Rupin Pass Trek – Complete Travel Guide for Trekpackers

📍 Overview

The Rupin Pass Trek is a stunning high-altitude crossover trek from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh, traversing dramatic landscapes, hanging villages, deep pine forests, glacial meadows, roaring waterfalls, and a thrilling summit crossing at 15,250 ft (4,650 m).

It’s considered one of the best classic treks in the Indian Himalayas due to its diversity and visual grandeur.

🗓️ Best Time to Trek

• Pre-monsoon: Mid-May to End of June
  
  

• Post-monsoon: September to Mid-October
  
  

• Avoid during monsoon (July–August) and winter (Nov–April) due to snow and landslides.
  
  

🥾 Trek Snapshot

Feature

Detail

Trek Duration 7–9 Days

Max Altitude 4,650 m (15,250 ft)

Difficulty Level Moderate to Difficult

Trek Length ~52 km (varies by route)

Starting Point Dhaula, 

Ending Point  Sangla, Himachal Pradesh

🧭 How to Reach

🚐 To Dhaula (Starting Point)

• Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (~200 km from Dhaula)
  
  

• By Road: Dehradun → Purola → Mori → Dhaula (~10–11 hrs drive)
  
  

• Shared taxis from Sankri, or private cab recommended
  
  

✈️ Nearest Airport

• Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
  
  

🌄 Trail Highlights

Key Attractions Along the Way:

• Hanging Village of Jhaka – perched on a cliff
  
  

• Rupin Waterfall Campsite – iconic two-tier waterfall
  
  

• Snow bridges and icy river crossings
  
  

• Alpine meadows and rhododendron forests
  
  

• Pass crossing with thrilling panoramic views
  
  

🏕️ Trek Itinerary (Standard 8-Day Plan)

Day 1: Dehradun → Dhaula (Drive)

• 10-hour journey through Tons Valley
  
  

• Camp at Dhaula (1,580 m)
  
  

Day 2: Dhaula → Sewa

• Distance: ~12 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs
  
  

• Walk along river, forest paths, local temples
  
  

Day 3: Sewa → Jhaka via Jiskun

• Distance: ~9 km | Duration: 6 hrs
  
  

• Cross a wooden bridge into Himachal
  
  

• Stay in the beautiful cliff-hanging village of Jhaka
  
  

Day 4: Jhaka → Suruwas Thatch

• Distance: ~7 km | Duration: 5 hrs
  
  

• Trek through forests and enter alpine zone
  
  

Day 5: Suruwas Thatch → Dhanderas Thatch

• Distance: ~6 km | Duration: 4 hrs
  
  

• Explore meadows and reach base of Rupin waterfall
  
  

Day 6: Dhanderas Thatch → Upper Waterfall Camp

• Short, steep ascent near waterfall
  
  

• Acclimatize and prep for pass day
  
  

Day 7: Upper Waterfall → Rupin Pass → Ronti Gad

• Longest and hardest day (~10–12 hrs)
  
  

• Steep ascent over snow and scree to the pass
  
  

• Descent to Ronti Gad campsite in Himachal
  
  

Day 8: Ronti Gad → Sangla (Descent + Drive)

• Trek to Sangla Kanda, descend to Sangla
  
  

• Drive or rest in Sangla village
  
  

🧳 Packing Essentials

• Sturdy trekking boots (water-resistant)
  
  

• 3 layers: thermal, fleece/down, and waterproof shell
  
  

• Gloves, beanie, and sunglasses
  
  

• Trekking poles (recommended)
  
  

• High-altitude sleeping bag (if camping independently)
  
  

• Water purification tablets or filter
  
  

• Snacks, dry fruits, ORS
  
  

• First aid kit (include Diamox, painkillers, bandages)
  
  

• Power bank & headlamp
  
  

• ID proof & permits (if applicable)
  
  

🏕️ Stay & Food

• Dhaula, Jiskun, Jhaka: Homestays/guesthouses
  
  

• Upper campsites: Camping only
  
  

• Carry your own food/tents or trek with a group that arranges logistics
  
  

• Basic dal–rice–sabzi meals available in lower villages
  
  

📡 Connectivity & ATM

• Mobile Network: Patchy after Mori; no signal on trail (BSNL may work in some villages)
  
  

• ATM: Last in Purola or Sankri – carry cash
  
  

⚠️ Trek Tips for Trekpackers

• Acclimatize properly; Rupin Pass crosses 15,000 ft.
  
  

• Always check weather forecasts.
  
  

• Carry all waste down—no littering.
  
  

• Travel in a group or hire a local guide for safety.
  
  

• Respect locals and seek permission before photography in villages.
  
  

✅ Trek Summary Chart

Dhaula  1,580 m Starting point in Rohru

Jhaka Village 2,680 m

“Hanging village” Dhanderas Thatch 3,500 m

Alpine meadows Rupin Pass 4,650 m

Glacier & snowfields Ronti Gad 4,100 m

Descent campsite Sangla (Exit Point)

2,680 m  Beautiful Himachali town

🌟 Why Trek Rupin Pass?

• One of the best cross-state Himalayan trails
  
  

• Offers diverse terrain in a single trek: forests, cliffs, rivers, glaciers, meadows
  
  

• Less commercialized than popular treks
  
  

• Ideal for those who’ve done beginner treks and want to level up