Rupina La Pass Trek was officially opened to tourists in 1991, but mountaineering expeditions have long had access to the area. This trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating as it involves circumnavigating Manaslu( 8163m), Peak 29 (7871m), Himal Chuli (7893m) and Boudha (6672m). Crossing the Rupina-La (4520m) pass would be quite challenging.
Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat (570m.) takes about 7 hours. You drive along well paved road up to Dhading Besi along the bank of Khani Khola, Trishuli River and Thopal Khola. It is a beautiful picturesque journey passing through green hill, flowing stream, farming terraces, villages, small market and most of all mountains at far distance. Leaving Dhading Besi you continue your drive along gravel and bumpy path all the way to Arughat Bazaar. Arughat is an old market situated at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Stay overnight in lodge.
The zigzag path passes through forest, villages, streams, pretty waterfalls and green valley until you reach Lapu Besi. This is a village mainly covered by Bhotia inhabitants. Now you again traverse the zigzag path to reach Machha Khola. There is a small market with a few shops and lodges. Stay overnight in lodge.
You cross the Machha Khola [Fish Stream] and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path you reach the single teahouse at Doban. At Lauri, you cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat. Stay overnight in lodge.
Leaving Jagat, you trek through a gently ascending path until Surtibas following villages and terraces and then the trail becomes a little bit difficult as you have to trek upward. While walking, you can relish the splendid views of mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal and green hills. Stay overnight at camp.
This day you walk through thick forests with chances to see wild life such as bear, deer, leopard and many more local mountain birds. The trail is quite a gentle ascent and sometimes, while passing through this area you can see mountain views. Stay overnight at camp.
The trail moves gently upward crossing Rupinala pass (4720m.). Today, mountain views become closer to you as you can enjoy the magnificent views of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal and Shringi Himal. Stay overnight at camp.
After trekking uphill until Rupinala Bhanjyang you then trek a descending path to Bhedi Odar. From Rupinala Bhanjyang, you can enjoy the views of Boudha Himal, Manaslu Mountain, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Stay overnight at camp.
The early part of the trial is sloppy and then to reach Bhedi Kharka you have to trek uphill passing through forests and green hills. Mountain views are available along the way. Bhedi Kharka is also a grazing field. Stay overnight at camp.
Passing through forests covered mainly by bamboo you have to trek uphill until you reach Dudh Pokhari, though sometimes you trek along an almost flat path. Dudh Pokhari is a pilgrimage site where many devotees gather at different periods throughout the year. Dudh Pokhari is the best view point of this trip as you can see panoramic views of Manaslu mountain, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna range and many other unnamed mountains and peaks. Stay overnight at camp.
This day you trek a gradually descending path until you reach your destination, passing through forests covered with bamboo, rhododendron, pine and other plants and shrubs. Ninghalaghari is a campsite surrounded by forests covered mainly by bamboos and green hills. Stay overnight at camp.
After walking gently downhill trail for few minutes you begin to trek uphill until you reach Chyadi Danda. En route you walk through forests and can enjoy mountain sceneries and villages at a far distance. Chyadi Danda is a ridge surrounded by forests and green hills. Stay overnight at camp.
To reach Tonje, you have to trek through sparse forests and the trail is quite up and down. Tonje is a small village mainly inhabited by the Gurung tribe. You will be heartily welcome by local people and can enjoy a cultural show. Stay overnight at camp.
You walk through villages and along the river bank. Duwar is a comparatively bigger village than Tonje and here too you will get to experience the traditional customs and behavior of local people. Stay overnight at camp.
The trail today is quite easier as you trek along a flat leveled path passing terraces, villages, and suspension bridges and can enjoy mountain views, green hills and a flowing river at a far distance. On the same day, drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu takes about 6 hours. It is a picturesque journey to get back to Kathmandu along the bank of Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of the road. Stay overnight at lodge.
It is a picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages on both sides of road.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Johan William & Alphonsus Johannes
We did the Rupina La Trek with a Tremendous group. The guide, sherpa, cook and the porters were amazing. Thanks to them, the weather and the breathtaking scenery and walling the trek will be an everlasting experience. We want to thank their energy and especially the group for making this possible for us. We had a marvellous time.
Geoff and Marion Shepherd and family
I am writing to tell you how much we enjoyed the trek which you organized for us. As we have three children we were a little concerned about how it would go and how they would cope. However, we were all very well taken care of. Our guide, Bijoy and, two porters, were all very friendly and helpful in every way. Initially our four year old was not pleased about having to be carried by someone she did not know,
