A highly challenging, dynamic trail that climbs alongside a thundering multi-tier waterfall, crossing from Uttarakhand into the high deserts of Himachal Pradesh.
The Rupin Pass trek is a classic high-altitude crossover expedition. Starting in the remote villages of Uttarakhand and ending in the Kinnaur valley of Himachal Pradesh, it offers a dramatic and sudden shift in culture, landscapes, and terrain.
The trail is famous for its jaw-dropping surprises—from walking through the "hanging village" of Jhaka, navigating deep dark pine forests, to the sudden reveal of the famous three-stage Rupin waterfall. The final climb to the pass is a steep, thrilling ascent through a snow gully that requires technical focus and peak endurance.
Steep snow ascents and high-altitude drops require excellent cardiovascular endurance and prior high-altitude trekking experience. Trekkers must provide proof of running 10km in under 65 minutes 15 days prior to the departure date. Failure to meet this will result in immediate offboarding.
A meticulously designed itinerary built to optimize acclimatization and visual reward across two states.
Meet the India Treks pickup team at Dehradun Railway Station early morning. The long drive takes you deep into the Rupin valley. The base camp is beautifully set right alongside the roaring Rupin river. Mandatory physiological baseline checks are conducted upon arrival.
After crossing from Uttarakhand into Himachal Pradesh, the trail hugs the mountain side. You will arrive at the iconic village of Jhaka, known as the "Hanging Village" because it is perched precariously on the very edge of a sheer cliff dropping down to the river.
A short but highly technical day. The trail forces you to cross the river and climb a steep boulder field right alongside the massive, multi-tier Rupin waterfall. The campsite sits at the top of the waterfall basin, surrounded by snow and ice.
The longest and most grueling day. You will traverse steep snow fields, requiring micro-spikes and ice axes. The final push is a near-vertical climb through a narrow snow gully to reach the pass. The descent into the Kinnaur valley is sharp and fast, ending at the beautiful Ronti Gad meadows.