The Rupin Pass trek is one of the most varied crossings in the Indian Himalaya: it starts in Uttarakhand and ends in Himachal Pradesh, changing scenery almost every day. You walk out of pine and rhododendron forest near Dhaula, past a hanging village and a two-stage waterfall, and finish over a snow gully on the pass before dropping into the apple orchards of Sangla. It rewards fit walkers who plan the season and acclimatisation with care.
Rupin Pass is a high crossover trek from Dhaula in Uttarakhand to Sangla in Himachal Pradesh, topping out near 4,650 m (about 15,250 ft). It runs roughly 52 km over seven to eight days on the trail, is graded moderate to difficult, and is best walked mid-May to June or mid-September to mid-October.
The Rupin Pass trek at a glance
The Rupin Pass trek links two states across a single ridge. It begins near Dhaula, a road-head village in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand close to Netwar (also spelt Naitwar), and ends at Sangla in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The pass itself gives the river its name; according to Wikipedia’s summary of the geography, the Rupin rises from snowmelt at the pass and eventually joins the Tons and Yamuna system.
What sets this walk apart is how fast the land changes. Forest and terraced fields give way to snow bridges over the river, then to a wide meadow below a waterfall that drops in two stages, and finally to a steep snow gully leading to the pass. Below is a quick-reference table of the headline facts, each cross-checked this session.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Start | Dhaula, near Netwar, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand |
| End | Sangla, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh |
| Pass altitude | About 4,650 m (~15,250 ft); Wikipedia states 4,650 m / 15,260 ft |
| Trek distance | About 52 km on foot (road drive to Dhaula is separate) |
| Duration on trail | 7–8 days walking, plus travel days each side |
| Grade | Moderate to difficult |
| Season | Mid-May to June; mid-September to mid-October |
| Nearest railhead / airport | Dehradun (railhead and Jolly Grant airport) |
If this is your first Himalayan crossover, it helps to have a graded trek behind you first. Our Kedarkantha trek guide covers a shorter, gentler winter option in the same Govind Pashu Vihar region that builds the right base.
Best time for the Rupin Pass trek
There are two windows, and they give very different treks. Summer, from about mid-May to the end of June, offers heavy snow near the pass and a strong snow-walking experience. Autumn, from about mid-September to mid-October, brings clearer skies, wide mountain views and thinner crowds after the monsoon. The trail is closed by deep winter snow at other times, and the monsoon (July–August) makes the forest sections slippery and prone to landslides on the approach roads.
| Window | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-May – June | Snow near the pass; day 15–25°C, night 5–10°C (indicative) | Best for the snow gully; microspikes and gaiters useful |
| July – August | Monsoon; wet, leeches, road landslide risk | Generally avoided |
| Mid-September – Mid-October | Clear skies; day 10–15°C, sub-zero nights (indicative) | Best for views; colder camps, less snow |
| Late October – April | Heavy snow, pass closed | Not recommended |
Temperature bands above are planning estimates drawn from operator briefings and should be reconfirmed against an IMD forecast close to your dates. Whichever window you pick, weather at 4,650 m can turn quickly, so build a buffer day into your plan.
How to reach the start and leave the end
This is a point-to-point trek, so your travel in and out use different states. Almost everyone starts from Dehradun and exits through Sangla towards Shimla or Chandigarh.
To the start (Dhaula): Dehradun is the practical gateway. From Delhi, the New Delhi–Dehradun Shatabdi Express (trains 12017/12018) runs daily and covers the 314 km in a little over six hours, per the timetable summarised on Wikipedia. Other daily options include the Nanda Devi AC Express (12401/12402) and the Dehradun Jan Shatabdi (12055/12056); confirm live running and numbers on IRCTC or NTES before booking. Jolly Grant airport (Dehradun) handles flights from major cities. From Dehradun it is a long road day of roughly 200 km (about 9–10 hours; operator figure, indicative) to Dhaula via Netwar; most groups leave early or stay a night en route.
From the end (Sangla): Sangla is well connected by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses. It sits roughly 238 km from Shimla and about 315 km from Chandigarh (approximate; reconfirm), a road journey of eight to ten hours through Kinnaur. You can book HRTC seats online at the HRTC portal. Shared taxis run from Sangla to Reckong Peo and Shimla.
| Leg | Distance / time | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Dehradun | ~314 km, ~6 hr | Shatabdi 12017 (daily) |
| Dehradun → Dhaula (start) | ~200 km, ~9–10 hr (indicative) | Hired vehicle / shared jeep |
| Sangla (end) → Shimla | ~238 km, ~8–10 hr | HRTC / private bus, taxi |
| Sangla (end) → Chandigarh | ~315 km, ~8–10 hr | HRTC / private bus |
Route: a day-by-day outline
Itineraries vary slightly between operators, but the shape is consistent: forest and villages first, then the river and waterfall, then the pass and a fast descent into Himachal. The outline below is a representative seven-to-eight-day plan; campsite names and day distances are indicative and differ by operator.
- Arrival day: Drive Dehradun to Dhaula (~200 km). Overnight at Dhaula.
- Day 1: Dhaula to Sewa, about 10 km through forest and terraced fields along the Rupin.
- Day 2: Sewa to Jhaka (via Jiskun). Jhaka is the “hanging village”, perched at the edge of the slope; it is the last real settlement before the high camps.
- Day 3: Jhaka to Buras Kandi / Udaknal, entering meadow and mixed snow terrain.
- Day 4: To Dhanderas Thatch, the lower waterfall camp, set on a wide meadow below the two-stage fall.
- Day 5: Climb past the upper waterfall to Rati Pheri, the pass base camp, where views open onto the Dhauladhar snowfields.
- Day 6: The big day — Rati Pheri over Rupin Pass (~4,650 m) via the snow gully, then a long descent to Ronti Gad on the Himachal side. Start pre-dawn.
- Day 7: Ronti Gad to Sangla via Sangla Kanda, ending among orchards.
The pass day is the crux: a steep gully, an early start, and a long descent all in one push. If you enjoy this kind of forest-to-high-camp progression, the nearby Har Ki Dun trek guide covers a gentler valley walk in the same Govind Pashu Vihar area that pairs well as a warm-up or an alternative.
Difficulty, fitness and altitude sickness
Rupin Pass is graded moderate to difficult. The distance is manageable, but the pass day is long and steep, the snow gully needs care, and you sleep high for several nights. You should be able to walk six to eight hours with a daypack over uneven ground, and ideally have a graded Himalayan trek behind you.
Altitude is the real risk. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can affect anyone above roughly 2,500 m regardless of fitness. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that gradual ascent is the single best defence: its guidance recommends not increasing sleeping altitude by more than about 500 m per night once above 3,000 m, and adding an extra acclimatisation night for every 1,000 m of sleeping-altitude gain. According to the CDC Yellow Book, the faster you climb, the more likely you are to get AMS.
Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep. If symptoms worsen, the rule is to stop ascending and, if they do not settle, descend. Do not push over the pass with moderate or severe symptoms. Carry a first-aid kit, tell your guide early, and never leave an unwell trekker alone.
Permits, forest fees and rules
The Uttarakhand approach passes through the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which per Wikipedia covers about 958 sq km in Uttarkashi district across an altitude range of roughly 1,400 to 6,323 m. You need a Forest Department entry permit, usually issued at the forest check post at Netwar/Naitwar; most trekking operators arrange it for the group. Carry photo ID (Aadhaar for Indian citizens, passport for foreign nationals). Confirm current fees at the check post, as these are set by the department and change periodically.
On the Himachal side, lower Kinnaur — including Sangla and Chitkul — does not require an Inner Line Permit for Indian citizens or foreign nationals; per guidance summarised for Kinnaur, permits become relevant only deeper towards the Tibet border, past Jangi towards Spiti. Check the official District Kinnaur tourism guidelines for the latest position. Follow standard mountain rules: carry out all waste, avoid single-use plastic, do not light open fires, and respect village privacy — homes and residents are not photo props.
Budget breakdown
Costs vary with group size, whether you go with an operator or independently, and your travel class to Dehradun. The table below is a planning estimate per person for the trek portion (roughly 7–8 days on the trail), and should be reconfirmed with your operator and current fares. It excludes flights and personal gear.
| Item | Estimate (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guided trek package | ₹14,000–₹22,000 | Guide, camps, meals on trail; varies by operator |
| Dehradun ↔ road transport | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | Shared vehicle to Dhaula, split by group |
| Trains / travel to Dehradun | ₹1,000–₹3,000 | Shatabdi chair car; varies by class and city |
| Exit bus/taxi from Sangla | ₹800–₹2,500 | HRTC to Shimla/Chandigarh or shared taxi |
| Forest permit + buffer | Reconfirm at check post | Set by Forest Department; often bundled by operators |
| Gear rental, tips, extras | ₹1,500–₹4,000 | Microspikes, gaiters, porter/mule for main bag |
All figures above are indicative planning estimates and not official rates; reconfirm operator prices, train fares and forest fees close to your travel date.
Packing for Rupin Pass
Pack for wet forest, cold high camps and a snowy pass in the same trip. Keep clothing in layers and waterproof everything inside your bag.
- Footwear: waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, well broken in; camp sandals or shoes.
- Layers: base layers, fleece, a warm down or synthetic jacket, and a waterproof shell (jacket and trousers).
- Snow kit: gaiters and microspikes for the pass gully, especially in the May–June window; sunglasses (UV) and high-SPF sunscreen for snow glare.
- Extremities: woollen cap, sun hat, warm and waterproof gloves, thick socks with spares.
- Head and hydration: headlamp with spare batteries for the pre-dawn pass start; two litres of water capacity.
- Health: personal first-aid kit, any prescription medicine, lip balm, ORS, and a small dry bag for documents.
Practical tips
- Network and cash: Mobile signal is unreliable beyond Netwar and absent at high camps. Carry enough cash from Dehradun; ATMs and reliable UPI thin out fast, and Sangla is the next dependable point.
- Acclimatise honestly: follow the ascent profile, hydrate, and speak up early about symptoms. The pass day is not the place to test how you feel.
- Nearest help: Serious medical facilities are at Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand side) and Reckong Peo/Kalpa (Kinnaur side). Your operator should carry a communication plan and evacuation contacts.
- Solo women: The trek is generally done in fixed-departure groups, which many solo women travellers find comfortable and safe; join a reputable operator rather than walking the high sections alone, and share your itinerary with someone at home.
- Buffer day: Keep one spare day for weather on the pass; groups sometimes wait out a bad morning.
Nearby places
The end of the trek puts you in Kinnaur, one of Himachal’s finest valleys, so it is worth adding a couple of days before the long drive back.
| Place | From Sangla | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Chitkul | ~25 km | One of the last villages in the Baspa valley; open without permits |
| Kalpa / Reckong Peo | ~50 km | Apple country with views towards the Kinner Kailash range |
| Sarahan | ~95 km (towards Shimla) | Bhimakali temple town on the exit route |
If your appetite for Himachal grows on the way out, our roundup of the top hill stations in Himachal Pradesh helps you plan the rest of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Rupin Pass?
Rupin Pass sits at about 4,650 m, roughly 15,250 ft, on the ridge between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Wikipedia records the height as 4,650 m (15,260 ft). It is the highest point of the trek, reached via a steep snow gully, and the main reason acclimatisation matters on this route.
How difficult is the Rupin Pass trek?
The Rupin Pass trek is graded moderate to difficult. The distance of about 52 km is manageable, but the pass day is long and steep with a snow gully, and you sleep at high altitude for several nights. Prior graded-trek experience and steady cardio fitness make it far more enjoyable and safer.
When is the best time to do the Rupin Pass trek?
The best windows are mid-May to June for snow near the pass, and mid-September to mid-October for clear skies and wide views. Avoid July–August, when the monsoon brings landslide risk and slippery trails, and the deep-winter months, when heavy snow closes the pass entirely.
Do I need a permit for the Rupin Pass trek?
Yes on the Uttarakhand side: you need a Forest Department permit for Govind Pashu Vihar, usually issued at the Netwar check post and often arranged by operators. Lower Kinnaur, including Sangla, needs no Inner Line Permit for Indians or foreigners. Carry photo ID and reconfirm current fees before travel.
How do I reach the start of the trek?
Reach Dehradun by train (the daily New Delhi–Dehradun Shatabdi, 12017/12018, takes about six hours) or by air to Jolly Grant airport. From Dehradun it is a long road day of roughly 200 km to Dhaula via Netwar, so most groups start early or break the journey.
How does the trek end and how do I get home?
The trek ends at Sangla in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. From there HRTC and private buses and shared taxis run to Shimla (about 238 km) and Chandigarh (about 315 km), an eight-to-ten-hour road journey. From either city you can catch onward trains or flights home.
Last updated and sources
Go if you are a fit trekker who wants a genuine crossover between two states and can plan for altitude; aim for the mid-May to June snow window or the clear autumn spell in mid-September to mid-October.
Last updated: 25 September 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Rupin Pass (altitude, geography, route endpoints); Wikipedia: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park (park area and altitude); Wikipedia: Dehradun Shatabdi Express (train 12017/12018 details); CDC Yellow Book: High-Altitude Travel and Altitude Illness (AMS guidance); District Kinnaur, Government of Himachal Pradesh — tourist guidelines (Kinnaur permits); HRTC online booking (bus travel); train running to reconfirm on IRCTC and NTES, weather on IMD. Accessed September 2026.
