Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Rupin Pass trek. This high-altitude trek provides an opportunity to traverse a less explored path in the Indian Himalayas. Witness the thrilling transformation of landscapes – from lush green valleys to snow-capped mountain peaks, alpine meadows to glacial lakes. This comprehensive guide will take you through every aspect of the Rupin Pass trek, helping you prepare for this exhilarating journey.
Overview
With an altitude reaching up to 4632 meters, the Rupin Pass trek is classified as a moderate level trek. It covers a span of 44 kilometers and lasts for about 7 days. This trek takes you through two Indian states – Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, allowing you to experience the mesmerizing natural beauty, cultural diversity, and rich history of these regions.
The Rupin Pass trek is unique due to its dramatic changes in landscapes and ecosystems. The trek starts from the quaint village of Jiskun in the Shimla district and concludes in the serene Sangla Valley in the Kinnaur district. On your journey, you will cross over the majestic Rupin Pass, which acts as a natural bridge between the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Highlights of the Rupin Pass Trek
The Rupin Pass trek is renowned for its diverse natural landscapes and breathtaking views. Here are some of the key highlights of Rupin Pass trek:
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Waterfalls: The Rupin Valley is dotted with countless waterfalls that cascade down the mountain slopes, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.
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Jhaka Village: Known as the ‘Hanging Village', Jhaka provides a unique cultural experience. The houses in this village are built on the edge of a mountain, giving an illusion that they are hanging from the cliff.
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Snow Bridges: Walking on the snow bridges over the Rupin River is an exhilarating experience that is bound to send chills down your spine.
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Diverse Flora and Fauna: The trek takes you through dense forests of fir, rhododendron, and oak trees. You might even spot some wildlife species such as Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and various bird species.
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Kinnaur Temple: This two-story temple in Sewa is a fine example of Kinnauri architecture and offers a spiritual retreat amidst the mountains.
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Views of Kinner Kailash: The summit of the Rupin Pass trek offers panoramic views of the lofty Kinner Kailash peak, which is a sight to behold.
Preparing for the Trek
The Rupin Pass trek demands a certain level of physical fitness and mental toughness. Before embarking on this trek, ensure you are in good health and have sufficient stamina to cover long distances each day. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the trek:
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Physical Fitness: Engage in regular exercise to build stamina and endurance. Running, cycling, and swimming are excellent forms of cardio that can help you prepare for the trek.
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Acclimatization: Spend a few days at a high altitude before starting the trek to allow your body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels.
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Equipment: Carry all the necessary trekking gear such as a rucksack, trekking pole, water bottles, and a medical kit. Ensure you have a pair of sturdy trekking shoes that provide good grip and ankle support.
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Clothing: Pack layers of clothing to adapt to the changing temperatures during the trek. Include thermal wear, fleece jackets, waterproof gloves, and woolen socks in your gear.
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Fitness Benchmark: If you can jog or run 5 kilometers in 25-30 minutes without feeling overly exhausted, you are physically prepared for this trek.
Itinerary
Here's a brief day-by-day breakdown of the Rupin Pass trek itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Jiskun
Your journey begins with your arrival in Jiskun, a charming Himalayan hamlet. You can reach Jiskun via a road journey from Shimla.
Day 2: Trek from Jiskun to Jhaka
The second day involves a trek from Jiskun to Jhaka, the last village on the Rupin Pass trek. The trail is a continuous ascent through stunning landscapes.
Day 3: Trek from Jhaka to Dhanderas Thatch Camp
On the third day, you will trek from Jhaka to Dhanderas Thatch Camp. This part of the journey offers mesmerizing views of the Rupin Valley and diverse flora and fauna.
Day 4: Rest Day at Dhanderas Thatch Camp
The fourth day is a rest day at Dhanderas Thatch Camp. It is essential to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
Day 5: Trek from Dhanderas Thatch Camp to Upper Waterfall Camp
On the fifth day, you will trek from Dhanderas Thatch Camp to Upper Waterfall Camp. This trail provides an opportunity to witness the magnificent Rupin Waterfall up close.
Day 6: Trek from Upper Waterfall Camp to Ronti Gad Camp
The sixth day involves a trek from Upper Waterfall Camp to Ronti Gad Camp, crossing the majestic Rupin Pass. The view from the pass is absolutely stunning, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Day 7: Trek from Ronti Gad Camp to Sangla Valley, Drive to Shimla
On the last day, you will trek from Ronti Gad Camp to Sangla Valley. From Sangla, you will be driven back to Shimla, marking the end of your memorable Rupin Pass trek.
Cost and Inclusions
The cost for the Rupin Pass trek is INR 15300 plus 5% GST. This includes accommodation, meals, forest permits, camping charges, and services from Jiskun to Sangla. Add-ons such as transportation, backpack offloading, and outdoor insurance can be availed at an additional cost.
Essential Gear for the Trek
Ensure to carry the necessary trekking gear for a comfortable and safe trekking experience. This includes a rucksack with a rain cover, a head torch with spare batteries, water bottles, UV protection sunglasses, warm clothing, waterproof gloves, thermal wear, trekking shoes, and personal toiletries. Also, carry a medical kit with essential medicines.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Rupin Pass trek:
- Best Time to Trek: The best time for Rupin Pass trek is during the months of May-June and September-October.
- Trek Difficulty: The Rupin Pass trek is classified as a moderate level trek, suitable for trekkers with some prior high-altitude trekking experience.
- Network Availability: Cellular network is available up to Jiskun. Beyond Jiskun, the network connectivity is extremely poor.
- ATM Availability: The last ATM point is at Rohru. It is advisable to carry enough cash for your personal expenses during the trek.
Embark on the Rupin Pass trek for an unforgettable journey through the majestic Himalayas. Witness the natural beauty, experience the thrill of high-altitude trekking, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
