The Legendary High Altitude Crossover from Garhwal to Kinnaur
The Rupin Pass Trek is widely celebrated as one of India's grandest classic crossover treks. Ascending from the remote Garhwal borders in Uttarakhand and crossing over into the Sangla Valley of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, this trail is a masterclass in dynamic scenery changes at every bend. Trekkers encounter cascading multi-tiered waterfalls, dramatic glacial gullies, wooden hanging villages, dense pine and birch forests, and expansive snow bridges.
Reaching the iconic Rupin Pass summit at 15,250 ft (4,650 m) requires stamina and mental endurance, especially during the final climb through the legendary Rupin gully. From the pass, enjoy magnificent panoramic vistas of the Kinnaur Kailash range before making the descent into the lush apple orchards of Sangla.
Known for delivering a brand-new landscape every single day, here are the key highlights that make Rupin Pass legendary:
From the sound of the cascading Rupin river echoing through pine canyons to walking across pristine snowfields in the Rupin Gully, this trek tests and rewards your mountaineering spirit with some of the most dramatic geological transitions in the Western Himalayas.
Depart early morning from Shimla. Embark on a long, scenic drive passing through Rohru, Chirgaon, and Pabbar Valley to reach the base village of Jiskun.
Descend to the river bed and cross a wooden bridge before a steep climb to the iconic hanging village of Jakha, the highest and last village along the valley.
Pass through stunning fir, pine, and rhododendron forests. The trail meanders along the Rupin river gorge, opening into alpine clearings at Buransh Kandi.
Walk through lush meadow slopes with thousands of waterfalls descending from the surrounding cliffs. Reach the vast grazing grounds of Dandriyash Thatch.
Trek directly towards the base of the massive waterfall, climbing steep snow bridges and rock scree to reach the Upper Waterfall campsite for crucial acclimatization.
The summit day! Start in the dark, scale the steep Rupin Gully, cross the pass at 4,650–4,700 m with panoramic Kinnaur Kailash views, and slide down to Ronti Gad.
A long descent through pine forests and apple orchards with views of Sangla Valley. Board vehicle at Sangla for drive back to Shimla.
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) serves as the primary meeting and pickup point for the Rupin Pass Trek. Trekkers are requested to reach Shimla early on Day 1 (by 6:00 AM) or stay overnight on Day 0.
Jubarhati Airport (Shimla) is 22 km away. Alternatively, fly to Chandigarh Airport (IXC - 120 km), which is well connected to all major Indian cities. Taxis/buses run frequently to Shimla.
Nearest broad-gauge railhead is Kalka / Chandigarh Railway Station. The UNESCO Heritage Toy Train connects Kalka to Shimla, or you can take a 3.5-hour shared cab.
Overnight HRTC Volvo and semi-sleeper buses operate regularly from ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi (approx. 8–9 hrs) and Chandigarh directly to Shimla ISBT.
Cascading waterfalls, snow bridges, high-altitude amphitheaters and crossover summit ridges.
Real stories from our trekkers — sharing their unforgettable high-altitude crossover experiences with TrekAura.
Crossing Rupin Pass was a life-changing experience! The climb up the waterfall and snow gully was demanding, but our TrekAura guides made safety their top priority.
From the hanging village of Jakha to the descent into Sangla Valley, every day felt like a brand new world. Fantastic food, warm hospitality, and knowledgeable leaders.
Challenging terrain with steep ascents, but the views from Upper Waterfall and the pass are unbeatable. Very well organized logistics from Shimla and back.
Top-notch high-altitude safety protocols. Crampons and gaiters were in great condition and hot meals at sub-zero campsites made all the difference!