Trek Overview
Rupin Pass is a high-altitude trek starting from Bawta in Himachal Pradesh and ending at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. The trek is full of diverse natural phenomena, from sightings of majestic Himalayan ranges to waterfalls, glacial meadows, snow-covered landscapes, lush forests, charming little hamlets, and a hanging village, you get to experience nature at its finest. Being a high-altitude trek with scenic vistas, Rupin Pass is one of the most exhilarating trekking expeditions for all adventure enthusiasts. At every step of the trek, you will come across many surprises, and though at times you will have steep climbs the spellbinding views all around make up for the arduous hike.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bawta
- Drive Distance: 180 km (approx. 8-9 hrs)
- Altitude: 2,000 meters
- Stay: Homestay in Bawta
Day 2: Bawta to Jakha
- Trek Distance: 9 km (approx. 5-6 hrs)
- Altitude: 2,650 meters
- Stay: Camping at Jakha
Day 3: Jakha to Dandreyash Thatch
- Trek Distance: 7 km (approx. 5-6 hrs)
- Altitude: 3,500 meters
- Stay: Camping at Dandreyash Thatch
Day 4: Dandreyash Thatch to Upper Waterfall
- Trek Distance: 5 km (approx. 4-5 hrs)
- Altitude: 3,900 meters
- Stay: Camping at Upper Waterfall
Day 5: Upper Waterfall to Ronti Gad via Rupin Pass
- Trek Distance: 10 km (approx. 8-9 hrs)
- Altitude: 4,650 meters
- Stay: Camping at Ronti Gad
Day 6: Rest Day
- Altitude: 3,900 meters
- Stay: Camping at Ronti Gad
Day 7: Ronti Gad to Sangla & Drive to Shimla
- Trek Distance: 12 km (approx. 5-6 hrs)
- Drive Distance: 250 km (approx. 9-10 hrs)
- Arrival: Shimla by evening
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival In Bawta
Our journey for the Rupin Pass Trek begins from Bawta. You need to arrive in Bawta one day before the trek starts. If you've booked transportation from Shimla to Bawta with us, our team will pick you up from Shimla bus stand. From Shimla, we'll drive to Bawta, which is a lovely village in the Himalayas, about 195 km away from Shimla.
During the drive, you'll see stunning views of nature and mountains. Don't forget to keep your cameras handy because the scenery will be amazing. Along the way, we'll pass through Rohru, a nice small town situated on the banks of the Pabbar River. Rohru is the last place where you can find an ATM, so make sure to get cash if you need it. From Rohru, you'll notice the road splitting into two directions - one leads to Janglik, the starting point for the Buran Ghati Pass Trek, and the other leads to Bawta, where we'll begin our Rupin Pass Trek.
Day 02: Bawta to Jakha
Today, you'll be reaching the highest and last village of this trek. Get ready for a continuous uphill climb that will last for about 4-5 hours. So, make sure you're all charged up before starting on this zig-zag trail.
Once you've climbed moderately until Jiskun, the trail will start going slightly downhill. Look out for a wooden bridge in the midst of dense forest. After crossing the bridge, get ready for another uphill section in a zig-zag pattern. Remember to fill up your water bottles at Selwan Khad because it's the last water point for today. But don't worry, you'll find plenty of tea shops along the way if you need more water. Tonight, you'll be staying in a peaceful homestay, so you can rest and recharge for the next day's adventure.
Day 03: Jakha to Dandreyash Thatch
Waking up at the campsite near Jhaka Village feels amazing. The trail is easy to follow. It starts by passing through the fields of Jhaka Village and then enters a forest filled with tall fir trees that have been there for centuries. As you continue along the trail through the forest, the landscape changes and you'll start to see snow patches. You'll cross a snow bridge over the Rupin River and then walk on a narrow trail until you reach another wooden bridge. After walking for about half an hour on boulders and hopping over streams, you'll enter another forest where you'll find Rhododendron trees of different colors.
A few more kilometers of walking and you'll reach Saruwas Thatch. Here, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful campsite nestled in a serene valley surrounded by trees, with a view of the Rupin waterfall in the distance. The next part of the route takes you through snow patches on the mountainside. You'll also see sacred silver birch trees (known as Bhoj Trees) as you make your way through the forests.
As you move upwards through the forests, you'll reach the edge of a U-shaped valley. The view from here is enchanting, with thousands of waterfalls rushing down below you. Descending into the valley, you'll pass through green and yellow meadows, cross several snow bridges, and eventually arrive at Dhanderas Thatch. Here, you can relax and take part in fun activities organized by our team, as you enjoy one of the most beautiful and largest meadows in the Himalayan Range.
Day 04: Dandreyash Thatch to Upper Waterfall
The altitude from Dhanderas to Upperwaterfall camp is around 4000 meters, which can make you susceptible to altitude sickness. We'll take necessary precautions to avoid any altitude-related issues. Our team will also give you a quick lesson on snow trekking skills, like sliding on snow, sidestepping, and navigating through snow.
Once you're acclimatized, you'll start by trekking down to the base of Dhanderas. From there, you'll cross several small streams of the Rupin River. You'll make your way through marigold flowers to reach the snow patch near the first waterfall. Carefully walking on the rocks along the hillside, you'll spot a trail through thick snow.
You'll need to use the techniques you've learned to navigate to another large snow bridge. This bridge is the last one but it's a spectacular one, with the Rupin Waterfall flowing just above your head and beneath your feet. After crossing the bridge, a short but steep climb awaits, and then you'll arrive at the campsite where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 05: Upper Waterfall to Ronti Gad, cross Rupin Pass
The longest trail of the Rupin Pass starts with a steep climb, gaining a lot of altitude quickly. After about an hour of climbing, you'll take a left turn and reach the Rati Pheri campsite, where you'll see some amazing sights.
At Rati Pheri, all you'll see around you is thick snow stretching out in all directions. Your next challenge for the day is to navigate through this snow to reach Rupin Pass Gully. We'll be very careful here because the snow is deep, and the trails aren't clearly marked. Once we reach Rupin Pass, we'll provide some refreshments to help you regain your energy for the next part of the adventure.
The trail to Rupin Pass is short but uncertain, and there's a risk of loose stones falling from above. Our team will advise you to walk carefully, taking each step with caution.
Rupin Pass, which is cut from a hollow-shaped region, marks the beginning of the Dhauladhar Range. After a bit of descent, you'll get ready for the next adventure: sliding down the snow to reach Rukti Gad. The path to Ronti Gad is a gentle walk followed by a steep descent. You'll camp at this cold but beautiful campsite surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
Day 06: Rest day
This day is crucial for the trek as it significantly improves the chances of reaching the summit, and it shouldn't be overlooked. Depending on the conditions, we might use this day at any camp during the trek. Sometimes, trekkers get tired or the weather isn't favorable, making it necessary to take a rest day. This extra day can be a lifesaver, ensuring we have enough time to complete the trek even if unexpected challenges arise.
Day 07: Ronti gad to Sangla & Drive to Shimla
Today's trek will involve going downhill, but it will be quite tough because the trail descends quickly. Our team will give you some tips to help you handle the steep descent more easily, so you can navigate downhill without putting too much strain on your feet or knees.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.