Rupina La Pass Technical Trek
- 10 days
- strenuous
- Up to 12
- Autumn (Sep–Dec) & Spring (Mar–May)
We guide mountaineers across the rugged Rupina La Pass at 4610 m, exploring remote alpine terrain and Tibetan-influenced villages in the Manaslu region.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead adventurous trekkers through the remote and demanding trails of the Manaslu region, culminating in the crossing of the Rupina La Pass at 4,610 m. Established as a route in 1991, this trail remains one of the more challenging off-the-beaten-path journeys in Nepal, demanding strong fitness and prior high-altitude hiking experience.
Our route navigates deep alpine forests along the Budhi Gandaki river drainage, passing through traditional Gurung and Tibetan-influenced settlements where local traditions have endured for generations. We encounter dramatic landscapes defined by deep river gorges, high alpine kharkas, and panoramic views of major peaks including Manaslu peak (7,871 m), Bouddha (6,672 m), and Himalchuli (7,893 m).
Because of the remote terrain and demanding nature of the pass, our team maintains rigorous safety protocols, carrying comprehensive first aid supplies and maintaining emergency evacuation procedures. We operate this trek with experienced local guides and porters who know every ridge, river crossing, and weather pattern in this rugged sector of the Nepalese Himalaya.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Rupina La Summit
We cross the high alpine pass at 4610 m, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Gurung & Tibetan Culture
Our route passes through isolated mountain settlements influenced heavily by Tibetan heritage and traditional farming practices.
Remote Alpine Forests
We traverse dense rhododendron and pine forests climbing steadily along the wild river corridors of central Nepal.
Off-Beaten Path
We explore trails far less traveled than the standard tea house circuits, offering a genuine wilderness trekking experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival
Meals: B
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival
Meals: B
Our representative greets our team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our Kathmandu hotel. We spend the afternoon reviewing our trekking permits and gear before sharing a welcome dinner together.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour
Meals: B / L / D
We spend our day visiting key historical and religious landmarks around the capital valley, including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath, accompanied by our cultural guide.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Trishuli Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Trishuli Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Our private vehicle picks us up from the hotel for a scenic drive along winding mountain roads down to Trishuli Bazaar, where we prepare for our first day on foot.
Day 4
Trishuli Bazaar to Bumdang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trishuli Bazaar to Bumdang
Meals: B / L / D
We lace up our boots and begin our steady ascent away from the roadhead, following rising footpaths through terraced farmlands and small rural settlements toward Bumdang.
Day 5
Bumdang to Satyadevi
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Bumdang to Satyadevi
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail climbs higher through mixed woodlands and ridge paths, offering early glimpses of distant snow-capped summits as we approach the village of Satyadevi.
Day 6
Satyadevi to Jharlang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Satyadevi to Jharlang
Meals: B / L / D
We traverse undulating terrain across hillside contours, passing local stone-built homes and agricultural terraces cultivated by indigenous hill communities.
Day 7
Jharlang to Khading
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Jharlang to Khading
Meals: B / L / D
Our trekking route grows wilder today as we gain elevation, following rugged paths through dense alpine scrub and crossing swift mountain streams.
Day 8
Khading to Lapubesi via Rupina La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Khading to Lapubesi via Rupina La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
We make our high-altitude push across the formidable Rupina La Pass at 4,610 m before descending steeply down technical trails to reach Lapubesi.
Day 9
Lapubesi to Barpark
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Lapubesi to Barpark
Meals: B / L / D
We continue our descent through terraced valleys, following well-worn trading paths before climbing upward to the large traditional Gurung settlement of Barpark.
Day 10
Barpark to Kathmandu via Gorkha
Meals: B
Day 10
Barpark to Kathmandu via Gorkha
Meals: B
Our final morning walk takes us down to Takukot and onward to Gorkha Bazaar, where our private transport waits to drive us back to Kathmandu for our farewell dinner.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Two nights standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- TIMS card and Manaslu valley permit fees
- Government-registered expert trekking guide and porter support
- Private ground transportation from Kathmandu to trek start and return
- First aid medical kit and emergency oxygen service arrangement
Not included
- Nepal entry visa fee issued upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Personal travel and high-altitude rescue insurance
- All meals in Kathmandu outside of welcome and farewell dinners
- Personal expenses such as battery charging, hot showers, and bottled water
- Tips for our trekking guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our itinerary reaches a maximum altitude of 4,610 m at the Rupina La Pass. We monitor all team members closely for early signs of acute mountain sickness and maintain a steady pace to aid natural acclimatisation.
Physical fitness requirements
This is a strenuous trek across rough and isolated terrain. We require participants to maintain a high level of cardiovascular endurance and have prior experience with multi-day alpine hiking.
Accommodation on the trek
We stay in a mix of basic local teahouses and tented camp setups depending on the remote sections of the route. Facilities are simple and communal.
Insurance and safety
We require every traveler to carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,000 m. Our lead guides carry comprehensive first aid kits and maintain communication links.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Well-broken-in waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at high alpine camps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against sudden mountain rain and snow.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to at least -15 °C for cold nights on the pass.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Pair of adjustable poles to reduce knee strain on steep descents.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Category 3 or 4 lenses for high-altitude glare protection.
Valid passport and permitsEssential
Documents
Stored in a waterproof pouch along with extra passport photos.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
You bring
Sort these out before you fly.Nepal Entry Visa
VisaTourist visa obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Rescue Insurance
InsuranceMandatory policy covering high-altitude emergency evacuation up to 5,000 m.
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card required for tracking and safety.
Manaslu Valley Permit
PermitSpecial conservation area entry permit for the Manaslu region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Rupina La Pass Trek?
This is a challenging trek rated as moderate to strenuous. It features steep ascents, remote wilderness camping or basic teahouses, and a high mountain pass crossing at 4,610 m.
What permits do we need for this trek?
We arrange your Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card and the required Manaslu area permits as part of our package.
What is the best time of year to undertake this trek?
We recommend trekking during the autumn months from September to December and the spring season from March to May for stable weather and clear mountain views.
Do I need prior mountaineering experience?
No technical climbing experience is required, but you must be comfortable walking on steep, rocky trails for 6 to 8 hours a day at high altitudes.
How are the sleeping arrangements on the trail?
We utilize simple local teahouses where available and set up tented camps in the higher and more remote sections where permanent lodges do not exist.
What happens if someone falls ill on the trek?
Our lead guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry medical supplies. In severe cases, we coordinate emergency helicopter evacuation covered by your personal insurance.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
Ready to book Rupina La Pass Technical Trek?
Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.