Shimla–Uttarkashi border · Himachal
Rupin Pass
A dramatic crossover trek from Himachal into Uttarakhand, over a 4,650 m pass above the Rupin gorge.
Rupin Pass is a difficult trek in Shimla–Uttarkashi border, Himachal, reaching 4,650 m. The best time to go is May and June and September and October. Plan 7 to 8 days on the ground from Shimla / Dehradun and about ₹3,000 per person per day.
What to do in Rupin Pass
The one thing not to miss
The Rupin waterfall
A three-stage fall you climb beside over two days.
- 2JhakaThe "hanging village" on a ledge above the river.
- 3Dhanderas ThatchThe meadow at the foot of the waterfall.
- 4The passA steep snow gully to the top, then down into Kinnaur.
A sample plan: 9 days
Day 1
Dehradun to Dhaula
A very long drive.
Day 2
Dhaula to Sewa
Along the Rupin river.
Day 3
Sewa to Jhaka
The hanging village.
Day 4
Jhaka to Dhanderas Thatch
Into the upper valley.
Day 5
Rest and acclimatise at Dhanderas Thatch
Below the waterfall.
Day 6
Dhanderas Thatch to the upper waterfall camp
A steep climb beside the falls.
Day 7
Over Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad
The hardest day; start before dawn.
Day 8
Ronti Gad to Sangla
A long descent into Kinnaur.
Day 9
Sangla to Shimla
The drive out.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- ❄︎May
- ❄︎Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
Waterfalls, snow bridges and a genuine sense of journey — one of India's great crossover treks.
Why not
Long days and a technical snow section at the pass in early season.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest permits on both sides; usually handled by the operator.
- Guide
- Required in practice.
- Safety
- The pass snow wall needs an early start and an operator who knows the season.
- Phone & internet
- None on the trail.
Altitude
Rupin Pass reaches 4,650 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Speak to a doctor before the trip if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure problems, or are travelling with small children.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Himachal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Main hospitals in Himachal: Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra; Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla; Lady Willingdon (Mission) Hospital, Manali.
All emergency contacts for Himachal →What to pack for Rupin Pass
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 52 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
10 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 4,650 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest permits on both sides; usually handled by the operator.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone on the trail.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Himachal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Shimla / Dehradun.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it. The road beyond Mori is narrow and rough.
By road
From
Dehradun
- Distance
- about 200 km
- Drive time
- 9–10 hours
- Dehradun
- Mussoorie
- Purola
- Mori
- Naitwar
- Dhaula
The walk starts at Dhaula and ends at Sangla in Kinnaur.
Live directions from DehradunFrom
Sangla (the end)
- Distance
- about 225 km to Shimla
- Drive time
- 8–9 hours
- Sangla
- Karcham
- Rampur
- Narkanda
- Shimla
Buses and shared taxis. Public transport to Dhaula is very limited; operators arrange the drive in and the pick-up from Sangla.
Pickups & drivers
From Shimla / Dehradun. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Rupin Pass yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Rupin Pass: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Rupin Pass?
The best months for Rupin Pass are May and June and September and October. July is possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in April to June.
How difficult is Rupin Pass?
Rupin Pass is rated difficult. The trek is about 52 km in total, starting at 1,900 m and reaching 4,650 m.
How many days do you need for Rupin Pass?
Plan 7 to 8 days on the ground, counted from Shimla / Dehradun. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Rupin Pass cost?
Expect about ₹3,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹24,000 for 8 days, before the cost of getting to Shimla / Dehradun.
How do you reach Rupin Pass?
By road: from Dehradun it is about 200 km, 9–10 hours (Dehradun → Mussoorie → Purola → Mori → Naitwar → Dhaula); from Sangla (the end) it is about 225 km to Shimla, 8–9 hours (Sangla → Karcham → Rampur → Narkanda → Shimla). Public transport to Dhaula is very limited; operators arrange the drive in and the pick-up from Sangla. The nearest gateway is Shimla / Dehradun.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Rupin Pass?
Permits: Forest permits on both sides; usually handled by the operator. Guide: Required in practice.
Is Rupin Pass suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is quiet in season. The pass snow wall needs an early start and an operator who knows the season.
What should you pack for Rupin Pass?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Rupin Pass?
None on the trail.
Will I get altitude sickness at Rupin Pass?
Rupin Pass reaches 4,650 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Rupin Pass?
Rupin Pass is not a good choice for anyone who has not done a high-altitude trek before, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 4,650 m. Also keep in mind: Long days and a technical snow section at the pass in early season.
Close to Rupin Pass
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Kalpaabout 23 km
- Chitkul & Sanglaabout 28 km