and a strong mental game.

As you reach the pass, prayer flags flutter above, and a 360° view of Kinnaur and Uttarakhand’s snowy peaks awaits.

The descent to Ronti Gad is long, often through snow or boulders, testing your knees and grit. But the panoramic views and satisfaction of crossing the pass outweigh the pain.

Day 6 – Trek to Sangla (8,660 ft) and Drive to Shimla

• Trek Distance: 11.9 km | Duration: 6 hours

• Trail: Gradual descent through meadows and pine forests

Your final descent into Sangla is green, pleasant, and emotionally heavy. Meadows bloom, pine trees rustle, and shepherds often cross your path. You’ll hit the roads again by late afternoon.

The drive back to Shimla closes the loop of this epic trek.

What Makes the Rupin Pass Trek Unique

• Trans-Himalayan Traverse: Start in lush Himachal, end in rugged Kinnaur—a rare feature in Indian treks.

• Cultural Shift: Notice the cultural change from Hindu Himachali villages to Tibetan-influenced Kinnauri life.

• Snow Bridges in Summer: Where else can you cross a live waterfall on a snow bridge?

• Challenging Yet Achievable: Perfect for trekkers looking to level up without going fully technical.

Who Is This Trek For?

• Trekkers with prior high-altitude experience (e.g., Kedarkantha, Brahmatal)

• Adventure-seekers craving an alpine pass-crossing

• Photographers and storytellers wanting to document a dramatic Himalayan journey

• Trek groups looking for something less commercial than Roopkund or Hampta

Best Time to Do the Rupin Pass Trek

• Summer Window: Mid-May to late June (Snow bridges, crisp skies)

• Autumn Window: Mid-September to early October (Golden meadows, clearer skies)

📌 Practical Tips for Trekkers

• Acclimatise well at Jiskun to reduce AMS risk.

• Carry at least two trekking poles for snow and scree sections.

• Proper layering is a must—nights can dip below freezing, even in June.

• Trek insurance is advisable given the remoteness and elevation.

🔄 Recent Trail Update (as of May 2025)

• Snow is still present beyond Dhanderas Thatch and at the pass.

• All major trek operators including IndiaHikes, Trek the Himalayas, and Bikat Adventures are active on the trail.

• Expect moderate crowding on the route—popular trekking season is at its peak.

📷 Trail Snippets

Essential Gear Checklist

• High ankle waterproof trekking shoes

• Multiple warm layers + down jacket

• Waterproof poncho or jacket

• Trekking pole(s)

• 60L backpack + 10L daypack

• Personal medication + first aid

• Microspikes & gaiters (if early season)

• Power bank and headlamp

Trek Difficulty & Fitness Requirements

This is a moderate to difficult trek. You should be able to:

• Jog 5 km in under 35 minutes

• Climb 10–12 floors without panting

• Carry 8–10 kg for 6+ hours a day

Safety and Sustainability Tips

• Go with trained guides or certified trek companies.

• Do not litter. Carry all trash back.

• Respect locals and do not photograph without permission.

• Avoid trekking solo unless you’re very experienced and equipped.

📞 Planning to Go? Need Guidance?

We’re happy to connect you with local guides and operators we trust. Drop us a message on our Contact Page or reach out via Instagram.

The Rupin Pass Trek isn’t just a trek—it’s a coming-of-age journey, a deep-dive into Himalayan wilderness, and a spiritual cleanse. It challenges you, mesmerizes you, and leaves you with stories you’ll tell for a lifetime.

Every bend has a tale, and every step echoes with silence that speaks volumes. That’s why at ShepherdTrail, we say: Where Every Trail Tells a Story.

📚 Read More From ShepherdTrail

• [Gear We Use: Sleeping Bag for -5°C]

• [Trek News: Snowfall and Campsites at Buran Ghati]

• [Amazing Hiking Facts – Volume 1]