Rupin Pass Trek

Things to Take

Bare necessities:

Trekking shoes: You will need trekking shoes with good grip. Sports shoes will not be comfortable enough.

Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.

Clothes

Three warm layers: On the pass crossing day, you will need at least three warm layers (two lights layers such as fleece and woolen and one padded jacket) for this trek.

Two trek pants: Wear one pair and carry one pair.

Two collared t-shirts: Carry light, full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Again, wear one and carry one.

Thermals (Optional): Those who are more susceptible to cold can carry thermals to wear at night.

Accessories

Sunglasses: Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. These are more important in June. There might be snow at the upper campsites regardless of the season. So carry a pair of sunglasses.

Suncap: The sun is intense at higher altitudes and a sun cap is absolutely essential to keep your face and neck safe from sun burns.

Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof gloves.

Balaclava: You may use woolen scarves instead as well.

Socks (2 pairs): Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woolen socks for the night.

Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory

Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole.

Safety

How safe is the Chandernahan Lakes trek?

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Drive From Shimla to Chirgaon(Gumma)

• Drive till Chirgaon(Gumma) which is the base-camp of this trek.
• It covers the major tourist spots like Green Valley in Shimla, Kufri, Fagu and Khadapathar.
• Shimla to Chirgaon is 6 hrs drive.
• Overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 2 - Gumma to Jakha (Via chanshal pass)

• Today you will be doing a little hiking after a drive .
• We are covering today very famous Chanshal pass, we will halt there for lunch and site seeing.
• Take the road towards Kawar passing through rivulets and loads of picturesque locations.
• Overnight stay at Jhaka, enjoy the scenic beauty of the place before you retire for the day.

Day 3 Jhaka to Uraknaal Thatch

• Jhaka is the place to replenish your supplies and look for porters if required.
• Follow the well defined trail into the forest through blue pines.
• Feel the snow beneath your boots for the first time, get your sunglasses on too.
• Trek through grassy terrains of Uraknaal.
• Don't miss the beauty of Rupin waterfall at the distance. This is Uraknaal Thatch. Camp here overnight.

Day 4 - Uraknaal Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch

• This trek is going to be one of the best you have done till date.
• Climb through gushing water and grassy meadows, don't forget to take pictures.
• On your both sides will be snowy valley.
• Set the camp on a comfortable lawn. Overnight stay here with some bonfire.

Day 5- Acclimatisation Day

• Spend your day at Dhanderas Thatch enjoying the beauty of the place.
• This spare day has also been kept to get you acclimatised with high altitude and temperature.

Day 6- Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall Camp

• Acclimatisation will help you get to the top of the Rupin Pass.
• After breakfast start your climb to the top for the waterfall.
• Don't miss the everlasting yellow marigold carpet.
• Use ice-axe or your boots to make a trail upwards at 4,00ft.
• Spend sometime at the snout of the waterfall and retire for the day.

Day 7 - Upper Waterfall Camp to Rupin Pass (Ronti Gad)

• Brace yourself for the longest day of the trek with time taken ranging from 10-11 hours.
• We start today by 5am with packed breakfast as you will need them on your way.
• Pass through snow clad Rupin Pass Gully.
• Don't miss to listen to your amplified voices as you pass through the gully.
• Multi colour flags will visible in Rupin Pass.
• We halt at Ronti Gad for your coldest night of the trek

Day 8 - Ronti Gad to Sangla

• Start leisurely but not too late as you will be losing a lot of altitude today.
• Trek through snow clad Nalgani Pass.
• Enjoy your break at Sangla Kanda and share your stories about Rupin Pass with the villagers.
• From Sangla you can take cab to Shimla.
• End of an adventurous trek with loads of stories to take back home.