Sitting at an altitude of 15,250 feet, the Rupin Pass trek stands out as one of India's classic crossover adventures. Starting from the small village of Dhaula in Uttarakhand and concluding in Sangla, Himachal Pradesh, the route transitions dramatically from dense pine forests and hanging villages to raw, glaciated terrain.
The trek is highly regarded for its constantly shifting landscapes, particularly the iconic multi-tiered Rupin waterfall and the steep, snow-filled gully leading to the pass itself.
Upper Waterfall Campsite. Source: Sahyadri Rangers / Rupin Pass Trek | Sahyadri Rangers
The Final Crossover Climb. Source: HIMTREK 2026 / Rupin Pass Trek: Ultimate Crossover Adventure
Trek Overview
MetricDetailsMax Altitude15,250 ft (4,648 m)Duration7 to 8 DaysDistance~52 kmDifficultyModerate to DifficultBest SeasonsMay–June (Summer/Snow) & September–October (Post-Monsoon)
Key Highlights along the Route
The Hanging Village of Jakha: The highest and last village on the Uttarakhand side, uniquely built into a steep mountain slope. It offers a fascinating glimpse into local remote culture and architecture.
The Three-Tiered Waterfall: Camping at the base and then ascending to the upper shelf brings you face-to-face with the massive Rupin waterfall, where the river crashes down hundreds of feet.
The Rupin Gully: The final push to the pass requires navigating a steep, narrow chute. In the summer months, this section is completely filled with snow, requiring steady footwork and occasionally slide-climbing on the descent.
The Cultural Shift: You begin the journey surrounded by the distinct wooden architecture and temples of the Garhwal region and finish amidst the Kinnauri culture of Himachal Pradesh, looking out at the Kinner Kailash range.