ALL ABOUT RUPIN PASS TREK

Rupin Pass trek is the most idealistic place if you’re craving a long vacation away from daily hassles and work. It is known as one of the most classic treks in India. Throughout your trek, you keep being surprised by the scenery. Every fraction of a second it WOWs you with more majestic scenery. Rupin Pass trek is located at an altitude of 15,279 ft. The base village is Dhaula which is in Uttarakhand. If you are an adventurer who loves surprises at every step, this is it. 

Flora and Fauna 

You’ll see streams, grasslands, valleys, glaciers, and  plants and trees such as Himalayan birch, Rhododendron, and Fiddlehead ferns, are a few to name. You’ll also find birds and animals such as the brown-fronted woodpecker, the infamous Chupa (as called by the locals) which are an ingenious cross between yak and cow. If you want to witness the rarest of species, then trekking here is a must. 

Weather and Temperature

Rupin Pass trek is preferable during Summer and Autumn. 

In Summer the days are hot and sunny as the summer heat hits you a bit at this altitude. During the evening it gets a bit chilly but it can be managed with winter wear. If your campsite is surrounded by snow then you can expect a temperature of 4-5 °C.

Autumn is chillier than summer by a few degrees. Nights are cold even at lower camps. Higher campsites are colder, dropping to 2-3 °C below zero. The day temperature during Autumn is much more pleasant than the summer. The temperature usually remains within 13-18 °C. But if there’s any case of slight rain or drizzle it brings down the temperature to 8-12 °C.

Difficulty Level

The Rupin pass trek is considered a moderate-difficult trek. During summer you have to cross snow bridges and vast snowfields of Rata Pheri before a steep ascent. 

These sections during Autumn might even require pulleys or ropes to cross as there are snow bridges and the river flows with a very strong force. 

Irrespective of the season, crossing the pass is difficult as it takes 10 hours from the upper waterfall to Ronti Gad across Rata Pheri and Rupin pass. Hence it has been rated moderate-difficult. 

Best time to visit

The Rupin pass trek is most popular during the Summer and Autumn season. During summer you can go trekking here from mid-May to the end of June. While during Autumn you can do the same from mid-September to mid-October. These are the best time to go trekking in Rupin Pass. 

Trek time 

This trek is a little lengthier than most treks but it’s worth it as you don’t regret any moment you spend here. It is a 7-day long trek which makes it one of the lengthiest treks in India. 

Trail information

Day 1: 

It is an 11km long trail but it is not as tiring as the whole trek is an easy walk. You will reach Rupin after climbing a trail of 200m. You’ll soon enter an ascending of apple and apricot trees, you will reach a road before Sewa. After reaching Sewa camp for the night. 

Day 2:

Today we trek from Sewa to Batwa. The trail is more difficult than day 1 as the area is prone to landslides and there is frequent variance in trails. After three hours of the walk, there is a steep ascent of 1 hour. Your trail takes you through mixed crop fields and further takes you into a forest. A few more walking and you reach a wooden beach which separates the two states. There is a steep ascent towards Batwa after you reach Raj Gad. You’ll witness beautiful shades of deodar and walnut trees. You camp and rest here for the night. 

Day 3: 

We’ll be reaching Jakha and we’ll be crossing the highest and last village. The trail will also be a continuous ascent for 4-5 hours. You’ll need a lot of energy to cross this zig-zag mixed trail. After reaching Jiskun there’ll be a slight descending trail. You’ll see a wooden bridge between the dense forest. It magically ascends to a zig-zag pattern. You’ll reach Jakha after walking a bit more. You will camp here and rest. 

Day 4: 

The trail is very defined and it goes through the field of Jhaka, then enters a forest of trees of fir. A turn and you enter into snow patches. Cross the snow bridge over Rupin which is followed by a walk on a narrow trail until you reach the wooden bridge. 

A few more kilometers of walk and you’ll reach Saruwas Thatch. Move downward to reach the valley through yellow and green Meadows, cross a series of snow bridges and you reach Dhanderas Thatch. You will relax here and continue your trek tomorrow. 

Day 5:

Today we trek from Dhanderas thatch to Upper waterfall. Make your way to the snow patch and into the marigold flowers through the first waterfall. After a walk on rocks, the trail leads you to thick snow. A sharp short climb and then you can set up your camps and relax. 

Day 6:

The next day we start with the longest trail of Rupin Pass which beings with a steep ascent, gain in altitude, and bumper. An hour of climbing then take the left trail to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Rati Pheri campsite. The trail of Rupin pass is very short but uncertain and we need to carry on with utmost care. Rupin pass cut from hollow shaped regions indicates the beginning of Dhauladhar ranges. A bit descent and you reach Ronti Gad. Way to Ronti Gad is by gentle walks followed by a sharp descent. Camping among the coldest and most beautiful site under the stars. 

Day 7:

This trek is a downward climb but very arduous as the altitude drops very rapidly. The trail starts with a climb and gentle walk towards Ronti Gad valley. After losing an altitude of 1500 ft you’ll exit from the narrow valley and it’ll lead you into views of Mt. Kinner Kailash. You’ll reach lake Sangla Kanda with small villages settled near it. Enjoy the views of Sangla Kanda lake. From Sangla Kanda take the trail which passes through the Blue Pines. The final trail is wide and well defined.  After half an hour you’ll reach Bapsa village and soon you’ll be at the end of your trekking journey. 

Activities

• sight-seeing
• Visit Kamru Fort
• Visit Bering Nag Temple
• Know the locals at Chitkul village
• Go to Brelengi Gompa and Basteri
• Enjoy the natural beauty
• Witness the Local Mountain culture
• Camp under the stars and wake up to the sunrise
• Enjoy Bonfire, music and games

Precautions and Essentials

• Good trekking shoes are a must to ensure a comfortable trekking experience. 
• Wear light and comfortable clothes. 
• Carry woolen clothes. 
• Alcohol consumption and smoking are highly unadvisable. 
• You should stay in a group as there are wild animals in the forests.
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Complete trekking gear
• ID proof is a must for all trekkers 
• Take some water and some food along with yourself.
• Carry a double strap backpack ( no sling bag).
• Carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen. 
• Carry raincoats, jackets, first aid, and some extra clothes for emergencies.
• Carry minimum weight. 
• Don’t litter. 
• Stay with the group and don’t wander on your own. 
• Take care of your luggage. 
• Carry your medicines if any. 
• Bring your camera and mobile phones at your own risk. 
• Don’t endanger your life by trying to click risky pictures. 

Spending your days here is a luxury. It is a thrilling and adventurous trek and is hence loved by trekkers all around the world. You’ll witness everything nature has to offer and return with an experience of a lifetime. The rivers, streams, glaciers, grasslands, forests, everything will make your heart skip a bit as you’ll be awestruck at every step. This is everything you want and expects from your long vacation.