Rupin Pass
A dramatic crossover trek between Himachal and Uttarakhand, past hanging villages, waterfalls and a snow bridge near the pass.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Rupin Pass Trek Overview
A dramatic crossover trek between Himachal and Uttarakhand, past hanging villages, waterfalls and a snow bridge near the pass.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Dhaula · Estimated trip duration: 7 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation by published trail milestone
Jiskun → Saruwas Thatch → Dhanderas → Upper Waterfall → Rupin Pass → Ronti Gad
These are elevations reported for named stages on one particular route. Connecting lines show milestone order only; the horizontal spacing is not walking distance and changes between stages are not a measured terrain profile.
See altitude for each trail stage
| Milestone | Elevation |
|---|---|
| 1Saruwas Thatch | 10,770 ft |
| 2Dhanderas | 11,700 ft |
| 3Upper Waterfall | 13,275 ft |
| 4Rupin Pass | 15,279 ft |
| 5Ronti Gad | 13,005 ft |
Route variant: Jiskun → Saruwas Thatch → Dhanderas → Upper Waterfall → Rupin Pass → Ronti Gad. Indiahikes Jiskun approach, not the catalogue’s Dhaula start. Early stages are omitted where sourced altitudes differ by route variant.
A measured GPS distance/elevation profile is not yet available for this route. This graphic is for comparing stage heights, not navigation.
Rupin Pass Trek Planning Guide
Rupin Pass is a moderate-difficult trek in Himachal Pradesh / Uttarakhand border, Himachal Pradesh / Uttarakhand. Panth records the route as approximately 52 km over 7 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 15,279 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Rupin Pass
The Panth catalogue currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 5 planned days, including Dhaula to Sewa and Sewa to Jhaka. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
No advance permit is recorded; local fees or permissions may still apply. The recorded base location is Dhaula, and the nearest listed rail connection is Dehradun, then a road journey to Dhaula village via Rohru. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A moderate-difficult rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Rupin Pass. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Snow bridge near the pass can be unstable in late May — check current conditions before departure and High-altitude summit day is long; start well before dawn. The current packing notes include Microspikes or crampons for May-June snow, Trekking poles for stream crossings. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Himachal Pradesh / Uttarakhand
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Rupin Pass with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Riverside walk past the last motorable villages.
Climb to one of the most dramatically perched villages in the Himalayas.
Waterfall crossings and the first alpine meadows.
Approach camp below the pass, snow cover likely in May-June.
Pass-crossing day at 15,279 ft, often over a snow bridge in early season.
Safety notes
- Snow bridge near the pass can be unstable in late May — check current conditions before departure
- High-altitude summit day is long; start well before dawn
What to pack
- Microspikes or crampons for May-June snow
- Trekking poles for stream crossings
Frequently asked questions about Rupin Pass
Where is Rupin Pass located?
Rupin Pass is listed in Himachal Pradesh / Uttarakhand border, within the Himachal Pradesh / Uttarakhand trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Rupin Pass trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Moderate-Difficult. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Rupin Pass?
Panth currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Rupin Pass?
No advance permit is currently recorded, although local entry fees or rules may still apply.
How long is the Rupin Pass trek?
The catalogue records 7 days and approximately 52 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.