Home Features Enthralling Rupina La Pass trekking
November 5, 2019

Enthralling Rupina La Pass trekking

Rupina La pass
Sunrise seen from Rupina La pass

Rupina La Pass trek is one of the adrenaline-charged trekking routes of the Manaslu region. Elevated at an altitude of 4,720 meters above sea level, it is one of the challenging routes located on the lower region of the Gorkha district which attracts adrenaline junkies who want more adventure in life.

Due to its difficultness and less popularity, there are less number of trekkers in this region. Officially opened for tourists in 1991 for trekking, this trekking trail is certainly one of the most beautiful trekking trails of the Manaslu region.

Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass

Rupina La Pass trekking if full of diverse landscapes, beautiful rivers, and green forests along with heart rendering views of various mountains. Along with natural, Rupina La Pass trekking culturally fascinating too. In this trekking trail, you can find a mixture of both Hindu and Buddhist cultures.

Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass

Panoramic views of mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Boudha Himal (6,672m), Peak 29 (7,871m), Langtang Himal Ranges and the Ganesh Himal Ranges, is what drives people crazy in this route. Green forests filled with Rhododendron, swift-flowing rivers, beautiful valleys, and mesmerizing waterfalls at various places, adds an extra beauty to this trekking trail.

Rupina La Pass trekking trails carries the long history of Nepal, especially of Gaje Ghale, first Nepali to be bestowed with Victoria Cross (VC) because of his bravery, and his generation.

If you are trekking through this region then be ready to witness the warm hospitality of the local peoples, their unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.

Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass

Though the massive earthquake of 2015 destroyed most of the houses of the Gorkha region, it was not able to destroy the natural beauty along with the warm hospitality and cultures of the peoples of this region which are still intact.

Their strength and courage helped them rejuvenate from the destruction of the earthquake and are now promoting tourism in full scale by constructing various hotels, teahouses, and homestays for tourists.

Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass

The starting point of Rupina La Pass trek is Gairichap, Gorkha which is about 6-7 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. This trek goes through Kyaraghari, Baluwa, Barpak, Rupinala Phedi, Philim, Dovan, Machha Khola, Soti Khola, Arughat and finally back to Kathmandu.

You will be trekking through this naturally adorned trails with peoples carrying goods on cows, yaks, and horses. You will walk in some exotic and some bizarre bridges which will surely increase your heartbeat.

Laprak
Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels in Gairichap but it’s very hard to find accommodation after Gairichap in this trail. So, camping is the only viable option if you are trekking through this region. Also, you have to manage your food and other basic needs.

Guides are not compulsory if you are trekking up to Jagat but after, they are compulsory. Since Rupina La Pass trek is one of the difficult trekking trail, you are suggested to take a trekking guide and some porters to carry your goods.

Best Time

According to a guide, Yan Bahadur Thapa, the best time for trekking in this region is around September and October especially the first week of October is considered paramount for trekking due to favorable weather conditions. According to Thapa, trekking in this region is not possible during spring season due to heavy snowing, despite being elevated at an altitude of around 4,720 meters above sea level.

Rupina La pass
Guide Yan Bahadur Thapa

Thapa says that Rupina La Pass trek can be completed in around 12-13 days. But it can be extended up to 20-24 days by adding other destinations like Larke Pass trek, Manaslu or the Tsum Valley trek and also lessened up to 7-8 days by decreasing some travel destinations.

Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass

According to Thapa, the number of tourists in Rupina La pass trekking is very low in number due to its less publicity. It is a very mesmeric trekking trails with just nature and its beauty as for about 6 days you will not see any villages on the route.  He says that Rupina La pass is a trekking route with lots of tourism possibilities if its promotion is done properly.

Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass
Rupina La pass

All photos: Yan Bahadur Thapa

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