Rupin Pass Trek

Basic details for the day: This is the first day on the trail which has a 4 km ascent, usually takes 3 - 4 hours to trek. You will gain approximately 1,000 feet in elevation over the course of this trek, with the final elevation being 8,700 feet. During this day you will be provided with a healthy breakfast, as well as, a hot lunch upon arrival at your camping site, evening desserts and dinner. You will be staying at the Jakha campsite; in most cases the campsites will be located near either a local village school or in a traditional homestay setting. There are many small streams running along the trail, including the Selwan Khad stream which will be a great opportunity to refill your thermoflask with clean mountain stream water.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: The start of the trek is downhill from your starting location at Jiskun. The first section of the trek goes through a beautiful forest area of deodara and walnut trees before continuing on to a deep narrow gorge where you will cross the bridge over the Rupin River. After crossing this bridge, your ascent to the Jakha campsite begins with a short uphill zig-zag pattern via a well defined stone-paved path. Although the distance is short, it is an excellent introduction to the vertical gains of your trek as the incline will put your lungs and calves to the test.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The day's sights are highlighted by striking cliff-side perspectives. As we trek the zigzag trail, the Rupin River looks like a beautiful silver ribbon winding through the valley far below. This trail will also be shaded by a thick canopy of some magnificent old trees, while the air will be fragrant with pine trees and filled with the haunting sounds of the Himalayan birds. Upon reaching Jakha, the valley will open out and provide your first views of the magnificent mountains that will become part of your everyday life as you proceed to the high pass.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: When you arrive at Jakha, you will notice how the village is called the Hanging Village because of how its homes are built almost straight up on the wall of the mountain. This is the last village where people permanently live along this trek and is portrayed by its deeply rooted traditions. Jakha is also known for its strictly adhered to religious code, prohibiting meat and alcohol consumption. You will be able to see some incredible examples of traditional Kath Kuni style building and will be exposed to some incredible examples of people living an independent lifestyle while being in tune with their environment and nature according to the laws of the land and the universe.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: Today is an important day for acclimatization. The increase of 1,000 feet in elevation provides you an opportunity to push the lungs, but not to push you too hard or too fast. To help prevent variable levels of fatigue, maintain slow, rhythmic steps that are coordinated with breathing. You may experience high energy toward the beginning of today's trek. However, by taking it slowly, you will help your body acclimate to the reduced oxygen levels and help minimize your chances of developing altitude sickness later this week.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: You may have the opportunity to meet local people living in Jakha during your trek. You may see children playing in shared community spaces or older adults spinning yarn on their porches. The village's atmosphere is one of tranquil isolation and communal warmth, the last time you will experience the company of people as you progress into the uninhabitable glacial regions.

Camp Information & Logistics: Camp typically sits on a flat area above the village. There are very small local shops in Jakha where you can buy basic supplies such as a few biscuits, chocolates or batteries. Unless you've got your camera recharged by the time you reach Jakha, you'll be without a source of electricity until you leave town; this would be the last place you'll have a chance to recharge, as once you leave town and start the trek into the wilderness, you won't have access to any electricity.

Practical tips for trekkers: You should really use your trekking poles when trekking downhill to help reduce the pressure on your knees and provide additional stability on the steep and dusty areas of the trail. Be sure to refill all your water bottles at the Selwan Khad stream before beginning the final section of the trek to the village, as this section can get very warm and dry. Finally, please do not publicaly show or eat any type of meat product while in the village, as it could offend the local culture.

Basic details for the day: Your trekking in the wilderness begins with a 7 Km trek that will take you approximately 4 to 5 hours; you will gain 2,000 ft elevation on this leg of the trek, finishing at an elevation of 10,700 ft for the night. One of the most exciting things is provided lunch (a trail lunch) to eat while trekking, as well as a hot breakfast before leaving this morning and snacks until you arrive at the Saruwas Thatch campsite for dinner. The Saruwas Thatch campsite is located in a beautiful alpine meadow, and is one of the locations you will be staying tonight, as opposed to the previous nights, which were spent at the campsite.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: As you leave Jakha, you will begin taking the trail, which starts with a steady uphill on the trail eventually leading into a spectacular cathedral forest full of Blue Pine, Deodar, and Maple trees. Once you have trekked out of the cathedral forest, you will take a steep trail down to the Rupin River. You will have the opportunity to cross the Rupin River today; often you will have the added excitement of temporarily crossing the river on a seasonal snowbridge. After crossing the river, you will encounter more rugged, technical terrain containing a series of boulder sections, some of which are on narrow cliffside paths that run along the left bank of the Rupin until eventually reaching the expansive flats of Saruwas Thatch.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: Today's beautiful scenery transitions between thick forests and a classic U-shaped glacial valley. As the dense canopy thins out, the views eventually reveal beautiful towering mountains that line the sides of the valley. The most beautiful view of the day will be the first view of the Rupin Falls, which will look like a silver thread coming down the cliffs from far away. The campsite will be a beautiful green grassy meadow (thatch) surrounded by jagged mountains, which give the campsite an incredibly large scale and an incredibly serene location.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: Leaving Jakha means you are also leaving behind the last village with permanent residents. This culture you will experience in this area is now nomadic. You may see some temporary stone structures (dogris) that will be used by the Gaddi shepherds as they move with their animals. This section of the trek will illustrate to you the transition between the order of life found in villages to the law of the mountains where the only permanent residents are traveling and nomadic herders living in complete harmony with each other and in complete harmony with nature.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: Today is an important day for acclimatizing because we cross over 10,000 feet. The increase in elevation by an additional 2,000 feet will challenge your lungs. One way to prevent AMS is to stay hydrated - drink at least 4 liters of water each day. While you navigate through the boulders and narrow areas, watch your foot placement and avoid distractions in order to not twist or strain your ankles.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: After leaving the village and the children and the old people who live there, you will now be sharing the trail with muleteers and shepherds. These short encounters are very meaningful. When you are sharing the trail, remember to practice good mountain etiquette (give the right-of-way to livestock, stand on the mountain side of livestock so you don't accidentally get bumped toward the valley side). As you make your way through the mountains, you will experience a shift from community warmth to feeling completely alone in the peacefulness of the mountain.

Camp Information & Logistics: Saruwas Thatch is an open grassy area without any form of electric or mobile service. This is truly your first night of off grid camping. Make sure to have your headlamps available and that you are only using your power banks when absolutely necessary. The camp is located right next to the river with beautiful sounds of rushing water to help you fall asleep tonight. There are no shops here. Ensure you have packed all your personal essentials (i.e., chocolate, batteries, wet wipes) prior to departing from the Jakha village.

Practical tips for trekkers: Use your trekking poles when descending to the riverbed to protect your knees when they hit the rock. Fill up your bottles while trekking through the forest with mountain streams; this water is clear and will not have as much sediment as the sediment found in the main riverbed due to glacial thawing. The temperature at 10,700 feet drops significantly once the sun goes behind the nearest ridge—make sure to have your large heavy fitting fleece or down jacket readily accessible at the top of your bag, so that you can put it on immediately upon arrival at the camp.

Basic details for the day: Today, we will complete a short 4 km stunning trek in 2 - 3 hours.  Even though the distance of the today trek is shorter than on previous days, you are now entering into high-altitude territory at 11,700 ft., gaining an additional 1,000 ft. in elevation (i.e. you are moving closer to the pass, so your elevation gain will be uphill, not downhill).  A warm breakfast will be provided to you at Saruwas Thatch, and you should arrive at your next camp in time for a hot lunch because you will have an easy trek.  You will also have the opportunity to enjoy evening snacks and dinner in a beautiful view of the most famous and beautiful campsites in all of the Himalayas.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: You will enjoy a beautiful trail from Saruwas Thatch. The trail consists of a mixture of level trekking, and gradual increase in altitude; traversing through a diminishing forest of silver birches (Bhojpatra), and stunted rhododendrons until you enter the valley completely at which time, and when you will be primarily on the side of the mountain that is trekking through abundant lush alpine meadows that you must negotiate several small, beautiful, clean stream crossings. The terrain is much less rugged than yesterday; however, the loss of oxygen in the air makes each of these less steep ascents feel significantly easy to accomplish.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: As you trek, the Rupin Waterfall grows from the distant silver thread of yesterday to a huge, thundering reality before you. You will be trekking through an incredible glacial amphitheater. There you will have your first views of the three stages of the waterfall as it overflowed over the cliffs above (Dhanderas Thatch or Lower Waterfall) and into the valley below. It is a spectacular sight to see thousands of wildflowers (if in season) growing against the snow capped mountains.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: At your present altitude you will have passed through an area with permanent structures. The only evidence of human existence are the nomadic Gaddi shepherds and occasional stone markers indicating your route. You will experience a profound sense of isolation and raw connection with the planet; the roar of the waterfall will replace the sounds of village life and the vastness of the landscape will become your only companion.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: As it is a short trek, there are many opportunities for active recovery while acclimatizing to altitude. Take advantage of the additional time spent at camp by slowly trekking around instead of sitting in your tent. As you are now well over 11,700 feet, watch closely for signs of altitude sickness (symptoms of altitude sickness) and drink as much water as possible during your stay in camp, so that you do not become dehydrated from too much exertion; In addition, very strong sun exposure at this elevation should be given serious consideration to preventing skin and eye damage from snow blindness or severe sunburn.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: Campsite Lower Waterfall is an excellent meeting point for all trekkers on their journey. You may find that the upper meadow is a busy area with other groups camped there, allowing for the creation of an incredible trekking community experience. It's a good time to share stories with your fellow trekkers, or visit with the hard-working local guides and kitchen staff who cook and serve food in these high-altitude environments. The feelings of awe that each person shares with the group of trekkers makes an amazing connection while everyone stays in the upper meadow near the waterfall.

Camp Information & Logistics: The Lower Waterfall Campsite is located in an open meadow that is flat and wide just below the cliffs. Commonly referred to as one of the most stunning campsites anywhere in India; you will experience no electricity or mobile phone service, similar to the previous evening's camp. The Rupin River borders the campsite, which provides easy access to water, but it also causes the campsite area to be windy and cold. Logistically, the infrastructure for the campsites is not great, yet it's simple to set up. Tents are set up on grass, while the central kitchen tent is the main location of all activities.

Practical tips for trekkers: Trekkers have the opportunity to practice for acclimatizing to the higher elevation by trekking to an area above the campsite. While en route to this spot, fill your thermoflasks at the crystal-clear tributary streams; the tributaries offer you the best drinking water possible. The temperature drops significantly after the sun goes behind the mountain tops at either end of the valley; you should have your thick sweaters and windproof outerwear available based on the afternoon temperature. If you have an interest in photography, at the Lower Waterfall Campsite the Golden Hour is unique; keep your camera battery warm inside your sleeping bag while at night.

Basic details for the day: Today is a challenging short trek of 4 km and can take up to 4 hours to achieve. Although this distance is modest, the overall elevation gain of 2,400 feet will elevate you to 13,300 feet. The day will begin with a healthy hot breakfast from the Lower Waterfall Camp and due to the shortness of time you will arrive at the Upper Waterfall for a hot lunch and later in the day there will be a high-altitude evening snack and dinner.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: Today will be an amazing day because you will be trekking the world-famous Rupin Pass trail, which is almost entirely inclined from bottom to top. You will be trekking on the side of the cliff next to the waterfall. The terrain on today's trek will begin with lush green meadows, then continue with multiple rocky ledges, scree slopes, and several possible small areas of snow or slick rock surfaces. On this trek you will be taking very narrow, zigzagging paths and you will need to carefully place each foot; therefore, you must pay attention to where your feet are going to fit along the trail. Today is the most vertical day on your trek; therefore, even though the trail is well used, the steepness will put your stamina and lung capacity to the ultimate test.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The scenery alone is incredible all the way up to Upper Waterfall. When you reach the top of the shelf you will be looking down on one of the largest accumulations of water in the world from an incredible distance. At the same time, you will be trekking next to massive waterfalls as they tumble down to the valley. On your way up the shelf you will find parallels between where you are now at this height and where you will find yourself at the end of your wet and wild trekking in a completely different area with very different landscapes. The shelf finally levels out to a true high alpine basin that is unlike any other place you have ever seen.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: When you reach 13,300 feet, there aren't any signs of civilization except the nomadic butcher's shelters found throughout this area. This is truly the most spiritual place on earth. All that remains are small stone piles (cairns) marking the way through the mist left behind by previous trekkers and guides. There is absolute silence except for the whistling wind and the distant sound of the falls as you sit here feeling as though you have arrived at the very end of the earth.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: Trekking from 11,000 feet up to 13,300 feet in a short amount of time poses an increased risk for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), thus requiring trekkers to trek in a slow, rhythmic manner; take micro breaks approximately every 15 - 20 minutes. Hydration discipline is essential because the higher altitude will continue to dehydrate your body extremely fast. In addition, should you experience dizziness or constant headaches please notify your trek lead immediately.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: Due to the nature of this trek being steep, you will see and encourage one another during the most difficult portions of the day. You will also witness the amazing strength of the porters and muleteers carrying loads as they navigate these almost vertical cliffs, providing an incredibly humbling perspective of how strong these mountain people truly are. This shared challenge creates a very strong group bond as you all prepare to cross the final pass.

Camp Information & Logistics: The Upper Waterfall camping area is composed of rock, wind-swept plains that are dry; which means other than the magnificent view of starry sky there are no amenities at this location. Survival and warmth will be the main focus of our logistics and energy will be provided by warm meals and drinks of a much higher caloric value than usual. The tents will be pitched on uneven ground so please be prepared for temperatures below freezing as soon as sundown occurs. This is also your Base camp for your high altitude trek to the summit where excitement is very strong and the summitting experience can be had by anyone who makes the effort to get there.

Practical tips for trekkers: You will mostly depend upon your trekking poles today as they will be your best support on the very steep rock steps; if you need to use a trekking pole to stabilize yourself while crossing a small stream, please take advantage of this opportunity. Refill your thermo flasks at every small stream, as there are many after this trek and all others once you reach the higher elevations of your plateau. You will also want to keep your sunglasses on because the sunlight reflecting off the snow patches will be brutal at the summit. Lastly, sleep in your thermal base layers tonight as you will soon experience the coldest night of the trek.

Basic details for the day: This is the hardest and best day of your trek. It is a 10-kilometre trek that lasts between 9 and 10 hours and dares you to face a 2,000-foot uphill to reach the top of the Rupin Pass (the highest point of your trek) at 15,300 feet, then a long 3,000-foot downhill descent to the campsite at Ronti Gad, negative 1,000 feet gain in total elevation from where you started this trek. To prepare for this long day trek, you will eat an early breakfast, possibly at 4:00 AM, and bring a packed lunch, as you will be trekking in a glacial zone above 12,000 feet for  the day.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: To start off for the day, there is a vast area of snow that you will be trekking across to get to the base of the pass. The final approach to the Rupin Pass involves a steep gully trek through snow and loose pieces of rock (scree) until you reach the top. You will need to kick steps into the snow or be very careful when placing your feet on the rock to make it to the top. Once you reach the pass, the terrain changes considerably. The trail down to the Sangla Valley side will be steep and there will be many straight downhill runs, using snow to slide down (glissade) and, ultimately, will change to a rocky trail and alpine meadows as you continue towards Ronti Gad.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The scenery is most dramatic today as you will cross a large, alien-like snow field then trek to the steep, narrow, gully of the Rupin Pass. Once on top, you will see one of the most magnificent and breathtaking views of the jagged Kinnaur Kailash range surrounding you in a full circle and the deep Sangla valley below you. As you descend from this high point, you will see a rapid transition in the landscape from the stark, white snow to lush, green meadows bursting with bright colored alpine flowers.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: There is a pile of stones (cairn) that has been marking this spot for many generations and it is covered in prayer flags signifying that you have entered Kinnaur. It is customary to make a small prayer or to take a moment of personal reflection, giving thanks to the pass for safe trek. You are following a centuries-old route used by shepherds, connecting the Kinnaur and Garhwal people from the past to now. You have now trekked a typical route and will now be following the same high-country tracks that thousands of years ago created strong cultural roots between the Kinnaur and Garhwal communities.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: This is by far the most physically exertive day for trekkers. The reason for this is that you are heading to 15,300 feet, where the amount of oxygen is significantly reduced. It is very important to move in a slow and steady fashion, and to follow the instructions of your trek leader closely, especially in the steep gully section. Hydration is critical, and you must keep sipping on water, even if you feel like you are freezing. When descending, remain focused as fatigue may increase the probability of slipping on the screen and therefore engage the core and make your steps purposeful.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: On this day, the bond within the group will be at its peak. The mutual struggle in the trek of the gully and the mutual success of reaching the pass will be lasting memories for all in the group. The guides and porters will also be seen at their best, gliding effortlessly over the snow (incredible to watch) and keeping all trekkers safe while showing solid encouragement to those last 100 meters of the trek.

Camp Information & Logistics: The descent will take you to Ronti Gad which is a forking, plush green campsite located at 12,300 ft. You'll be breathing easy because of the lack of elevation compared to the pass. This campsite is deprived of any power or cell coverage; however, the temperatures are typically warmer than at the pass and everyone in the camp tends to be cheerful and happy. Here, logistics have one primary focus - Recovery. Your staff will have prepared a hearty dinner to replace the large amount of calories you'll be burning after spending 10 hours pushing yourself to arrive at this campsite.

Practical tips for trekkers: There will be few water sources available after you leave the Upper Waterfalls; therefore it is very important to fill up your thermos completely before leaving. Wear your sunglasses with UV protection at all times to avoid snow blindness. When descending, keep your knees slightly bent to absorb shock and impact as much as possible. Finally, dress in layers. You may be sweating on the way up but will feel cold once you stop to rest at the windy pass.

Basic details for the day: Today is your last day on the trail and will involve a 12 km descent which usually takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to finish. The starting point is at the high altitude of 12,300′ (3722 m), Ronti Gad and finishes at the valley floor of Sangla 8,800′ (2675 m); thus you will lose approximately 3,500′ (1067 m) of elevation. You are to have a final breakfast with the crew at camp, however you will have to pay for both lunch in Sangla and dinner en route to Shimla. After completing the trek, you will drive back to Shimla which will be approximately 200 km away and take 9 -10 hours late at night.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: After departing from Ronti Gad, the trail is primarily a downhill route. The first section is an open alpine pasture that gradually gives way to the forested area consisting of a mixture of oak and blue pine. The type of trail will also vary from narrow shepherd's paths to wider, dirt tracks. The breathing will get easier as you go down; however, the continual downhill grade will put a lot of wear on the knees and lower legs. As you arrive at the Baspa River in the famous apple growing region, the trail will begin to level out, indicating that you are returning to civilization.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The vibrant Baspa Valley with its bright blues from the streams of the Baspa River to the more muted greens of the surrounding mountains; being surrounded by the beautiful mountain range of Kinnaur Kailash during your trek; and the fact you will also be trekking through some of the world's most famous apple orchards (especially if you visit during apple harvest time) make this a remarkable experience.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: When entering Sangla, you are fully embraced in the unique Kinnauri culture as you see the locals dressed in their traditional clothing, such as the green felt cap worn by both men and women. The village is an excellent example of Himalayan architecture; here you will see houses that have exquisitely carved wooden facades and are intricately designed. You will have a great opportunity to see the way of living in Baspa – a mixture of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu culture – before leaving the remote area of the mountains behind.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: Please note that risk of altitude sickness decreases with descent, while the risk of joint fatigue continues to increase. It is important to use your trekking poles in order to alleviate some of the impact absorbed by your knees. Make sure you are adequately hydrated during the long drive to Shimla and have extra snacks available when you take the meandering half-tunnel roads of the Kinnaur highway after a long morning of being active.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: This day is also an emotional day because it marks the end of the journey with your muleteers and trekking staff that helped you make it through this stretch of trail. You will also notice a contrast in how different Sangla is from the peace and quiet of the mountains to the hustle and bustle of a Himalayan town. The local merchants and villagers of Sangla will welcome you in a very friendly and open manner, which should create an enjoyable environment for your last few hours in the Kinnaur region.

Camp Information & Logistics: No camping tonight. You will take your boots off when you arrive in Sangla and switch to your transport vehicle. The drive to Shimla will be an experience in itself as you will be travelling through the stunning cliffs of Satluj Valley. You will reach Shimla (7,300 ft.) late this evening when your trek officially ends.

Practical tips for trekkers: Use your trekking poles for the last km of the trek to avoid sore legs the next day. Keep a change of clean clothes in your main bag so that you can easily access them after a long drive. Water stops and restaurants will be located on the way to Shimla, therefore you do not need to carry much water; simply refill your thermoflask at the restaurants along the way.