Rupin Pass Trek

If there is a classic trek in India, it has to be the Rupin Pass. This trek is like an orchestra, building up momentum with surprises in scenery every hour or so. With every step, the trek throws up a new vista to see, a new scenery to unfold. All along, to complement the scenery, the blue waters of the Rupin run along, sometimes rushing, at times gliding by. It culminates in the famous three stage water fall of the Rupin.

In the higher reaches the trek passes through superb snow fields. The pass crossing through an echoing snow filled gully is an adrenaline high. The Rupin Pass trek has got it all: hanging villages, terrific forests, glacial meadows, hundreds of water falls and an exhilarating pass crossing. As a complete experience Rupin is the trek to do.

Location

Rupin Pass Trek is situated in the Himalayas in state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The path itself is located across mostly uninhabited areas in the Himalayan ranges at an elevation of 15,250 ft

Distance

Rupin pass trek is just 60 Kms trek but it has little difficult because the most part of this trek is uninhabited. Dehradun is the point from where trek starts.

How to reach

All three options are open to reach Dehradun

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant. one can fly from New Delhi to Jolly Grant.

By Train: Dehradun has it's own railway station..

By Bus: This is best and most convenient option to reach Dehradun. You can take overnight volvo AC buses or non AC buses to Dehradun from Janpath , Kashmiri Gate , R K Ashram Metro Station and Majnu ka Tilla (New Delhi).

Maximum Altitude

Trail gain the maximum height of 15250 feet.

Level of trek

Trail comes under difficult category. This is one of the highest passes in Indian Himalayas

Region

Rupin Pass is the part of Dhauladhar range of Indian Himalayas.

Duration

7 Nights/ 8 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Reach Dhaula

Altitude: 5,100 ft
Time taken: 10-11 hours drive to Dhaula. Pick up from Dehradun at 6:30 AM

Dhaula (5,100 ft) is the base for the Rupin Pass trek. It is a sleepy hamlet of a dozen homes and the last road head of Uttarakhand.

The drive to Dhaula is on beautiful mountain roads and steadily gain altitude as you reach Dhaula. Deep valleys and thick forest cover keep you company. You will have to reach Dehradun on your own, and from the Dehradun Railway Station transport will be organized to Dhaula at an additional cost. It is approximately a 10 hr drive.

Day 2: Dhaula to Sewa

Altitude: 5,100 ft to 6,300 ft
Time taken: 6 hours, 11 km
Trek gradient: Moderate. Initial climb for a couple of hours followed by an easy, undulating walk with short climbs and drops.
Water sources: You can refill you water bottles from the Rupin river.

The trail heading out along the river from Sewa. PC: Eshaan Koshal

Take the trail that starts at the village and heads up the valley to Sewa Gaon. Past a cattle shelter and an enormous collection of dung, the trail starts to climb sharply, 200 metres outside the village – a gentle reminder of more such climbs to come. The climb eases out in 20 minutes into the first change of scenery: the Rupin fans out 500 ft below you into a wide river bed. Friendly villages hang out of the hills on either side. Village kids scamper about with their shy smile and a gentle Namaste.

A curve in the trail and the next change in scenery: the Rupin careens out of a gorge. A sheer cliff face towers over the river so high that clumps of clouds hang about its face immobile and undecided. On the other slope, the trekking trail snakes its way up through apple and apricot trees.

Half an hour into the ascending trail, stop by at a road side eatery and the only one you’ll find before getting to Sewa. If you are lucky, a friendly girl will take your order for tea and biscuits. She is the owner, manager, cook and the washer woman of the place. Sip the much welcome tea and enjoy the view of the cliff face looming over you and the sound of the Rupin pounding at the bottom of the gorge many hundred feet below.

Sewa at 6,300 ft is your camp for the day. Visit the village temple adorned with medals and an electric clock.

The two storey temple combines local and Kinnaur traditions, not surprising with the Himachal border so close.

The temple at Sewa set amidst orchards. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

The temple is said to be a combination of classical and local folk art mastered by the local kingly clans who once use to rule the Tons and Kinnaur regions. To understand the true theocratic character and historical background, one can look at its details – such as the Kinnauri carvings on the wood, the old relics of local deities, the old coins engraved on the walls.

The temple was build in reverence to “Karna” from Mahabharata. Look out for old hanging medallions of sorts on the walls. Not much is known about the symbolism of the temple. If you want to read more about these temples history and architecture, we suggest reading “Temple Architecture of the Western Himalaya: Wooden Temples” by Omacanda H.

Day 3: Sewa to Jiskun

Altitude: 6,300 ft to 7,700 ft
Time taken: 5 hours, 8 km
Trek gradient: Difficult. Easy walk for the first 3 hours followed by a steep ascent to Jiskun for 2 hours.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water from Sewa. Water sources are available up to about an hour before you reach Jiskun.

The trail out of Sewa cuts across a mixture of barley and potato fields and suddenly dips into a deep dark jungle – so thick that the darkness is overpowering. The descent through the mixed forest over a slushy and often smelly trail pops out into the bright river bed of the Rupin. A change so sudden and different that you need to look back just to check your bearings. For the first time on the trek you actually trek on the river and not alongside it.

From the jungle, the trail suddenly brings you on to the river bed. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

Gleefully hop over and crisscross the many rivulets of the river. Veer to your left and join the trail that goes over a small wooden bridge across a stream that flows into the Rupin. Spend some time on the bridge, which is no-man’s land. On either side are the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

In fifteen minutes you get down to the bank of the river where you can easily pitch 7-8 tents. This place is called as Haldi Khad. The trail goes flat until you climb up from the banks to the roadhead of Gosangu.

The village of Dodra, the remotest Tehsil of Himachal, is above Gosangu and takes a half hour climb to get there. If you decide to break your trek at Gosangu, you can get buses to Rohru and then to Shimla from Dodra. The other end of the road climbs up to Kitwari, where there’s a BSNL tower coming up.

Prepare yourself for a bit of huff and puff that the trail has in store for you for the day. The good bit is that the climb sections are always followed by gentle level walks.

Take the road towards Kwar, cross the wooden bridge and head towards the iron bridge over the Rupin. Just before the road takes a dip to meet the river, take any of the trails on the left that climb and meet with the overhanging trail to Jiskun.

Once on the main trail to Jiskun, the changing sights start to confront you relentlessly. First, the trail itself: what was until now a wide bodied path suddenly turns into a narrow trail. The mountain slope no longer gentle, but a towering precipice, climbs interminably. The trail hangs out of the face, like a lip. As you peer over the edge, far below, the Rupin glistens as the sun catches its rapids.

Rupin appears far below as you trek on the overhanging trail. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

A bend in the trail, a short clamber over a narrow section and you stop short: a sight least expected. A picturesque waterfall cascades down on the trail, it’s source so high above that you can’t see it. The water so gentle and fine, yet with so much volume, that you want to take in a shower. Spend a while taking pictures — and perhaps even a refreshing swipe under it.

Another few anxious moments of overhanging trail walk and you come to a rapidly flowing stream, the Raj Gad. This is an ideal place to take a breather – after this is a long climb to Jiskun village. Take off your shoes to cross this stream. You don’t want to get your feet and boots wet at this stage.

The trail forks immediately as the Raj Gad vanishes from view behind you. Both trails look suspiciously similar. Take the trail heading up. It is a long hour’s climb to Jiskun village.

You catch the first glimpse of the snow clad mountains from Bawta or lower Jiskun.

Jiskun, high above the confluence of Nargani and Rupin, is a village in two parts — lower Jiskun is now called Bawta. For a trekker it is a welcome break. You sight a friendly tea house for a much welcome rest. Soon after the trail winds endlessly up, until you reach upper Jiskun half an hour later. Cross the first post office of Himachal Pradesh, and take a break at the many eateries here. Jiskun is a good place to replenish your supplies if you are running short. There are local stores where you can stock up on your rice, wheat, sugar, spices and vegetables.

Day 4: Jiskun to Udaknal

Altitude: 7,700 ft to 10,100ft
Time taken: 6 hours, 8 km
Trek gradient: Difficult. An hour’s descent followed by an hour’s steep ascent, easing off till the fir forest. Steep descent for an hour followed by a gentle walk.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You can refill your water bottles at Jhaka, 3.5 km from Jiskun. An hour’s descent from Jhaka will bring you to the Rupin river, which will stay with you for the rest of the day.

It is a 3½ km walk to Jakha, the highest and the last village on the Rupin pass trek. The trail out of Jiskun descends rapidly through a forest of deodars and walnut until it reaches an enchanting dark fold in the mountain. The fold’s upper reaches are dark and beyond human touch. Sight the remains of an old wooden bridge, almost hidden in the foliage. Below, at eye level, cross the new wooden bridge and crane your neck up to an eerie trail cut out of the rock face. So out of place and strange, you need moments to fathom how this was built and who made them.

Trail from Jiskun rapidly descends down to reach a dark fold in the mountain. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

The next one hour climb to Jakha is through one of the best trekking trails. The scenery changes frequently. The trail initially zig-zags up on the ridge line of the slope. Looking up from below, the trail appears ominous, reaching out to the sky. Once you start climbing it isn’t as monumental as it looks. The trail winds through an enchanting mixed forest – with cliff faces on the other side of the valley and whistling birds keeping you company on this side. Two thirds of the way up, watch out for an equally broad trail that forks to your left. The other trail heads up to a village, Dhara, higher than Jakha. Stick to the trail that veers to the right.

The trail mostly climbs with one gentle walk in between. Jakha is a village completely enveloped in the ways of the Satsang. No meat is taken here. Avoid asking for any live animals or eating meat out of canned tins. The campsite is just above the village and doubles up as the children’s playground. An alternative campsite is the school courtyard itself.

Stepping past the post office of the Jiskun village, peer straight ahead and high up into the horizon. A cluster of houses, marking a village, hangs out of the mountainside – so incredulous, that it takes time for you to fathom how a village can hang from the walls of a mountain. The village is Jhaka. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

Jakha is the last stop to replenish your supplies and also to look for porters if you are running short of either. For the next few days of your trek, there is rarely a soul you’ll encounter, except shepherds tending to their flocks. This is how it is until you reach Sangla.

The well defined trail ascends past the playground, passing through fields of the upper Jakha village before entering a magnificent fir forest. The entry to the forest is again so sudden that it is almost like someone has opened up a gate to let you in. The towering blue pines, each more than few centuries old, take you through pristine and untouched surroundings. If you have a keen eye, catch a few maple trees within the pines, their golden orange leaves strewn amidst the pine cones.

Half an hour outside Jakha village, the trail flattens out and plunges into a fir forest, so sudden that it is almost as if a gate has opened up. Pine trees over 100 feet tall tower over the trail.

On the other side of the trail, high above, cliffs hang over the V-shaped valley. In their crags you notice the first patches of snow. An hour into the descending walk through the fir forest, and around a bend in the trail, is the biggest surprise of the day.

Stretched under is a vast snow bridge across the Rupin – the last thing that you would expect on the trail. With no trace of snow earlier and only glimpses of snow patches at higher ground, finding a snow bridge at a lower height will make you gasp.

Run down to the snow bridge, put on your sunglasses, and for the first time on the trek feel snow under your boots. The snow bridge is magnificent, with the Rupin carving out gaps and holes through it. Climb up to the higher reaches of the snow bridge, cross the Rupin and get on to the trail on the other side.

Note: During some blistering summer years the snow bridge melts with no chance of crossing. But don’t worry, the original trail, after a brief crossing of a tributary stream over wooden logs, continues further until you come to a wooden bridge that gets you to the other side of the Rupin.

The snow bridge over the Rupin after the Fir forest

The trail is no longer wide but a narrow foot trodden path made by passing cattle and the shepherds. Follow the trail until you get to a wooden bridge mentioned above. Do not cross the bridge, but carry on with the Rupin on your left.

The bridge has its advantages though. Higher up, to the right of the bridge is the first open grassland of Udakanal. Trekkers often camp here. But 2½ hrs out of Jakha is hardly the time to camp. Carry on further for more excitement stored for the day.

The scenery is rather different form what you have left behind. Most times the trail follows the course of the Rupin. Little tributaries from the upper reaches of the mountain flow into the Rupin, their bottom characterized with perennial snow patches. Often you are walking on the boulder strewn river bed. The Rupin changes colour to a glorious icy blue – the water clear as crystal. No need to look for water to quench your thirst – just dip into the Rupin.

The Rupin, on this stretch, appears icy blue. You often walk on the stony river bed here.

After an hour and half of intermittent boulder walk, and hopping over many cascading streams that feed the Rupin, the trail climbs and heads to the right, heading for a clump of forest. Just before the trail enters there forest, you are met with a small open grass land. It is easily recognizable by a big rivulet that gushes out of the hill side – the water pure and clean. This is Burans Kandi, an excellent place to camp if you don’t mind the many cows that graze in the bounties of nature here.

Udaknal campsite. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

Day 5: Udaknal to Dhanderas thatch (lower water fall camp)

Altitude: 10,100 ft to 11,700 ft
Time taken: 5 hours, 6 km
Trek gradient: Easy-moderate. Gradual ascent all the way; tricky terrain over the snow bridge.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You can refill water bottles from the river.

Below, the Rupin thunders on. On the opposite bank, huge snow patches cover the gullies that once were part of glaciers feeding the river. A clump of forest starts just outside the camp area, and before you know it, you are in deep foliage.

Dwarf rhododendrons appear on the trail once yo emerge out of the forest. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

The ascent is steep. The Rupin next to you and on your left climbs along rapidly in a series of mini water falls. The climb isn’t for long. Ten minutes later it evens out to leave you speechless. You are surrounded by thousands of Rhododendrons in full bloom. Where did they come from? They are in myriad colours – white, pink, purple. They are everywhere. The Rhododendrons are the dwarf kind and rarely cross your chest. The trail weaves through the roots of the plants and some hang out on the Rupin – their flowers touching the clear waters of the river.

A small clearing and the Rhododendrons now adorn the slopes, the plants climbing a few thousand feet into the air. Walk a bit further to a bigger clearing and get your second surprise of the day. You are in a glade with the Rupin on your left forking to give away to a little island. The island has a carpet of green grass, lush with life. Right in the middle are a few Silver birch trees completing a picture of utmost serenity. Just as you thought that the glade was a pretty sight, for the first time on your trek you catch a glimpse of the famous Rupin waterfall in the far distance. You can’t help but gasp. The sight of the U-shaped valley and the Rupin climbing down from the clouds above will make you hold on to something just to steady yourself. Bet on excitement to set in as you relish the prospect of an amazing adventure in store.

The U-shaped valley with the three stages of the waterfall visible in the distance is wonderfully exciting as you make your way on the trail. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

The day’s walk is perhaps one of the best you’ll ever do. What’s amazing about Saruwas thatch is the sight of the Rupin gushing out of a gorge just ahead and to your left. While everyone’s seen a gorge from above, very few can claim to see a gorge at eye level.

The heady sight behind you, walk along an even trail with snow patches on the mountain side to your right getting bigger and lower around you. Silver birches (Bhoj trees) are common, their barks peeling off to reveal the sacred Bhoj leaves. Collect a few as souvenirs. The legend goes that the epic Ramayana was written on these leaves. Climb to a bump on the trail – and let the big surprise of the day overcome you.

The climb through forest and shrubs makes way to a grand amphitheater of green. You stand on the edge and enjoy front row seats of a grand scale production. As you peer from the lip of the U-Shaped valley you notice thousands of waterfalls cascading down its brown walls to meet the Rupin. In contrast, laid out in front of you are miles of green meadows, dotted with thousands of yellow marigolds. And in between the undulating meadows the Rupin gracefully snakes its way down from its source. To top the scenery you have white snow patches lying scattered all along on the edges of the meadows.

Trek through a valley of yellow marigolds. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

Climb down to the valley of yellow marigolds. Enjoy the gentle undulating walk to the first hurdle of your trek: a snow bridge over the Rupin. The slope of the snow bridge is much steeper than you can anticipate. Get a good grip and try to climb upward and higher. The steep bit isn’t for long and the flat of the snow bridge is a thrill to walk on. Crossing the snow bridge is easy and soon you are on the left bank of the Rupin.

The walk climbs gently through the lushness of the meadows. Every few steps tiny brooks gurgle under your boots as you hipety hop over them. Wild flowers sprout everywhere. This time they are blue, purple, green, yellow and white. The Rupin gently makes it way down the valley, an icy blue.

Cross a big boulder sitting on the edge of the river and find the Rupin fanning out into a wide river bed. Step on the river bed and walk along its edge and reach the base of another snow bridge, the biggest of all you have come cross. Climb on to the snow bridge and cross the Rupin once more, bringing you to the base of a short climb that leads to a plateau above.

Crossing the biggest snow bridge on the the trail to Lower Waterfall campsite. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

The climb is like inching along near the top of a roller coaster ride, waiting, anticipating for the next view. It doesn’t disappoint you. You have arrived at the prettiest meadow of the trek, a site so beautiful, that you want to set up camp right there. And you do, for no Himalayan camp site can better the location. You are in the middle of the valley’s bowl. Ahead, the Rupin thunders down its three stages of waterfall. Beyond the waterfall is the alpine Dhauladar Range looming large. On your two sides are the snowy valley walls with their numerous waterfalls.

Lower waterfall campsite, with waterfalls running off surrounding cliffs and the big waterfall thundering in the distance. PC: Regina Tang

Water isn’t a problem. You just have to walk in any direction to find a crystal clear icy rivulet passing by. Pitch tent but sit out on the grandest landscaped lawn that nature can serve up.

Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dhanderas Thatch

Day 7: Dhanderas thatch to Upper Waterfall camp

Altitude: 11,700 ft to 13,100 ft
Time taken: 3 hours
Trek gradient: Moderate. Continuously climbing trail, tricky around the snow patches at the base and top of the water fall.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You can refill your water bottles at streams.

This is perhaps the most important day of your trek. The acclimatization climb to the top of the waterfall will help you immensely for a super successful climb to the Rupin pass.

From Dhanderas Thatch the altitude gain for the Rupin pass crossing is almost 2,500 ft. It is considerable and it is almost certain that many will suffer from altitude sickness. It makes better sense to climb up about 1,500 ft to the top of the waterfall, allow your body to feel the effects of the altitude. Acclimatized somewhat, your body is better prepared for the grueling climb to the Rupin pass the next day. Unlike most days, start your day at leisure. Let strength come back to your limbs. After breakfast, prepare for the climb to the top of the waterfall.

It is about a kilometer to the base of the waterfall from Dhanderas Thatch. On the way you’ll get plenty of streams to hop and jump over and the wild display of yellow marigolds. Sometimes, the marigolds are laid out in a carpet and you just want to lie down on them.

You need to be careful while crossing the numerous snow patches on the way to Upper waterfall. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

Things get serious when you reach the snow patch at the base of the waterfall. Avoid getting on the snow patch directly, but climb against its side on the boulder strewn hill side until you come to the trail that cuts across the snow patch. It would make sense to have a stick or trekking pole for support. An ice-axe is extremely helpful here. If the trail has already been made on the ice-patch, send a prayer of thanks upwards. If the trail is barely visible, then start cutting steps with your boots or ice-axe and slowly inch your way across the ice patch. This brings you to the top of the lower water fall.

(Note: the step cutting is invaluable and can save your life from a slip or a fall)

It is another similar series of snow patch crossing and intermittent climbs before you are on to the big snow bridge over the Rupin. The sight is spectacular when you stand on the middle of the snow bridge and look up to the waterfall and watch the Rupin disappear under your feet hidden somewhere under the snow bridge. At this spot you are over the middle water fall.

The meadows at the top of the waterfall. PC: Nikhil Phadke

Crossing over to the other side of the Rupin, it is a steep climb flanking the slopes that leads to the top of the waterfall. It is like climbing a series of ledges (and a minor snow patch) before getting down to the meadow at the top of the waterfall.

For the first time you catch a view of what it is actually like at the top of the waterfall. It is quite unlike what you expected, keeping to the tradition of surprises of the Rupin trail. It is a wide meadow, reaching out to a flat bowl. Streams fed from the alpine snowy flank that converge on the bowl merge together to form the Rupin.

The upper waterfall campsite in June when the snow gives way to the green shoots. Pic: Rohil Waghmare

Get down to the snout of the waterfall and sit on the edge. Dangle your legs over as you watch the Rupin crash down to the valley below. This is the top of the waterfall, a spot that has been in your sight the last two days.

Day 8: Upper Waterfall camp to Rupin Pass via Rati Pheri, further on to Ronti Gad

Altitude: 13,100 ft to 15,380 ft to 13,100 ft
Time taken: 10-11 hours
Trek gradient: Difficult. Steep climb to the pass followed by a steep decent.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water from the camp before starting. Refill your water bottles completely at Rati Pheri – 1 hour after you begin. Water sources will be limited hereafter.

Steep climb to the pass followed by a sharp descent. This is the longest day of your trek and the most gruelling – and perhaps the most exciting too. It has enough adventure in store to haunt your memories for a long time.

Start your day even before sun up. Make sure you are out of the camp by 5:00 am. Carry breakfast with you. You’ll need the energy boost for your brief halt at the top of the pass.

The day begins with a steep climb on a snow patch to reach Rati Pheri. PC: Vishwas Krishnamurthy

The trail to Rati Pheri starts out to the left of the meadow, climbing steeply along a snow patch that looks a mile long. The climb gains altitude in bountiful. An hour into the climb, the ascent veers left, rounding the shoulder of a ridge and opens out to the camping grounds of Rati Pheri. Stop here for a breather and much needed drink of water (and also fill your bottles for water source is limited until you cross the pass). Also, marvel at the change in scenery.

The Rupin valley that has been your companion for the last six days is lost to view, and the alpine Dhauladar range takes its place to your right and across the valley. It is now snow fields and alpine country till you get to the Rupin pass. This is a good time to put on your gaiters if you are carrying them.

From Rati Pheri, for the first time, across vast acres of snow fields, you get a glimpse of the Rupin pass, a tiny gap on the ridge line of the Dhauladar. It looks so far away, that the thought of actually climbing through the gap does not register.

Traversing the snowfields of Rathi Pheri in May/June. PC: Nikhil Agarwal

The slow walk over the undulating snow fields is endless. The snow makes the going difficult. At times you are going to slip and slide a few meters. At times your foot is going to sink in up to the thighs. But never is it going to get so difficult that it scares the life out of you. The scenery is singularly white.

There are no tracks on the snow and you need to keep a general sense of direction towards the Rupin pass gully. The good news is, there are hardly any chances of losing your way, and if you keep your sight on the pass and stick to your right, you will eventually, after an arduous trek of an hour and half, come to the foot of the Rupin pass gully.

Rest for a while, collect your breath and prepare yourself for a thrilling adventurous climb through the Rupin pass gully.

A word of caution here: The trek through the gully is a short climb of about 200 meters. What makes the climb tricky is the loose stones and boulders (scree) that line its entire length. Add to it the initial climb leading to the gully over a steep snowy flank of the slope. Footholds on the icy slope are difficult to find and scrambling on all fours is sometimes the only option. An ice-axe to cut steps is extremely handy here.

It is a good idea to let your guides and porters go in advance as they can mark out the route for you. In addition they can give you precious hand-holds in some of the tricky stretches.

Climb in a single file and place your step in the hollow of the footstep in front. Watch for falling stones and rocks and gingerly make your way to the base of the gully.

The gully is a half tube cut out of the mountain side. Voices echo and travel sharply all over the gully. Conversations at regular tone get amplified and it is fun listening to the travails of the trekkers as they make their way up the gully.

Crane your neck up to the mouth of the gully. A multitude of prayer flags flutters in the high winds that blow across. You are looking at the Rupin pass.

The climb through the gully is as thrilling as it gets. The rocky world is surreal. The anticipation of reaching the pass exhilarating. It won’t take you more than fifteen to twenty minutes to get to the top of the pass.

The pass is a saddle on a ridge line cutting its way through and across the Dhauladar range. For the first time you catch views of the Sangla side of the mountain – and you are again spun into the world of eternal surprises of the trek. The green open mountainscape is so much in stark contrast to the snow and alpine country behind you that it takes a while for the scenery to sink in.

How to make yourself fit

Rupin Pass is a moderate – difficult trek. No two ways about it. Every day, you cover around 10 km on an average and gain a good amount of altitude. Over 4 days, you climb from 5,100 ft to a highest point of 15,380 ft. So you gain 10,000 ft over just the first five days of trekking! If you want to do this trek comfortably and enjoy all the surprises it offers, you will need to prepare well.

Cardiovascular endurance – Target 10 km in 60 minutes before the start of the trek The Rupin Pass trek requires a good amount of endurance and stamina. You can begin by jogging everyday. Start slow and increase your pace everyday. Swimming, cycling and stair climbing without too many breaks in between can help too.

In order to be prepared for a high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets. In case you’re just starting with a regular fitness routine, you can phase out your targets in the following manner –

Target completing 5 km in 35 minutes when you begin
Gradually bring up your speed to do 5 km in 30 minutes
Start increasing the distance you jog to get to 10 km in 70 minutes

Before the start of the trek, get to 10 km in 60 minutes.

Prepare for ascents To prepare yourself for the steep climbs, you can add stair-climbing to your routine as well. The second and third day have long stretches of ascents to Jiskun and Jhaka. Start simply by climbing upstairs for two minutes non-stop. Overtime, increase this to five-minute bursts of climbing, and take it to ten minutes with a short break in between.

Strength – Target 4 sets of squats with 20 in each A stiff ascent at 15,000 ft in snow requires sheer body strength. Also, the last day of the trek from Rontigad to Sangla involves a killer descent of 12 km. This can be extremely taxing on your knee. So work on your core body strength and also your thighs, to take pressure off your knees. You can do some squats. Do three sets of squats, with 8 squats in each set. Apart from this, you can include planks and crunches in your routine. This will help increase your core body strength.

Flexibility When you’re working your muscles a lot, you need to keep them loose and flexible. For this, you can do some stretching exercises – stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back muscles and shoulders regularly. Carrying a backpack, however light, can become a strain after a while. These exercises will help you to be in good shape before the trek.

Here is a chart that you can follow to get fit for your trek.