The Rupin Pass Trek is an iconic high-altitude trek that takes you across the stunning landscapes of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, cutting through changing scenery, remote villages, cascading rivers, and snowfields. At an altitude of 15,250 feet (4,650 m), the pass offers an exhilarating challenge for trekkers seeking both beauty and adventure.
Rupin Pass lies on the border between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, beginning in Dhaula (Uttarakhand) and ending in Sangla (Himachal Pradesh). It follows the course of the Rupin River, climbing steadily through forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and snow-filled valleys.Rupin Pass lies on the border between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, beginning in Dhaula (Uttarakhand) and ending in Sangla (Himachal Pradesh). It follows the course of the Rupin River, climbing steadily through forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and snow-filled valleys.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
Well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
Distance to Dhaula: ~210 km
Drive Time: ~8–10 hours by road
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or join a pre-arranged vehicle to Dhaula.
By Train
Nearest Major Station: Dehradun Railway Station (DDN)
Well connected to Delhi, Haridwar, Lucknow, Mumbai
Trains like Nandadevi Express and Mussoorie Express operate daily from Delhi
From Dehradun Station:
Drive to Dhaula via Mussoorie → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Dhaula
Duration: ~9–10 hours (200–220 km)
By Road
From Delhi to Dehradun: ~250 km (6–7 hours by bus/train)
From Dehradun to Dhaula:
Via Mussoorie – Kempty Falls – Purola – Mori – Netwar – Dhaula
Road condition: Mostly good but mountainous; last stretch is narrow and bumpy
🚖 Tip: Hire a shared taxi or private cab from Dehradun or Mussoorie to Dhaula
Return Journey (After Trek)
Trek ends in Sangla (Himachal Pradesh)
From Sangla:
Drive to Shimla (~230 km)
From Shimla, take a bus/train to Chandigarh or Delhi
Note: It’s a cross-over trek, so start and end points differ—plan accordingly.
- Distance: ~200 km | Drive Time: 9–10 hours
- Scenic drive through Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori
- Overnight stay in tents or a basic guesthouse at Dhaula
Trek Distance: ~11 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Gradual climb through dense forest and village trails
Overnight in camps near Sewa village temple
Trek Distance: ~10 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Cross a suspension bridge into Himachal
Climb through a gorge and forest trails
Reach Jhaka, known as the “hanging village”
Overnight in tents or homestay
Trek Distance: ~8–9 km | Duration: 5–6 hours
Cross forests, snow bridges, and meadows
Enter the high-altitude zone
Camp at Suruwas Thatch near the treeline
Trek Distance: ~6–7 km | Duration: 4–5 hours
Walk through alpine meadows and waterfalls
Spectacular campsite near the foot of the Rupin waterfall
Acclimatization activities in the evening
Easy walks and rest to adapt to altitude
Prepare for snow climb to Rupin Pass
Practice snow walk if needed (pre-monsoon season)
Trek Distance: ~10–11 km | Duration: 8–9 hours
Steep climb over snow fields and switchbacks
Panoramic views from the pass of Kinnaur and Dhaula ranges
Descend into the Ronti Gad valley
Camp overnight in alpine wilderness
Trek Distance: ~12 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Long descent through meadows, pine forests, and rocky terrain
End trek at Sangla village in Baspa Valley
Stay in guesthouse or lodge
Option 1: Sangla to Shimla (~230 km, 9 hrs)
Option 2: Sangla → Kalpa → Narkanda → Chandigarh (with overnight break