Rupin Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the country, known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush green valleys, snow-covered peaks, and mesmerizing waterfalls. The trek to Rupin Pass is an adventurous journey that takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and rugged terrains before reaching the summit at an altitude of approximately 15,250 feet.

Where is Rupin Pass Located?

Rupin Pass is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, near the border of Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from Dhaula, a small village in Uttarakhand, and ends in Sangla, a beautiful valley in Himachal Pradesh. This makes it a unique trek as it takes you across two states, offering diverse landscapes and breathtaking views.

The pass is part of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas and is surrounded by towering peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. The trail follows the Rupin River, which originates from the high mountains and flows through the valley, creating stunning waterfalls and streams.

How to Reach Rupin Pass

Reaching Rupin Pass involves multiple stages of travel, starting with reaching the base camp at Dhaula. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get there:

By Air

The nearest airport to Rupin Pass is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhaula, which is about 200 km away. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, which is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Dehradun, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Dhaula.

By Road

Dhaula is accessible by road from major cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. You can take a bus or hire a cab from Dehradun to reach Dhaula. The road journey offers beautiful scenic views of the mountains and valleys.

Once you reach Dhaula, the trek begins, leading you through lush forests, meadows, and villages before reaching the high-altitude pass.

The Trek to Rupin Pass

The Rupin Pass trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek and usually takes 7 to 9 days to complete. Here is a brief day-wise itinerary:

1. Day 1: Dhaula to Sewa (Approx. 6 km, 4-5 hours)

   • The trek starts with an easy walk through forest trails and small villages.

   • The village of Sewa is known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

2. Day 2: Sewa to Jiskun (Approx. 8 km, 5-6 hours)

   • The trail includes river crossings and dense pine forests.

   • You enter Himachal Pradesh during this part of the trek.

3. Day 3: Jiskun to Udaknal (Approx. 10 km, 6-7 hours)

   • The route features steep climbs and narrow trails.

   • Beautiful waterfalls and scenic landscapes surround the trail.

4. Day 4: Udaknal to Dhanderas Thatch (Approx. 9 km, 6-7 hours)

   • You will come across the famous Rupin Waterfall.

   • The campsite at Dhanderas Thatch is one of the most picturesque spots on the trek.

5. Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Dhanderas Thatch

   • Rest and prepare for the high-altitude climb ahead.

6. Day 6: Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall Camp (Approx. 4 km, 3-4 hours)

   • A challenging climb over icy slopes and moraines.

7. Day 7: Upper Waterfall Camp to Rupin Pass and Ronti Gad (Approx. 12 km, 8-9 hours)

   • The most challenging day of the trek.

   • You cross the snow-covered Rupin Pass and descend into the meadows of Ronti Gad.

8. Day 8: Ronti Gad to Sangla (Approx. 12 km, 6-7 hours)

   • The final stretch descends through forests and valleys into the picturesque Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit Rupin Pass

The best time to undertake the Rupin Pass trek is during two main seasons:

1. Pre-Monsoon (May to June)

• The weather is pleasant, and the snow from winter starts to melt.

• The landscapes are lush green with blooming wildflowers.

• Clear skies offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Post-Monsoon (September to October)

• The monsoon rains make the valley even greener and more vibrant.

• The trails are less crowded compared to the summer season.

• The weather remains stable, and the skies are mostly clear.

So, The Rupin Pass is a thrilling trek that offers an incredible mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. Whether you are an experienced trekker or someone looking for an exciting challenge, this trek is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. From lush green meadows to snowy mountain passes, every step on this journey is a testament to the raw beauty of the Himalayas.

If you love trekking and wish to experience the true essence of nature, Rupin Pass should definitely be on your bucket list. Plan your trek carefully, prepare well, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!