Rupin Pass Trek
The Rupin Pass Trek is one of the most diverse and spectacular high-altitude treks in India, starting in Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) and ending in Sangla (Himachal Pradesh). Reaching an altitude of 15,250 feet, the trek is famous for its dramatic landscape changes, ranging from lush green forests and hanging villages to glacial meadows and a massive three-stage waterfall. The journey begins at Dhaula, a small village on the banks of the Rupin River. As you ascend, you pass through the unique 'hanging' village of Jakha, where houses seem to cling to the steep mountain slopes. The trek offers a rare opportunity to witness two different cultures: the Garhwali culture at the start and the Kinnauri culture at the end. One of the highlights is the Dhanderas Thatch, a vast meadow at the base of the towering Rupin waterfall. The final climb to the pass is a challenging ascent through a steep, narrow gully often filled with snow. From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Kinner Kailash range and the peaks of the Great Himalayas. This trek is considered moderate to difficult and requires good physical fitness. It is a legendary route used for centuries by local shepherds and traders to cross between the two states. :
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
7 to 9 DaysPlace Type:
Adventure & TrekkingEntry Fees:
A trekking permit from the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is required, costing about 150 to 600 Rupees depending on duration.
Trek Cost: Professional trekking agencies charge between 15,000 and 22,000 Rupees for a fully guided 8-day expedition with food and gear.A trekking permit from the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is required, costing about 150 to 600 Rupees depending on duration.
Trek Cost: Professional trekking agencies charge between 15,000 and 22,000 Rupees for a fully guided 8-day expedition with food and gear.
:Timing:
Most trekking days start at 07:00 AM and end at the next campsite by 03:00 PM to avoid late afternoon mountain weather.
Ideal Visit Time: The months of May to June are ideal for those who want to see snow, while September to October offers clear, dry trails.Most trekking days start at 07:00 AM and end at the next campsite by 03:00 PM to avoid late afternoon mountain weather.
Ideal Visit Time: The months of May to June are ideal for those who want to see snow, while September to October offers clear, dry trails.
:Special Events:
The Annual Shepherd Migration in May and September is a sight to behold as hundreds of sheep cross the high pass.
Summit Celebration: It is a tradition for trekking groups to celebrate with a small ceremony or tea session upon successfully reaching the pass top.The Annual Shepherd Migration in May and September is a sight to behold as hundreds of sheep cross the high pass.
Summit Celebration: It is a tradition for trekking groups to celebrate with a small ceremony or tea session upon successfully reaching the pass top.
:Best Photo Spots:
The view of the Rupin Waterfall from the Dhanderas Thatch meadow is the most iconic shot of the entire journey.
Jakha Village: The sight of the houses "hanging" on the cliffside provides a unique architectural and cultural perspective for photographers.The view of the Rupin Waterfall from the Dhanderas Thatch meadow is the most iconic shot of the entire journey.
Jakha Village: The sight of the houses "hanging" on the cliffside provides a unique architectural and cultural perspective for photographers.
Rupin Pass Summit: A panorama shot from the top, featuring the Kinner Kailash range and the descent into Himachal, is a must-have for every trekker.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Begin your adventure with a trek through the thick pine and oak forests of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary near Dhaula.
Village Interaction: Spend time in Jakha, the last village on the route, to learn about their self-sufficient mountain lifestyle and unique traditions.
Waterfall Camping: Spend a night at Dhanderas Thatch, listening to the roar of the massive Rupin waterfall under a star-studded Himalayan sky.
Photography: Capture the stunning contrast of the silver waterfall against the emerald green meadows of the high-altitude valleys.
Pass Crossing: Experience the ultimate thrill of climbing the steep gully and standing atop the Rupin Pass at 15,250 feet.
Glissading: In the early summer months, enjoy the fun of slidi...Begin your adventure with a trek through the thick pine and oak forests of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary near Dhaula.
Village Interaction: Spend time in Jakha, the last village on the route, to learn about their self-sufficient mountain lifestyle and unique traditions.
Waterfall Camping: Spend a night at Dhanderas Thatch, listening to the roar of the massive Rupin waterfall under a star-studded Himalayan sky.
Photography: Capture the stunning contrast of the silver waterfall against the emerald green meadows of the high-altitude valleys.
Pass Crossing: Experience the ultimate thrill of climbing the steep gully and standing atop the Rupin Pass at 15,250 feet.
Glissading: In the early summer months, enjoy the fun of sliding down the snow slopes on the Himachal side after crossing the pass summit.
Bird Watching: Keep an eye out for high-altitude birds like the Himalayan Griffon and the colorful Monal in the forest stretches of the trek.
:
Information
-
Why Famous:
It is famous for the 'three-stage waterfall' of Rupin, which is considered one of the most beautiful sights in the Indian Himalayas.
Landscape Variety: No other trek offers such rapid transitions from tropical forests to alpine meadows and then to stark glacial ter...It is famous for the 'three-stage waterfall' of Rupin, which is considered one of the most beautiful sights in the Indian Himalayas.
Landscape Variety: No other trek offers such rapid transitions from tropical forests to alpine meadows and then to stark glacial terrain.
Cultural Crossover: It is a unique bridge between the lifestyles of the people of Uttarkashi and the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
The 'Gully' Climb: The final 200-meter vertical ascent to the pass through a narrow snow-filled gully is a legendary challenge for trekkers.
: -
Architecture:
The trek showcases traditional high-altitude village architecture that changes as you cross the pass into Himachal.
Hanging Villages: In Jakha, houses are built on extreme slopes using a cantilever-like wooden support system to maximize living space on limited flat...The trek showcases traditional high-altitude village architecture that changes as you cross the pass into Himachal.
Hanging Villages: In Jakha, houses are built on extreme slopes using a cantilever-like wooden support system to maximize living space on limited flat land.
Traditional Temples: The temples in villages like Sewai feature tiered wooden roofs with intricate carvings of local myths and legends.
Campsite Design: Modern trekking infrastructure involves temporary high-altitude tents designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures and high winds.
Dimensions: The trek covers a total distance of approximately 52 KMS over 7 to 8 days, crossing from an altitude of 5,100 feet to over 15,200 feet.
: -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (190 KMS to Dhaula); you will need a full day of driving to reach the starting point.
By Train: Reach Dehradun Railway Station; take an early morning shared taxi or bus to Purola and then a private ...By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (190 KMS to Dhaula); you will need a full day of driving to reach the starting point.
By Train: Reach Dehradun Railway Station; take an early morning shared taxi or bus to Purola and then a private jeep to Dhaula.
By Road: The route goes from Dehradun through Mussoorie, Naugaon, Purola, and Netwar to reach the base camp at Dhaula.
By Local Transport: Shared 'Maxx' jeeps are the only way to reach the remote base camp of Dhaula from the town of Purola.
: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Pre-Monsoon (May to June): This is the best time for snow enthusiasts, as the pass and the upper sections are covered in thick layers of snow.
Post-Monsoon (September to October): The weather is more stable, the trails are clear of snow, an...Pre-Monsoon (May to June): This is the best time for snow enthusiasts, as the pass and the upper sections are covered in thick layers of snow.
Post-Monsoon (September to October): The weather is more stable, the trails are clear of snow, and the autumn colors in the valley are spectacular.
Winter (November to April): The trek is inaccessible due to heavy snow and extreme temperatures that make the high-altitude pass crossings impossible.
: -
Near Tourist Places:
Dhaula (0 KMS), Jakha (15 KMS), Dhanderas Thatch (25 KMS), Sangla (52 KMS), Netwar (20 KMS), Purola (50 KMS), Mori (40 KMS), Hanol (70 KMS), Saruwas Thatch (20 KMS), Kinner Kailash (Visible from Pass).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: High Altitude Sickness (AMS) is a real risk; carry Diamox and ensure you have a professional guide with medical kits.
Packing: Layers are key; carry high-quality thermals, a down jacket, waterproof trekking boots, and UV-...Health & Safety: High Altitude Sickness (AMS) is a real risk; carry Diamox and ensure you have a professional guide with medical kits.
Packing: Layers are key; carry high-quality thermals, a down jacket, waterproof trekking boots, and UV-protected sunglasses for snow reflection.
Accommodation: During the trek, you will stay in high-quality alpine tents; the base camp at Dhaula has basic guesthouses and homestays.
Cash & Connectivity: The last ATM and mobile signal are in Purola; carry enough cash for tips and emergency expenses as there is nothing on the trail.
Environmental Ethics: This is a 'Leave No Trace' trek; carry all your plastic waste back to the base and avoid using soaps in the pristine mountain streams.
:
Reviews
FAQs
Uttarkashi Itineray And Cost:-
Other Places In Uttarkashi :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Uttarakhand Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Barkot
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dayara Bugyal
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Devrani-Ganga Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dobra-Chanthi View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dodital Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dunda
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gangotri Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gartang Gali
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gaumukh Trek Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Har Ki Doon Valley
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Harsil Valley
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kedarkantha Peak
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Khedi Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kuteti Devi Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities