๐Ÿ”๏ธ Rupin Pass Trek โ€“ The Crossover Trail from Shimla to Sangla

Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Region: Shimla (HP) to Sangla (Kinnaur)
Max Altitude: ~15,300 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Season: May to July | September to October
Group Size: 6โ€“12 trekkers


๐ŸŒ„ Overview

The Rupin Pass Trek is one of the most dramatic crossover trails in the Indian Himalayasโ€”starting in the lush green forests of Himachal and ending in the cold desert landscapes of Sangla, Kinnaur.

Expect gushing waterfalls, hanging villages, snowy gullies, wildflower meadows, and high-altitude thrill. This is not just a trek. Itโ€™s a story that unfolds one day at a timeโ€”with challenges, surprises, and soul-stirring views.

We run this trek with local expertise, experienced mountain guides, and a deep commitment to responsible adventure.


๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Detailed Itinerary

๐Ÿš™ Day 1: Shimla โ†’ Bhauta / Jiskoon Village

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Shimla through famous spots like Green Valley, Kufri, Fagu, and Kharapathar.

  • Drive Time: Shimla to Chirgaon (6 hrs) โ†’ Chirgaon to Bhauta (4.5 hrs)

  • Stay: Cozy homestay in Bhauta or Jiskoon

  • Altitude: ~6,700 ft


๐Ÿฅพ Day 2: Bhauta / Jiskoon โ†’ Jakha Village

A short hike today through alpine forests and traditional Himachali architecture. Jakha is often called the last hanging village of Himachal.

  • Explore the old-world charm of Jiskoon village

  • Stay at a local homestay in Jakha

  • Altitude: ~8,700 ft


๐Ÿ•๏ธ Day 3: Jakha โ†’ Dhanderas Thatch (Rupin Base Camp)

One of the most scenic parts of the trek begins here.

  • Cross snow bridges, rivers, and meadows with wildflowers

  • Set camp at Dhanderas Thatchโ€”a green meadow surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls

  • Altitude: ~11,500 ft

  • Stay: Tent under the stars


๐Ÿž๏ธ Day 4: Dhanderas โ†’ Upper Waterfall Camp

This is an acclimatization and ascent day.

  • Climb beside Rupinโ€™s iconic multi-tiered waterfall

  • Walk through carpets of yellow marigold and snow patches

  • Reach Upper Waterfall Camp at ~13,100 ft


๐Ÿง—โ€โ™‚๏ธ Day 5: Upper Waterfall โ†’ Rupin Pass โ†’ Ronti Gad

The most challenging and rewarding day.

  • Early 5 AM start with packed breakfast

  • Climb steep snow gully to reach Rupin Pass (~15,250 ft)

  • Witness fluttering Tibetan flags, icy winds, and stunning 360ยฐ views

  • Descend to Ronti Gad and camp there

  • Total Trek: ~10โ€“11 hours


๐Ÿ”๏ธ Day 6: Ronti Gad โ†’ Sangla (via Nalgani Pass)

Start early and descend toward Sangla via Nalgani Pass and Sangla Kanda meadows.

  • Enjoy your last panoramic views of the Kinnaur ranges

  • Reach Sangla village and celebrate the completion of this iconic crossover

  • Cab ride to Shimla can be arranged

  • Trek Ends


โœ… Inclusions

  • ๐Ÿš Transport: Shimla โ†’ Bhauta & Sangla โ†’ Shimla

  • ๐Ÿ•๏ธ Tents, sleeping bags, mats (twin sharing)

  • ๐Ÿฅฃ Vegetarian meals: Breakfast + Packed Lunch + Dinner

  • โ˜• Evening Tea, Soup, Energy Snacks

  • ๐Ÿงญ Trek Leader, High-Altitude Guides, Porters (support-based)

  • ๐Ÿž๏ธ Forest Permits & Entry Fees

  • ๐Ÿ†˜ First Aid & Basic Medical Assistance


โŒ Exclusions

  • ๐Ÿšซ Personal expenses (tips, shopping, meals not mentioned)

  • ๐Ÿ”๏ธ Porter support for personal bags (on-request & chargeable)

  • โ„๏ธ Off-loading charges for backpacks

  • ๐Ÿš— Transport not mentioned in inclusions

  • GST 5%


๐ŸŽ’ What to Carry

  • Good trekking shoes (waterproof preferred)

  • Warm thermals, down jacket, windproof jacket

  • Rain cover / poncho

  • Headlamp, gloves, sunglasses

  • Power bank, trekking pole, water bottles

  • Government ID + Medical Certificate


๐Ÿงญ Quick Facts

  • Best Season: Late May to early July & September to mid-October

  • Trek Style: Point-to-point (not circular)

  • Trek Duration: 6 trek days + travel

  • Trek Grade: Moderate to Challenging (for fit beginners or experienced trekkers)


๐Ÿ’ฌ Words from Trekkers

โ€œRupin wasnโ€™t just a trekโ€”it was a transformation. Every day felt like a movie scene. The team made it smooth, safe, and soulful.โ€
โ€“ Ankita D., Bangalore

โ€œCrossing the pass and reaching Sangla after a night under the stars… unreal. This is what trekking should feel like.โ€
โ€“ Raghav S., Mumbai


๐Ÿ“ Join the Next Batch

๐Ÿ“… Fixed departures every week in season | Custom private groups available.