Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the Women of Worth Award by Outlook Business in 2017.  

She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking. 

 Read a feature on Sandhya in Outlook Business

 Read Sandhya's other articles 

 Read Sandhya's TedX Talk 
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Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Photostory is a mountain himalayan trek. Easy Trek for all seasons. The nandavan below mount bhagirathi, 80 degree decent, You will spot Bharad, wolf.

Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan-3

Kedarkantha Trek

Gidara Bugyal

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Goechala Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Deoban Weekend Trek

Kuari Pass Summer Camp Trek

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp 

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Mural Danda Exploration

Surya Top

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek 

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Rupin Pass

Miyar Valley

Valley of Flowers

Mount Rinjani Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Gurez Valley Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Kedartal Trek

Warwan Valley Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Khopra Ridge Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Bijli Mahadev Trek

Har Ki Dun

Dayara Bugyal Trek 

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Pench Tiger Trail

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Bodpathri Trek

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Choharnag Lakes Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Aancha Top Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Roopkund Trek

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Kanamo Peak Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Ghepan Lake

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Winter Trekking Camp for Children

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Bananthimari Betta Trek

Doddabetta and Abbey Vari Waterfall Trek

Brahmagiri Peak Trek

Valikunja Trek

Brahmagiri Peak Trek- Blog

Nandi Hills Trek

Handi Gundi Trek

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Parvathamalai Trek

Nishani Motte Trek

Kugti Pass Trek

Netravati Trek

Satpura Forest Trail

Karnala Fort Trek

Neelkanth Mahadev Lake Trek

Kamalgad Trek

Horagina Betta Trek

Chadar Trek

Arshan Valley Trek

Makalidurga Trek

Halu Chilume Gange Trek

Kudremukh Trek

Bekal Beach Trek

Bijli Mahadev To Naggar Trek

Harishchandragad Trek

Doodhpathri Trek

Triund Trek

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Our Adventure Therapy Trek is led by a trained therapist, who will guide you through reflective and therapeutic exercises during the trek. To accommodate this expertise, the fee is ₹5,000 higher than our regular trek fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 18 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

Please note, this is an open Collaborative Leadership Programme with a focus on networking and building Collaborative Leadership skills for young professionals and university students. The trek fee is 5000 more than the regular fee. Learn more about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/blog/open-collaborative-leadership-program

The Indiahikes Summer Camp aligns with the Adventurous Journey of the IAYP programme. Our treks provide a challenging outdoor experience where participants plan, train, and trek in an unfamiliar environment. They develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience while navigating trails, camping, and engaging with nature—fulfilling all the requirements of the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:

The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

We close the movement of the waitlist 7-15 days before the trek starts.

You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with challenges such as heavy rain, roadblocks, floods, landslides, and permit restrictions imposed by the government. These situations are not within Indiahikes' control. 

Before you register, please be prepared for the possibility that your trek might be called off due to these uncontrollable factors. In such cases, Indiahikes will make every effort to offer you a safe alternative trek. If that isn't possible, we will cancel your trek and issue a voucher for the trek fee in line with our standard cancellation policy.

However, if you would like to receive a full refund of your fee under such circumstances, opt for the Indiahikes Shield while registering. This shield grants you the option to receive a refund in case your trek is cancelled due to external reasons. 

Why you should opt for Indiahikes Shield 

Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.

Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared.  As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.  

We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.

Why you must opt for Indiahikes Shield on Kashmir Treks

When you offload, a mule or porter will carry your belongings.

Offloading is for those with injuries, health issues or other limitations

Book via Your Profile after trek registration. 

We will provide you with a weather-resistant kit bag to transfer your belongings.

The kitbag will be carried by mules or porters.

You will not need a backpack if you're offloading. However, you will need a small day pack.

Find details about the Indiahikes Offloading Process here.

At Indiahikes, we strongly believe that children must trek. Children aged 14 and below qualify for a 30% trek fee scholarship. Check out this article to learn more.


For every ten adult members (aged 15 and above) of the group, we waive off the trek fee for one person. Indiahikes will reimburse the said trek fee after you complete your trek.

₹4,000 for transport to and from basecamp

We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.

TREK DIFFICULTY

TREK DURATION

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

SUITABLE FOR

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

BASECAMP

ACCOMMODATION TYPE

PICKUP POINT

PICKUP TIME

DROPOFF TIME

CLOAKROOM

OFFLOADING

If there is a trek in India that surprises you at every turn, it has to be the Rupin Pass trek. This trek is like an orchestra, building momentum with surprises in scenery every hour. You’ll never see it coming. Allow us to take you through the trek.

To begin with, Rupin Pass is a high altitude mountain pass, climbing to 15,250 feet. The adventure and thrill of ascending to such an altitude in the Indian Himalayas makes it a terrific trek on its own. And then come the surprises.  

The surprises begin even before the trek, on your drive from Rohru over the Chainsheel Pass. Unpaved roads wind uphill through forests, changing views by the minute. The forest is so unique that you will want to step out of your vehicle now and then to admire it. At around 11,000 feet, you burst out of the forests into grasslands. These grasslands stretch far and wide. They last until you reach the Chainsheel Pass. 

On the first day of your trek, the hanging village of Jakha, perched on a ridge, takes you by surprise. The next day, the sudden appearance of the tall and dark coniferous forest about an hour outside Jakha is jaw-dropping. The abrupt end of the forest and the sudden appearance of a snow bridge below you (if early in the season) are equally mind-boggling. 

We are yet to get to Day 2, where the islands of Saruwas Thatch and a sudden view of the famous Rupin Waterfall catch you by surprise. Even though you have heard the waterfall is tall, its sheer 1,500 ft drop takes you by surprise. 

The perfectly “U” shaped glacial valley of Dhanderas Thatch, with hundreds of waterfalls streaming down, make you marvel at how such formations naturally exist. The following day, climbing to the top of the Rupin waterfall over its numerous snow bridges is unexpected. Then, out of the blue, you get to the upper waterfall campsite, with the Rupin river calmly gliding alongside your camp. 

After a long climb from the upper waterfall camp, you step into the vast snowfields of Rata Pheri. It is an alpine setting that is least expected. 

From the edges of Rata Pheri, the first sight of the Rupin gully leaves you in awe, accompanied by an adrenaline rush. When you realise you have to climb the gully to get to the pass, it is an adventure that trekkers least expect. 

The climb to the knife-edged Rupin Pass, the vast slides on the snow after that, and the long grassy descent to the last Ronti Gad campsite are new surprises on the other side. 

The Rupin Pass trek is so full of quick scenery changes that it leaves trekkers breathless until the end. Only when you reach the road at Sangla, do the surprises finally end. 

Count the sudden scenery changes as you do the Rupin Pass trek. It is a unique combination of high-altitude adventure with stunning changes in scenery —a combination so rare that it makes the Rupin Pass one of the top treks to do in India. 

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Rupin Pass trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. 

Trekkers often ask us for hotel recommendations before or after their treks. Finding a good place using online listings can be tedious and tricky. So, through our network of trekkers and trek leaders, we have put together the best hotel recommendations in the major cities near our treks.

These are tried-and-tested recommendations—places we trust for comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. They’re also located near town centers and your pick-up points. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or something a little more premium, you’ll find an option that suits your needs below.

Visible Peaks from Rupin Pass

Hikophilic

LIGHTSKY MOTION PICTURES

Study this map to get a visual cue of the Rupin Pass trek.

➤ Stay facility: The stay at Jiskun and Jakha will be in a lodge, and the rest of the days during the trek are in tents (2 per tent).

➤ Documents required: A copy of your photo id is mandatory for entry at forest check posts on the trek. Since Jiskun will have limited facilities to photocopy, do not leave this till the end. These documents will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.

➤ Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a cloakroom facility available at the Rohru basecamp for extra luggage. It will cost Rs 200 per 10 kg bag. Anything beyond 10 kg is considered second luggage and will be charged accordingly. After the trek, your cloakroom luggage will be handed over to you in Rampur.  

You are going on a Himalayan trek, where there are several unpredictable factors. It's best to book flexible flight tickets, which you can reschedule if required. These are available for a small added cost with most travel companies.

Download the GPX file for your Rupin Pass Trek

We go to great lengths to ensure you have a safe trek. So here’s a GPX file to help you navigate without getting lost.

Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, went on the Rupin Pass trek much before he started Indiahikes. He is a veteran of the trekking community in India and one of the earliest to trek Rupin Pass and put it on the maps of our country. Here’s Arjun talking about the trek full of surprises.

What I Like and Don’t Like About the Rupin Pass Trek

10 Surprising Twists on the Rupin Pass Trek

 The trail runs alongside the Rupin River, leading to frequent river crossings. In May and June, you'll traverse massive snow bridges, while in September and October, shepherds set up makeshift log bridges.  If no bridges exist, then you will have to hop on boulders or use ropes if required.

The climb to Upper Waterfall from Lower Waterfall is a very strenuous climb that tests your endurance. This is also an avalanche and rockfall-prone area.

The Rupin Gully, which leads you the pass from the Upper Waterfall Camp, is a very steep ascent. If you are doing the trek in Summer, you can expect snow, which makes this section even more challenging.

The descent from Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad is long and steep. It can be hard on your knees if you are not well-prepared.


Please note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, our Trek Leaders and Technical Guides will provide you with all necessary guidance, support, and technical gear such as micro spikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, etc. wherever required.

Rainfall or snowfall lasting for hours can change the entire trek dynamic. 

Since you are trekking along the Rupin river throughout, rain can easily  make the trails too slushy to walk safely on. In the lower waterfall camp, where numerous streams gurgle down from the sides of the valley, heavy rain can flood the campsite.

Snowfall can obstruct previously made paths, requiring fresh tracks to be cut in the snow. In case of heavy snows, pass-crossing gets extremely difficult.


Please note: The safety of our trekkers is paramount. Our technical team, in conjunction with the Trek Leader, constantly monitors the weather conditions and makes informed decisions about proceeding with or aborting the trek. If the weather deteriorates, the team may need to turn back from any campsite to ensure the safety of all trekkers.

Although Rupin is a difficult trek in terms of terrain and climbs to well over 15,000 ft, the Indiahikes itinerary is designed to allow enough space for acclimatising. You do not gain more than 2000 ft in elevation on any day of the trek.

Yet, you must keep in mind that the Rupin Pass Trek ascends to an altitude of 15,279 ft above sea-level and at altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Altitude sickness can happen to anybody - first-time trekkers as well as experienced trekkers. Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs an equal risk of developing AMS. Here’s a Complete guide to Acute Mountains Sickness, HAPE and HACE


Please Note: The Indiahikes team is equipped with high-altitude medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to handle any altitude-related emergencies. 

The Rupin Pass trek has two exits. One is just after Sewa village and before Jiskun. This exit takes you over the remote Chainsheel Pass and leads to Shimla via Rohru after a 14-hour drive. The second is from the end of the trek at Sangla. This is an 8-hour drive to Shimla.

If you need an exit from the Rupin Pass trek before the Upper Waterfall campsite, choose the exit between Jiskun and Sewa. If you are at Upper Waterfall, it is faster to cross the pass and exit onto Sangla. However, crossing the pass in an emergency involving sickness or injury is easier said than done.


Closest Hospital to the Rupin Pass Trek:

If you have not crossed the pass and you need medical attention, the Jiskun exit is your best bet. Get down to Jiskun in 1 or 2 days depending on your health condition. Hire a private car at Jiskun which can take you to Rohru. Rohru has a government hospital that can give basic medical attention. For advanced treatments, head to Shimla which is 100 km further away.


Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Continued

Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Photostory

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