Rupinala pass trekking Nepal
Rupina La pass trekking in Nepal
The Rupina La Trek is located in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It is an off-the-beaten-path trekking route situated northwest of Kathmandu. Rupina La is one of the restricted and least-explored trekking trails in the Manaslu region, which was officially opened to foreign trekkers in 1991.
The Rupina La Pass is considered one of the most challenging and demanding trekking passes in Nepal. Only a small number of trekkers successfully complete this route each year, despite its outstanding beauty and unique attractions. The trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating, offering magnificent views while circumnavigating Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli, 7,871 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Buddha Himal (6,672 m), the Ganesh Himal Range, and the Langtang Himal Range. The trek also offers superb Himalayan scenery, lush valleys, beautiful landscapes, and opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and bird species.
The Rupina La Trek begins from Gorkha Bazaar, the headquarters
Trip Facts
Group Size
Min. 2- Max. 20
Maximum Elevation
5113m
Location
North from Kathmandu - Mt. Manaslu region
Grade
Strenuous
Best Season
spring/ Autumn (fair weather in Nepal)
Accommodation
Lodge/camp
Transportation
Ktm to Barpak by bus/Jeep and dharapani to Besisahar/KTm by Jeep/Bus
Explore one of the most remote and least-visited trekking routes in the Manaslu region.
Cross the challenging and spectacular Rupina La Pass.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli, 7,871 m),
Buddha Himal (6,672 m), Ganesh Himal, and the Langtang Himal Range.
Trek through the beautiful traditional villages of Barpak, Laprak, and other authentic Gurung settlements.
Experience the rich culture, lifestyle, and hospitality of the local Gurung communities.
Walk through pristine forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and alpine vegetation.
Discover untouched valleys, rugged mountain landscapes, and hidden trails far from the crowded trekking routes.
Observe diverse wildlife and bird species in their natural habitat.
Experience a unique combination of camping and tea-house trekking.
Join the famous Manaslu Circuit Trek after crossing Rupina La Pass.
Cross the renowned Larke Pass (5,106 m), one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking passes.
Enjoy dramatic changes in landscapes, from subtropical valleys to high alpine terrain.
Visit the historic district of Gorkha, the birthplace of the legendary Gurkha soldiers.
Experience an adventurous and challenging trek suitable for trekkers seeking a true wilderness journey.
Complete an unforgettable circuit around the magnificent Manaslu massif.
Land Transport / Domestic Air ticket:
- Kathmandu to Barpak village by bus (trekking starting point).
- Dharapani to Besisahar by sharing Jeep.
- Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara by Tourist bus.
Accommodation and Meals:
- Accommodation during the trekking: Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner as hotel/lodge menu.
- Tented Camping: North face Tented Camp, Dom Tent, kitchen/dinning/toilet Tents, matters, all kitchen camping equipment, and cooking fuel during the climbing/mountaineering as itinerary.
Permits and Entry fees:
- Manaslu Special trekking permit.
- Manaslu conservation permit.
- Annapurna Conservation permit.
- Local Entry permit / Entrance fees.
- Entrance fees in Monastery/temple.
Staffs: Guide, Sherpa, Porters:
- Trekking Guide: A First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed holder professional equipped English-speaking guide.
- Support Sherpa: if the group size more than six persons, we provide one extra Sherpa to support the group.
- Porters: One Porter between each 2 members while on trek (Maximum weight for a porter is 25 Kg). Necessary porters/Yak/Donkey for camping.
- Accommodation, meals, daily salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of Asian Hiking Team staffs (guide, Sherpa, porter).
Equipment or gear and souvenir:
- Trekking Map /Itinerary: Asian Hiking Team provides free a copy of trekking map /trekking Itinerary to our client.
- T-short: Asian Hiking Team provide the company T-short for a souvenir.
- Certificate: Asian Hiking Team provide Trekking/Hiking/Tour/Climbing success certificate for your memory and awardees.
Additional features:
- First Aid: First aid is the immediate assistance given to someone who is injured or ill until professional medical help is available. Its goal is to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. Asian Hiking Team staff carry the basic first aid. You need to bring your own personal medicine with you. If you are trekking in high altitude should be bringing Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more). You can buy here in Kathmandu any pharmacy.
- Travel & Rescue arrangement service: You should bring insurance, must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.
Additional Accommodation and Meals:
- Accommodation: Asian Hiking Team provide the hotel during the trekking as itinerary. If you stay an additional day, you need to pay an extra cost.
- Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu.
- Hot drinks: Tea/ Coffees/ Hot water, hot showers etc.
- Cold/soft drinks: All cold drinks, alcohol drinks, beer, bottle water etc.
- Snacks: Pack energy bars, nuts, chocolate, or local chyura (beaten rice) for quick energy boosts between meals.
Personal Natural Expensive:
- Personal trekking gears & clothing (some of the equipment is possible to rent in Kathmandu): please check in check list for equipment list
- Internet / Wi-Fi/Telephone: There are almost all trekking reason you can buy internet/ Wi-Fi service in the hotel. It is also possible to buy the NCAL or NTC Sim card for telephone or use data.
- Insurance: Medical evacuation in case of emergency, expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. in such case extra will be charged as per actual.
Additional Entry fees and tip/donation:
- Kathmandu: During the sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara the entry fees for Temple or Monastery, Durbar Square are not includes on the cost.
- The tip for guide or porter: It's a way to show appreciation for good service and is often left as a small present or in addition. Tips are a common practice in many cultures and are often expected for services. It is not fix amount, so you can own decide.
Additional porter or Sherpa request:
- Sherpa/ Guide: If you want personal Sherpa/guide, it is not including on the cost.
| Date | Duration | Status | Booked | Action |
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Tailored add-ons in Nepal trips refer to customizable essentials that enhance and personalize your travel experience, allowing you to align your journey with specific interests, preferences, and schedules. These add-ons can be combined into various types of trips, including trekking, expedition, climbing, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities.
Tailored add-ons include:
Customized Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to homestays, to match your comfort and budget preferences. Upgrade your stay accommodation featuring attached bathrooms during your trek. Enjoy additional comfort at select stops (start US$20/night during the trekking & start US$40/night in Kathmandu).
Porter/Sherpa Service: Let our skilled porters carry your gear so you can focus on the breathtaking beauty of the Nepal Himalaya. Each porter can transport up to 25 kg and can be shared by two trekkers. The cost per day US$ 22.
Adventure Activities: Incorporate thrilling experiences such as paragliding in Pokhara (US$100), bungee...
Accommodation Manaslu trekking:
Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
Meals:
During the hotel/Guest house trekking, there are international menu so you can choose whatever you like. During the camping, our cook prepare the meals as your interest. Camping treks in Nepal offer a blend of traditional Nepali cuisine and familiar comfort foods, ensuring that trekkers are well-nourished and energized throughout their journey.
Breakfast: Porridge/Oatmeal (often with honey, fruits, or nuts), eggs (fried, scrambled, or omelets with veggies), Pancakes or Tibetan Bread (served with jam, honey, or peanut butter), Muesli/Cornflakes (with hot or cold milk), Tea/Coffee (black, milk tea, or ginger lemon honey tea) etc.
Lunch: Dal Bhat (Nepali staple:...
Here’s a traveling from Kathmandu to Sotikhola to Machhe Khola to popular trailhead options for the Manaslu Circuit trek:
Kathmandu to Barpak village 160KM
Public Bus (Kathmandu to Machhe Khola via Sotikhola – Appro 160KM) Departure point: New Bus Park (Machhapokhari/Gongabu), around 6–8 AM Route: Kathmandu to Dhading Besi to Arughat to Sotikhola to MachheKhola Travel time: 9–12 hours
Kathmandu to Machhekhola/Sotikhola appro. 160KM
Public Bus (Kathmandu to Machhe Khola via Sotikhola – Appro 160KM) Departure point: New Bus Park (Machhapokhari/Gongabu), around 6–8 AM Route: Kathmandu to Dhading Besi to Arughat to Sotikhola to MachheKhola Travel time: 9–12 hours
Note: Buses are local; expect stops, crowding, rough/unpaved roads past Sotikhola. May you need to change the bus in Aarkhet bazar or Sotikhola. Private Jeep / 4WD Capacity: 6–7 passengers; great if in a group Travel time: To Sotikhola: 4–7 hours and Full journey to MachheKhola: 6–8 hours Advantage: Comfortable, flexible departures, breaks for meals/photos, better handling of rough roads.
Dharapani to...
General Climate Overview
Hilly Region (Mid-Hills & Valleys)
Climate: Mild and temperate Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara experience: Summer: 19°C – 35°C Winter: 2°C – 12°C Pleasant weather year-round with occasional winter chills and summer showers
Mountain Region (High Himalayas)
Climate: Alpine to Arctic Summer: Cool to cold, depending on altitude Winter: Severe cold with frequent snowfall Temperatures can drop below -20°C at high passes and base camps Monsoon rains are lighter, but weather remains unpredictable Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different trekking experiences:
Autumn (September–November)
Best trekking season Clear skies, excellent mountain views. Warm days, cold nights (as low as -10°C at high altitudes). Ideal for long and high-altitude treks.
Winter (December–February)
Cold and snowy, especially above 3,000 m High passes often closed: Thorong-La, Ganja-La, Chola, Renjo-La, etc. Best for lower-altitude treks in the middle hills Short days, brilliant sunshine
Spring (March–May) Second-best trekking season
Warm days, occasional snow at high altitudes Rhododendron bloom and abundant birdlife Hazy views in late spring due to dust and...
Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trekking Permit
To trek in Nepal's Manaslu region, you'll need specific permits due to its restricted status and conservation areas. Mandatory Permits
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost:
Sep–Nov (peak): $100 (first 7 days) + $15/additional day Dec–Aug (off-peak): $75 (first 7 days) + $10/additional day Validity: Date-specific; covers Jagat to Dharapani. Rules: Solo trekking prohibited; requires a registered agency and licensed guide. Guide mandatory: Solo trekking is prohibited; a licensed guide is compulsory
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):
Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $25 USD) SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, etc.): NPR 1,000 (∼$7.50 USD) Nepali citizens: Free. Validity: Single entry, no time limit per trek (e.g., 30 days for Annapurna Circuit). Purpose: Funds conservation, trail maintenance, and community projects. Exemptions: Children under 10 Validity: Covers Soti Khola to Samagaun; no daily fees 10.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $25 USD) SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, etc.): NPR 1,000 (∼$7.50 USD) Nepali citizens: Free. Validity: Single entry, no...
Asian Hiking Team’s trekking Guides are professionals with recognized records of honesty and personal integrity, committed to environmentally responsible trekking practices that minimize ecological impact. Asian Hiking Team trekking guide duties are navigate trails, ensure safety, explain local culture/history, arrange permits/accommodations, monitor altitude sickness, and manage logistics. Our guide are fluency in English (and other languages), first aid certification, cultural knowledge, and government licensing. Require Nepal Government licensing, formal training (e.g., Nepal Academy of Tourism/NATHM), first aid certification, and language proficiency. Our guide are friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Trained in customer service, problem-solving, and group handling.
Asian Hiking Team porter: Porters duties is carry trekker luggage (max 20–25 kg), transport equipment, and assist with camp setup. Physical endurance, basic trail familiarity, and teamwork. Most speak minimal English. No formal credentials, but reputable agencies ensure health checks, basic safety training, and gear provision etc.
Asian Hiking Team Porter-Guides: Porter guide is carry...
Trekking in Nepal is categorized into grades based on altitude, terrain difficulty, remoteness, and daily walking hours. The most widely used grading system includes Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Challenging.
Easy (Grade A)
Altitude: Up to 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) Walking Hours: Max 3–5 hours per day Terrain: Well-established trails, gentle ascents/descents, minimal steep sections. Who is it for? Beginners, families, or those with limited time seeking cultural experiences and Himalayan views.
Moderate (Grade B)
Altitude: 3,000–4,500 meters (9,800–14,700 ft) Walking Hours: Max 7 hours per day Terrain: Mixed trails with some steep climbs and high passes, moderate altitude gain. Who is it for? Trekkers with average fitness and some prior hiking experience.
Strenuous (Grade C)
Altitude: 4,500–5,500 meters (14,700–18,000 ft) Walking Hours: Max. 8 hours per day, often for 2–3 weeks Terrain: Remote, rugged trails with high passes; risk of altitude sickness increases. Who is it for? Fit trekkers with prior multi-day trekking experience, able to handle high altitude.
Challenging (Grade D)
Altitude:...
Health and safety are paramount.
- Altitude Sickness (AMS): Prevent by ascending slowly, staying hydrated (4-5 liters/day), and acclimatizing properly. Know the symptoms (headache, nausea) and descend if they become severe.
- Food & Water: Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water. Eat well-cooked meals.
- Foot Care: Use well-fitted boots and address hotspots immediately to prevent blisters.
- First Aid: Our guides carry first aid kits, but you should bring personal medications.
NTC and Ncell SIM cards offer good coverage in the Khumbu region, though service can be spotty at high altitudes. Everest Link Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses and lodges for a fee. For emergencies, our guides carry a satellite phone.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this expedition. Your policy must cover:
- Emergency Air Ambulance/Helicopter Rescue
- Medical Expenses
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption You must provide proof of insurance before the trip begins.
We are committed to responsible tourism. Our policies include:
- Environmental: Minimizing waste, using gas for cooking, and leaving no trace.
- Cultural: Respecting local customs, asking permission for photos, and supporting local economies.
- Community: Donating a portion of profits to community projects and ensuring fair treatment and wages for all staff and porters.
Daypack or backpack : You may choose to bring a smaller "day pack" for your airline travel carry on, and this can be used on the trek if you want to carry a smaller (35 liter or so), light trekking pack. You need a pack big enough for your clothes, water, camera, food, etc. during the day. Waterproof rain cover for your trekking pack.
Trekking Poles : Poles come in handy for balance and easing impact to your knees. Get collapsible poles that can attach to your backpack and fit into your Duffel.
Sleeping Bag : Bring a sleeping bag comfortable to -20 for trekking, however it is better to bring -30 to -35 for climbing. During the trekking in hotel/guest house -20 is fine but on the tented home you need -30 or -35. Down is lighter and much more compressible. Keep in mind that many of your nights will be much warmer than -20, especially on the trek in to base camp.
Duffel Bags : Asian Hiking Team provide one duffel bags each member as you want. We normally pack all our equipment in large Duffel bags. Make sure they are well labeled with indelible ink as well as a travel tag. The duffels go on the trek/climb with you and will be carried by porters or yaks. Except for them to get wet and muddy, so rugged, waterproof duffels are good. Bags with wheels are nice for the airport, but the porters and yaks don't like to carry them, so don't bring wheeled bags (or at least not two of them). You will also store some travel clothes at the hotel in Kathmandu while trekking, so a small additional bag with a lock might be handy. Bring 5 large plastic garbage bags to pack gear inside duffels to protect gear from rain.
Hiking Boot : These boots provide more stability and ankle protection against protruding limbs and rocks than hiking shoes do. Mountain walking or hiking boots are designed for mountain and hill walking, backpacking and mountaineering.
Gaiters and Micro spikes : if you are trekking in high passes you should prepare gaiters and Micro spikes in case of snow. You can buy in Kathmandu.
Sport sandals : Sandals (such as Teva's) are lightweight and tough, doubles as shower slippers.
Socks : Three/Four sets of warm socks.
Jacket : Lightweight waterproof-breathable construction with a hood -20 Down Jacket.
Pants : Lightweight waterproof-breathable hiking pants with full-length leg zippers. Mountain Hardware Compressor Pants or anyone.
Trousers : Water-resistant hiking pants (for TK), North Face and Patagonia are good brands, avoid jeans, pants with zip-off legs can come in handy.
T-Shorts : 1/2 pair of t-shorts (for TK), walking shorts. Loose and comfortable, preferably nylon, which (for men) double as a swimsuit. (Avoid shorts which are too revealing.) T-shirts (TK/TR).
Over-shirt : 1 long-sleeved over-shirt, light to medium weight and breathable, to protect you from the sun and bug bites. Hemp, linen or cotton is recommended.
Mid-Layers : Fleece or Soft Shell layering pieces that work well with the rest of your clothing. A Soft Shell jacket and an expedition weight long john top will work well.Base Layers: - 2 synthetic tops and 1 bottom. Zip neck tops are the way to go.
Light Gloves/ Leather gloves : A warm insulated glove with leather palm will be worn a lot of the time. Polypropylene or fleece. Leather palms handle the fixed line better. Or good abrasion resistant climbing glove for the rock sections.
Belt : 1 belt, cotton or nylon lashing strap doubles as a gear strap.
Hat : Wool or fleece stocking hat with ear protection and Sun hat.
Neck Gaiter : Neck Gaiter and/or a Buff (highly recommended), Baseball hat and Bandana.
Travel Items : Passport (valid for at least 6 months): It is easy to get your Nepal visa on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport, bring a passport photo. Bring a copy of the information pages and a couple of extra passport photographs. Carry these in a separate location. You'll be glad you did if you ever lose a passport. Camera: with spare batteries, and film or memory cards, but keep it reasonable and weight. Consider a small USB drive to make it easy to share photos with your teammates. Bathing Suit: Towel, Toothpaste and brush, floss, mini hairbrush, razor, soap, mini bottle of shampoo, travel mirror, nail clippers etc. Travel Wallet: Some type of secure travel wallet is a must. Remember a pen for travel documents.
Others Accessories: : Headlamp: Bring a good LED headlamp with 2 sets of lithium batteries for cold conditions. Water Bottles: 2 wide mouth plastic water bottles with insulated covers. A small Thermos bottle is great for cold mornings. Bring a pee bottle too (optional: Water purification: Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua or similar) or iodine crystals (Polar Pure). One bottle of Potable Aqua (enough to treat 25 liters) should be more than sufficient. Eyewear: Bring good sunglasses with side protection. For contact lens wearers, ski goggles with light color lenses (for use at night) might be useful in windy conditions. The ski goggles are essential for all climbers in really stormy conditions and can serve as an emergency backup for broken or lost sunglasses. Vision correction: Bring extra prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them. Lens solutions are not widely available in Nepal, bring enough for the duration. Wrist Watch: With alarm and night light. An altimeter watch is useful. First Aid: Hand sanitizer (Pirelli), moleskin or Compete, athletic tape, aspirin (some climbers take a baby aspirin every day up high) and/or ibuprofen / acetaminophen, Imodium, Band-Aids, antacid, insect repellant, ear plugs, and two rolls of toilet paper in quart Ziploc bags (we will have a supply at Base Camp), small towel, soap/shampoo. Prescription Medications: Antibiotic for upper respiratory problems, Antibiotic for GI problems, Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more), Tylenol 3 or similar for severe headaches, Asthma medication, if any history. Skin Care: Sun block lotion (at least #30 protection factor -- have at least one smaller tube (1 oz) that can fit in your pocket) and lip salve. Put your lip protection on a string and hang it from your neck. That way you'll use it. It also works great for your nose. Personal Snack Food: The food is great on the trek, but you might enjoy a few snacks/chocolates. MP3 Player and Books: As you want to read on the way to trekking. Plan on sharing books on hotel/guest house or MP3 player. Chemical Hand Warmers (not compulsory).
