We do make a wish list for the rest of our lives. The wish list is the only location where no one can tell you what is and is not possible. And I’m sure you’d have included a travel destination, even not knowing whether or not you’d be able to complete it! I’m also confident you would have chosen a spectacular and once-in-a-lifetime excursion. Here I am to inform you that it is achievable in our own home, India, not on another continent. India boasts locations, mountains, lakes, and meadows that no other country can match. You’ll trust me soon enough since I’m about to take you on a popular and spectacular adventure via language.
The Rupin Pass Trek begins in Dhaula, Uttarakhand, and concludes at the village of Sangla, Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of 15,255 feet. You guessed it, you start in one state and wind up in another, and that’s what makes it special. Because you can expect the unexpected during the walk, it is considered India’s quintessential trek. The walk includes an undiscovered array of glacier meadows, glacial fields, snow-capped valleys, many waterfalls, and snow bridges, and it takes 9 days to complete. There will never be an end to the list. Challenges abound, which is why this trek is regarded as one of India’s most difficult and high-altitude treks.
It is a remote and picturesque walk that follows the Rupin River from Uttarakhand (Dhaula) to Himachal Pradesh (Sangla). The Govind National Park’s alpine meadows are spectacular, as are the vistas along the way. In the Rupin river valley, the trip goes past various settlements and shepherd camps. Rupin is a Tons River tributary that meets the Supin River at Netwar. This area of the Himalayas is stunning and has escaped the ravages of development. The Garhwali and Kinnauri cultures can both be seen. There is a significant difference between the two, with the type of houses being the most obvious clue. It is very likely that snow will be encountered on the way up to the pass during the early summer months.
Also See: Hampta Pass and Chandratal Lake
Rupin Pass walk attracts travellers all year since it offers something different in each season. Summer is the best season to go because it provides hikers with a different snow experience. The section of the walk from Dhanderas Thatch to Ronti Gad is particularly beautiful because it is snow-covered until the end of May. Rata Pheri’s snowfields are thought to be a moonscape replacement! Because it is a blend of white and green, the first part of June is great. It’s incredible to think of both at the same time. During the post-monsoon season on the Rupin Pass hike, it’s a completely different experience. During the Autumn season, snow is rarely observed. Bottom line: You are given with the same information regardless of where you are.
What to experience?
1. Campsites
The campsite is the marvelous ‘to-do’ waiting just for you. The spot lies on the bed of a fresh greenish meadow, curled up on the U-shaped snow valley. You are surrounded by cliff towers covered with nothing but ice. You would encounter several waterfalls throughout the trek and it seems as if they are flowing from the sky! Magical isn’t it?
2. Hanging village
It doesn’t mean it has nothing to do with elegance or efficiency just because it’s called a village. Because of its location on the edge of a cliff, the Dhaka village requires special maintenance. It’s well-placed and well-established, and you’d be delighted to explore it.
3. snow
Your breath will be taken away by the sight of the near-vertical climbing. The 200m, also known as Rupin Gully, is a narrow steep that requires assistance. Each step, which appears to be a tube-like incision on the mountain’s sides, is thrilling! It’s not going to be simple, so open your eyes and ears.
4. grassland
The carpet of the meadow is likely to delight your eyes after a lengthy climb. The grassland continues all the way to Sangla Kanda, with the Ronti Gad campground nestled in the middle. Beautiful streams run alongside the camp, which is surrounded on all sides by snow-capped mountains. With its magnificent views, the jaw-dropping meadow is more than enough to put you to sleep.
Rupin Pass Trek, at an elevation of 4,650 metres, is one of the most exhilarating and enjoyable hikes you can go on for a fantastic weekend break. The walk begins in Uttarakhand and concludes in Himachal Pradesh in Sangla, making it a high-altitude two-state trek. The walk is nothing short of a heaven on earth, with its magical beauty and turquoise waters producing the Rupin three-stage waterfall. Its Himalayas, deep forests, snow-capped summits, and glacier meadows swirling around hundreds of waterfalls provide a colourful panorama. So, if you’re seeking for all of these things in your journey, the Rupin Pass trek is a must-do.
The trek, however, is a moderate one that necessitates a high level of physical fitness and aerobic endurance. So make sure you’re completely prepared before embarking on this adventure.
Things to experience in Rupin Pass:
Rupin Pass trip offers a variety of activities that provide an infinite sense of adventure and pleasure. The following are some of the things you will encounter on your trek:
Rupin Pass waterfalls will undoubtedly enlighten you, as there are several waterfalls at every twist and turn. So prepare to see gushing waterfalls cascading down from the high mountains, as well as views that appear to be dropping from the sky.
Exploring Jakha hamlet, which is located on the outskirts of the mountain range and appears to be hanging out through a cliff. So prepare to learn about the local culture and hear amazing stories from the villagers.
Another highlight on the hike is the snow bridges, which add to the thrill of the adventure. Passing these bridges entirely blanketed in snow in the Himalayas is unquestionably amazing.
The hike passes through deep forests of oak, rhododendrons, and fir, which provide breathtaking vistas.
The Kinnaur temple, a two-story Kinnaur culture shrine in Sewa, will fill you with spirituality and serenity.
The spectacular views of Kinner Kailash’s towering peaks will leave you speechless.
Surwase Thatch and Burwash Kandi thatch meadows are bordered by multi-colored rhododendrons, which add to the beauty of the green highlands.
The mountains of Dhauladhar and Kinnaur Kailash, among others, may be seen from the Rupin Pass range, which is a must-see sight.