Rupin Pass Trek 2019, Garhwal

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is Rupin Pass trek weather?

   The temperature during the day at Rupin Pass is around range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature becomes 0-7ºC. The trek is from moderate to difficult the weather keeps changing. There will be a good amount of snow during the month of May from Saruwas Thatch. The snow decreases in June and remains moderate during this month. September has little snow. During the first week of October, there will be first winter snow in the upper reaches which usually melts in a few days.

2. Is Diamox is advisable?

   Yes, you can take a Diamox if you have any symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) which includes a headache, nausea and vomiting. You can also inform your trek leader on this. With Diamox, it is important to hydrate more than usual. Diamox is a diuretic which makes you want to use the toilet more.

3. How do I get in shape?

   Rupin Pass trek is a little difficult trek than the usual. The trek requires a good amount of endurance and stamina. For this, you can start jogging every day and then do cycling for some time. Also, take the stairs without any breaks which will help you to keep fit. Also, start with brisk 10 minutes walk every day and then some physical exercise like stretching. You can also do some yoga every day to regulate your breathing properly. Do three sets of squats, with 8 squats in each set. Apart from this, you can include planks and crunches in your routine.

4. What is the best time to go on Rupin Pass Trek?

   The months of May,June and September are the best time to trek, a slight change in atmospheric pressure or a shift in the winds can bring rainfall or snowfall during the Rupin Pass trek.

5. What is the level of fitness expected from the participants?

   The fitter you are the more you'll take away from the experience. Take as much time as you can for cardio exercise and strength training, including core strength. This will make it far easier for you to trek and explore the terrain with your guide. Moreover, exercises aid in acclimatization for the trip. Experience of walking for long distances with heavy weights (at least 15 Kg) will be a useful preparation.

6. I am a first timer. Can I go for trek Rupin Pass?

   This is not a trek recommended for first timers. If you are confident enough and physically fit, you may still consider. Recommended good treks for first timers are Hampta Pass Trek and Kuari Pass Trek.

7. What are the clothing and equipments which I should carry at my end?

   Make sure to carry warm and comfortable clothing as temperature can drop, pack good quality trekking shoes, slippers and extra pair of socks. It’s advisable to carry sunscreen lotion or any other skin moisturisers as the sun at the top can be harsh. Water bottles and energy bars/snacks are advisable. A Flashlight (with spare batteries) will help once the sun goes down and it’s always smart to carry insect repellent and emergency medical kit.

8. Which type of shoes should I carry?

   Good quality and sturdy trekking shoes that cover your ankles. Refrain from using sport shoes for your own safety and the trails are uneven and tricky hence requiring good grip trekking shoes. If you are buying new shoes for your trek, please remember to use them for at least a month before you commence your holiday.

9. How much weight will I have to carry? Will porters be provided?

   A 60 Ltr backpack is advisable to carry but amount of weight to be carried depends on your requirements and capacity. Porters and mules will be available but at an extra cost.

10. What kind of food will be provided during this trek? What about safe drinking water?

    You will be served Indian vegetarian food and during this trek. Himalayan water is considered a clean and mineral water but to be on the safe side you will get boiled water with chlorine tablets.

11. Can we have alcohol if it's really cold during the trek?

    One of the best things to keep your body warm while out on a trek is to have a rum or brandy. NO, IT IS A MYTH. No alcohol gives you body warmth. In fact contrary to this alcohol makes your body turn cold, internally. Alcohol consumption during trek can lead to AMS that is Acute Mountain sickness and Hypothermia. Both these can prove to be fatal when on a trek as lengthy as Rupin pass. So strictly avoid ALCOHOL.

12. How should I prepare myself for Rupin pass trek?

    This trek has a difficulty level of medium to hard. The terrain is variable - with slippery roads, muddy grounds, and snowy trails. For somebody who has a desk job, or does not indulge in routine physical activities, this can be a difficult trail. So it is advisable to prepare for the trek by planning a fitness routine and working out daily. The focus should be on legs, calf muscles, and core group to build up endurance and strength. Those who have a medical condition should consult with their physician to ensure they are medically fit to go trekking at such a high altitude.

13. Is Rupin pass trek safe to do?

    Rupin pass trek will take you through some of the most stunning and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Although the pass is located at 15,000 feet above sea level, the terrain is only bothersome at best. It is one of the best treks for a beginner. Most of the walking distance is littered with remote hamlets, lush green meadows, deep jungles, and crystal clear waterfalls. A solo adventure is not recommended, but if you do want to travel without a group, take a guide with you who is familiar with the terrain and weather conditions.

14. What should I keep in mind before going for Trekking Rupin Pass?

    Before embarking on the trip, it is best to indulge in some physical workout to prepare for the trek. Additionally, one should carry essential items like raincoats, walking stick, food and water, first aid kit, trekking shoes, torch, sunglasses etc. Since it can get quite cold in the mountains, woolen clothes are a must. At such a high altitude, some people may feel dizziness and headache because of altitude sickness, so carry medication for that. It should also be kept in mind that the weather can be quite unpredictable when in the mountains. If you are traveling solo, it would be wise to take a guide with you who will help you in case of an emergency.

15. How to reach Dhauala?

    Dhauala is located in Uttrakhand. It is base camp for Rupin pass trek. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun, Uttrakhand. Nearest rail head is Dehradun Utrakhand. There are two buses that leave early morning 5:30 AM from railway station, you have to get down at Naitwar and can look for shared taxi from there to Dhauala. You can also hire a cab from Naitwar, it costs around 800 to 1000 rupees to book a cab. It’s a 40 mins drive from Naitwar.

16. Will there be mobile connectivity on Rupin Pass Trek?

    When you pick Rupin pass trek. It’s a 52 km adventurous trek that starts from Dhauala and ends in Sangla. The mobile connectivity on this trek is very fluctuating as you are in extreme interiors of the Himalayas. In Dhaula you have a full range of your cell phones but with each passing altitude, the network stick on your cell phone will start to dip. You will have no network from 2nd day onwards if you are lucky enough you may get BSNL networks but that is also monetary. In Sangla again you will see human civilization you will find your telecom networks.

17. Will there be snow on this trek?

    Rupin pass is famous for its crystal clear snow. Right from you Dhauala you will find snow as you trek up to Rupin pass. The highest altitude that you will get on your trek on Rupin pass is 15.250 ft. from the sea level. If you love snow you will find the purest and crystal clear snow on the top of Rupin pass. Carry your snow boots together for this adventure and memorable trek.

18. How many kilometers will we cover in each day?

    This is the highly subjective question. It depends to for how many days you have designed this trek and with which group you are planning to go. It generally takes 8 days for the trek to complete. The trek is 52 Km from Dhauala the base for Rupin pass trek. Initially, for first two days, you can expect to cover 7 -9 Km than 3rd to the 6th-day average distance covered will be 6-8 Km and on last two days it's 70-12 Km.

19. How many days does this trek require?

    Rupin pass spread over 57 Km distance is one of trekkers paradise but it is classified in difficult treks to do by all its parameters. Rupin pass trek starts in Uttrakhand and ends in Himachal Pradesh. Thus the minimum time for this trek is 8 days. Justification to that is on average not more than 7 Km trek can be done. But do remember it’s like heaven paradise from Dhauala to Sangla. The 8 days journey will be incorporated in your minds for your life.

20. What will we see during this trek?

    Rupin pass has all the surprises packages for its trekkers who come to explore nature in its most pure form. Right from sunrise and sunsets and snow beds of the crystal clear snow to waterfall views, hanging village. The village is actually hanging off the cliff view of Kinner Kailash, snow bridges, Lush forest, and highly visited Kennaur temple. It is called Kennaur temple because of its cultural of Kinnauri culture.