Rupin Pass Trek Overview (Quick Facts)

The Rupin Pass Trek is a thrilling high-altitude Himalayan trek that offers a dramatic crossover from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh, combining raw adventure with constantly changing landscapes.

Known for its visual diversity and demanding terrain, this trek takes you through dense forests, remote mountain villages, glacial valleys, roaring waterfalls, snowfields, and steep mountain passes—making it one of the most rewarding treks in the Indian Himalayas.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Shimla to Jiskun, a quiet Himalayan village that serves as the trek’s starting point. From here, the trail gradually ascends through the famous Hanging Village of Jhaka, alpine meadows, and the Rupin Waterfall, before culminating at the Rupin Pass. The trek concludes at Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh, followed by a drive back to Shimla.

Rupin Pass Trek – Key Details at a Glance

• Trek Location: Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh
• Base Village: Jiskun, Himachal Pradesh
• Starting Point: Shimla (drive to Jiskun)
• Ending Point: Sangla (drive back to Shimla)
• Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,250 ft (Rupin Pass)
• Total Trek Distance: ~41–42 km
• Duration: 7 days (including acclimatization day)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

The Rupin Pass trek distance of approximately 41–42 kilometers is covered over multiple trekking days, with daily distances ranging from 5 to 12 kilometers, depending on terrain and altitude gain.

The gradual buildup to the pass, combined with long summit-day hours and steep snow climbs, makes this trek ideal for experienced trekkers and well-prepared beginners with good fitness levels.

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Rupin Pass Trek Route & Trail Experience

From Jiskun to the Hanging Village of Jhaka

The Rupin Pass Trek route begins at Jiskun village, a remote Himalayan settlement surrounded by apple orchards and forested slopes. The initial trail climbs gradually, moving through wooded paths and small clearings.

As altitude increases, trekkers reach Jhaka, the highest village on this route. Known as the Hanging Village, Jhaka sits dramatically on a steep hillside and marks the transition from inhabited villages to alpine terrain.

Alpine Meadows and the Rupin River Trail

Beyond Jhaka, the landscape opens up into wide alpine meadows such as Dandreyash Thatch. The Rupin River flows alongside much of this section, shaping the trail as it passes wooden bridges, natural springs, and seasonal streams.

Walking here is steady rather than steep, making it an important stretch for acclimatization while enjoying expansive valley views and open grasslands.

Approaching the Rupin Waterfall

As trekkers move higher, the trail becomes narrower and more demanding. The climb toward the Rupin Waterfall introduces rocky sections and steeper ascents. The waterfall remains a constant visual reference, guiding the route upward.

Near the Upper Waterfall campsite, snow patches and exposed terrain become common, especially during early-season departures, clearly indicating the shift into high-altitude trekking.

Summit Day: Crossing the Rupin Pass

The most challenging part of the trek begins with the ascent through the Rupin Gully, which is a steep snowy corridor leading to the Rupin Pass. This section requires sustained effort, careful footing, and mental focus.

Reaching the pass is a defining moment of the trek, offering expansive views of surrounding Himalayan ranges before the long descent begins.

Descent into Ronti Gad and Sangla Valley

After crossing the pass, the trail descends into Ronti Gad, where the terrain gradually softens. Snowfields transition into open slopes and alpine grasslands.

As trekkers continue toward Sangla Valley, forests reappear and signs of human settlement become more frequent, marking a gradual return to lower-altitude landscapes and the end of the trekking journey.

Overall Route Experience

The Rupin Pass Trek trail offers a journey that moves through villages, forests, meadows, waterfalls, snowfields, and a high-altitude mountain pass. This continuous change in terrain and scenery is what makes the Rupin Pass Trek one of the most engaging and complete trekking routes in the Indian Himalayas.

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Rupin Pass Trek Difficulty & Fitness Requirement

The Rupin Pass Trek difficulty is best described as moderate to difficult. While the trek does not require technical climbing skills, it demands good physical fitness, mental stamina, and the ability to handle long trekking days at high altitude.

The challenge of this trek builds gradually, with the most demanding section coming on the day of crossing the pass.

Overall Difficulty Level

Rupin Pass is suitable for trekkers who are comfortable walking for long hours across changing terrain. The trail includes forest paths, alpine meadows, rocky sections, snow patches, and a steep high-altitude ascent.

The continuous change in terrain keeps the trek engaging but also physically demanding, especially as altitude increases.

Daily Walking Duration

Most trekking days involve 5 to 8 hours of walking, depending on the route and campsite. However, the summit day—from the Upper Waterfall to Ronti Gad via Rupin Pass—is significantly longer, often requiring 10 to 11 hours of continuous trekking. This long day tests endurance and requires steady pacing and focus.

Challenging Sections of the Trek

The difficulty increases notably near the upper camps. The climb toward the Upper Rupin Waterfall involves steep ascents and narrow trails.

The final ascent through the Rupin Gully is the most demanding part of the trek, often covered in snow and requiring careful footing. The descent after the pass is long and tiring, adding to the overall difficulty of the day.

Fitness Level Required

To comfortably complete the Rupin Pass Trek, trekkers should have:

• Good cardiovascular endurance.
• Strong leg strength.
• The ability to walk continuously for long hours with a backpack.

Preparation should ideally include regular cardio training (running, cycling, stair climbing) and leg-strength exercises at least 4–6 weeks before the trek.

Is Rupin Pass Trek Suitable for Beginners?

The Rupin Pass Trek for beginners is possible only if they are well-prepared. First-time trekkers with strong fitness levels, prior endurance training, and a positive mindset can complete the trek successfully.

However, due to long walking days, high altitude, and steep snow sections, this trek is not recommended for completely untrained beginners.

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Best Time to Do Rupin Pass Trek

Choosing the right season is crucial for a safe and enjoyable Rupin Pass Trekking, as weather conditions change significantly with altitude. The trek is accessible only for a limited part of the year due to snow and harsh winter conditions.

The best time to do the Rupin Pass Trek is during two main windows:

• May to June (Spring–Early Summer)
• September to October (Autumn)

These months offer the most stable weather, clearer trails, and safer conditions for crossing the pass.

Rupin Pass Trek in May and June

During May and June, the trail comes alive after winter. Lower sections are green, while higher reaches still hold snow, especially near the pass and the Rupin Gully. This period offers a balanced mix of snow trekking and clear walking trails.

• Day temperatures generally range between 10°C and 20°C.
• Nights are cooler, usually between 5°C and 10°C.
• Snow bridges and snow patches are common near the upper camps.

This season is ideal for trekkers who want to experience snow without extreme cold.

Rupin Pass Trek in September and October

The post-monsoon months bring clearer skies and crisp mountain air. Snow is minimal, making the trail more stable, while the landscape takes on autumn colors.

• Day temperatures range between 12°C and 18°C.
• Nights can drop close to 0°C at higher camps.
• Weather is generally dry with excellent visibility.

This season suits trekkers who prefer clearer trails and wide mountain views.

Seasons to Avoid

• July and August: Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and an increased risk of landslides.
• November to April: The region receives heavy snowfall, making the route inaccessible and unsafe.

Weather Awareness

Even during the best trekking months, Rupin Pass weather can change quickly due to altitude. Trekkers should be prepared for cold winds, sudden temperature drops, and occasional snowfall near the pass. Carrying proper layers and checking weather forecasts before departure is strongly recommended.

In short, the best time for Rupin Pass Trek is either late spring or early autumn. Both seasons offer safe conditions, manageable temperatures, and a complete trekking experience, allowing trekkers to focus on the journey rather than weather-related challenges.

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Rupin Pass Trek Altitude & Acclimatization

The Rupin Pass Trek altitude reaches a maximum of 4,650 meters (15,250 feet) at the Rupin Pass, making it a high-altitude trek that requires proper acclimatization. The altitude gain on this trek is gradual, which helps the body adapt, but the final ascent to the pass is steep and physically demanding.

How Altitude Affects the Trek

As trekkers move higher, oxygen levels decrease, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, or mild altitude-related symptoms if not managed properly. Most trekkers start feeling the effects of altitude from Dandreyash Thatch onwards, where the terrain becomes more alpine and exposed.

Acclimatization on Rupin Pass Trek

The itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization and rest day at Dandreyash Thatch (3,550 m). This rest day plays a key role in helping the body adjust before moving to higher camps near the waterfall and the summit day.

Trekkers can support acclimatization by:

• Maintaining a steady pace.
• Staying well hydrated.
• Avoiding overexertion.
• Getting proper rest at campsites.

Why Acclimatization Matters

The summit day involves a long climb to Rupin Pass followed by a steep descent. Proper acclimatization reduces the risk of altitude sickness and improves overall stamina, making the crossing safer and more manageable

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Rupin Pass Trek Distance & Duration

The Rupin Pass Trek distance is approximately 41–42 kilometers, covered over 7 days, including one acclimatization day. The trek is planned in a way that the distance is broken into manageable segments, allowing trekkers to adapt gradually to increasing altitude.

Daily Distance Breakdown

Most trekking days involve walking between 5 to 8 kilometers. However, the pass-crossing day is longer and more demanding, with a trekking distance of around 12 kilometers, combined with a significant altitude gain and descent.

Total Duration of the Trek

The Rupin Pass Trek typically takes 6 to 7 days, depending on weather conditions and group pace. The itinerary includes a rest and acclimatization day, which is essential for recovery and safe high-altitude trekking.

The overall distance may not seem very long, but the combination of altitude, terrain, and long walking hours—especially on the summit day—makes endurance important. Proper pacing and fitness preparation play a key role in completing the trek comfortably.

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Rupin Pass Trek Cost & Package (Brief)

The Rupin Pass Trek cost depends on the chosen travel option and accommodation type. You can either opt for a Jiskun to Sangla trek package or a Shimla to Shimla all-inclusive package, based on your travel preference.

Rupin Pass Trek Package Price

Jiskun to Sangla Package:

• Triple Occupancy: ~₹16,500
• Double Occupancy: ~₹18,500

Shimla to Shimla Package:

• Triple Occupancy: ~₹19,500
• Double Occupancy: ~₹21,500

What Is Included in the Package

• Accommodation: 5 nights in tented camps during the trek | 1 night in a guesthouse at Jiskun
• Transportation: Surface transport (for Shimla–Shimla packages)
• Meals: All veg meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
• Camping Logistics: Tents, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping bags, carry mats
• Guides & Support: Experienced trek leader and local guides (ratio depends on group size)
• Safety Equipment: Basic first-aid kit, oxygen cylinder, oximeter
• Permits: All necessary permits for Indian residents
• Snacks: Morning/ evening tea or coffee with light snacks during the trek

What Is Not Included

• Personal expenses and meals during transit
• Porter or mule charges for personal luggage
• Permits for non-Indian residents
• Any cost due to landslides, weather delays, or evacuation
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Optional Add-on: Bag offloading available at ₹4,200 (maximum weight: 10 kg)

The Rupin Pass Trek package cost is structured to cover all core trekking requirements — accommodation, meals, transport (where applicable), permits, and support staff.

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How to Reach Rupin Pass Trek

The Rupin Pass Trek starts from Jiskun village in Himachal Pradesh, with Shimla acting as the main transit point. Reaching the base is simple when planned in two stages.

Step 1: Reach Shimla

Shimla is well connected to major cities.

By Air: The nearest airport, Chandigarh Airport (IXC), is a larger airport with better connectivity, around 113 km from Shimla, from where you can take a bus or taxi. Delhi Airport (DEL) is further away (around 355 km) but offers the most flight options; you can take an overnight bus or train to Kalka and then the scenic toy train to Shimla, or a direct bus to Shimla.

By Train: Kalka (KLK) is the nearest railway station, connected to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. From Kalka, you can take a taxi or the famous UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla toy train to reach Shimla.

By Road: Shimla has excellent road connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. You can find numerous state-run and private buses operating on these routes. Taxis are also readily available.

Step 2: Shimla to Jiskun (Base Village)

The base camp for the Rupin Pass Trek is Jiskun, located approximately 190 km from Shimla.

• Travel by private taxi or shared vehicle.
• Drive duration: 7–10 hours.
• Route passes via Rohru and Chainsheel Valley.

Important: The last ATM and reliable mobile network are available at Rohru.

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Choosing a trek is easy, but choosing the right trekking company is what truly defines your experience—especially on a remote, high-altitude Himalayan trek like Rupin Pass.

Safety, expertise, local knowledge, and responsible practices are not optional here; they are essential. This is where JustWravel stands apart.

• The Safest Travel Community in India: For us, safety comes first, and the fun, adventure, and thrill of a trek come later.
• From the Mountains with Love: Yes, that’s us. Most of our trekking coordinators are from the mountains; they share year-round knowledge of how pahadi life is. Nobody knows the mountains better than the people who have grown up playing on its slopes. To ensure you have the safest and most enthralling experience, we make sure to hire local guides. Most of our vendors are also natives, which assures an exchange of healthy and profitable business on both ends.
• Certified Trek Captains: Our Trek Captains are both BMC and AMC (Advanced Mountaineering Course) certified and are highly skilled medics. They know every nook and cranny of the trail and are equipped with extensive knowledge to handle any situation.
• The Experience of Years: Our knowledge is not merely theoretical. We ventured into the mountains years ago, and through our experiences, we’ve learned valuable lessons that we pass on to our trekkers.
• Taking What We Took There: This is what sets us apart in the market. We never litter the mountains. What we bring to the mountains, we take back for sure. Read below to learn more about our Keep The Trails Alive campaign.

The Rupin Pass Trek involves high altitude, technical sections, and remote terrain. Choosing a responsible and experienced trekking company can make the difference between a stressful journey and a truly rewarding adventure.

With JustWravel, you’re not just booking a trek—you’re joining a community that values safety, authenticity, expertise, and sustainability.

Don’t be a Crap Bag You are in nature’s lap Kindly take that garbage back

If you’re wondering what our Keep the Trails Alive campaign is all about, it’s simple: without proper management, many sacred mountains are facing littering due to over-tourism. As responsible trekkers, we will never let that happen.

If you’re trekking with JustWravel, you need to ensure that everything you carry in, you carry out. We will never leave anything behind except our love and a piece of our hearts for the majestic views we experience.

Responsible Trekking Guidelines We Follow

• Reusable: Always carry your own water bottle and cutlery to reuse them.
• Carry Out What You Carry In: Always pack out all your waste, including food wrappers, bottles, tissues, and sanitary items. Never leave anything behind.
• Use Toilet Tents and Dig Pits: Bury human waste in deep pits (6+ inches) to prevent contamination. Dispose of toilet paper and sanitary waste in your trash bag.
• Manage Food Waste Carefully: Bury leftover food and peels away from water sources. Avoid feeding wildlife to prevent dependency.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Carry out all waste and dispose of it responsibly at designated collection points or in towns. Avoid burning waste.
• Avoid Polluting Water Sources: Wash dishes, clothes, and yourself away from streams and lakes. Use biodegradable soap sparingly.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn local waste management practices and follow them. Teach fellow trekkers and porters about responsible disposal.

At JustWravel, trekking is guided by strict operational and ethical standards designed to ensure safety, sustainability, and comfort in remote Himalayan environments.

These standards are not optional—they are essential for responsible high-altitude trekking.

Dry Pits (Eco-Friendly Toilet System)

In remote trekking regions where conventional sanitation is not possible, dry pits are used as a responsible waste management solution. These are deep pits dug into the ground, designed to safely contain human waste and allow for natural decomposition.

Dry pits help:

• Prevent contamination of nearby water sources.
• Minimize environmental impact in fragile ecosystems.
• Maintain hygiene by providing designated sanitation areas.

By following dry pit practices, trekkers actively contribute to protecting pristine mountain environments while ensuring basic hygiene on the trail.

Bathing on the Trek

Bathing during the trek is strongly discouraged, especially at higher altitudes. As elevation increases, temperatures drop significantly, particularly during mornings and nights. Bathing in cold water can lead to rapid heat loss, increasing the risk of hypothermia and slowing down the body’s acclimatization process.

Additionally, bathing facilities are limited or unavailable on most high-altitude routes. Trek itineraries are designed so that proper bathing can be done safely at lower-altitude base camps or after the trek, where conditions are warmer and more suitable.

Bonfire Policy

Bonfires are not permitted during the trek due to environmental and safety concerns. Collecting firewood leads to deforestation and damages sensitive alpine ecosystems. Even fallen wood plays an important role in maintaining soil health and biodiversity.

Bonfires can also:

• Attract wildlife due to food smells and smoke.
• Increase the risk of forest fires.
• Disturb the natural habitat.

Instead, trekkers are encouraged to stay warm using proper layering and sleeping systems.

Vegetarian Food on the Trek

All meals served during the trek are strictly vegetarian, a conscious decision made for safety, sustainability, and logistics.

Benefits of vegetarian meals:

• Easier storage and preparation in remote areas.
• Reduced risk of attracting wildlife to campsites.
• Nutritious, energy-rich, and easy to digest.
• Lower environmental impact.

Meals are planned to provide sufficient calories, carbohydrates, and protein using ingredients like lentils, grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds—essential for high-energy trekking days.

Plan B & Plan C (Contingency Planning)

In the mountains, conditions can change without warning. Weather, trail conditions, or health issues may require adjustments. That’s why every trek is backed by Plan B and Plan C options.

These contingency plans ensure:

• Route flexibility during bad weather.
• Safe alternatives in case of injury or illness.
• Quick decision-making without panic.

Experienced trek leaders continuously assess conditions on the ground and take decisions that prioritize group safety over summit goals.

Acclimatization Standards

Proper acclimatization is critical for preventing altitude-related illnesses. As altitude increases, oxygen levels drop, and the body needs time to adapt.

JW acclimatization standards include:

• Gradual ascent with controlled altitude gain.
• Mandatory acclimatization walks.
• Adequate hydration (3–4 liters per day).
• Nutritious, carbohydrate-rich meals.
• Close monitoring for symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue.

If symptoms appear, immediate action—including rest or descent—is taken to ensure safety.

Why These Standards Matter

High-altitude trekking is as much about responsibility as it is about adventure. The JW Standards ensure that every trek is safe for trekkers, respectful to nature, and sustainable for the future.

When you trek with JustWravel, you are part of a system that values preparation, discipline, and environmental responsibility as much as the thrill of the journey.