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 
How I Climbed The Mountain Of Entrepreneurship

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.

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Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

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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.  

Adventure Therapy Treks are specially designed for individuals seeking personal growth, healing, or transformation. These treks bring together people with similar intentions, guided by a trained counsellor or coach to help them work through personal challenges or mental blocks. 

The registration process for our Adventure Therapy Treks follows a different process. 

You must fill out the mandatory questionnaire before your slot can be confirmed. 
 - Here is the link to the form. 

Important notes: 
1. Filling out the form is mandatory. Your slot will not be confirmed unless the form is submitted, even if payment has already been made. If you’ve paid but not completed the form, we will transfer your booking to a regular group of the same trek.
2. 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.

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 comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.

We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.

We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.

We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.  

Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.

We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.

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 trekkers (aged 15 and above) of a group booking, we will waive off the trek fee for one trekker. Indiahikes will reimburse the said trek fee after you complete your trek.

(These benefits will be applicable only if our team is informed at experience@indiahikes.com after the completion of your trek and within 30 days from your trek date. Any requests made beyond this period will not be eligible.)

₹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.

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On the Rupin Pass trek, there is something different waiting for you every hour. We never see sceneries change so dramatically and so quickly on any other trek. No two sections on the Rupin Pass Trek feel the same. Yet, you are constantly in awe.

Surprises start right from the drive ahead of Rohru. Unpaved roads through forests open suddenly into expansive grasslands of the Chainsheel Valley. The drive itself is like doing a trek in fast-forward. You experience a rhododendron forest, then pop into expansive meadows while climbing to a height of 11,000 ft. 

Beyond Chainsheel, you descend to Jiskun. Your trek begins from this quaint Himachali village. On the very first day, you see the Jakha village hanging on the mountainside. It almost seems to defy gravity. And immediately beyond this village, you enter a thick forest of ancient fir. This forest ends abruptly, and you arrive suddenly at a huge snow bridge spanning the Rupin River. Then comes Saruwas Thatch and the sudden jaw-dropping view of the Rupin Waterfall. No matter what you have heard of it or how many times you have seen it in photos, its sheer 1,500 ft drop takes you by surprise. Ahead of Saruwas Thatch, the trail winds through the perfectly U-shaped glacial valley of Dhanderas Thatch and climb to Rata Pheri beyond the Upper Waterfall Camp. It is from here that you see the intimidating Rupin Gully for the first time.

Climbing up to the 15,250 feet pass through this gully is an adventure you’ll never forget. On the other side of the pass, vast meadows of Sangla Kanda and the towering Kinnaur Kailash range bring the trek to a spectacular conclusion.

The blend of high-altitude challenges and mesmerising landscapes on the Rupin Pass trek is simply mind-boggling. The surprises start even before you reach Jiskun and do not end until the very last moments of the trek. 

5 Things We Love About the Rupin Pass Trek

1) The Thrill of the Rupin Gully and Pass Crossing
The climb to the Rupin Pass through its narrow snow-laden gully is an unforgettable experience. The gully feels like a natural amphitheatre, with voices echoing sharply as you ascend its steep walls. The thrill of navigating this 200-metre ascent on a snowy flank is unmatched.

2) The First View of the Rupin Waterfall
The view of the waterfall opens up suddenly beyond a Rhododendron forest.  You see the vast U-shaped Rupin glacial valley, stretching ahead. Steep green walls rise on either side like giant guards. Far away, at the head of the valley, the famous Rupin waterfall drops in three grand stages. It tumbles down from the heights as if pouring straight out of the clouds. The whole scene feels still, distant, and dreamlike—like stepping into a world untouched.

3) The Lower Waterfall Campsite
The lower waterfall campsite at Dhanderas Thatch is among the most picturesque campsites in the Himalayas. Nestled in a lush green glacial valley, it is surrounded by snow-patched cliffs. You have a front-row view of the magnificent Rupin waterfall cascading 1,500 feet from here. Spending a night here feels like a luxury amidst nature.

4) Changing Landscapes on the Trail
The Rupin Pass trail is a showcase of diverse terrains. From the vibrant rhododendron shrubs at Buras Kandi to the serene meadows of Saruwas Thatch, from the icy snowfields of Rata Pheri to the lush grasslands of Sangla Kanda. Each day brings something new, making the trek feel like a journey through multiple worlds.

5) The Meadows on the Kinnaur Side
After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the expansive meadows of Sangla Kanda, surrounded by towering peaks of the Kinnaur Kailash range. This final section of the trek is a glorious reward after days of raw mountain terrain.

The Rupin Pass trek is an orchestra of landscapes. Every twist and turn reveals something extraordinary. We have seen no other trek that offers such a unique blend of high-altitude adventure with stunning changes in scenery. This combination is 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. 

If you have signed up for a trek, or are planning to, your first questions are likely the basics:

Where will I sleep? What food will I eat? What about toilets? How safe is it?

You have probably come here looking for those answers. And we get that. We will walk you through exactly what to expect when it comes to your stay, food, and toilet facilities on a trek with Indiahikes.

You will also see that this experience is much more than just logistics.

Because when you register for a trek with Indiahikes, along with signing up for a few days in the mountains, you’re signing up for a thoughtful, ethical, and sustainable outdoor experience. It reconnects you with nature, gently introduces you to minimalism, and helps you feel completely at home in the outdoors.

Here’s everything you need to know about your camping experience on an Indiahikes trek — where you’ll be accommodated, the food you’ll eat, your sleeping arrangements, and how toilets and solid waste are managed in the outdoors.

Read our No-Compromise Sustainability Promise

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.

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.

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. 

Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Continued

Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Photostory

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