Garhwal to Kinner Kailash via Rupin Pass

17 days in India, 7 days trekking; level: easy - moderate

Highest Point: 4,675m

Dates: May, June, September, October,

Route Highlights: Delhi - Musoorie - Netwar - Dhola - Sevah - Jaskin - Thatar - Rupin Pass - Kund - Sangla - Chitkul - Shimla - Delhi

We drive from Musoorie to Netwar at the confluence of Supin and Rupin rivers. First stage of the trek takes us through pine forests to Dhola at 1,800m. Next day we reach Seva, the last village in Uttaranchal, visiting Temple of Mhasu. Entering Himachal Pradesh we continue gradually up along the Rupin River through picturesque villages. Reaching Thatar and then Jakh (3,150m), the last village before the Rupin Pass, we trek through dense forest. In the morning it's steeply up ten kilometers to the Rupin Pass at 4,675m. From here we have great views of Kinner Kailash ahead and the Garhwal Himalaya behind. Having entered the watershed of the Baspa River, we descend to camp at Kund. The next day we reach Sangla (2,600m) on the Baspa River. Here we have a day of rest, then visit the temples and fort at Chitkul up the valley at 3,435m. Day later we travel to Shimla, the queen of the hill stations.