Rupin Pass Trek, Uttarakhand

The weather at Rupin Pass generally remains warm during the summer season, with temperatures ranging between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. Although the days are sunny, the nights get cold. The temperature even drops to zero at higher altitudes. The autumn season at Rupin Pass sees temperatures between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius. On the contrary, the winter and monsoon seasons experience heavy snowfall, rainfall, and extreme cold conditions. It is one of the primary reasons which makes the Rupin Pass trek inaccessible during the winter and monsoon seasons.

Rupin Pass trek in November can only be done by extreme and experienced trekkers who can cover the said distance during chilly winter months. Yes, you can go for a session of trekking in November, however, to do so you are required to be physically fit and you must be able to bear some sudden chills.

Since the trek to Rupin Pass requires you to trek for 52 KM and conquer a height of 15,250 ft, a first timer cannot complete this trek. A previous experience of trekking is required to finish the Rupin Pass Trek as the path to the top is difficult to cover with high chances of skidding.

The trek route to Rupin Pass begins from Dehradun and ends in Shimla. 

• From Dehradun you will be covering a 195 km long drive to Mori and then to Dhaula.
• From Dhaula, a 3 to 4 hour long trek will be done to Sewa.
• On the third day of this trek, you will be covering the distance between Sewa and Jakha within 6 to 7 hours.
• The next stop will be Suruwad Thach which will be reached by trekking for 6 hours.
• After this, you will reach the Waterfall Camp by covering a 7 hour long trek. 
• From Waterfall Camp, a nine hour trek will be followed, which will take you to the Rupin Pass and then Ronti Gad. 
• Next stop of the itinerary will be Sangla which will be reached after a trekking session of 6 hours. 
• From Sangla, you will be driven to Shimla, which will be the final stop of this trek.

A duration of around 8 days is enough to complete the Rupin Pass trek itinerary. This trekking expedition starts from Dhaula in Uttarakhand and concludes in Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. This trail takes you through some picturesque villages and regions like Mori, Sewa, Jakha, Suruwas Thach, Dhanderas Thach, and Upper Waterfall Camp. From rhododendron woodlands to vast meadows and snow stretches, this trek covers diverse landscapes within this timeframe.

This trek has a difficulty level of medium to hard. The terrain is variable - with slippery roads, muddy grounds, and snowy trails. For somebody who has a desk job, or does not indulge in routine physical activities, this can be a difficult trail.

Also, start with brisk 10 minutes walk every day and then some physical exercise like stretching. You can also do some yoga every day to regulate your breathing properly. Do three sets of squats, with 8 squats in each set. Apart from this, you can include planks and crunches in your routine. Those who have a medical condition should consult with their physician to ensure they are medically fit to go trekking at such a high altitude.

Yes, Rupin Pass is very beautiful. The trail to this pass allows you to witness the hanging village, snow bridges, and the rich Kinnaur Temple. During the Rupin Pass trek, you can enjoy the diverse scenery of the Rupin River, meadows, pine forests, and waterfalls at every turn of the trail. It also features rich biodiversity and vibrant rhododendron forests. Upon reaching the top, the views of the stunning Kailash Peak can leave you mesmerised.

Yes, it is safe to do Rupin Pass Trek. If all the rules are followed then the trek can become the safest trek you might have encountered. With proper trekking gear like shoes and poles, you can cross the rocky pathways easily, thus eliminating any danger. 

Any trek is dangerous if we consider the safety aspect, however it totally depends on the guide and how one behaves. If you follow proper guidelines, have perfect physical and mental strength and are following proper directions, the Rupin Pass Trek will not be unsafe for you.

Before embarking on the trip, it is best to indulge in some physical workout to prepare for the trek. Additionally, one should carry essential items like raincoats, walking stick, food and water, first aid kit, trekking shoes, torch, sunglasses etc. Since it can get quite cold in the mountains, woolen clothes are a must.

At such a high altitude, some people may feel dizziness and headache because of altitude sickness, so carry medication for that. It should also be kept in mind that the weather can be quite unpredictable when in the mountains. If you are traveling solo, it would be wise to take a guide with you who will help you in case of an emergency.

The Rupin Pass trek cannot be completed in one day. Attempting to complete the trek to Rupin Pass in one day would be challenging due to steep ascents, rugged terrains, and a long distance. The entire trek spans over 8 days, covering a distance of 52 kilometres from Dhaula to Sangla. Each day involves trekking through different terrains, villages, and scenic landscapes, and you need proper rest to complete the trek as well.

The Rupin Pass trek is not possible in winter due to heavy snowfall. During this time, the trail becomes challenging to navigate. The trek becomes dangerous with intensified snowfall, frozen water resources, and harsh cold weather conditions. Even the steep ascent and rugged terrains make the route restricted during the winter season, and travellers are discouraged from undertaking the trek during this time to ensure their safety.

Rupin Pass is famous for its captivating beauty and thrilling adventure. It offers a beautiful blend of landscapes starting from Dhaula in Uttarakhand to Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. The snowy terrains, water streams, rocky pathways, and green meadows make it a must-do trekking experience. From Kinnaur Temple reflecting Kinnauri culture, to Hanging Village on the mountain edges, the trek to Rupin Pass features diverse scenery. The snow bridges and the spectacular Kinnaur Kailash also add a magnificent touch to the entire experience.

Here is the list of best Uttarakhand treks that you can book from Thrillophilia:

1. Kedarkantha Trek
2. Valley Of Flowers Trek
3. Tungnath Trek
4. Rudranath Trek
5. Pindari Glacier Trek
6. Kalindi Khal Trek
7. Panch Kedar Trek