Trek Overview
Rupin Pass Trek – Iconic Himalayan Crossover from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh at 15,255 ft
About Rupin Pass Trek
Waterfalls, Hanging Villages, Snow Bridges & a 15,255 ft Crossover – Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh
The Rupin Pass Trek is one of the most adventurous and visually stunning crossover treks in the Indian Himalayas. Connecting the remote villages of Uttarakhand with the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, this trek offers a constantly changing tapestry of waterfalls, hanging villages, dense forests, alpine meadows, snow bridges, glaciers, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. Ranked among the finest treks in India, Rupin is celebrated for the sheer diversity of scenery it delivers — no two days look remotely the same.
Bawta & the Rupin River Valley
The trek begins from Bawta village in the Tons Valley of Uttarakhand at 7,700 ft — reached by a deeply scenic drive from Dehradun through Mussoorie, pine forests, and the Tons River valley. The first trekking day introduces the Rupin River trail, passing through wooden bridges, small waterfalls, and verdant Himalayan villages before arriving at Jakha — famously known as the "Hanging Village" — perched dramatically above the valley with stunning views and traditional Himalayan wooden architecture.
Rupin Waterfall – The Most Photographed Section
The long trail from Jakha to Dandreyash Thatch passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and seasonal snow patches, culminating in one of the most iconic sights on any Himalayan trek — the massive multi-tiered Rupin Waterfall cascading through a sculpted mountain gorge. This breathtaking natural spectacle is among the most photographed sections of any trek in India, and the surrounding landscape makes it utterly unforgettable. Dandreyash Thatch itself — a vast open meadow at 11,700 ft surrounded by snow-capped peaks — offers one of the most beautiful campsites on the entire route.
Snow Bridges, Glacier Camps & the Pass Crossing
After a mandatory acclimatization day at Dandreyash Thatch, the trail ascends to Upper Waterfall Camp at 13,300 ft, crossing snow bridges and glacier sections through dramatically steepening terrain surrounded by giant snow walls. The pass crossing day begins at 3–4 AM, climbing steep snow slopes and high-altitude ridgelines to Rupin Pass at 15,255 ft (4,650 m) — rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Kinnaur and Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The descent into Himachal's Ronti Gad and the final walk down to Sangla Valley — famous for apple orchards and wooden Kinnauri homes — brings this extraordinary crossover journey to a memorable conclusion.
Inclusions, Best Time & Experience Required
The best time for Rupin Pass Trek is May to June (snow landscapes + flowering meadows) and September to October (clear skies + vibrant autumn valley colours). This is a point-to-point crossover trek — you start in Uttarakhand and finish in Himachal Pradesh, making it logistically unique. The package includes guesthouse and camping accommodation, all vegetarian meals, trek leader and crew, camping equipment, first aid, oxygen cylinder, and all permits. Prior trekking experience is strongly recommended. Book your Rupin Pass Trek package today and experience one of the most extraordinary crossover adventures in the entire Himalayas!
Trek Highlights
Day-wise Itinerary
Complete 7-day plan – Bawta (Uttarakhand) to Sangla (Himachal Pradesh) via Rupin Pass at 15,255 ft
Arrival at Bawta Village – Base Camp
Drive: Dehradun to Bawta (9–10 Hours) | Altitude: 7,700 ft | Stay: Guesthouse / Homestay. The journey begins with a deeply scenic drive from Dehradun through Mussoorie, dense pine forests, winding mountain roads, and the beautiful Tons River valley. Arrive at Bawta village — the charming base camp of the Rupin Pass Trek — by evening. Meet your trek leader and crew for briefing, safety instructions, and gear check. Experience warm Garhwali hospitality, enjoy dinner, and rest before the trek begins. Overnight stay at Bawta.
Bawta to Jakha – The Hanging Village
Distance: 5 KM | Duration: 4–5 Hours | Altitude: 7,700 ft → 9,000 ft. Begin the trek along the scenic Rupin River with a gradual ascent through dense forests and traditional Himalayan villages. Cross wooden bridges over the rushing river with waterfalls appearing at every bend. Arrive at Jakha — the famous "Hanging Village" dramatically perched above the valley — with breathtaking panoramic views and traditional wooden Himalayan architecture. Overnight camping at Jakha.
Jakha to Dandreyash Thatch via Rupin Waterfall
Distance: 11 KM | Duration: 8–9 Hours | Altitude: 9,000 ft → 11,700 ft. The longest and most spectacular trekking day. The trail climbs through dense forests and opens into alpine meadows, with seasonal snow patches appearing at higher elevations. Witness the breathtaking iconic Rupin Waterfall — a massive multi-tiered cascade through a sculpted mountain gorge, one of the most photographed sights on any Indian Himalayan trek. Arrive at Dandreyash Thatch — a vast meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks — for an unforgettable high-altitude camping experience. Overnight stay.
Rest & Acclimatisation at Dandreyash Thatch
Altitude: 11,700 ft | Duration: Buffer / Exploration Day. A critically important day reserved for acclimatisation and preparation before the high-altitude pass crossing. Explore the surrounding alpine meadows, ridgelines, and viewpoints at your own pace, allowing your body to adapt to the increasing altitude. Rest, hydrate well, enjoy the mountain scenery, and mentally prepare for the demanding summit section ahead. Overnight stay at Dandreyash Thatch.
Dandreyash Thatch to Upper Waterfall Camp
Distance: 5 KM | Duration: 4–5 Hours | Altitude: 11,700 ft → 13,300 ft. The trail becomes progressively steeper and more adventurous as you ascend toward Upper Waterfall Camp. Cross snow bridges and glacier sections (season-dependent), navigating dramatic terrain surrounded by towering rock faces draped in snowfall. Arrive at Upper Waterfall Camp at 13,300 ft — set amidst towering snow walls and dramatic Himalayan terrain for one of the most exciting high-altitude camping experiences in India. Early dinner and rest ahead of the pre-dawn pass push. Overnight camping.
Upper Waterfall Camp – Rupin Pass (15,255 ft) – Ronti Gad
Distance: 12 KM | Duration: 10–12 Hours | Altitude: 15,255 ft (Pass). The toughest and most rewarding day of the entire trek. Start the summit climb at 3–4 AM, ascending steep snow slopes and high-altitude ridgelines in the pre-dawn darkness. Reach Rupin Pass at 15,255 ft for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Kinnaur and Garhwal Himalayan ranges — an unforgettable high point of any trekking career. Begin the careful descent into Ronti Gad in Himachal Pradesh, completing the extraordinary crossover from Uttarakhand to Himachal. Overnight camping at Ronti Gad.
Ronti Gad to Sangla Valley & Drive to Shimla
Distance: 8 KM Trek | Duration: 4 Hours Trek + 10 Hours Drive. Gradual descent through beautiful Himalayan trails from Ronti Gad into the stunning Sangla Valley of Kinnaur — famous for its apple orchards, traditional wooden houses, and dramatic Himalayan scenery. From Sangla, begin the long drive to Shimla, marking the triumphant completion of the Rupin Pass Trek crossover adventure. Arrive in Shimla by late evening with memories of waterfalls, hanging villages, snow bridges, and the magnificent Rupin Pass to last a lifetime. Trek concludes.
What's Included
Everything covered in your package
Inclusions
- Accommodation (Guesthouse + Camping)
- All vegetarian meals during trek
- Experienced trek leader & guide
- Professional trekking crew
- Camping equipment (Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mattress)
- First aid & oxygen cylinder
- Forest permits & camping charges
Exclusions
- Transportation to Bawta & from Shimla (unless booked separately)
- Porter charges for personal luggage
- Personal expenses
- Any kind of insurance
- Emergency evacuation charges
Things to Carry
Essential gear list for a 15,255 ft crossover pass trek with snow sections
Payment Policy & Terms
Important booking information
Payment Policy: Pay ₹1,000 per head to reserve your seat. Remaining amount payable on arrival of trip. Any flight bookings shall be paid 100% in advance. 25% rescheduling charges apply.
Cancellation: If trek is called off due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, pandemic etc), no refund will be provided. Alternatives may be offered based on situation.
Terms: Full payment must be made before trip begins. IDs shall be verified before boarding. Transfer of bookings is not permitted. Drinking & smoking strictly prohibited. Travelers must take care of their luggage. Management not responsible for damage or missing items.
Note: Due to weather, forest officers or government officials may forbid vehicle passage. Travelers may need to use local share transport. No refunds for inclusions not availed by client.
Payment Details
Secure your booking with UPI or bank transfer
Bank Transfer
Account: Explore Hills
A/C No: 5877892417
IFSC: CBIN0284083
Bank: Central Bank of India
Branch: Clement Town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries about Rupin Pass Trek
The starting price of the Rupin Pass Trek is ₹18,500 per person. This includes guesthouse and camping accommodation, all vegetarian meals throughout the trek, trek leader, experienced guides, professional trekking crew, camping equipment, first aid, oxygen cylinder, forest permits, and camping charges.
The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 15,255 ft (approximately 4,650 meters) at the Rupin Pass. The base camp at Bawta starts at 7,700 ft, with intermediate camps at Gulling (9,800 ft), Dandreyash Thatch (11,700 ft), and Upper Waterfall Camp (13,300 ft) enabling proper gradual acclimatisation.
Yes, the Rupin Pass Trek is categorised as Moderate to Difficult. The challenges include steep climbs, snow crossings, a 10–12 hour pass crossing day beginning at 3–4 AM, a total distance of 52–55 km over 7 days, and high-altitude conditions up to 15,255 ft. Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience are strongly recommended.
Rupin Pass Trek is one of the most visually dynamic treks in India — a true crossover adventure from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh featuring the iconic Rupin Waterfall, Jakha Hanging Village, snow bridges, glacier camps, alpine meadows (bugyals), a 15,255 ft pass crossing, and a descent into the beautiful Sangla Valley of Kinnaur. No two days on the trail look the same.
The best seasons are May to June and September to October. Spring (May–June) offers snow-covered trails combined with blooming meadows and full waterfalls. Autumn (September–October) provides crystal-clear mountain visibility and vibrant valley colours. The pass generally remains inaccessible during winter and monsoon months.
Yes — previous trekking experience and good physical fitness are strongly recommended. The pass crossing day is extremely demanding, and the total trek covers 52–55 km across 7 days with significant altitude gain. We recommend at least one prior high-altitude trek before attempting Rupin Pass.
Jakha village is famously known as the Hanging Village of the Rupin Pass Trek. Perched dramatically above the Rupin River valley, it is visited on Day 2 of the trek and is celebrated for its breathtaking valley views, traditional wooden Himalayan homes, and its seemingly gravity-defying position on the cliff edge above the gorge.
Yes — the package includes complete camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses) and all vegetarian meals throughout the trek. Transportation to Bawta and from Shimla is not included in the standard package and must be booked separately. Please confirm with us at the time of booking for transport add-ons.
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