What is the Rupin Pass trek going to be like?

A high altitude himalayan trek like Rupin Pass is more than just a trip. It is an experience of a life time. The trek has both thrilling and testing moments going hand in hand. In short be ready for adventure. 

People get to witness nature in its various hues, which can humble any human being. For a lot of us, a Himalayan trek teaches us whole new things and is almost a life changing event every time.

Weather and trek timings:

On the Rupin Pass trail, we start at 6,500 feet and climb to 15,250 feet in five days.  You pass through a variety of scenes each springing as a surprise as you move on the trail. First you go through the quaint villages -- Jiskoon and Jhaka. These villages are centuries old and retain their old charm in their architecture and hospitality. After the villages, your trek group is in seclusion from the rest of the world. Its going to be only forests, meadows, alpine mountains and you for the next 3 days until you reach Sangla.

At the lower camps, temperature at night range 6-10°C degrees at night. At the higher camps the temperature can go as low as -1 or -2°C outside the tent. Day temperatures are pleasant, generally around  16 - 18°C.

Our trekking day starts early and you will be out on the trail by 7 am. On all days but the Pass day, we reach the next camp site by lunch time. Rains in the afternoons are not uncommon. We insist an early start for another reason. If you reach the next camp early, it helps you acclaimatize to the high altitude. The more time you spend at the higher altitude the better is your acclaimatization.

After a days trek is over, we gather in our tents and have fun playing games or singing or just joking around.

On the day you cross the pass, we have an early start by 5 a.m. It is a long trekking day. As it is likely to be on snow, the going is easier when the snow is harder. By mid morning, the snow gets softer and walking takes more effort.

Backpacks:

We at Indiahikes are trekkers ourselves. We believe that trekking is not just walking up a mountain. We believe  trekkers must carry their personal belongings themselves to do justice to the true spirit of trekking. While we have porters  to carry supplies and equipment; trekkers are expected to carry their backpacks weighing not more than 7-8 kgs. If on any day we find a trekker finding it difficult to carry their backpack we take it off him/her for that day.

Some folks ask us, is it ok for us to pay extra and get a porter to carry our backpack. When you want a porter to carry your backpack, it just does not mean taking one extra porter. It means more fuel burnt and more waste generated. It is not something that can be taken lightly. We would like to be as ecological sensitive as possible on our treks. However, for those above 50, porters carry their backpack.

Food:

On the trek we see to it that you get fresh, hot and nutritious food at every meal. You have breakfast before you start the days trek. You are given light snacks, toffees for munching on the way. Lunch is served when you reach the next camp. Tea and snacks will await you in the evening and dinner is announced by 8 pm.

The food served will be as per a pre-defined menu. Food is vegetarian and wholesome. The menu is designed keeping in mind the altitude of your camp.

Waste management and Toilets:

It is our and every trekkers responsibility to see that we leave the trekking trail as pristine as it was before we got there. We insist that no non-biodegradable waste be thrown by either the trekkers or our staff. The waste has to be collected and handed over to the camp managers, who will see that it is got off the hills and disposed ecologically.

Biodegradable waste will be buried once the team is set to leave the campsite.

Toilet tents will be available wherever feasible.

How tough is the Rupin Pass trek:

Rupin pass is a medium difficult trek. While it does not require any technical climbing skills it can be strenuous.  It takes you to high altitudes where walking is very different from walking in our cities. You owe it to yourselves to be in good physical shape before embarking on this journey. Follow the fitness guidelines as outlined here http://rupinpass.com/fitness-required.html for a great trek. Happy trekking!