🏔️ Trek Overview

The Rupin Pass Trek is one of the most thrilling and scenic high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas, perfect for those seeking a dramatic and adventurous journey. This trek offers an incredible variety of landscapes — cascading waterfalls, hanging villages, snowfields, lush meadows, and a high-altitude pass crossing that opens to spectacular views. The trail starts in the small village of Dhaula in Uttarakhand and culminates at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh, taking you through a natural corridor of changing terrains and cultural encounters.

With every step, the Rupin Pass Trek surprises trekkers with its sheer beauty — from icy slopes and alpine forests to tranquil rivers and deep gorges. The trek is challenging and best suited for trekkers with prior experience or good fitness. If you’re looking for a trek that combines raw Himalayan beauty with adventure, Rupin Pass should be at the top of your list.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Shimla to Jiskun by Drive

  • Altitude: 7,700 feet
  • Drive Distance: 205 Kms
  • Drive Duration: 10 Hrs
  • All the trekkers will be picked up from Shimla old bus stand at 06:00 am in a four-wheeler like bolero, traveler or any other vehicle’s
  • Only dinner is included, not the breakfast and lunch
  • Night stay will be organized in the Home Stay, Guest House
  • Last Network till Chanshal Pass, Jiskun & Jakha
  • Last ATM Rorhu

 

Day 2: Trekking 4 kilometers Uphill from Jiskun to Jakha

  • Altitude: 8,700 ft
  • Trek Distance: 4 Kms
  • Trek Duration: 4 Hrs
  • It is a 4 km trek with a difficult level of ascent and a steep climb
  • Within 04 hours, you will reach Jakha from Jiskun
  • Hot lunch at the campsite and tea & Maggi stalls are available on the way
  • Moderate climb till Jiskun and then descent till the wooden bridge and zig-zag trail till Jakha
  • Selwan Khad is the last water point
  • Night in a homestay or tents

 

Day 3: Easy Trek from Jakha to Saruwas Thatch

  • Altitude: 11,680 ft
  • Trek Distance: 7 Kms
  • Trek Duration: 4-6 Hrs
  • It is a 7 km long trek that will take 4-6 hours.
  • Long walk, but easy, and most of the walk is along the river, so you will enjoy
  • Bottles can be filled from the river
  • Snow bridges and wildflowers
  • Hot lunch will be provided.
  • Stay in a tent on a sharing basis

 

Day 4: Trek from Saruwas Thatch to Lower Waterfall (Dhanderas Thatch)

  • Altitude Gain: 10,770 ft/11,700 ft
  • Trek Distance: 4 Kms
  • Trek Duration: 2-3 Hrs
  • Consider exploring the following half-day trekking route from Saruwas Thatch to Danderas Thatch.
  • This 2-3 hour journey involves an elevation change from 10,770 feet to a peak of 11,700 feet and is rated as simple, making it the easiest day of the entire trek.
  • This visually pleasing trek takes you through petite grassy areas that burst with vibrant blooms in the warmer months and a kaleidoscope of colours in the fall.
  • The journey concludes at the renowned Dhanderas Thatch or Lower Waterfall camping spot, positioned at the foot of the 1,490-ft Rupin Waterfall.

 

Day 5: Trek from Dhanderas Thatch (Lower Waterfall) to Upper Waterfall Camp

  • Altitude: 13,120 ft.
  • Trek Distance: 3.5 Kms
  • Trek Duration: 3-5 Hrs
  • It is a picturesque day of the trek with 3.5km, 3-5 hours
  • You can refill your bottle from small streams
  • Moderate level of ascent along with a complicated climbing trail around the snow patches
  • Do not get on the snow patch directly
  • Hot lunch at the campsite

 

Day 6: Climax day - Upper Waterfall to Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad

  • Altitude: 13,420 ft
  • Trek Distance: 9 Kms
  • Trek Duration: 10 Hrs
  • It is a 9km trek and the most exciting day, where you will pass through a tough level of ascent
  • Till the pass, there is a steep ascent and then a steep descent
  • You will take an almost 10-hour trek
  • By 04:30 am, leave the camp and carry your hot water from the camp as water sources are limited
  • A packed lunch will be provided
  • In the late evening, we will be reaching Ronti Gad

 

Day 07: Trek from Ronti Gad to Sangla & Drive Back to Shimla

  • Altitude: 8,800
  • Trek Distance: 12 Kms
  • Trek Duration: 10 Hrs
  • Drive Distance: 210 Kms
  • Drive Duration: 9-10 Hrs
  • Last day of trekking, you will trek for 12 km
  • Till Sangla, moderate level of descent
  • Several water points on the way
  • You will reach Sangla by 1-2 pm
  • The cab will leave from Sangla at 3 pm and reach Shimla by 2 am the next day
  • Drive back to Shimla (9-10 hours)
  • Make your bookings for a hotel in Shimla accordingly

 

🌄 Rupin Pass Trek Attraction Places

  • Rupin Waterfall Campsite (Iconic tiered waterfall)
  • Hanging Village of Jhaka (Built on mountain ledge)
  • Rupin Pass Gully (Adventurous snow climb)
  • Lush Meadows of Dhanderas Thatch
  • Snow Bridges and Frozen Streams
  • Kinnaur & Garhwal Cultural Fusion

✅ Inclusions

  • All meals during the trek (Veg)
  • Accommodation (Tents/Homestays) on sharing basis
  • Experienced trek leader and support staff
  • All permits and forest entry charges
  • First aid kit and emergency support
  • Transport from Dehradun to base camp and return from trek endpoint (if included in package)

 

Exclusions

  • Meals during transit
  • Personal expenses and gear
  • Insurance
  • Offloading of backpack
  • Anything not mentioned under "Inclusions"

🔁 Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change, and we aim to offer a fair cancellation and refund policy for our trekkers:

  • Cancellation before 30 days from trek start date: 90% refund of the total amount.
  • Cancellation between 15-30 days: 70% refund of the total amount.
  • Cancellation between 7-14 days: 50% refund of the total amount.
  • Cancellation less than 7 days: No refund.

 

In case of government restrictions, natural calamities, or unforeseen situations where the trek cannot proceed, we will provide options for rescheduling or partial refunds based on actual expenses incurred. No refund will be issued once the trek begins or for unused services. We advise all trekkers to have adequate travel and health insurance for any emergencies.

Trek Info

  • Region Region: Himachal Pradesh
  • Altitude Altitude: 15,279 ft
  • Duration Trek Duration: 7 Days
  • Distance Trek Distance: 37 km
  • Difficulty Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
  • Best Time Best Time: May to June & September to October
  • Start/End Point Start/End Point: Jiskun

Quick Itinerary

  • Day 01 : Shimla to Jiskun by Drive
  • Day 2: Trekking 4 kilometers Uphill from Jiskun to Jakha
  • Day 3: Easy Trek from Jakha to Saruwas Thatch
  • Day 4: Trek from Saruwas Thatch to Lower Waterfall (Dhanderas Thatch)
  • Day 5: Trek from Dhanderas Thatch (Lower Waterfall) to Upper Waterfall Camp
  • Day 6: Climax day - Upper Waterfall to Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad
  • Day 07: Trek from Ronti Gad to Sangla & Drive Back to Shimla

Book Your Trek