Rupin Pass

"The Rupin Pass Trek is a high-altitude Himalayan odyssey that takes you from the quiet villages of Shimla valley to the vibrant meadows of Sangla in Kinnaur. With its hanging villages, roaring waterfalls, snow gullies, and the dramatic 15,250 ft pass crossing, it's a thrilling crossover trek packed with surprises at every turn."

 INR 16,000 (jiskoon to Shangla)

+ INR 4,000 (transportation to & from Shimla)

+ INR 4,800 (offloading bag)

• Trek Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days

• Region: Crossover from Shimla valley to Kinnaur valley of Himachal Pradesh 

• Max Altitude: 15,250 ft (Rupin Pass)

• Start Point: Jiskoon (Himachal Pradesh)

• End Point: Sangla (Himachal Pradesh)

• Best Time: Mid-May to June, and September to mid-October

• Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult

If you’re seeking a trek that combines thrill, natural beauty, and cultural richness, Rupin Pass should top your list. Starting in the remote villages of Shimla valley and ending in the lush meadows of Sangla, this trek follows the magnificent Rupin River right to its glacial source. Along the way, you’ll traverse deep forests of pineand rhododendron, climb right beside the ear deafening  Rupin waterfall, and conquer the steep Rupin Gully to reach the breathtaking pass at over 15,000 feet. With views of the Kinnaur Kailash range and high-altitude pastures to end, this trek is nothing short of a Himalayan masterpiece. 

🌸 Seasonal Notes:

Summer (May–June): Snowfields above Dhanderas; thrilling snow walk and glissading

Autumn (Sept–Oct): Trail is snow-free; meadows bloom with wild alpine flowers and golden hues

✅ The trek starts from the remote village of Jiskoon nestled in the Shimla valley of Himachal and follows the wild & scenic Rupin River from valley floor to source

✅ Climb the iconic Rupin Waterfall

✅ Trek through remote villages, forests, and meadows

✅ Conquer the steep Rupin Gully to reach the high-altitude pass

✅ Witness the majestic Kinnaur Kailash range

✅ End in the beautiful pastures of Sangla in the Kinnaur Valley of Himachal

📅Day1: Arrive at Jiskoon (7630 ft)

• Distance from Shimla: ~190 km

• Time: 10 - 12 hrs

• Highlights: Picturesque Chansel pass enroute

• Stay: Homestay

📅Day 2: Jiskun to Jhaka (8750 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~4 km

• Time: 4–5 hours

• Trail Info: Steep ascent

• Highlights: Remote traditional villages of Himachal 

• Stay: Homestay

📅Day 3: Jhaka to Saruwas Thatch (10500 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~7 km

• Time: 5–6 hours

• Trail Info: Mixed terrain – forest, boulders, meadows

• Highlights: Enter the wide Rupin Valley

• Stay: Tents

📅Day 4: Saruwas thatch to Dhanderas thatch (11700 ft)

• Trek distance: 3km

• Time: 2hrs

• Trail Info: Gradual walk through meadows

• Highlights: First view of rupin waterfall

• Stay: Tents 

📅Day 5: Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall Camp (13,250 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~4 km

• Time: 3–4 hours

• Trail Info: Steep climb beside the massive Rupin Waterfall

• Highlights: Climb a vertical path along the waterfall wall, surrounded by snow (in summer), wildflowers (in autumn)

• Stay: Tents, coldest night of the trek

📅Day 6: Upper Waterfall to Rupin Pass (15,250 ft), descend to Ronti Gad (13,400 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~11–12 km

• Time: 8–9 hours

• Trail Info:

Ascent: Steep, snow-filled gully to the pass

Descent: Rocky & glacial moraine path to Ronti Gad

• Highlights:

Summit View: Breathtaking 360° views including Kinnaur Kailash Range

Snow glissading (summer)

• Stay: Tents – nestled in meadows with valley views

📅Day 7: Ronti Gad to Sanglakanda (via Sangla Kanda), trek ends

• Trek Distance: ~8–9 km

• Time: 4–5 hours

• Trail Info: Gradual descent through alpine pastures

• Highlights: High-altitude grasslands of Sangla Kanda, with shepherd huts and a clear view of lower Kinnaur

• Exit Point: Sanglakanda – easy access to Sangla (1 hr drive or walk further)

 🛤️ Step 1: Reach Shimla

🛬By Air: Fly to Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) or to Chandigarh Airport (better connectivity).

🚉By Train: Reach Kalka via train → take the toy train or a taxi to Shimla.

🚌By Bus: Take an overnight Volvo from Delhi to Shimla (approx. 8–9 hours).

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🚐 Step 2: Shimla to Jiskoon by Road (approx. 190 km, 9–10 hours)

There is no direct public bus to Jiskoon, but here are your options:

🔹 Option A: Private Taxi (most convenient)

Hire a shared or private taxi from Shimla to Jiskoon.

Route:

Shimla → Rohru → Chirgaon → Tikri → Jiskoon

Time: 9–10 hours

Cost: 

Shared vehicle: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per person

Private vehicle: ₹6,000–₹8,000 total (can be split among 4–6 trekkers)

🔹 Option B: Local Buses + Shared Cabs (for budget travellers)

1. Shimla → Rohru: HRTC bus (6–7 hrs)

2. Rohru → Chirgaon → Tikri: Shared jeeps/taxis

3. Tikri → Jiskoon: Hire a local 4x4 vehicle or hike the last 2–3 km if road is rough

🔹 Rupin Waterfall is over 300 ft tall!

One of the highlights of the trek, the cascading Rupin waterfall forms naturally stepped rock formations and creates one of the most surreal campsites in the Indian Himalayas.

🔹 The trail is full of hanging villages.

Villages like Jhaka seem suspended on cliffs — so much so that Jhaka is often called the “hanging village” for its jaw-dropping location and terraced walkways.

🔹 Rupin Valley is rich in wildflowers — not just snow!

Though famous for snow bridges, Rupin’s meadows burst into colors in late spring and summer, making it a photographer’s paradise with blue poppies, primulas, and dwarf rhododendrons.

🔹 The pass summit is a natural rock ramp.

Unlike most high passes that require steep ascents, Rupin Pass is crossed via a steep snow ramp that literally feels like climbing to another world. It's adventurous, but not technical — a perfect thrill for fit trekkers.

🔹 It follows ancient shepherd and trade routes.

The trail has been used for centuries by shepherds and traders moving between the Baspa and Tons river valleys, long before it became a trekker’s dream route.

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