Key Info :

• Grade: Moderate

• Highest Altitude: 4632 m (15,197 Feet)

• Trip Duration: 7 Days (Jiskun to Sangla)

• Trek Distance: 44 kms

• Region : Himachal

• Batch Size : Minimum 7, Maximum 15 Participants

Add-ons :

• Transportation (Shimla to Shmila): ₹4,000 + GST

• Backpack Offloading: ₹4,800 + GST

• Outdoor Insurance (Indian Nationals Only): ₹330 + GST

• Single Tent Accomodation: ₹3000 + GST

Short Itinerary :

Day 1: Make Your Way from Shimla (2,276M) to Jiskun (2,099M)

Day 2: Jiskun (2,350M) to Jhaka (2,750 M)

Day 3: Jhaka (2,750M) to Dhanderas Thatch camp (3,566 M) via Saruwas Thatch (3,280M)

Day 4: Rest Day

Day 5: Dhanderas Thatch camp (3566 m) to Upper Waterfall camp (4080 m)

Day 6: Upper Waterfall camp (4080 m) to Rupin Pass (4657 m); Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad Camp (4005 m)

Day 7: Ronti Gad Camp (4005 m) to Sangla Valley (2675 m); further to Shimla (2276 m)

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1

Make Your Way from Shimla (2,276M) to Jiskun (2,099M)

Distance: 198 kms

Duration: 9-10 hours

If you have signed up with us for a drive from Shimla to Jiskun, the day starts early. Everyone assembles at the meeting point by 7 in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Jiskun – a charming agricultural village in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 10-hour drive, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons:

One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads on the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark.

Day 2

Jiskun (2,350M) to Jhaka (2,750 M)

Distance: 6-7 kms

Duration: 4-5 hours

The trail for today snakes up in a continuous ascent through dense forests after passing through the traditional high-altitude villages of Himachal Pradesh. Once we cross the last signs of habitation, we cross over a small wooden bridge and head on upwards towards our destination for today.

Day 3

Jhaka (2,750M) to Dhanderas Thatch camp (3,566 M) via Saruwas Thatch (3,280M)

Distance: 11-12 kms

Duration: 8-9 hours

Today’s trail takes us all the way down to the river to walk alongside its beautiful blue waters as we follow all its curves and bends. The thicket of fir forests quickly transforms to patches of snow. On crossing these, a snow bridge and a wooden bridge, we hop and jump over some boulders and streams to enter another magical forest – this one rich in rhododendrons of varied hues.

A few more kilometers and we reach Saruwas Thatch– a massive field of meadows rich in all kinds of fresh colours. A little rest here and we push on towards Dhanderas Thatch which s only a short distance from here. Don’t mistake short for unexciting, however because this might as well be the best day of the entire trek which offers some of the most beautiful landscapes. This short walk on the colourful meadows takes us straight to the foot of the roaring Rupin waterfall which doubles up as our campsite for today. The magnificence of this trek is the constantly changing scenery – while the first day took us through fir forests, the second through rhododendrons, today we walk through the luminescence of silver oak trees until we end up at the campsite for the day – Dhanderas Thatch.

Day 4

Rest Day

This day can be used as a rest or buffer based upon the weather conditions and participants fitness. This day can be used at any camp and is at the discretion of the Trek Leader.

Day 5

Dhanderas Thatch camp (3566 m) to Upper Waterfall camp (4080 m)

Distance: 4 kms

Duration: 3 hours

Today’s trek is relatively short but exciting! We will be making our way to the top of the Rupin Waterfall. This section is important because it gives you ample time to acclimatize to the changing altitude and prepare for what is to come next.

The morning begins at leisure allowing the trekkers to rest their limbs properly. For about 1 km, the trail is fairly level as you cross several streams on your way decorated with a display of wild flowers and marigolds. The next section is tricky as you reach the snow patches at the base of the waterfall. This is when your snow equipments like trekking pole and ice-axe would come into play. The trek on snow is particularly challenging as the trail is steep and narrow in many sections. This continues for the next 1.5 kms before you reach the meadow at the top.

The Upper Waterfall Camp is a gorgeous meadow on the banks of a gently flowing stream. You will get to see the spectacular mountain ranges covered in snow and several streams running down through them merging into the Rupin river and disappearing below your feet. While everyone has seen a waterfall closely, only a few can claim to have seen it right from the top and observe it fall down right into the valley. You will one of those lucky few. Capture this moment at the most cinematic location one can imagine. This campsite is a true sight to behold!

Day 6

Upper Waterfall camp (4080 m) to Rupin Pass (4657 m); Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad Camp (4005 m)

Distance: 4 kms + 4 kms

Duration: 6-7 hours + 2-3 hours

This is perhaps the longest and the most thrilling day of the trek. We begin as early as 5 AM and carry packed lunch and breakfast along to reenergize ourselves on the way. The challenges begin to appear shortly after we begin the trek. The ascent to Rati Pheri is a steep incline veering through snow and gains a generous amount of altitude in an hour. The trail climbs over a ridge before reaching the campsite of Rati Pheri.

The landscape changes beautifully at Rati Pheri – a promise best kept by the Rupin Pass trek! The expansive views of the Rupin valley are replaced by the alpine Dhauladar range as you now move ahead over vast snowfields. Your trek leader will provide you with appropriate snow equipments such as microspikes and gaiters depending upon the level and density of snow on the trail. From Rati Pheri, the trek is steep and quite demanding as the snow makes it difficult to trudge through. It is slipper in some sections, while at others the snow may be knee-deep demanding every ounce of your energy to take that next step. All the snow techniques you have learnt so far are put to test and how so. In about 3.5 hours, you will finally reach the base of the Rupin Pass gully. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate for the gruelling trek ahead.

The Rupin Pass gully is a narrow and steep half tube in the mountain side that is prone to lose stones falling over. It stretches over 200 m and would take anywhere between 40 minutes to 1 hour to cover, depending upon the level of snow and the speed of the trekkers.

After a long and steep icy-climb, the sight of the saddle shaped Rupin Pass cutting its way through the Dhauladar Ranges rewards you with a feeling of pure bliss and euphoria. Hundreds of stone cairns and colourful prayer flags adorn the ridge line that offers impressive views of the Kinner kailash range in the north and the Rupin valley in the south. Spend some time at the ridge and relish the eternal glory of the spectacle in front of you.

The next phase of the trek steps up the fun quotient by a notch or three. To reach the Ronti Gad campsite, you get to glissade down the chutes of snow. The descent is sharp and rapid and sliding down the snow slope is the best way to cover the distance.

The slopes even out, after the steep descent, making for an easy walk. Once you cross snowline, be prepared for another sharp descent that leads you to an endless meadow with a stream flowing gently through the mountains. This is the Ronti Gad Campsite. You will be camping here for the night in the vicinity of the towering snow-capped mountains – yet another pleasant change in the landscape around.

Day 7

Ronti Gad Camp (4005 m) to Sangla Valley (2675 m); further to Shimla (2276 m)

Distance: 13 kms + 225 kms

Duration: 5-6 hours trek + 7 hours drive

We begin the descent to Sangla after breakfast, at around 9 AM. The trail is a dusty shepherd’s path as you move out of the Ronti Gad campsite. You may come across mule traffic and shepherds tending to their cattle along the way. Almost 2 hours into the trek, you will see the Ronti Gad valley retreating slowly behind you and the trail ahead opening up to first glimpses of the snow-clad Kinner Kailash range. The sight is an absolute marvel to behold.

Soon afterwards, you will see the first signs of civilization afar in the tiny village of Sangla Kanda. Take a quick break in the Sangla Kanda village and have a hot cup of tea to give yourself some respite from the sharp descent.

The trail from Sangla Kanda to Sangla veers through blue pine forests that come as a refreshing surprise. The trek gradient is a rapid decline over a broad well-defined path going through terraced farms, apple orchards and old stone houses.

As you finally reach Sangla, take one last look at the giant mountains around and bid adieu to one of the finest cross-over treks of the country.

*We will reach Shimla late at night, so make your hotel reservations accordingly.

Inclusions :

• Food as per menu on the trek (Starting Dinner on Day 1 till Packed Lunch on Day 7).

• Exhaustive First Aid kit including Oxygen cylinder.

• Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals).

• Dome tents - on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats.

• Micro-spikes, Gaiters, Helmets, if required.

• Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies.

• Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification along with special rescue course from NIM, Uttarkashi.

Exclusions :

• Portage of personal bags during the trek.

• Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.

• Any Expense of personal nature.

• Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.

Things to Carry :

Trekking Gear

• Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1

• Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day

• Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1

• U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1

• Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

• Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1

• Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

• Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2

• Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking

• Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking

• Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1

• Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking

• Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1

• Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1

• Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1

• Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1

• Woolen cap. Qty-1

• Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

• Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)

• Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.

• Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

• Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1

• Plate. Qty- 1

• Spoon.Qty-1

• Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

• Camera (Optional)

• Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.

• Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

Cancellation Policy :

Cash Refund:

5% Deduction: Cancellations up to 60 days prior to departure date

10% Deduction: Between 60 days upto 30 days prior to departure date

50% Deduction: Between 30 days upto 10 days prior to departure date

No Refund: Less than 10 days prior to departure date

Important Note :

1. Sometimes we change/add places or experiences in the itinerary to make the overall experience unique for each batch depending on group interest, weather, Special occasion and crowd conditions. So please be open to experience something authentic.

2. Instructions and rules have been adopted for the safe enjoyment of the activity and I agree to adhere to those regulations mentioned or instructed during the event.

3. Smoking or drinking alcohol, indulging in drugs or doing anything that leads to

intoxication is restricted during any activities that involve risks. We do not encourage it to do the same anywhere else.

4. Any inconvenience created for fellow participants, organizers, respective owners of the property or locals in terms of intentional delays, property damage, vehicle damage, abuse or misbehave may lead to termination of participation.