What is the maximum group size on the Rupin Pass trek?

Alpine Ace caps all Rupin Pass departures at 12 trekkers. This is a fixed policy, not a marketing claim.

Is the Rupin Pass trek suitable for first-time high-altitude trekkers?

Yes, with the right fitness base. You should be comfortable trekking 6–8 hours with a 7–8 kg pack on consecutive days. No technical climbing is required. Day 6 — the pass crossing from the upper waterfall to Ronti Gad, around 12 km — is the longest and most demanding section, and an acclimatization day is built in before it.

What is the best time to do the Rupin Pass trek?

May to June is the primary season. The snowfield is at its most dramatic and trail conditions are optimal. September batches are also available on request.

What is included in the Rupin Pass trek price?

All meals on trek, camping equipment, guide and support staff, forest and state permits. Not included: travel to/from Shimla, personal gear, and travel insurance.

Rupin Pass Trek (2026) — Small Group, Expert Guides

Day by Day

A long road day, around 180 km, out of Shimla and deep into Kinnaur. The valleys narrow, the road climbs, and by evening you reach Jiskoon — a small village where the trek begins. The last of the road noise is behind you for a week.

180 km drive·~9 hrs·to 7,700 ft

Road Journey Trailhead

The first day on foot, and an easy one. Pine and terraced fields, a gentle gain to Jakha — the last village on the route. A short five kilometres that lets the legs find the rhythm before the long climb that follows.

5 km·5 hrs·7,700 → 9,000 ft

Forest Trail Last Village

The big day. Eleven kilometres and the better part of two thousand feet, out of the trees and into open meadow. Dandreyash Thatch is a high, grassy camp with the route ahead laid out above it. By now the village world is well behind you.

11 km·8–9 hrs·9,790 → 11,700 ft

Long Day Meadow Camp

A day held back on purpose. No camp to break, nowhere to be by dark. Short walks to gain a little height and come back down, then rest. The altitude does its work quietly while you do very little — which is the point.

Buffer day·at 11,700 ft·Dandreyash Thatch

Rest Day Acclimatize

Short but steep. Snowfields begin appearing where there was only grass and rock the day before, and the air thins noticeably. The upper waterfall camp sits at 13,300 ft, right below the climb to the pass — close enough now to feel real.

5 km·4–5 hrs·11,700 → 13,300 ft

High Camp Snowline

The summit day — twelve kilometres and around twelve hours. The snowfield before the top catches the first light of the morning. At 4,650 m you cross into Uttarakhand, then begin the long, snaking descent to Ronti Gad. A different state, a different landscape, by the time you reach camp.

12 km·12 hrs·13,700 → 15,255 ft

Summit Day Pass Crossing

A final eight kilometres down to Sangla, mostly downhill and mostly quiet — the week behind everyone makes the conversation unnecessary. From Sangla, the long road back to Shimla. Most people don't say much until somewhere past the first dhaba.

8 km trek·4 hrs trek + 10 hrs drive

Final Descent Drive Out

What to know

Physical prep

Comfortable trekking 6 to 8 hours with a 7 to 8 kg pack. No technical climbing. The snowfield descent on day five is the most demanding section.

What to bring

Layers, a waterproof shell, and trekking poles for the snowfield sections. We send a full kit list after your first conversation with us.

Who you'll walk with

Maximum twelve. Our average is eight. We don't mix groups without asking first. Your guide has led this specific pass for years.

Permits and paperwork

All forest and state permits handled by us. No paperwork on your end. We'll confirm everything in writing before departure.