After years of healing others, I decided to gift myself something rare – a journey that would heal me. The Rupin Pass Trek wasn’t just another trip; it was a life-transforming experience that tested my body, mind, and spirit. Let me take you through the day-by-day moments of this adventure.
🚆 Day 1: June 13 – Delhi to Shimla
With a heart full of excitement and a backpack of essentials, I boarded a bus from Delhi, heading to Shimla – the gateway to our trek. The overnight journey was the first step into the unknown.
🚐 Day 2: June 14 – Shimla to Jiskun
Early morning, our journey resumed from Shimla to Jiskun, a quaint little Himalayan village nestled amidst pine forests and wooden houses. Twisting roads, picturesque landscapes, and chilling breeze marked the long drive. We reached Jiskun by evening and spent the night soaking in the raw mountain energy.
🛖 Camp Site: A charming homestay-style camp with wooden rooms, cozy blankets, and breathtaking valley views. Perfect to acclimatize and slow down.
🥾 Day 3: Jiskun to Jhaka
The real trek began. We walked past Jhaka, the famed “hanging village”, and gradually entered denser forests and meadows. The air turned cooler. Cool homestay with rainy trek.
Evening visit near by village temple and play games
🥾 Day 4: jhaka via Suruwas thacth to Dhanderas Thatch
The trail took us through snow bridges and alpine forests to the expansive Dhanderas Thatch. We crossed scenic bridges and flowing streams, feeling one with nature.
🏕️ Camp Site: A flat, open meadow at the base of mighty cliffs and waterfalls. It looked like something out of a fairytale.
Overnight rainfall and morning weather is cloudy
⛺ Day 5: Acclimatization / Buffer Day
We stayed back an extra day to acclimatize and regain strength. Short hikes and bonding with fellow trekkers filled the day. The mountains were kind, and our bodies adjusted.
🧗♂️ Day 6: Dhanderas to Upper Waterfall Camp
A steeper and more dramatic climb led us to the Upper Waterfall Camp – nestled just below the mighty Rupin Waterfall. The sound of cascading water echoed through the valley.
🏕️ Camp Site: Surrounded by snow, ice, and rocks – a rugged campsite with views that made every hardship worth it.
🏔️ Day 7: The Summit Day – Upper Waterfall to Rupin Pass (2:30 AM start)
This was the most challenging and rewarding day. We started our ascent at 2:30 AM in the pitch-dark cold. Walking on snow, through steep ridges and switchbacks, we finally reached the Rupin Pass summit at 7:00 AM.
Standing at 15,250 ft, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, I felt silence within and outside – a rare kind of peace. Tears rolled down – not from exhaustion, but from gratitude.
Then began our descent to Ronti Gad, the base camp on the other side of the pass. It was a long walk down, but the views kept our spirits high.
🌄 Day 8: Ronti Gad to Sangla Village
Our last trek day. We started at 8 AM and descended to Sangla, a serene village in Himachal’s Kinnaur Valley. The trail went through forests, apple orchards, and welcoming locals.
🚐 Day 9 & 10: Return Journey – Sangla to Shimla to Delhi
We drove back from Sangla to Shimla and then took the road back to Delhi. The body was tired, but the heart was full.
💭 Final Reflections
This journey reminded me of life's essence – slow, unpredictable, yet so beautiful. I met amazing people, faced my limits, and returned stronger.
If you ever feel stuck in the chaos of life, walk into the wild. The mountains don’t just challenge you – they heal you.
“Rupin Pass didn’t just give me memories, it gave me a new mindset.”
