roopkund trek guide

Roopkund Trek

Uttarakhand • 8 days.

MAX ALTITUDE

₹ 12650 + 5% GST

Lohajung to Lohajung

Available Batches

Brief description.

Roopkund Trek is hands down the most popular trek in India. Roopkund, locally known as Mystery Lake, is a high altitude glacial lake in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Roopkund lies in the lap of Trishul massif and is famous because of the hundreds of human skeletons found at the edge of the lake. The Roopkund (lake) is located at an altitude of about 15,700 feet. It is surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad mountains, making it a good trekking destination. The route leading to Roopkund passes through the twin Bugyals of Ali & Bedni. All along the Roopkund trail, you get amazing views of peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul & Nanda Ghunti. The beautiful campsites of Roopkund trek are a sight to behold. Roopkund is recommended for experienced trekkers because of it's moderate plus difficulty level. Roopkund trek best time is May - June, and September - October. Everything that you need to know like - Roopkund trek route map, itinerary, temperature, weather, height, photos, and videos is here on this page. Scroll to the end and read some amazing Roopkund trek blogs.

On the trail

The Bridge on Neel Ganga

Tolpani Campsite

Skeletons at Roopkund Lake

View of Trishuli Peak

Bedni Bugyal

Ali Bugyal in October

A turn before Patar Nachauni

Panoramic View from Kalua Vinayak

Heading towards Roopkund Lake

Starting the trek early morning from Bhagwabhasa

Pushing Limits before Roopkund Lake

Roopkund Lake

Haldwani to Lohajung - 220 km Drive

Arrive in Haldwani by early morning, and board your vehicles for the drive to Lohajung - the base of Roopkund trek. The road winds through beautiful Kumaon region. We pass though Almora & Kausani. On the way, you will get some spectacular views of peaks like Kamet & Panchachuli. We will arrive in Lohajung by the evening & check into a guesthouse for the night. The town of Lohajung ( The starting point of Roopkund Trek ), located at 2300 M is also a small mountain pass connecting Gwaldam side to Wan side of the mountain. Spend some evening time in the small market of Lohajung which by the way closes very early or enjoy a beautiful sunset from the balcony of your guest house. Dine early & break into bed for a good long nights sleep.

Lohajung to Tolpani | 8300 FT | 11 Kms

Our trail for the day is easier as compared to the entire trek and soon we get lost in the beauty of it. We trek through the forest following the Neel Ganga. The trail is initially easy which then starts to climb up steadily. As the trek continues, we get set into it and start negotiating the climb to Ali Bugiyal. After a good climb, we reach Didina. From Didina, Tolpani is a gradual 1 km ascent.

Tolpani to Patar Nachauni via Bedni Bugyal | 12700 FT | 12 Kms

We start early today not just to enjoy the best views but also because it is a long day. We will walk through the twin meadows of Ali & Bedni. The trek is steep till we reach Ali Bugyal. From here, the trail comprises of long sections of a gradual ascent. You will realize on the trek that these meadows are one of the best in the country. As you are walking through the Ali Bugyal, Nanga Ghunti & Trishuli are prominently visible in the East. We trek on the marked trail. You will spot a small structure made from stones. It is a temple. Slightly to your right you can see a cluster of fiber huts green in color. Find a suitable spot here for the packed lunch. Starting from the stone structure, a section of the trail ahead is uphill & in the zigzag shape. After the lunch, we commence our trek and reach Bedni Bugyal Campsite by afternoon. From here, the trek is short. Walk slowly and steadily as next campsite is not very far. There is only one steep climb as you leave the campsite of Bedni Bugyal. After that, there are sections of mild ascent till we reach Patar Nachauni, situated at the foothill of the mountain at the top of which lies the temple of Kalua Vinayak. Stay in camps.

Rest & Acclimatization

The day is reserved for rest and acclimatization after a very long Day 4.

Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa | 14200 FT | 4 Kms

Distance wise today's trek is not very long but it is one of the steepest section of the entire trek. Taking an early start always helps. You have to climb the mountain right in front of you to the top. The trek starts with a flat walk, followed by a steep ascent to kalua Vinayak which is a Temple. The view in Patar Nachauni is restricted by mountains. But once you reach Kalua Vinayak you get a panoramic view. Some of the prominent peaks visible from this point are Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul & Nanda Ghunti. From Kalua Vinayak, the trail is downhill up to Bhgwabasa camps. We reach Bhagwabasa camps by early afternoon. It is the highest campsite of Roopkund trek. The night is extremely cold here. Bhagwabasa is used as a base camp for trek to Roopkund lake.

Bhagwabasa to Roopkund (15750 FT) & return to Patar Nachauni {16 Kms (6 Kms Uphill, 10 Kms Downhill}

Starting early is the key today. As we get late snow starts melting and makes the climb difficult. Morning snow is fresh and easy to walk upon. Today's trek is a 4 km long gradual ascent with sections of steep ascent in between. In the last leg, you will have to climb down 250 feet to reach the Roopkund (lake). Roopkund is at the height of 15750 ft. If weather permits we will trek to Junargali which is just 250 ft up from Roopkund. After spending some time around we will head back to Patar Nachauni. Expect to reach by late afternoon.

Patar Nachauni to Lohajung | 7700 FT | 15 Kms

Break camps early & head towards Wan. Today's trek is about 6-6.5 Hours. We descend to a village. We will take a brief halt at Ghairoli Patal, which is also a good camping site. We have to descend to the bottom of the valley where the river Neel Ganga welcomes us. It's not a bad idea to wash in the river after a strenuous downhill trek. From the river, it’s a half an hour uphill trek up to Wan. From Wan village its further one & half hour downhill up to Kasar Bagad which is the road ahead. We board a vehicle from here. Drive up to Lohajung. Check into the Guest House in Lohajung. The Roopkund trek ends here. You may plan your return the next day on your own. If you wish to book your return journey with us, select the suitable option while making your booking.

Lohajung to Haldwani - 220 km Drive

In the morning board vehicle for the return journey to Haldwani. Reach Haldwani by evening. You are advised to book your return from Kathgodam/Haldwani after 9 PM to have sufficient time at hand in case of any delays in the road journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pick your question, eligibility: experience required.

• Should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in their kitty.
• For the trek’s achieving more than 5000 meters, a person must have a prior experience of trekking at altitudes of 3700 meters.

Eligibility: Fitness benchmark

• Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
• Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds

If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.

Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?

The trek begins from Lohajung which is about 200 km from Kathgodam/Haldwani. There are no direct buses from Kathgodam/Haldwani to Lohajung. But you can take a shared jeep which will cost you around INR 900. It takes around 12 hours to get to Lohajung from Haldwani/Kathgodam.

Kathgodam is well connected to Delhi through rail and road transport. Here is how you can reach:

Uttarakhand Roadways provides all kinds of bus services between Delhi ISBT to Haldwani. The distance between Delhi to Kathgodam is 294 km which takes about 7 hours to cover. You can book your bus tickets online through https://utconline.uk.gov.in/ or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi. These taxis come at exorbitant prices.

Kathgodam is the last railhead before Lohajung. Board Ranikhet Express from Delhi which reaches Kathgodam early in the morning. Or you can take Delhi Sampark Kranti which reaches Kathgodam in the night in case you want to stay the night.  

Pantnagar Airport is the closest to Lohajung at a distance of 256 km. There is one Air India flight running every day between Delhi and Pantnagar. It is suggested to make your bookings well in advance due to a low frequency of flights. In case you are flying to Pantnagar, take a taxi from the airport to Kathgodam and then take one of those shared jeeps to reach Lohajung.

Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?

Kathgodam is located in Nainital district of Uttrakhand. Nainital is 53 km from Kathgodam and can be reached by local buses. Nainital is a famous tourist spot in the mountains in visited by a lot of people all around the year. Naini Lake is the heart of Nainital where you can enjoy boating, yachting, and paddling. Perch on the Tiffin Top to enjoy the views of Nainital. Stroll at The Mall Road where you can buy some souvenirs from the trip.

Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?

One can expect full network till Wan Village and some points beyond this village. Garoli Patal is one point where you can expect reception. BSNL network connectivity is sparsely available through the trail till Patarnachauni.

Packing List: What to pack

Eligibility: Requisite Skills

• Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent.
• Ascending & descending technique for mountain trails
• Basic mountain mannerisms
• Ascending & descending on snow
• Basics of Mountain Sickness
• Basics of Mountain Hazards
• How to cross small water streams

Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?

The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?

When you arrive in Lohajung, your stay will be made at local guest house.The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email few days prior the trek. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will be also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?

We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.

Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?

Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.

Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?

During the day, the temperature will range from 13-18 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0-7 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain during Roopkund trek, the colder it gets. Refer this chart for Roopkund Temperature details: Roopkund Temperature

Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?

You can expect snows in the first season i.e. May-June. It is difficult to expect snow post monsoons in September when the Roopkund trek opens again for its second season. October is likely to receive fresh snowfall at higher altitudes if the climate is favorable.

Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?

You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.

Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?

If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.

Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?

A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.

Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?

Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.

Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?

Lohajung is a small town with a very small market. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.

Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?

Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.

Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?

Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.

Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?

You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?

Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes,and bread butter served in breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.

Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?

We have two pick-up points: ISBT, Tikonia Chowk in Haldwani and Railway station in Kathgodam. The dropping points remain the same.

Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?

Expect to reach Haldwani/Kathgodam late in the evening, post 17:00 - 18:00 Hrs. Make sure your bus bookings from these points to your respective destinations are late in the night, post 21:00 Hrs.

Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?

Roop kund trek best time is: May-June, September-October

Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?

Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?

Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?

ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) is the mandatory document required for the trek.

About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?

Roopkund trek - the skeleton lake.

Learning Experience

• We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
• We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
• To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
• These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.

Loyality Programs

Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.

• Currently we have three levels:
• Basic Membership
• Summiteer Membership
• Leader Membership

Personalized Attention

• Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
• Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
• On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.

Best Expedition Leaders

• Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
• Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.

Eco-friendly Practices

• Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
• Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
• We follow a rolling campsite model.
• We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.

For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.

• To ensure this:
• Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
• The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
• Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
• Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.

What's Included

Whats included.

• Food as per menu on the trek (starting with breakfast on Day 2 till Breakfast on Day 8)
• Forest Permits/Camping Charges (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
• Tents on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
• Micro-spikes, Helmets, and Gaiters, as required
• Experienced Trek guide, cook, helpers
• Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
• Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
• 2 Nights Dormitory/Guest House Stay in Lohajung

Whats Not Included?

• Meals during road journeys,if any
• Meals duiring guest house stay (except the meals mentioned in Inclusions section)
• Cost of any kind of travel insurance
• Any expense of personal nature
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.

Cancellation Policy

Cash refund.

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date 5% Deduction

Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure 50% deduction

Less than 15 days of departure No Cash Refund

Voucher Refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date No Deduction

Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure No Refund

Please note

• Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
• This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

How to use a Trekking Pole : Benefits & Precautions

Dhaarna Kukreja 02 August 2017

How to use a trekking pole: 101

To use or not to.

Trailcraft Basics : Ascending and Descending on Trail and Snow

How to avoid and treat blisters on the Trek

How to maintain Personal Hygiene on the trek

Trailcraft Basics : Ascending and Descending on Snow

Experiential.

Roopkund Lake, Where The Skeletons Lay.

Days Of Solitude, A Could Have Been Bear & The Mystery Lake - Roopkund Trek !

No Fairytale Crap: Why I Don’t Want a Flawless Trek

Baraadsar Lake Trek Photo Story

Informative.

The peaks around Roopkund

The Skeletons of Roop Kund have Something to Say

The Trek that Gives Back: What Roop Kund Means to Locals

Why do I Need a Guide for Roop Kund?

5 ALTERNATIVE TREKS TO DO IN 2019 INSTEAD OF ROOPKUND

Hey Roopkund! Have You Met Your New Alternative?

How to reach the famous base village Lohajung?

Enter your email, certifications.

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A Starter’s Guide to Roopkund Trek

Quick Jumplinks to Navigate

An idyllic trail that will astonish trekking enthusiasts, The Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand is home to the mystical ‘Skeletal Lake’. The enchanted Trishul Peak that offers a picturesque sight during this stimulating expedition surrounds it. The trail points you to the frozen Roopkund Lake with its pious offerings in Nanda Devi, to create an all-embracing experience with the richness of culture, nature and adventure. You will witness opaque forest expanses with torrential streams across the savannahs as you meander into the generous wilderness of nature through the regions of Loharjung, Didina, Bugyal and Bhagwabasa among others. Arriving at the ‘Mystery Lake’ that houses remains of calamitous pilgrims will make you shudder, especially with the majestic vision of Roopkund Glacier, Choukhamba and Nandaghungti peaks in the backdrops.

How To Reach

The starting point of this trek is at Kathgodam, a small town in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand . It is accessible by railways and roadways, which are the only two ways to arrive in this beautiful clandestine settlement. The closest airport is the Pantnagar Airport, which is 71 kms away – you will have to rely on road transport or rails to arrive in Kathgodam. With well-connected rail systems, the Kathgodam Railway Station is linked to all major cities through standard trains. You can also travel by private or state run buses that ply from Nainital, Rudrapur, Moradabad, Chandausi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Delhi among others.

Nestled amidst the Kumaon Ranges of the Himalayas, Kathgodam is a beautiful spot to relish nature and cultural heritage. A ride from here will take you through charming narrow roads to arrive at Loharjung, which will be your base camp for this trekking expedition. This little village rests at the edge of a hill and offers a picturesque view of the Nilganga valley. It stands at 2300 meters and will dazzle you with its lively sights. It has few lodging facilities and restaurants with small shops for purchasing daily need items. Your trek begins from here and will enthrall you beyond imagination.

Best Season To Visit

The Roopkund Trek takes you from the charmed Kathgodam Township through Loharjung, Didina, Bugyal, Lotani, and Bhagwabasa to reach Roopkund. With a moderate climate that persists for most months, summers last from April to June with a temperature that falls below 30°C. Winters lasts from December to February and can be quite harsh with temperatures dipping below freezing point. The months from July to November are considered to be appropriate to visit, with cool amiable winds that allow you to experience nature’s best-kept secret of the Himalayas.

About The Locals

With a rich history and a fascinating culture, these towns and villages in Uttarakhand is largely blessed with temples that are the pride of the locals. Observing the culture of this town, you will discover the traditions and practices, which are closely monitored and ritually followed. With a hike in tourism since the past decade or so, the people of the region have absorbed diversity and thus are very friendly to tourists. With their compassion and respect for travellers, they will make sure that your expedition is filled with memorable experiences. Elevation Points.This noteworthy trekking tour takes you from Kathgodam located at the foothills of the Kumaon Ranges at a height of 554 meters while offering you an exquisite panorama of sights. As you begin your drive from here to Loharjung that stands tall at 2300 m, your trek to Roopkund lies en route Ali Bugyal which summits a majestic 3350 meters height. Cross by Ghora Lotani that falls a few kms ahead and bypass Bhagwabasa that peaks at 4100 m. To experience the picturesque destination at Roopkund, you will ascend to its marvellous pinnacle at 5020 m.

Required Entry fees at certain check points, permits for the trek and obligatory forest camping charges in the region for the entire length of the trek will be required. Please carry your identification cards such as driving license or voter ID along with a passport size photo, a medical certificate ensuring your fitness for the trek and a disclaimer certificate ensuring your submission to voluntarily participate in this trek. Permits can be obtained at Loharjung where you have to pay camping charges to the Forest Officer.

Medical Advice and Emergency Numbers

A well-equipped first aid kit will be accessible with the guides throughout the duration of the trek. We recommend that you carry your own individual resource of first aid items such as medicines, antiseptics, insect repellents, prescription drugs etc. All precautionary measures shall be taken to ensure your safety yet there lays no harm in having awareness of the general know-how of healthcare. CPR and other common medical knowledge about altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) should be present. This illness is associated with trekking with symptoms that range from headache, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, lung problems, ataxia etc. Please consult your doctor before your trip to procure prescription drugs for such possible situations and only consume them if required, as they are powerful and have strong effects, especially if taken during your trek.

As Roopkund lies within the region of District Chamoli, please keep with you at all times the following emergency contact details.

Uttarakhand Helpline: 0135 – 2710334, 0135 – 2710335, 0135 – 2710233 Army Control Number: 0135 – 2716201, 0135 – 2710925, 0135 – 2716201, 0135 – 2710925 Army Medical Emergency numbers – 18001805558, 18004190282, 8009833388 Police: 100 Fire: 101 Ambulance: 102 Chamoli Control Room – 01372-251437, 251077, 09411352136 Flood Information – 01372-251437, 09411352136

Advice and Expectations

This expedition is the perfect experience to enjoy the thrill of the Himalayas yet it holds extreme conditions and is generally considered to have a moderate to hard level of difficulty. Prepare thoroughly with regard to clothing and other protective gears to endure the unpredictable mountain weather, as it may get very cold. Keep your trekking gear safe and always keep essentials such as wind-proof jacket, dry socks and caps at hand. Make sure you choose correct and good quality footwear and fitted boots to avoid frostbites. Wear the right kind of socks to facilitate blood circulation. Carry a sturdy sleeping bag that is durable and comfortable. Carry a good quality backpack that can ensure harsh conditions of wear and tear, especially with a plastic or waterproof lining. Carry your identification proof as you might be expected to furnish it with the officials.

Things To Carry

– Durable good-quality trekking shoes – Camping shoes for crossing streams – Thick woolen socks – Thermal inner wear – Heavy fleece clothes – Torch – Whistle – Covers to store used/wet clothing – Winter jacket and water proof coat – Trekking pants – Woolen cap, gloves, etc. – Sunglasses – Sun screen lotion and other toiletries – Water bottle – Trekking pole – First aid kit – Personal medication – Swiss knife

Attractions

Kathgodam – Kathgodam is situated adjacent to its twin town of Haldwani in the state of Uttarakhand. Literally meaning ‘timber depot’, Kathgodam is the centre of trade and commerce of the district. This charming town rests at the foothill of the Kumaon Ranges in the Himalayas and is its last railhead. It is perched at 554 meters and was an overlooked hamlet until the British took it on the Railway Map in 1909. The River Gaula and its dam located here is a superlative picnic abode. It is also adjacent to the Corbett Falls and the Bhimtal Lake, which is a famous romantic paradise.

Loharjung – A tiny settlement that is sited at the edge of a mountain, Loharjung has a striking view of the basins of Nilganga. It offers a placid and private abode to travellers, most of who pass through here to go across to the other charms of the area. Few restaurants are available here and very few lodging facilities are present. This is where you can obtain permits for your trek and enjoy amidst the serenity of nature.

Didina – Situated in the mountain terrains of Chamoli District, Didina boasts of mixed forests and beautiful meadows. Silk Worm rearing is a famous occupation in this village while the villagers also engage in farming of potatoes in the cultivable land along with goat and cow rearing. If offers a picturesque beauty along the ridge of farms with small houses that are scattered randomly across the village.

Ali Bugyal – Located at a majestic height of 3400 m, Ali Bugyal lies atop a mountain while treading through thick vegetation of oak, rhododendron and birch trees. With beautiful grassy terrains and green stretches, Ali Bugyal offers an enchanting view with misty winds and colourful treats. Horses and cattle commonly graze the area while a view of the Trishul Peak and Mrigthuni Peak forms an amazing backdrop to this mesmerising location.

Ghora Lotani – Literally meaning ‘Horse Return’, Ghora Lotani gets its name from the fact that the trekking route beyond this point does not allow horses to proceed, which thus have to return back. Barren lands and boulders smuggle the spread of the region while clouds of mist enclose the beautiful hilltops. Vegetation is not developed here and drinking water is not available which makes it a fleeting region for travellers to pass through.

Bhagwabasa – A noticeably isolated location is what stands at Bhagwabasa with stone blocks on all sides of the trail. An array of abandoned stone huts ranging in size can be seen here and were rented out to trekkers in the past. These huts now stand destroyed but yet offer a great view amidst the misty backdrops with abundant cloud cover. The peaks of Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Kali Dak can be clearly sighted from here

Roopkund Lake – A high altitude lake situated in Uttarakhand, it is located at an elevation of 5020 meters and is also called the ‘Mystery Lake’. It has a mystical history with remains and skeletons of humans and horses spotted here that are believed to be from the Palaeolithic Age (500-600 years ago). This lake is nestled amidst the panoramic scenery of mountains, rock-strewn glaciers and skeletal remains. Roopkund is a famous trekking destination among travellers with its mystical appearance.

Day 01:  Drive from Kathgodam to Loharjung (2300 m) Day 02:  Trek from Loharjung to Didina (5 1/2 – 6 1/2 Hours) Day 03:  Trek from Didina Village to Ali Bugyal (3350 m) (2 1/2 Hours) Day 04:  Trek from Ali Bugyal to Ghora Lotani (3 km) Day 05:  Trek from Ghora Lotani to Bhagwabasa (4100 m) (2 km) (1 1/2 Hours) Day 06:  Trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake (5020 m) – Bedni Bugyal (4 – 5 Hours) Day 07:  Trek from Bedni Bugyal –to Wan (6 Hours), Drive from Wan to Loharjung (1 Hour) Day 08:  Drive from Loharjung to Kathgodam

Tips And Tricks

– Hydrate two days before your trek – you must triple your water intake to avoid dehydration. – Choose a shoe that is half a number larger than your normal size. It may be uncomfortable if one chooses a shoe size, which is one number smaller than your actual size. You may end up with sore fingers and blisters at the end of the trek. To avoid blisters, you can wear double layers of socks – a thin nylon one first followed by a thick Turkish sock. – In case you carry your camera or a mobile phone, make sure you carry enough supply of plastic waterproof bags to keep them safe. – Once you start trekking with the entire group, try and get your natural rhythm of walking. Never attempt to walk too fast or too slow as this can lead to premature fatigue. – It is advisable to carry a windcheater but it is not advisable to wear it while trekking. During trekking, our body produces solid heat and to regulate that, the heated muscles of our body sweat profusely. In a humid atmosphere with a hot and perspiring situation, we aggravate it by wearing windcheaters. All in all, it leads to a suffocated feeling. Our advice is to carry a windcheater in your sack and wear it only when you take a long halt.

What is the best time for the Roopkund trek?

Roopkund Trek Guide advises you to take up the Roopkund Trek during the summer months of April, May, and June for the best experience. It is not at all recommended to take up the trek during the monsoon season.

What activities are included in the Roopkund lake trek?

The activities that shall be included in your Roopkund Trek are as mentioned below: An adventurous trekking expedition all the way from Loharjung to the mystical Roopkund Lake. Camping at some of the most exquisite locations amidst the beautiful Himalayas. Crossing some chilling yet astonishing streams flowing amidst the mountains. Soaking in the views of the famous Roopkund Lake. Admiring the beauty of Deadar and Sal forests along your way. Witnessing the beauty of hidden waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh. Relishing some hot food cooked right in front of you on the campsite. Experiencing the essence of the untouched traditional villages and culture of the Himalayan mountains.

Which type of shoes should I carry for Roopkund Trek?

Consider carrying professional trekking shoes for walking along the hilly terrain. You should also carry along a pair of camping shoes for crossing streams. You should carry a few extra pairs of thick woolen socks along with your shoes to keep you warm during the extremely cold nights of Roopkund. You can also seek advice from your Roopkund Trek Guide regarding the feasibility of your shoes for the entire trek.

What is the difficulty level of the Roopkund trek?

Due to the extreme climate conditions and steep hilly terrain, the Roopkund trek is a slightly moderate to difficult level trek. One is highly recommended to have good health conditions along with a decent level of fitness to be able to easily complete the trek, whilst enjoying the same. Your Roopkund Trek Guide shall help you in the best way possible to make your trek easy and enjoyable.

How long is Roopkund Trek?

The Roopkund Trek, which stretches over to 8 days and 7 nights is almost 53 kilometers long. You shall be accompanied by a Roopkund Tour Guide through the entire trek to help you explore the trail in the best way possible. Out of the 8 days, you shall be trekking on your feet for almost 6 days with your Roopkund Trek Guide.

What is the height of the Roopkund trek?

The height of Roopkund Trek is almost 5029 meters. The Roopkund Lake is surrounded by snow-capped majestic Himalayas and glaciers. The Lake has extreme temperature conditions all throughout the year and has a unique and mystical environment. The nearest camping point where you shall be setting up your camps, with the help of your Roopkund Trek Guide for an overnight stay would be at Bedni Bugyal, which is at 3354 meters altitude.

I have been travelling across India for a long time and I am using this blog to share my experiences with you so that you can see the tremendous beauty which India has to offer. Thrillophilia Blog

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Roopkund Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Time and Itinerary

Table of Contents

If you are trekking in India, Roopkund Trekking is a must! It has everything you need. Deep pristine forests, bubbling streams, breathtaking campgrounds, miles of rolling meadows, snow and ice, and the kick of great adventure as you ascend from 8,000 feet to 16,000 feet.

Roopkund, in the state of Uttarakhand in India, is a popular glacial lake. The lake is popular because more than five hundred human skeletons were found from the lake. Positioned in the Himalayas almost 4,800 meters above sea level lies Roopkund.

History of Roopkund Trek

Roopkund, located in the Trishul massif, is also renowned as the “mysterious lake”. Human skeletons were found on the lakeshore and are believed to belong to the Paleolithic era. In addition to human skeletons, the skeletal structures of horses and other animals were also found. It was reported that these skeletons belonged from the 12th century to the 15th century.

Experts believed that the cause of these many deaths was the aftermath of landslides, blizzards, or an epidemic. Human skeletons were rediscovered in 1942 by HK Madhwal, who was a ranger at Nanda Devi Game Reserve. Although the specific number of skeletons was not determined. Many scientists believed that people died not because of the epidemic but due to the aftermath of a sudden hailstorm. And it was considered as the main reason behind the extinction of the indigenous peoples of this region.

Roopkund Trek Highlights

• Explore the mysterious Skeleton Lake, Roopkund, and observe human and animal bones buried for years in the snow.
• Relish stunning views of the high Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Rudragaira.
• Relish the lush alpine meadows of Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal.
• Take a moment to explore some of the most remote villages in Uttarakhand.
• Experience camping and breathtaking landscapes.

Roopkund Trek Location

Roopkund is located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. At a distance of 217 km from Nainital and 235 km from Kathgodam, Roopkund is one of the main adventure temptations for locals and also for people coming from abroad.

Best Time to Visit Roopkund Trek

Roopkund can be hiked between May-June and August-October. The severe weather conditions only offer hikers to hike within the 1st week of May and around the 1st week of July. June is a great time to see Ali and Bedni’s twin meadows because at this point they are in their flowering season. Trekking between the last week of August and the first week of October is also a good trekking season in Roopkund. The sky stays pure and the climate is ideal for a hike. 

How to Reach Roopkund Trek

Kathgodam Station is one of the main train stations in the area.

By Plane: Jolly Grant Dehradun Airport is the closest airport to Roopkund. 

By Train: You could take the Ranikhet Express departing from Delhi arriving at Kathgodam at 5:30 a.m. (overnight trip) or Uttar Sampark Kranti Dep. Delhi at 4:00 p.m. and arrives at Kathgodam around 10:40 p.m. (6 hours and 40 minutes journey). From Dehardun take the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun at 10:30 p.m. Arrival at Kathgodam at 7:10 p.m. (8-hour journey)

By Road: Ordinary buses are running from Delhi Anand Vihar ISBT station to Kathgodam. Buses going to Nainital stop at Haldwani.

Read more: Hemkund Sahib Trek

Roopkund Trek Itinerary

Day 01: pick up from kathgodam in the morning and arrive at lohajung (2300m, 7500ft).

The winding road passes through the Kumaon region and covers the deep valleys of the Shivalik mountain ranges. The road will lead you to Gwaldam which is located under the administrative district of Garhwal. The road passes through coniferous forests and inexorable curves.

From Gwaldam to Deval, the final destination of the day is not favored because of the damage at various points due to the annual rains. Via Nandkesari the distance gets less, about 11 km, but it is better to walk a longer but safer path through Tharali which is about 36 km. A 2-hour journey will take you to Deval, a village with all the supplies for the purchase of food and kerosene needed for the remaining trip. The last stop of the day’s trip is from Deval to Lohajung.

The extremely winding road gains considerable height. The roads are so exciting to drive that even the slightest of oncoming cars and trucks can give you goosebumps at times. It is generally rainy and foggy for most of the time and the temperature remains very cold. Spend the night in a nearby retirement home or a tourist lodge.

Day 02: Lohargunj to the village of Didna

The real trek begins today. After a good homemade breakfast, the walk begins on level ground after a slight climbing of road by jeep; the road climbs up to the village of Wan. An hour and a half walk on a flat surface will take you to Kulling, which is about 6 km from Lohajung. Kulling is a quiet village in the district of Garhwal, with a small population pool; it is full of the beauties of nature.

Exotic birds can be spotted very easily; the air is crisp and cool. After a stop in Kulling, you will turn right and gradually descend towards the village. In the beginning, there is a narrow concrete plain that crosses houses and fields and leads to a small stream. This small stream is fed by Neel Ganga. Descend further until you reach Neel Ganga’s bed. Continue and cross the cemented bridge, then start to climb the ridge on the right side of the bridge.

The road ahead is moderately steep. and ends at the village of Didna, located at an elevation of 2,450 meters. The trail embraces evergreen alpine forests and tall trees. After a climb of about two hours, you will reach the top of the ridge; the front view is magnificent. It is surprising to find vast open lands at such a high altitude on the lap of mountains. There are two villages very close to each other, Didna and Kuling, hosting essentially the same type of people and hikers.

The first village is inhabited during the summer and monsoon months while the second is frequented during the winter. The full-day hike ends around 3 p.m. after which a hot lunch is enjoyed. The total distance covered during the day is approximately 10km, and the night will be spent in a traditional guest house.

Day 03: Village of Didna in Ali Bugyal

Today’s trek consists of crossing the lovely village of Ali Bugyal, located at an altitude of 3400 meters or 11000 feet. It is one of the most populous places highs of the country. Ali Bugyal is at the top of the mountain. The trek will take you to the top of this mountain. After the start, the path will take you out of the village. On the right, the path is slightly uphill with a very gentle slope.

Along the way, the temporary settlements of local shepherds known as Tolpani and their huge flocks of sheep are a must-see. They are very friendly and warm in welcoming people; you can also feed them lunch, which they consider a friendly gesture. On the other hand, the path on the left side is short but steeper. But whichever route you take, both will eventually lead you to the same destination.

Oaks, birches, and rhododendrons are the only trees that grow in these areas and they are magnificent and enormous. According to locals, anyone who visits the place in spring can see the incredible view of the valley covered with thousands of brightly colored rhododendron blossoms.

After reaching the top of the mountain, the treeline gradually recedes and the flat meadows begin. The ascent lasts 3 to 4 hours, after which before your eyes, the most beautiful meadows of the Himalayas, Ali Bugiyal welcomes you. During the summer months, wild horses and cows graze in the fields which are filled with vast expanses of grass and flowers of various bright colors.

On a clear day, it is easy to see the peaks of Trishul and Mrighthuni, the highest peaks in this part of the Himalayas. After crossing the meadows, you will meet a small wall on the road, and another half hour of trekking will take you to Bedni, the campsite on day 3. After lunch, visit the nearby temple of Bedni Kund, if time permits. You may be able to see the Himalayan ranges of Garhwal in all their splendor.

Day 04: Ali Bugyal in Ghora Lotani

Today, being the 4th day of the trek, you can choose to start a little late and sleep a little more. Your next campsite is Gora Lutani, a perfect place to camp. Keep walking and enjoy the scenic spots in the adjacent area.

Along the way, you will come across Patat Nacholi, a rather unused and usable landmass. That day you will make a steep climb in elevation from about 12,500 feet to 14,500 feet. The high altitude and continuous long walks will hurt your legs and you will also start to feel the effects of climate change and the thin air will make it difficult to breathe.

The beautiful surroundings will give you enough motivation to reach your destination. After a journey of about 10 km, the campsite for the day is reached. 

Day 05: Ghora lotani to Bhagwabasa 

 Wake up early and get ready for the longest day of trekking. Eat a hearty breakfast and don’t forget to do some stretching. It should be kept in mind that the trek will cover about 10 km and that too on a steep slope. Walk towards Bhagwabasa, located approximately 14,000 feet above sea level.

This route will also lead you through the Kalu Vinayak Temple. The most exciting part of visiting the temple is walking 2 miles, which is also equivalent to gaining an elevation of around 200 feet. The path leading to this temple is very irregular and in the shape of a zigzag. Walking should be done very slowly and carefully; a little mistake and anyone can be badly hurt.

But since there is no winning without pain, the freebies await you at the top. It is difficult to understand how anyone could have created the temple at such a height. The temple is fundamentally traditional in design and construction and has been around for centuries. As the altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and the amount of oxygen also decreases which can lead to severe headaches and abdominal pain, but don’t worry, rest.

The temple is carved in stone with the greatest precision and perfection. From the temple, you can see Roopkund, the final destination of the trek. The view is simply stunning with shining and sparkling Trishul on one side and bell-shaped Nanda ghunti on the other. Follow the bumpy path further that leads to Bhagwabasa 1 km away. The region has its uniqueness, a few flowers that bloom only during the monsoon months. 

Day 06: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and back to Bedni Bugyal 

Start early this day to reach the mega destination – Roopkund. At an altitude of over 16,000 feet, this is the highlight of the trek. While the trail is not that complicated to climb, even the 4-mile hike will take your breath away and tire you like hell. But no trekking is easy, is it?

During the monsoon, the snow covering this area is much less abundant and shallow, so the path turns out correctly. From Bhagwabasa, your first checkpoint is Chhirianag which means ladder like a serpent. From this location, the next point is Roopkund – The Island of Mystery.

Skeleton Lake is one of the most mysterious places in the world. Until today, even archaeologists and scientists are unable to find out how there were so many skeletons at the bottom of the lake. Some theories and fables claim that once at one point a king and his companions were on their way to Nanda Devi and unfortunately a strong hail storm resulted in their deaths.

If you are extremely lucky you can see around 300 human skeletons somewhere from the lakeside. This site itself is breathtaking and people go crazy after seeing it. From this point, the hike will be hard with steep terrain. After the steep climb, you will find the Nanda Devi temple. It is very close to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

A perfect site for taking good photos with friends and other trekking companions. Depending on the weather conditions, climbers may decide to take a risk on the Junargali pass which is located at 16,700 feet above sea level. Without any weather interference, it would take about 45 minutes to go up. You will need to go through Bhagwabasa on the way back.

These places are filled with pure euphoria and emotion. The descent along the trail is twice as difficult as the climb, so you might feel like you are falling from above. Continue to discover a cave-like structure called Bhagwabasa or the Tiger’s Abode. Descend further down to reach Pathar Nachuni at approximately 12,500m above ground level.

Return through Ghora Lautani to Bedni Buhyal. Your day will end at the campsite in a green setting. This trip is one of the longest, covering a distance of 15 km. Your legs will prompt you to sleep soundly because they need a lot of rest. But before you go to bed, know that the whole trip was not at all easy and requires a lot of determination and courage to complete it. 

Day 07: Bedni bugyal to Loharjung 

Day 7 is probably the last day of the trek where you will have to walk and return to the campsite which was there on day 1. The descent and the ascent are two very different things, although the path remains the same. This time you are traveling on the right side of the path and it seems to be a simple path compared to the tiring story the day before.

For the first time, you will see wooden cabins scattered along the path. After walking a little further you can now see the road splitting into two lanes. You have to take the one that leads to the right. It goes down and down, and as you go down you can see again that you have entered the forest area with trees all the way.

Due to the variable slope, hikers are advised to be very careful with every step; otherwise, you could end up hurting yourself. Shortcuts should be avoided as much as possible as the terrain is quite rough. After walking a few more meters you will come to an opening in the dense forest called Gahroli Patal.

We continue our journey until we reach the banks of the Neel Ganga river. Once you reach the river bed, your journey continues until you reach the wan village called Ran ka Dhar. Wan village is the next stop after which you get off further. Like home, a large village with rolling hills and mountains covering the edges, a view to be cherished for a lifetime.

So as you walk a few more meters down the road and find the car waiting to pick you up. The distance covered during the day for the descent is almost 18 km and lasts about 10 hours. From Wan, it takes an hour to reach Lohajung. The road traveled by car is stony. Once back at the guesthouse you can revel in all the memories of the trip and sleep comfortably on the warm bed

Day 08: Loharjung to Kathgodam 

Wake up early in the morning; have a good cup of tea and a fantastic breakfast in the hills. Today you will leave for Lohajung, with all the beautiful and unforgettable memories, pack your belongings and luggage. Your taxi will drop you off at Kathgodam station.

The drive will take around 10 hours and be sure to bring mint and nausea-preventing tablets with you. From Kathgodam Station you will find trains to various locations. Board your respective train and have a healthy experience with memories that will never fade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Roopkund Trek 

When is the best time to go to the roopkund trek.

Roopkund is a trek that changes beauty before and after the monsoon. If you like snow and a bit of difficult hikes May and June are the best times and if you want to see skeletal and slightly easy hikes September, October is the best time.

How difficult is the Roopkund trek?

Roopkund Trek varies from moderate to difficult depending on the snow level. In the Roopkund Trek, the weather changes in a matter of minutes, so sometimes it becomes very difficult.

How cold is it really during the Roopkund trek?

In the lower fields, the temperature is not so important, but in the upper fields, you have to dress in layers. In the highest camps during the day the temperature will be above 0 degrees and during the night from 0 to 6 degrees

How long does the Roopkund Trek take?

The 8-day Roopkund Trek is almost 53 kilometers long.

How high is the Roopkund trek?

The height of the Roopkund Trek is almost 5029 meters.

What’s the best thing to do in Roopkund Trek?

The Roopkund Trail rises through beautiful dark forests and suddenly enters Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably the most beautiful high altitude grasslands in India. Outside the meadows, the trail quickly enters fantastic alpine expanses. Climbing through the snow at Roopkund Lake is thrilling.

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Roopkund Trek – A Beginner’s Guide

Steadily gaining fame year over year, Roopkund trek has become India’s gem of the Himalayan adventure scene. Well-deserving of its popularity, Roopkund, translating into English as “beautiful pond,” attracts backpackers from across India as well as international visitors with its beauty and mystery.

Roopkund itself is a high-altitude, glacial lake nestled deep into the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The 54km trek traverses some of the most diverse and stunning scenery that Himalayan trekking has to offer, spanning the time of six trekking days, plus one on either side for jeep transportation back to connectivity points.

Trekkers consistently attest that the views throughout the journey are miraculous, but most come to see for themselves if the rumors of skeletons lying around the lake are in fact true.

They are, but more on that later…

Let's quickly dive into the details:

What to Expect from the Itinerary?

Day one lets you rest easy, your only task being to find your way to Lohajung, the small village at 7,700ft serving as the trailhead for this adventure. Several comfortable homestays are available, and the panoramic mountain views give you a teaser of what is soon to come.

Leaving from Lohajung on day two, a beautifully-rugged temple can be paused at for a time of reflection, after which you plunge into the valley of dark undergrowth for much of the 11km day. Gently curving alongside the Neel Gunga, the trail weaves through the sunlight-studded forest, guiding you up toward the village of Didina.

Here, a homestay and chai stall offer welcomed hospitality, and many use this point as their lunch break for the day. Following this cheery opening, it’s back into the forest until you reach Tolpani, at 8,300ft, where many choose to camp for the night. Tolpani is unique , strikingly and aggressively lush. Everything here is green and vegetative, with a little summer shepherd residence tucked among the stalks.

The following morning, this trail abruptly breaks into the open air atop none other than Ali Bugyal, the meadow that has stolen India’s heart. This rolling, high-altitude carpet of neon green grass seems to extend infinitely, gifting trekkers with sights of grazing livestock and shivering wildflowers throughout. Look to the east, and let the faces of Nanga Ghunti & Trishuli humble you.

The rest of this 6km day leads you past a Maggi point up to Bedni Bugyal, your second high-altitude meadow of the day (and campsite- lucky you!) at 11,700ft where several Trishul -laden temples can be found.

Day four’s prized possession rests at the top of the first climb. Again a 6km distance for the day, the trail leads you to something almost pass-like, a section just a few winding kilometers above Bedni Bugyal that opens up the valley view for all to see. Making the trekkers look like ants, you can see from here the trail etched into the side of the mountain fade into the distance toward Patar Nachauni, the night’s destination resting at 12,700ft.

The showstopper of day five is undeniably Kalua Vinayak. Earned by an initial steep climb, this heavily-gifted temple rests among a spectacular view of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. At 14,200ft, your 4km trek for the day has brought you to Bagwabasa, the official Base Camp for Roopkund. You’re ready to climb.

The day six summit push begins roughly around 2:00 am, and the iced, rocky switchbacks up to the lake present a 6 km arduous climb for many, often requiring crampons. The goal of this night hike is to avoid sunlight creating a slippery surface from the half-melted ice, but the reward is priceless. Roopkund stands before you at 15,750ft in all its glory, skeletons scattered in the snow and nestled at the bottom of the lake.

Now, these bones are estimated to belong to roughly 300 biologically separate skeletons, which have been carbon-dated back 1,200 years to 9th century A.D. The mystery? No one knows who they were or why they were there. Theories are ranging from angry gods punishing armies to a freak hailstorm killing migrants, but one fact can be confirmed- they all died from sustaining hole-punching injuries to their skulls.

It’s easy to get distracted by this oddity, but the true prize of the summit is just 250 feet higher. Junargali, the crown jewel of Roopkund, rests atop a magnificent throne of snow. This iron gate is a symbolic gateway between valleys, dangling a single golden bell from its apex among the glittering white mountains that surround it. This thing, if weather permits, is the true grand finale of the trek to Roopkund.

The day ends with a 10km descent back to Bedni Bugyal, from which you descend 11km into the charming village of Wan the next day. Be sure to allow time to chat with the locals, who may invite you in for a cup of chai, and explore the temples hidden beneath towering pine trees. From Wan, you can arrange a jeep to either Lohajung or another point of connectivity.

Getting There

You know you want to trek to Roopkund, just don’t know how to start? The journey to Lohajung, you can easily sort by hiring a jeep from the hub of Haldwani/Kathgodam for roughly 900 INR. The ride generally takes 12 hours from that point. Kathgodam and Haldwani can be reached by bus or train from Delhi.

Preparing for Roopkund Trek

This is a high-altitude trek. Since the Roopkund trail does include a maximum altitude of 5,029 meters and is a moderate trek, it is highly advisable that those who attempt it ensure that they have previously hiked in the high mountains. Preferably to a height of at least 3,000 meters, so that to avoid any unwanted AMS symptoms.

The more acclimatized you can be, the easier and more enjoyable your time will be here. Trekkers should be physically fit and be actively working out at home to prepare for this adventure. In general, individuals should be able to run 5km in 25-30 min or walk continuously for 10km.

Best Season to Travel to Roopkund

Roopkund has two main seasons; May through June and September through October. Depending on the choice of season, the trek transforms into the almost entirely new scenery, given the weather variations. While you will find snow atop the Roopkund summit in the summer months only, snow is much more abundant in September and October, turning

Roopkund into a winter wonderland during this time. Apart from these months, the trails are largely deserted. Many locals, who make their living on the adventure tourism of trekkers visiting their chai stalls and homestays that dot the trails, pack up for the season.

So, there you have it- your beginner’s guide to tackling Roopkund trek and making it an unforgettable eight days. Junargali, the mystery skeletons, neon meadows, and incensed temples are all waiting for you – pack your bag and discover the unknown now known!

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I am a college student trying to explore this world as much as possible. I write about my experiences and all the information about the places which I've visited. Read about my journeys here.

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Roop Kund Trek, Chamoli Garhwal

Roopkund is a high altitude glacial lake located in the Chamoli Garhwal District of Uttarakhand State, India. It is situated at an altitude of about 5,029 meters above sea level in the Himalayan ranges.

Roopkund is also known as the "Mystery Lake" due to the large number of human skeletal remains that were discovered there in 1942. The remains are believed to be from a group of pilgrims who were caught in a severe hailstorm and died in the lake. The exact cause of the deaths remains a mystery, and many theories have been put forward to explain the presence of these skeletons.

The lake is surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks and dense forests, and is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The trek to Roopkund is one of the challenging trek and requires a good level of fitness, as the altitude can cause altitude sickness. The trek usually takes around 6-7 days, and takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian Himalayas.

Apart from the skeletal remains, Roopkund is also known for its scenic beauty and the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The lake is surrounded by a number of other smaller lakes and glaciers, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Things to explore in Roopkund Trek| Activities to do in Roopkund Trek

The Roopkund Trek is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts , and there are a variety of activities you can enjoy during your trek. Here are some of the most popular activities to do while doing Roopkund Trek :

Trekking : The Roopkund Trek is a challenging trek that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. The trek usually takes around 6-7 days, and you will pass through dense forests, meadows, and snow-covered peaks.

Camping : Camping is an integral part of the Roopkund Trek, and you will get to camp at some of the most scenic locations along the way. You can set up your tents near the lake, or in the meadows, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Photography : Roopkund Trek is a photographer's paradise, and you will get to capture some of the most stunning landscapes and natural beauty during your trek. You can take pictures of the snow-covered peaks, the lush green meadows, and the crystal-clear lake.

Bird Watching : The Roopkund Trek is also a great opportunity for birdwatching. The region is home to a variety of bird species such as Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Snowcock, and more.

Sustainable Village Tourism : Roopkund Trek covers authentic villages including Lohajung, Didna, and Kuling and Wan, you will love to explore the villages, local culture and customs of the people living in the region. You can interact with the locals, and learn about their way of life and traditions.

Stargazing : The high altitude location of Roopkund Trek makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. You can spend some time gazing at the starry night sky and enjoy the serene environment.

Places to Explore near Roopkund Trek | Famous Tourist Attractions near Roopkund Trek

There are several places to explore near Roopkund Trek that offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Here are some of the most popular places to explore near Roopkund Trek:

Bedni Bugyal : Bedni Bugyal is a stunning meadow located at an altitude of 3,354 meters. It is surrounded by dense forests and offers a panoramic view of the snow-covered peaks. The place is famous for its colorful flowers and is an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Ali Bugyal : Ali Bugyal is another beautiful meadow located near Roopkund Trek. It is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters and is famous for its green carpet-like appearance. The place is also ideal for camping and offers a great opportunity for stargazing.

Didna Village : Didna Village is situated in the trek route of Roopkund. An offbeat isolated village surrounded by less facilities but close to nature. You will love to explore the authenticity of this village, culture of gahrwal and unique way of living pahadi life using natural resourses. People of Didna village shifts in kuling village in winter peak season due to heavy snowfall.

Tour Itinerary

Day wise roopkund trek route full information | guide for roopkund trek.

Roopkund is a popular trekking destination in Uttarakhand , India known for its high-altitude lake and stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Here's a general trek route to Roopkund:

Day 1: Rishikesh to Lohajung: The trek to Roopkund starts from Lohajung, which is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. You can take a taxi or bus from Rishikesh to Lohajung, which takes about 7-8 hours.

(Alternative Day 1: Kathgodam to Lohajung: The trek to Roopkund starts from Lohajung, which is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. You can take a taxi or bus from Kathgodam to Lohajung, which takes about 10-12 hours.)

Day 2: Lohajung to Didna Village : The trek from Lohajung to Didna Village is about 12 km via Kuling Village and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The trail passes through dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron and deodar trees, and offers stunning views of the valley below.

Day 3: Didna Village to Ali Bugyal : The trek from Didna Village to Ali Bugyal is around 10 km and takes about 4-5 hours. Ali Bugyal is a meadow situated at an altitude of around 11,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 4: Ali Bugyal to Ghora Lotani :  The trek from Ali Bugyal to Ghora Lotani is around 9 km and takes about 4-5 hours. The trail passes through dense forests and offers stunning views of the Trishul peak.

Day 5: Ghora Lotani to Bhagwabasa : The trek from Ghora Lotani to Bhagwabasa is around 8 km and takes about 4-5 hours. Bhagwabasa is located at an altitude of around 14,100 feet and is the last campsite before Roopkund.

Day 6: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and back to Bhagwabasa : The trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund is around 4 km and takes about 3-4 hours. Roopkund is located at an altitude of around 16,000 feet and is known for its high-altitude Lake and skeletal remains of humans and animals. After spending some time at Roopkund, you will return to Bhagwabasa for the night.

Day 7: Bhagwabasa to Lohajung : The trek from Bhagwabasa to Lohajung is around 17 km and takes about 7-8 hours. This is the final day of the trek, and you will descend through the forests to reach Lohajung.

Roopkund trek is a challenging trek and requires a good level of physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitude. It is recommended to go with experienced guide and carry all necessary gear and supplies like warm clothes, food stuff, tents, raincoats, first aid etc.

How to Reach

Location and how to reach roopkund.

Location: Chamoli Gahrwal District, Uttarakhand

Nearest Railway Station to Lohajung/Roopkund: 255km, Rishikesh Railway Station

Nearest Airport to Lohajung/Roopkund: 269km, Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Lohajung is a village from where Roopkund trek start, either you can opt wan route or Didna route for roopkund. Lohajung is well connected with motorable state and local highway roads and with major towns.

Best Time to Visit

Best time to visit roopkund | best time to explore roopkund trek  .

The best time to visit Roopkund is during the summer months, from May to June and September to October, when the weather is relatively stable and the trekking conditions are favorable. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the skies are clear, providing clear views of the surrounding mountains and the lake.

The monsoon season, from July to August, should be avoided as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can make the trekking trails slippery and difficult to navigate. Still if you are planning to visit during monsoon, be update with weather, roads and trek route conditions.

During the winter months, from November to April, the Roopkund Trek is closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. It is not recommended to visit during this time as the region is not accessible and the conditions are too harsh for trekking.

Inclusions & Exclusions

• During the trek, there will be places to stay in Camps or Tents (Camping)
• At Trek, all meals will be provided ( Healthy Food)
• At Camps, Bonfire will be provided according to weather conditions.
• For the Trek, there is fees for trekking permits and forest campsites.
• Trekking Supplies (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Ice Axes, Ropes, etc.)
• Expert Trek Leaders will there to Guide (Certified in basic/advanced mountaineering courses)
• A skilled trek crew (Guides, Chefs, Assistants, porters/mules) is available.
• Protective Gear (First Aid Kit, Medical Kit, Oxygen cylinders (if necessary), stretcher, etc.)
• Trek Certificate for Completion.
• Basic Survival Techniques in forest by using natural resources etc.
• GST (Service Tax)
• Offloading Fees for Backpacks (Rs.250 Per day/Per bag)
• Food on the way to Base and from Pick and Drop
• Offloading fees for backpacks (Rs. 250/day/bag)
• Anything not mentioned in Inclusion
• Any personal Expense

Cancellation Policy

At the time of booking, full payment is required.

For the Cancellation due to any reasons, Uttarakhand Guide must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected] . At the time we receive your written cancellation statement, refunds policies will be applicable according to following conditions:

Cancellation before 30 days from the start of Trip

10 % will be deducted from total

Cancellation between 21 to 30 Days from start of Trip

35 % will be deducted

Cancellation between 10 to 21 Days from start of Trip

50 % will be deducted

Cancellation less than 10 days from start of Trip

No amount will be refunded

Note: After the cancellation date, the refund will be handled within 10 working days.

Cancellation fees will be determined based on the total trip cost, and they may vary depending on the date of departure and the date of cancellation.

There will be no refunds:

• For any missed/unused tour services, including meals, owing to any reason.
• If the tour's services are changed, altered, revised, cancelled, or not used.
• If a customer cancels or is forced to cancel the tour due to changes in the itinerary or travel
• If the consumer is dissatisfied with any of the operator's services

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Roopkund Trek Guide – All that you wanted to know

Treks & hikes , Uttarakhand

Last Updated on: Mar 14, 2023  

We had done Roopkund trek in Uttarakhand in 2013. At that time, the mountains and meadows were pristine. Presently, as per Uttarakhand High court Order (Petition No. : 123 / 2014) on August 2018, overnight camping is banned on all the alpine meadows or Bugyals of Uttarakhand. So the current fate of Roopkund trek is uncertain.

Roopkund Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas will always remain special for us. It was the time for many firsts in this trek. Roopkund was our first week-long Himalayan Trek. It was the first time we were totally out of our comfort zone. And it was the first time that we travelled, rather trekked with a group of people.

Trekking was not really our forte even 7 years back. Before Roopkund, we had done Buxa Fort Trek , an easy day trek in West Bengal. And yes, we had done the Amarnath Yatra earlier that year in July. It was after completing the Amarnath Yatra, we actually understood how close we can go to nature while trekking. The yatra was one of our turning points. After coming back from Amarnath, we decided to go for a Himalayan trek, and Roopkund it was!

Roopkund Trek : The Skeletal Lake

Why is it called Skeletal Lake or Mystery Lake ? This question haunted me for some moment before I checked on the internet. Actually, hundreds of skeletons and skulls are found around this glacial lake at an altitude of 16499 ft . From where did this skeleton come? What fateful day had seen the death of so many people? The answers were definitely not clear. Roopkund Lake lying on the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas is shrouded in mystery and myths.

Mystery behind the Roopkund Lake: Folklore of Roopkund

It was in 1942 when a British forest guard stumbled upon thousands of skeletons near the Roopkund Lake. Since then, these skeletons in the snowy realms of Himalayas have been the topic of research for anthropologists, historians and scientists. There are around 300 – 600 skeletons lying in the area. How did so many people lose their lives? A sudden hailstorm in the mountains might be the reason. It is said that cracks are found on the skulls – this might as well prove the theory of hailstorms.

There are many theories about these bodies. Some scholars attribute the skeletons to General Zorawar Singh of Kashmir and his men returning after a failed attempt to conquer Tibet in 1841. They had lost their ways in and were never found. Some also believed that the skeletons belonged to the Japanese soldiers who died while crossing the region during the second World War. Of late, scientists have discovered that the skeletons belong to people from the 9 th century who might have died from hailstorms. But here we would like to say, that the mystery still remains. And it enhances the enigma of the place.

While researchers are looking into scientific facts and proofs, the locals and layman have their own interesting folklore about the Roopkund Lake. Like most of the trek routes, Roopkund too has its share of stories.

Roopkund: The Lake of Reflections

• It is said that Goddess Parvati had killed the demon Mahisasur near the Bedni Kund in her Kali avatar.
• Meanwhile, as Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva were on their way to Kailash, Goddess Parvati felt unclean after killing the demons and wanted to have a bath. After all, she had cleaned up the dirt on the earth! To please her consort, Lord Shiva created the Lake for the Goddess. The Goddess dipped herself in the blue waters of the lake and could see her beautiful reflection in the waters. This is why the Lake is named Roopkund (“roop” means beauty).
• And while the Goddess was having a bath, her son Lord Ganesh stood guard at the place, which is now known as Kalu Vinayak . It is from here you can see the Roopkund Lake for the first time.
• Bhaguabasa actually translates into “abode of tiger”. Goddess Parvati had left her tiger at this point before heading towards Roopkund to take a bath.

Roopkund: The Skeletal Lake

There is another local legend which goes on saying the king of Kanauj with his pregnant wife, servants, dance troupes and others went on a pilgrimage to Goddess Nanda Devi. The king was quite arrogant and was careless in holding the sanctity of the place. He faced repeated bad omens on the way, but he continued his journey in all his pride. He even forgot to offer his prayers to the Goddess, as he was too engrossed watching the three royal dancers. The Goddess was infuriated and burned three holes at the feet of the three dancers. The craters are said to be seen at Pathar Nachauni.

Even then the king did not come to his senses. His wife gave birth near one of the caves near Goddess Nanda Devi’s abode. The pregnancy ended in a miscarriage ending the lives of both the baby and the queen. Even after all these, the arrogant king continued his trek towards Roopkund with his army. As they reached the lake, they faced hailstorms that perished the entire army. The skeletal remains of the army could still be seen around the lake. It is said that only the king survived the storm. The goddess appeared before him and cursed him that the people in his race would have to visit the lake once in every 12 years barefoot and with bare necessities. Since then Nanda Jat Yatra once every 12 years has become a tradition.

Every 12 years, the Nanda Jat Yatra takes place and thousands of pilgrims head towards Hemkund Lake to pay homage to Goddess Nanda Devi. The lake is further ahead from Roopkund Lake and the pilgrims undertake a journey for 22 days under much inhospitable conditions. The locals of Garhwal and Kumaon believe that a mysterious four-horned ram can be seen in the area. The sight of the ram is said to be very auspicious. Faith makes people do wonders!

Each day of the trek is like the unraveling of a new story. There are folklores and myths that we learnt every day. And then there is the majestic beauty of the Himalayas – the vast expanse of the green meadows, the magnificent view of the mighty Trishul and the jungle trails. All these simply made us fall in love with trekking and after the Roopkund Trek, there was no looking back!

Journey to Kathgodam

Our journey to Kathgodam, Uttarakhand was no less an adventure. The train we boarded from Delhi station was 4 hours late. The train was totally packed and we hardly managed to get our seats. The concept of reserved seats was thrown out of the window in this case. The train started late and as usual, got delayed on way too. We reached Kathgodam railway station at around 12:30 at night!

The next day, we started towards Lohajung, our basecamp for the trek. After 11 hours of long and arduous journey, we reached Lohajung at around 7:30 in the evening. Later we were briefed about the next 6 days of the ordeal that was waiting for us. Physical strength will just not be enough, we were told. Tremendous will power and mental strength were required to complete the trek. This was probably meant towards me because Agni was quite fit.

I was raring to go. But I was obviously totally ignorant about what a 6-day long Himalayan trek was about! Not only did it require will power, but also my mental strength had to be stretched to the fullest to complete the trek. But once it was done, I was never the same person again. On retrospection, I think it was here where the traveller in me was born and I was never a tourist again. Another life-changing moment was when I completed the Rupin Pass Trek even after a knee injury. That trek also needed all my will power!

Detailed Itinerary of Roopkund Trek

Day 1: the teaser : lohajung – didina.

We started early in the morning after breakfast. The trek started with a mild walk along a rocky path and then gradually followed a jungle trail that descended downwards. We crossed an iron bridge called the Raun Bagad and soon heard the gurgling sound of water flowing. We finally caught sight of the clear waters of the Neel Ganga. It is the river in its purest form before it entered into civilization. We filled up our water bottles from here, crossed the stream and started our trek further.

In my excitement, I opened my shoes, dipped my feet into the water and had lots of fun. And this is where I made the mistake. The body cooled down and trekking the next ascent became quite difficult.

Our ascent towards Didina began. Within 15 minutes I was totally out of breath, my legs were giving away and I simply felt that I could not walk any further. Indeed, will power was required to complete the ascent towards Didina. It was great that Agni continuously supported me and so did our trek lead.

We reached Didina village in the afternoon. The villagers welcomed us with a glass of fresh rhododendron juice! It was the most refreshing drink we had after such a tiring walk. The Pepsis and colas were nothing compared to the rhodo juice or the buransh juice as it is known in the local language.

Did you ever have a glass of fresh rhododendron juice? If yes, you will understand what I mean!

Day 2: Cricket at 11000 ft : Didina – Ali Bugyal – Bedni Bugyal

This is said to be the toughest day of the trek. We started our uphill trek from the village leading gradually to a hillside. From here, the uphill trek was mostly through the forest. We were mostly out of breath because of gradual ascent. After what seemed like ages, we reached Ali Bugyal. Once we were there, all our fatigue vanished. Because we had not seen such beauty before.

We were totally mesmerized seeing the Bugyal. It is Asia’s largest meadows and we could see endless green around. At a height of 11360 ft, it provided a 360-degree view of all the mountain ranges. We could see the Trishul and the Nanda Ghunti peak clearly. Who can remain tired after seeing the beauty of nature in this way? Our tiredness vanished in a moment. We literally ran around the green stretches soaking in as much as we can. We stopped at Ali Bugyal for a quick lunch.

Mountains seem to have a mood of their own. Suddenly the sunny weather changed and clouds seemed to descend from nowhere. We then started our journey towards through the green meadows enjoying nature and seeing the cattle grazing.

Trek to Bedni from Ali Bugyal was about 5 km following both uphill and downhill paths. As we descended towards the Bedni Bugyal, we saw the tents that looked like colourful specks on green stretches. Once the campsite was visible, we ran towards there. We were tired and wanted to dump our backpacks at the earliest.

After we settle down, all the team members had a cricket match at the Bedni Bugyal. Just imagine playing cricket at a height close to 13000 ft! The match was stopped by sudden rains and we all ran into our tents for shelter. In mountains, you can never predict the weather.

Day 3: Closer towards goal : Bedni Bugyal – Bhaguabasa

Early in the morning, we were lucky to see the first rays of sun over the Trishul and gradually the golden rays of sun spreading towards the Chaukhamba ranges. It was such an amazing sight – something that cannot be explained by words. The sheer joy of seeing the golden rays of sun on Trishul could not be explained by words.

The trek started as usual and our first stop for the day was the Bedni Kund. The water in the lake is crystal clear and the reflection of the mountain ranges could be clearly seen in it.

Remember, the legend behind the Bedni Kund?

A steep ascent followed after that and we could see some traces of ice on the way. We reached Ghora Lotani after a walk of about an hour or so. This place is called such because horses do not go beyond this point. The grassy terrain abruptly changes here to rocky patches.

Our next halt was Pathar Nachauni where we had our lunch. It is the point where Goddess Nanda Devi had created the holes at the feet of the dancers. The three craters were quite symmetrically placed. It seemed that the story might be quite possible!

Our uphill trek started again. I kept slogging behind as my legs just wouldn’t cooperate. It then became a test of my will power and determination. The stretch was narrow and rocky. It was a steep zigzag path towards our next destination Kalu Vinayak . The path seemed never-ending, but our guides were telling us “just a little more and you will see the temple”. We kept on walking but the temple was nowhere in sight. And when the Flag of Kalu Vinayak temple was seen, it seemed like an oasis to us. It had already become chilly and we hurried towards Bhaguabasa, which was the camp for the day. The camps at Bhaguabasa were the most difficult ones as they stood on bare rocks.

At Bhaguabasa , we met a very interesting person, Dinesh. He joined our team as a special instructor for the summit. He had already done Roopkund Trek 84 times before! That was way back in 2013. I think he must have completed 200 times by now! The Trishul could be seen very clearly from our campsite. The Trishul was playing hide and seek with us through the clouds, and together with the starry moonlit skies, had us spell bound.

Day 4: The Climax : Summit day to Roopkund and Junargali and back to Pathar Nachauni

It was the summit day! We were all excited. The team was ready and we started quite early at 4:00 am. It was dark and extremely cold and we were wearing several layers of clothing. The temperature perhaps was way below zero degrees.

The entire team started moving in a single line. The ascending path was narrow and rocky with patches of snow. After some time, we could see the first rays of light. As usual, it was an exhilarating moment to see the first rays of the sun kissing the majestic mountain tops. The snow-capped mountains radiated gold and the skies played with orange, red and yellow colours. You have to see it to feel it.

After an hour of walk, we could see a board saying “Roopkund – 500 metres”. The excitement in all was palpable and everyone forgot their fatigue and moved with renewed zeal. After a few more narrow and difficult crossings, we were finally in front of the mysterious lake – Roopkund at 14500 ft.

We were happy, excited and no words could describe what we were feeling. Agni and I have completed our first Himalayan trek! It was a moment of celebration. Our trek guide then announced that we would climb to the Junargali Pass .

Junargali was another 300 feet above Roopkund and it was completely covered with snow. Trekking in snow was never easy, and I was doing it for the first time! After about 30 minutes of scaling the snow. We reached the top of Junargali. It gave us a 360-degree view of all the ranges – Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba ranges. The view was anything to die for. I felt that all the pains taken for this trek were worthwhile. Unfortunately, our camera played spoilsport and simply refused to work at -7 degrees. I could not capture the memories on my lens, but definitely captured them in a more prominent place!

Did you know? Trishul is a group of three mountain peaks with Trishul I at 7120 m being the highest point. The three peaks resemble a trident (or trishul). T. G. Longstaff made the first climbing survey of Trishul in September 1905. He returned to climb in 1907 with two other Britons, three Alpine guides, and a few of Gorkhas. They ascended through the Rishiganga valley, to the north of the peak and then onto the Trishul glacier. From there they climbed the north ridge finally reaching the summit on 12 June in 1907. At that time Trishul was probably the highest mountain to have been climbed. The climb was noted also for the first use of supplementary oxygen in a major climb.

As the sun was rising, we were told to descend quickly as the snow would start melting and then trekking would be difficult. We started our descent towards Roopkund Lake and I understood trekking down in snow could be so difficult. I fell down a couple of times. Then our guide decided an ingenious way to send me down. I sat down on the snow and he pushed me and I glided gleefully on the snow towards the base. Soon others were seen gliding through the snow. See, I started a trend!

We spent some time at Roopkund Lake. We were intrigued to see the number of skeletons. All these while I was apprehensive whether I would see a skeleton! But my fears were baseless! There were so many lying all around. Bones, cracked skulls, rib cages, all were there. Indeed something catastrophic might have happened here aeons back.

We started our journey back towards Bhaguabasa. Once we reached there, we had our lunch. The plan was to move towards Pathar Nachauni after lunch. But suddenly the weather began changing dramatically. It started with rain and then there was a hailstorm in full force. We were all huddled inside a tent waiting for the storm to subside. When the hailstorm subsided (it did not end though), we wore our raincoats and ponchos and started towards Pathar Nachauni campsite. It was now a downhill trek with clouds all over us. We descended down at brisk pace but the path never seems to end. After about 2 hours of downhill trek, we reached the campsite. It was cold and chilly and we were all lucky to get inside the warmth of our sleeping bags and tents!!!

Day 5: The most beautiful campsite : Pathar Nachauni – Gehroli Patal

We left Pathar Nachauni at about 8.30 in the morning and took the same route back to Bedni Bugyal. We stopped there for lunch and then started our journey towards Gehroli Patal. The way to Gehroli Patal is through beautiful rhododendron forests. The forest had an incredibly dreamy atmosphere and I felt as if I was in some gothic movie. As we descended down for about an hour and a half, we reached our campsite.

It was a campsite in the midst of the forest, and by far, the most romantic one. Just imagine the feeling of staying in tents under the canopy of large trees in the middle of a dense forest!

The trek has almost come to an end. While some rested in their tents, some others roamed around the forests. In the evening we had a campfire where we exchanged our stories. It was quite a fun-filled evening!

Day 6: Back again: Gehroli Patal – Wan – Lohajung

We started off a little late this day. It was an easy downhill trek. We descended down and reached the Neel Ganga again. We crossed the stream and went towards Wan. Till now the weather was sunny, suddenly clouds began to form and in no time it started raining heavily. It is true that you can never trust the mood of the mountains!

We put on our raincoats and started walking at a fast pace, but the rain proved mightier. We were totally drenched when we reached Wan. We had hot tea and Maggi at Wan and after that left for Lohajung in a jeep.

The next morning greeted us with a new surprise. We viewed twin rainbows from the base camp. I had never seen such clear and beautiful rainbow, leave alone two together. It was as if spreading colours and happiness to everyone.

And that is about the Roopkund Trek. Don’t you think this trek in Uttarakhand has all the beauty and folklore to be a great trek? Roopkund Trek will always remain close to our hearts. SO much we were happy and enthused after completing this trek, we decided to go for the Chadar Trek next year January. And we completed that trek successfully too!

Roopkund trek map

Is Roopkund Trek banned? 

Recent Updates: As per Uttarakhand High court Order (Petition No. : 123 / 2014) on August 2018, overnight camping is banned on all the alpine meadows or Bugyals of Uttarakhand. So the current fate of Roopkund trek is uncertain.

We had done this trek in 2013, way before trekking in the Himalayas had been over-commercialized. In the last few years, we have seen the pictures of Bedni Bugyal on the net and social media. The place looked no more than a picnic site. To top it all, commercial trekking companies were bringing more number of people to these trekking trails than the ecosystem could handle.

The treks are glamorized and we had tourist trekkers instead of genuine trekkers who love the mountains and are ready to face the hardships of trekking and camping. These tourist trekkers wanted the best of facilities, good food and even table and chair facilities while trekking. They can probably see the mountains sitting at the comfort of hotels in the hill stations. Why bother coming to a trek? The insane number of trekkers and tourists create havoc on the ecosystem of the place disturbing both the flora and fauna of the place. Know why over trekking is harmful to the Himalayas in our post.

It is perhaps unfeasible to completely ban treks. Trekking does bring money into the local economy. Perhaps the government can cap a limit on the number of trekkers. There might be an introduction of a permit fee for the area. What do you think?

A few more pictures from the Roopkund Trek

After completing the trek

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Roopkund Trek

The Most Popular Trek of Them All

We are not organising the Roopkund trek anymore as camping on the meadows are banned.

Check out Ali Bedni Bugyal for an alternative.

If you’re trekking in India, the Roopkund trek is a must-do! It’s got everything going for it. Deep virgin forests, gurgling brooks, breath-taking campsites, miles of undulating meadows, snow and ice and the taste of a great adventure as you climb from 8,000 ft to 16,000 ft in six days.

Roopkund, perhaps the most popular trek in India, is almost picture-perfect. The Roopkund trail climbs out of splendid dark forests suddenly bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. Out of the meadows, the trail quickly gets into terrific alpine stretches.

Climbing on snow to the Roopkund lake is a heart-pounding thrill. The beautiful Mt Trishul looms over the setting getting closer as you climb higher when at a ridge above Roopkund, only air separates the trekker from them and Trishul.

Ropkund Trek Videos

Watch these videos to plan and prepare for your trek.

Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder

Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. 

I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences. 

I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.

In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.  

Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.

Expert Speak

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, first went on this trek almost 6 years ago. Here, he shares his candid thoughts about the Pin Bhaba Pass trek.

2015 was one of my most memorable years of trekking. It was the year when I did the Pin Bhaba Pass trek. It has been quite a while now, and I have done more treks in between. Yet, none of them has been able to match Pin Bhaba for such dramatic changes in scenery.

What I Like About the Roopkund Trek

Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, first went on this trek almost 6 years ago. Here, he shares his candid thoughts about the Pin Bhaba Pass trek. 2015 was one of my most memorable years of trekking. It was the year when I did the Pin Bhaba Pass trek. It has been quite a while now, and I have done more treks in between. Yet, none of them has been able to match Pin Bhaba for such dramatic changes in scenery.

1 . The dense oak forests of Gehroli

On the very first day, the trail enters the deep oak forests of Gehroli Patal. On a quiet day, all you’ll hear is the rustling of dry leaves, wind whistling through the branches and birds cooing amongst the foliage.

The climb lasts just around 3-4 hours before you reach your campsite. You camp right in the middle of the forest, in a clearing, surrounded by ancient oak trees. The evening light on these trees and Mt Trishul that peeks at you from the horizon is picture-perfect.

Evening light in the forests of Gehroli Patal. Picture by Arvind Kumar

2 . The meadows make the trek unbeatable

The two gigantic alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyalwill blow your mind away. It almost feels like walking into the famous Windows XP wallpaper.

Throughout the trek, you’re fed with magnificent views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. Apart from these two, you see the imposing Chaukhamba range, Neelkanthpeak, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, and  several other high risers  on the Roopkund trek.

Trekkers take in the view of Mt Trishul during sunset from Bedni Bugyal. Picture by Sudipto

3 . A great dose of adventure

The Roopkund trek offers the right dose of adventure with a bunch of steep climbs and slippery but fun descents. No roller coaster can give you the adrenaline rush you get as you walk along a sharp, exposed ridge towards Junargali, while holding onto a rope. Although this part of the climb depends on a lot of factors such as weather and time of the day, if you want to be within the breathing space of Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, this is the place to be.

The trek gives you a big dose of adventure as you climb through deep snow to reach the Roopkund lake. Pciture by Chetan Walia

4 . An element of mystery

Apart from all this, the Roopkund Lake also carries an element of mystery with it. The  300 human skeletons  at 15,750 feet have intrigued anthropologists, scientists and historians alike. Trek this trail and let our local guides (who happen to be great storytellers) narrate to you the suspense filled stories about the lake and the trail itself.

The stunning Roopkund at an altitude of 15,750 ft. Picture by Ravi Singh

Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Roopkund trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

How Does Each Day Look

Complete day-wise details

How Difficult is the Trek?

This will tell you just how fit you must be

How to reach the basecamp

Plan your travel

What to Pack on the Trek

Frequently Asked Questions about Roopkund Trek

Answers to all your questions

How to get fit for the trek

Fitness guide

Photo Gallery

The stunning Ali bugyal. Photo by Aditya Bhat

Breathtaking views of Mt Trishul from Bedni bugyal. Picture by Tarun Gupta

The forests of Gehroli Patal is delightful trail to trek in. Picture by Arvind Kumar.

The autumn colours on the Roopkund trek. Photo by Piyush Sharma

The adventure of climbing upto 15,000+ feet. Photo by Chetan Walia

The Roopkund. Picture by Ravi Singh Rana

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone . This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here .

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Fresh, nutritious food at every camp

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

Leaving Mountains Better

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

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• How To Reach

30°15'43.5"N 79°43'53.4"E

• Roopkund Trek

Inquire Now

May-June, Sept-Oct

Lohajung, Uttarakhand

Pickup Point

Railway Station, Dehradun

Minimum Age

• Experience the sputtering streams, stunning campgrounds during this astonishing Roopkund trek. Enjoy outdoors close to the falling water and the spotless night sky under the billions of stars. Likewise, appreciate a little campfire with your companions.
• Trek through probably the most snow-capped and backwoods of fir, Rhododendron, and Oak. Get an opportunity to observe the uncommon vegetation of this locale as you proceed with your trek. 
• Feast your eyes at the lofty perspective on the Mt Trishul lingers over the spot as you keep climbing. Enclosed by mountains, this is the ideal spot for taking some astonishing photos. Admire the forcing Chaukhamba go, Neelkanth top, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome.

Roopkund Trek is considered to be one of the most popular treks in India. Roopkund, also known as Mystery Lake, is a high elevation frosty lake in the Indian province of Uttarakhand. Roopkund lies in the lap of Trishul mountain chains and is popular since several human skeletons are found at the edge of the lake. The Roopkund (lake) is situated at an elevation of around 16,000 feet. It is encompassed by rock-strewn icy masses and snow-clad mountains, making it a decent trekking goal. The course prompting Roopkund goes through the twin Bugyals of Ali and Bedni. Up and down the Roopkund trail, you get astonishing perspectives on tops like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The delightful campgrounds of Roopkund trek are an incredible sight. Roopkund is prescribed for experienced trekkers due to its moderate level of difficulty in trekking.

The cold and frosty climate conditions can be said to be the purpose behind the protection of the skeletons for so long. The ideal climate conditions forestalled the skeletons to rot off and decay into the soil. With landscapes that were wild in the region, numerous bodies slipped into the lakes and remained there for quite a while. The bodies that fell into the lake had a more prominent period of usability when compared with the ones which stayed in the open. Anyway, it is as yet not decided whether this gathering of individuals lived here, or if they were going towards a goal. Verifiable proof of any exchange course towards Tibet has not been set up. In this way, it is difficult to decode the genuine reason for the gathering of individuals that were casualties to this common disaster. There are potential outcomes that the gathering might be going towards the Nanda Devi journey where Nanda Devi Raj Jat merriments happen once like clockwork.

Roopkund Trek with Trek Munk assures you the best of experiences and knowledge during the trek. A group of accomplished, certified Trek Leader and professional guides, will guide you for the trek with a suitable itinerary for all. Don't miss the chance of experiencing this adventurous and thrilling trekking journey of Roopkund Trek.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to go on a Roopkund trek is throughout the late spring months; May, June, and September, October. However, unquestionably, not during the Monsoon. There were floods and landslides during that time. Rainstorms start around July and therefore it's better to avoid that time for trekking.

Brief Itinerary

Detailed itinerary, day 1 : reaching base camp.

On the first day, trekkers will be taken to the base camp at Wan which is arranged 7,700 ft of altitude; this will take around 10-11 hrs from Dehradun. When we arrive at the base camp, the trekkers can rest and refresh themselves for the trek to start from the following day.

Day 2 : Trek to Ghaehroli Patal via Wan

We will trek to Ghaehroli Patal arranged at 10,000 ft of altitude. This is roughly a 4-5 hours trek. We will drive from 7,700 ft and start the trek from 8,000 ft to 10,000 ft. It will take 1 hour of drive to Wan and a 4-hour trek from Wan to Ghairoli Patal. Initial 30-45 minutes is required for reaching Ran Ka Dhar followed by a 20-minute plunge to the stream Neel Ganga and then a firm move of 3 hours from Neel Ganga to Ghairoli Patal.

Day 3 : Trek from Ghaehroli Patal to Bedni Bugyal

On the third day of the trek, we will go from Gharoli Petal to Bedni Bugyal which is arranged at an altitude of 11,500 ft. This trek will take around 4 hours. Bedni Bugyal is probably the greatest glade of Asia. It will take around 4 hours to Ali Bugyal followed by a delicate path to Bedni Bugyal.

Day 4 : Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni

We will trek from Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni arranged at 12,700 ft above. It’s a 4 hrs trek. The path to Patar Nachauni moves out of the Bedni campground in a steady, simple meander. From your Bedni campground, you can tail it with your eye for 3 km before it vanishes into a seat in the mountain. The view is diversely entrancing. Just because you likewise observe remainders of the winter snow on the mountain flanks (on the opposite side).

Day 5 : Trek to Bhagwabhasa - the summit base camp

We will trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa which stands at a height of 14,100 ft. This trek takes around 5 hours to complete. After we reach Bhagwabasa we will complete 3 hours' lofty climb to Kalu Vinayak which is 14,300 ft high and thereafter we will return to Bhagwabasa. The move to Kalu Vinayak is a precarious crisscross up the mountainside and will take you to 14,500 ft. The distance isn't a lot, and the crisscross path makes you gain height fast. We will be climbing this area at a slow pace. There truly is no rush and regardless of whether you are the slowest in the group, you can arrive at Bhagwabasa in agreeable time. Taking brief breaks at regular intervals will be necessary.

Day 6 : Trek to Roopkund and back to Patar Nachauni

On this day, we will trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund which is 15,750 ft above, and then further up to Junargali at an altitude of 16,000 ft. We will come back to Patar Nachauni through Bhagwabasa, this trek takes around 9 hours. The path begins with the steady climb to Roopkund with 20 minutes moving through the switchbacks. 20-25 minutes for moving forward to Junargali and after a dubious drop on the curves from Roopkund, we trail back to Patar Nachauni.

Day 7 : Trek to Wan

We will be slipping on this day from Patar Nachauni to Wan through Bedni; this will take roughly 6½ hours to Wan. Plummeting trail directly we move from Gharoli Petal to Neel Ganga and then a short climbing stretch from Neel Ganga to Ranka Dhar.

Day 8 : Depart for Dehradun

The last day of the trek and you will be driven from Wan to Dehradun. This will take approximately 10-11 hours. One can book their onward journey in the night.

We can arrange a cab for you from the pickup point in Dehradun, the charges for the same are not included in the package. The cost of the cab can be shared among the trekkers joining the trek. For communications purposes, we will create a Whatsapp Group before the departure date of the trek and will share the details regarding the transportation. The drop at Dehradun after the trek will be arranged in a similar way.

How to reach Roopkund Trek Base camp (Lohajung) :

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Dehradun and is easily accessible, it is just 25 km away from the city. Daily flights from New Delhi are available to this airport. You will have to take a private cab from the airport to Lohajung or you can take a bus to Lohajung from the bus stand which starts early in the morning.

Dehradun railway station. Overnight trains that hail from Delhi are Nandadevi Express and Dehradun Express. People often prefer railways over airways because with trains you get to see the landscape in its full glory, it is also cheaper and you will definitely enjoy your way till Dehradun.  You will have to take a private cab from the airport to Lohajung or you can take a bus to Lohajung from the bus stand which starts early in the morning.

Regular bus service is available from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate which plies government buses that are safe and you can rely on them more than the private buses.  You will have to take a private cab from the airport to Lohajung or you can take a bus to Lohajung from the bus stand which starts early in the morning.

Latest Stories

Why trek with us .

Get Yourself Fit

Nutrition tips, things to take, health & safety.

• Accommodations at Trek:  All accommodations on the trek will be on twin sharing basis in Tents or Homestays. Any accommodation in a hotel/guest house/hostel will be in a budget hotel.
• Trek Leader and Guides:  An experienced and certified Trek Leader , as well as a professional guide, will accompany you for the trek. The team will have years of experience and well equipped for any emergency situation.
• Services of a Professional Trekking Team:  A team of an experienced Cook, Camp Staff, Porters/Mules will accompany you for all the arrangements on the trek .
• Meals:  All Meals on the Trek are included. We will serve Vegetarian Indian food on the trek which will be cooked by our high altitude chefs. It will be a five-course meal plan.
• Camping and Safety Equipment:  All the camping equipment such as Tents, Sleeping bags, Toilet Tents, Dining Tent, Mattresses, and other things will be provided by us and we guarantee the quality. Safety Equipment including Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder, Oximeter, Crampons & Gaiters(if required) will be provided by us. We recommend you to bring your own sleeping bags if possible.
• Trek Permits and Forest Camping Charges:  Only for Indian Clients, All the applicable trekking permits, Camping Charges, Forest Entry Fee, etc will be paid by us. Foreigners have to pay these charges if not mentioned.
• A Life-Changing Experience:  We assure you that by trekking in the Himalayas you will have a life-changing experience and we will do everything we can to provide you with the best services and make your venture in the wild an unforgettable one. 

Note: Prior to booking any adventure with Trekmunk, it will be mandatory to sign the waiver form and get a medical certificate from a doctor in due time, without these, you will not be allowed to start the trek. All this will be done online without using any paper.

• GST and Other Taxes:  The goods and services tax is not included in the price mentioned with the trek. They are subjected to change according to the government rules of India.
• Accommodation and Food in Dehradun:  Food and stay in Dehradun and during transit to Lohajung and back are not included in the package. You can book your hotels or homestays in Dehradun, we can recommend a few good options.
• Flights and Transportation to and fro base camp:  Flights or other means of transport are not included in the package. Transportation from Dehradun to Lohajung and Lohajung to Dehradun is not included in the package. We can arrange a cab for you according to your requirements but you will be liable to pay for the same. Any expenses occurred during the journey are not included in the package cost.
• Personal Equipment:  Your Rucksack, personal clothing, shoes, trek poles, and other personal trekking gear is not included in this package. You have to bring your own gear according to the weather and difficulty of the trek.
• Portage of Personal Bags(Offloading):  We highly advise you to carry your own burden (your rucksack) but due to any reason, if you wish to not carry your rucksack, we can arrange for a porter/mule to carry it. For this service, you will be charged over and above the trek cost. The charges for offloading vary with every trek.
• Travel Insurance:  Travel Insurance is not included in this package. We recommend you to have travel insurance before opting for such adventures. You can buy insurance from us while booking the trek, it is optional.
• Personal Expenses:  Any personal expenses incurred (Laundry, Bottled Water, Beverages, Snacks, Orders at tea houses or dhabas, Tips for guides, Camera fees, etc) are not included in the package.
• Emergency Expenses:  Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control are not included in the package.
• Anything not mentioned in Inclusions of the package.

Cancellation Policy And More Information

Booking Terms:

1. Confirmation Policy :

Upon Booking, An invoice will be sent to your mail & within 12 to 24 hours the booking confirmation with additional details will be sent to your mail.

2.  Cancellation Policy:

Note: Following Cancellation policy will be followed for departures booked on or before 31st May 2021-

1)  Cancellation up to 7 days before the start date of the trek:   Get a complete cash refund (minus 5% transaction fee). The money is refunded to the same bank account, credit, or debit card from where the payment was made. 

2)  Cancellation during the last 6 days before the start date of the trek, and not counting the day of the trek:  Full refund with 100% of the trek fee in the form of a Trekmunk Trek Voucher. Valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Can be used on any Trekmunk trek. 

3)  Cancellation on the start day of the trek, or no show on the start day of the trek : Unfortunately, no refund. 

For more details, go to https://www.trekmunk.com/cancellation-policy

3. Refund Policy:

Any refund applicable will be processed within 10 to 15 business days as per the company policy.

4. Postpone/Transfer of a booked trek:

1. You can postpone your booked trek for a period of two months (61 days) but we will charge a 20% processing fee. The last date for the postponement will be 15 days before the start of the trek. Failing to book the slot in 2 months (61 days) time, would be considered a cancellation with no refund of any kind. Postpone of a booked trek can only be done once. 

2. You can transfer your booked slot for the trek to any fit person till 15 days before the trek. You just have to mail us the request and rest we will handle. The new person has to get all the mandatory documents duly signed for the trek.

More Information: 

1. We Trek for a Cause : For overall development of the areas we run our operations in, we donate Rs 100/- per booking from our profits which are used for the upliftment of the local people and conserving nature. We have named this initiative as - Trek for a Cause. For more details, follow: https://www.trekmunk.com/trek-for-a-cause

2. We are paperless : We are focusing on Sustainable Tourism and to do that we are trying all measures to convert our trek operations to be Eco-Friendly. Going Paperless is one step closer to our aim. 

3. Single-Use Plastic : Trekmunk does not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We are ensuring that our team is working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We will send you instructions on how to go plastic-free on your adventures.

4. Preparing for your Holiday : Getting some additional exercise makes a lot of sense to spend time before coming on a trekking adventure. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. Hiking in the hill country is the best training but jogging, squash and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina. To read more on how to get fit, follow: https://www.trekmunk.com/get-fit-for-trek  

5. Electricity Supply & Plug : You will get electricity supply till the starting point of the trek. If not Indian, We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

6. Currency: The unit of currency in India is the Indian Rupees.

7. Health & Vaccinations: 

Severe Allergies : If you have a severe allergy please inform the Trekmunk office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on trekmunk trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by our leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on the arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations : You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however, if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary. 

8. Passport & Visas/Identity Proofs : If foreigner, Validity for 6 months, should have blank pages, and should be kept with yourself all the time.

9. Water : If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled or filtered. Additionally, you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a LifeStraw, Sawyer Filter) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single-use plastic bottles.

10. Altitude : This adventure involves going to a very high altitude. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatize successfully. We will send you the information in your mailbox about Acute Mountain Sickness and trekking in high altitudes. On this trip, we carry bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.

11. Guidance on Tipping : Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the guide and any other trek staff are given their tips at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. The main guide will make sure that the tip is appropriately distributed among all the staff members on the trek.

12. Spending/Emergency Money : Approximately Rs. 8000-10000/- (in Indian Currency)should be carried for miscellaneous expenses including porter and trek crew tips, drinks, soft drinks, etc. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash as the availability of ATM is less in these remote areas. This can also serve as your emergency spending money.

13. Travel Insurance : It is recommended to have travel insurance for these kinds of adventures. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary. We will ask for the Travel Insurance Details over a mail. Indians can buy insurance from us while booking the trek.

Traveling with these people is surely an insanely enthralling experience. This is my second backpacking trip with these people and the way I had imagined backpacking to be has been fulfilled by them and they have given me surely more. The best thing about travelling with these pe ...

I had the best time of my life at Sandakhphu Phalut trek arranged by Trekmunk. Literally I felt like I was in heaven and I was soo very happy. I will recommend everyone to opt for Trekmunk. I was a solo woman traveler and was a bit worried, but things went very smoothly and I en ...

I and my friends went to Markha Valley trek with Trekmunk and we all had a great time. Walking up and down the hill, coming across some beautiful sites was mesmerizing. Staying in tents was so much fun. And our guide had all the knowledge about the trek. Trekmunk is really good w ...

Traveling with these people is surely an insanely enthralling experience. This is my second backpacking trip with these people and the way I had imagined backpacking to be has been fulfilled by them and they have given me surely more. The best thing about travelling with these people is that you understand the true meaning of travelling and experience it very closely. You are given great freedom but at the same time taking care of. You participate in the process of backpacking. You have a trip leader with you but he acts more like a friend as the days pass by! We attended the hornbill festival and did a wonderful trek to Dzukuo valley in Nagaland with the leadership of this group. You break the boundaries of yourself when you travel like a true traveller and that is possible with these people.

I had the best time of my life at Sandakhphu Phalut trek arranged by Trekmunk. Literally I felt like I was in heaven and I was soo very happy. I will recommend everyone to opt for Trekmunk. I was a solo woman traveler and was a bit worried, but things went very smoothly and I enjoyed it a lot. I miss my fellow trekkers too. I am very satisfied with their arrangements.

I and my friends went to Markha Valley trek with Trekmunk and we all had a great time. Walking up and down the hill, coming across some beautiful sites was mesmerizing. Staying in tents was so much fun. And our guide had all the knowledge about the trek. Trekmunk is really good with its food and accommodation facilities. I highly recommend Trekmunk. Kudos to their Team.

I chose (after a lot of research) Trekmunk for my first trek - The Hampta Pass and Chandratal Trek. And I am so really glad I did so. The trekker needs to only focus on the trek and the beautiful landscape around him/her. The rest of everything is taken care of by Trekmunk from day 1 till the end of the trek. Scrupulously managed logistics; no compromise on safety and security; experienced, intelligent and knowledgeable trek leaders; scrumptious meals; contingency and backup plans; etc. make Trekmunk an ideal choice to go trekking with. My trek was lead by Ashish Pathania, Prashant Reddy and Sanjay Thakur. The three are were thorough professionals. They were jolly, very helpful, experienced, knowledgeable, organized, and needless to say polite yet strict when needed. They played the most important roles in making sure our overall trekking experience was a wonderful one. Thank you Trekmunk for one of the most beautiful experiences I have had till date. Will see you guys soon.

I was bored with my regular 9 to 5 schedule and then I decided to seclude myself from the chaotic city life. So, I went to Brahmatal trek last month along with a couple of my friends. We went with Trekmunk and it was a lovely experience. The trek guide, Ramesh was very polite and helpful. The food and snacks were amazing. The activities in the campsite during our overnight stay is something that I am gonna cherish my entire life. I am waiting for my next trek with Trekmunk.

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Roopkund Trek

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Reviews (0), things to take, available dates, include / exclude, roopkund trek is most popular in uttarakhand himalayas.

The Roopkund Trek is the most popular trek of all if you are trekking in Garhwal Himalayas Uttarakhand India , the most trek in India. Roopkund is a lake at an altitude of 16,156 feet in Uttarakhand, it is also known as “Mystery Lake”

Roopkund Trek is a picturesque tourist destination that is one of the important places for trekking in the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Himalayas. This is one of the special treks in the world today, Located within cavernous virgin forests, unending beautiful meadows, and magnificent campsites, this trek is a must-do for every trekker. Roopkund has everything from deep dark forests to breathtaking snow-capped mountains to a frozen lake that is a divine sight to one’s eyes. If you have a quest for Adventure this trek is perfect for you, located at a height of 15,696 ft with bewitching ridges, lush forests, and beliefs of finding humans skeleton in the lake, which are said to be from the Paleolithic age and are clearly visible when the snow melts. This thrilling fact also gives the lake its famous name “The mystery lake”. All this said, the roopkund trek will surely fulfill every one of your Adventure’s thirsts.

The Roopkund Trek is a popular trekking destination in the Indian Himalayas. Here are some of the main highlights of the trek:

• Roopkund Lake: The Roopkund Lake is the main highlight of the trek. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,800 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is also known as the Skeleton Lake because of the human skeletons that can be seen at the bottom of the lake.
• Stunning Views: The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba peaks. The trek also passes through beautiful meadows, forests, and waterfalls.
• High Altitude Passes: The trek involves crossing two high altitude passes – the Roopkund Pass and the Junargali Pass. These passes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Cultural Experience: The trek passes through several traditional mountain villages, where trekkers can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.
• Flora and Fauna: The trek passes through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Trekkers can spot Himalayan musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), and several species of birds and butterflies.
• Adventure Activities: The trek involves several adventure activities, such as river crossing, rappelling, and rock climbing, making it an exciting and challenging trekking experience.

Overall, the Roopkund Trek offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural experience, and adventure activities, making it a must-do trek for any avid trekker.

Roopkund Trek is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the trails are thrilling

This place is unique and has hidden stories behind it. Glaciers and snow covered mountains surround this precious Lake, you can see snow and ice everywhere and the trail is exhilarating. It takes you through dense forests and fascinating meadows like Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal. Get majestic views of Mt. Trishul along with this catch the

Views of Chaukhamba Range, Kedarnath , Neelkanth and many more peaks are visible from there which makes this place picture perfect.

Sights to Behold

The trail along the Roopkund trek is an enthralling expedition of walking through the splendid oak and rhododendron forests. Throughout the journey you willbe blessed with magnificent views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. One can gaze at thebreath-taking views of the two massive alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, which almost feels surreal to look at. You can also see the Neel kanth peak, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba range, Kedar Dome and many other gigantic mountains and meadows on your trail to theRoopkund trek. All this beauty makes it one of the most beautiful treks in the country, justifying its popularity.

This divine trek will fill your heart with Adventure, joy, and peace. The lush green forests, along with birds chirping around and with the cold breeze passing through the trees, will calm down your senses and will give you peace like no other. Roopkund is a picturesque, beautiful, and attractive tourist destination in the Himalayas and should be must do for you.

Snow Covered Forests in Roopkund Trek

During your Roopkund trek through undulating meadows and dense forests with abundant trees of Rhododendrons pine forest and Oaks, totally covered in snow and spot some Himalayan animals on the way. Most importantly Roopkund trek is a most popular trek and other Himalayan treks are getting crowded day by day.

However, you will find no other groups on the trail which passes through dense woods serene and unspoiled. Roopkund trek is best for people looking for treks not crowded.

Most Important point for Roopkund Trek?

Before heading towards the itinerary, it is really essential to perceive the reason behind choosing Roopkund trek.

See firstly, the trekking distance is a total of 62 km which is to be covered into 8 days. Yet, it comes under moderate level of easy to moderate because of the things that this trek has to offers. These are:

See firstly, the trekking distance is a total of by taxi 420 Km and on foot 64 km which is to be covered into 07 nights or 8 days. .

Roopkund trek is a high altitude mountain trek Altitudes is 5087 meter

Need proper gear & clothing for sub-zero temperature?

You got to see so many heavenly bodies at one place like the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, meadows, lakes, pine forests, different variety of flora and fauna surpassing through bona fide Garhwali heritage and Kumaon and valleys of Shivalik mountain ranges

During winter season, this fascinating Roopkund trek remains covered in snow and the white sheet of snow makes it look like a magical wide snow-land or lake.

And, in summers, the bedni valley turns totally different and amusing because of meadows, wildflowers and woods blooming in different colors.

Best Time to visit roopkund trek

The Roopkund trek is at its peak beauty during pre-monsoon (summer) and post-monsoon (Autumn) seasons, therefore making May, June, and September, October the best months to witness the beauty of this magnificent trek. However, the weather conditions are different during both these seasons. During the summer months, the weather conditions can be unpredictable, even so,it is less cold during these months, but the winds can be harsh. If you want to witness the lake in its most frozen form with higher camps covered in snow the summertime is best for you, however the trek during this time can be a little difficult but this mostly depends on the weather conditions. But if are one looking for some added adventure and looking forward to discovering some human skeletons, this season is probably not for you as the lake is frozen making it impossible for the skeletons to peek through.

However, the Autumn season is a better match for you with mostly clear weather conditions and the lake being clearly visible one can easily find some skeletons lying around. During the Autumn season the temperatures are on the higher side,but it is overall less windy,and the higher camps are also snow free making the trek level Moderate.Autumn season is the best for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the lush green forests and are fond of the luxuriant unending greenery.

The altitude we are going to cover in Roopkund Trek

Lohajung base – 7,663 feet

Didna Village – 8096 feet

Ali Bugyal – 11,320 feet

Patar Nachauni – 12,818 feet

Bhagwabasa camp – 14,126 feet

Roopkund trek – 15,756 feet

 The difficulty  level of  Roopkund trek  ?

Roopkund Trek is a moderate trek, roopkund Trek is a mild climb from Lohajung  to Roopkund summit Top, and when roopkund comes back from the summit, it is a completely downhill trek route

When you go on this trek, you will not even know when you have reached the camp, the beautiful view and beautiful hills all around will keep you happy.

This trek is a bit difficult, but if your fitness is good and you have it in your mind that I want to trek then you can do it absolutely. Where help is needed, our guides will support you, you just have to be strong and capable of the trek. One thing is that all you can do is to have courage and I myself am passionate.

Is it a safe Trek ?

Yes this is safe trek. Set amidst the high altitude ranges, concerns among the beginners regarding Roopkund trek safety are indeed very valid questions. We have all the possible probabilities calculated if anything goes off the schedule. All our professional strive their best to provide trekkers with the best experience possible.

Since this is beginner friendly trek we advise trekkers to wary themselves of the path and high altitude medical conditions before proceeding to this trek.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions depend on the time of the year trekkers are travelling. Months from May to October  experience moderate temperatures during the day with substantially colder nights. Monsoons in these areas are moderate in level with favorable conditions to trek.

  Key Points of Roopkund Trek

Duration: –   07 Nights 08 Days from Kathgodam to Kathgodam

Base camp: – Lohajung village

Summer Temperature: – Day 5°C to 15°C-  Night 2° C to 8° C

Roopkund – Altitude: – 16,156 feet

Best Time: – May , June, Sep, Oct

Trek Level: – Moderate

Trek distance: – On foot 64 Km – By taxi 420 km

Group Size: – Minimum 05 people maximum 20 people

Short Itinerary of Roopkund Trek –

Day-1- Pickup to you from Degradun/ Kathgodam railway station – Drive to Lohajung   – 210 Km (9/10 Hours) (7,663 feet) overnight stay hotel

Day-2: Trek from Lohajung to via Wan to Ghairoli Patal (5.5 km) (4/5 Hours) (10,100 feet)

Day-3: Trek from Ghairoli Patal to Bedni Bugyal via Ali Bugyal (10 km) (5/6 hours) (11,506 feet)

Day-4: Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni (07 km) (4/5 Hours) (12,818 feet)

Day-5: Trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa (4.5 km) (4/5 Hours) (14,126 feet) via Kalu Vinayak (14,310 feet)

Day-6: Trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund (15,756 feet), further Junargali Top (16,156 feet). Return to Patar Nachauni (10 km) (8/9 Hours) (12,700 feet) via Bhagwabasa.

Day-7: Trek from Patthar Nachauni to Lohajung (15 km) (7/8 Hours) (7,663 feet) via Bedni and Wan and back to Lohajung

Day-8: Drive from Lohajung village to Kathgodam (210 km) (8/9 Hours)

How to Reach Roopkund Trek

Roopkund trek is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the trek starts from Lohajung and the nearest main railway station in the district is the Kathgodam station.

If you are traveling from big metro cities, you can reach Delhi via air, train or bus. The basic route for travel isDehliàKathgodamàLohajung

After Reaching Kathgodam, the Himalayan Hikers team would arrange for transportation from Kathgodam railway station to Lohajung .Our vehicles leave between 6 am to 7 am so make sure to reach by then.

Dehradun is the nearest major city to Roopkund trek. Here are the steps to reach Dehradun for the Roopkund trek:

• By Air: The nearest airport to Dehradun is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Dehradun.
• By Train: Dehradun railway station is well-connected to major cities in India. You can take a train to Dehradun from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities in India. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Dehradun.
• By Road: Dehradun is well-connected to major cities in India by road. You can take a bus or taxi to reach Dehradun from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other nearby cities.

Once you reach Dehradun, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Lohajung, which is the base camp for the Roopkund trek. The distance between Dehradun and Lohajung is around 300 km, and it takes around 10-12 hours to reach by road.

How to reach Kathgodam

By Train: If you are travelling from Delhi, your first option would be to take the Ranikhet Express from Delhi. The train departures at 10.40 pm from Old Delhi Railway Station and reaches Kathgodam at around 5.30 am if you would prefer an overnight journey or you could take the the Uttar sampark Kranti train from Old Delhi that leaves at 4:00pm and would reach Kathgodamby 10:40pm.If you are taking the day train, Uttar sampark Kranti then you would have to stay overnight at Kathgodam.

From Dehardun catch the Doon Express that will departure from Dehradun at 10:30 pm at will arrive at Kathgodam at 7:10 pm.

By Bus: Hop on to an overnight bus from Delhi to Kathgodam, regular buses leave from Anand Bihar ISBT mostly around midnight. You could also find some Volvo buses that leave around 9 pm. Try to reach early at ISBT to get yourself a seat as there are no prior booking or online bookings for Buses to Kathgodam.

(Note: Reach Kathgodam Railway Station between 6:00 am – 7am to catch our team’s pick-up transportation from the station)

Additional Services and Connectivity Availability in Roopkund Trek

Please make sure to carry cash during the start of your Journey from Delhi as there would be no banks or ATMs available during our entire trip. The last ATM would be Kathgodam, but depending on this ATM service would not be advised.

There is no Network reception during the entire trek, so one should be prepared accordingly. You can give your family members our head office contact number in case of some Emergency.

Why to Choose  Himalayan Hikers?

• Himalayan Hikers is one of the oldest trekking organisations, which is organizing trekking and adventure expedition in Uttarakhand Himalayas from almost 32 years.
• We are the local people of Uttarakhand who can provide you the best experience here
• Good and experienced people from more than 20 villages are working with us, who will continue to serve you in your trek and will always be there with you throughout the trek.
• Himalayan Hikers provide the safety of their trekkers and a good experience throughout the trek as well as share every story related to the mountains with you.
• Himalayan hikers will feed you with good, healthy, and delicious food every day during the trek

There are several reasons why you might want to consider trekking Roopkund with Himalayan Hikers team:

• Experienced Team: Himalayan Hikers has an experienced team of trek leaders and guides who have been leading treks in the region for many years. They are well-trained and have the knowledge and expertise to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
• Safety: Safety is a top priority for Himalayan Hikers. They follow all safety guidelines and protocols to ensure that trekkers have a safe and secure trekking experience. They provide high-quality equipment and gear and take all necessary precautions to prevent accidents and mishaps.
• Well-Organized: Himalayan Hikers is well-organized and takes care of all the logistical details of the trek, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and permits. They have a well-planned itinerary that ensures that trekkers have enough time to acclimatize and enjoy the trek.
• Local Knowledge: Himalayan Hikers has a team of local guides who have an in-depth knowledge of the region and its culture. They can provide valuable insights into the local customs and traditions and help trekkers better understand the area.
• Eco-Friendly: Himalayan Hikers is committed to promoting eco-tourism and minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment. They follow a strict policy of leaving no trace and ensure that all waste is disposed of responsibly.

Will there be electricity in Roopkund trek

Let me tell you that there is no electricity in the forest area of roopkund trek . Here we use Stobe Light and or Solar Light, candal light at the nights

If you come on this trek, then you should bring your own head light and your camera with full charge, if possible, it would be good to bring extra battery backup, and also bring the phone after full charge, today people most of the phone use the same

You will get the last electricity only in our home stay at Lohajung base, where you have to charge the battery of your phone and camera at night.

What do we do for safety in Roopkund trek?

First of all, the safety of trekkers is much more for us, if you see in the trek, then there are all the risks, which I do not think about.

Himalayan Hikers worry more about you that no one should ever have any problem in the trek.

What should we and you keep more safety in the trek

• Whenever you are going for any trek, it is very important that you go completely fit and ready.
• Roopkund trek is Moderate, if you make your feet and your mind calm and strong, you will find the trek very easy.
• While trekking, keep in mind that you are walking on the right route or not always with your guide.
• Most people look somewhere and where they are walking, this can cause twitching in your legs, which can ruin your entire trek.
• It is important to ask your doctor if you have any medical problems
• I should always keep my medical kit with me, it is very important.
• Himalayan Hikers always keep a medical kit with you, such as oxygen cylinders, medicine to be given in emergency on the trek
• If any trekkers have any more problems, then they are brought back to the base camp by laying them in the stretcher.
• Our Camp in Roopkund trek is around the 6000 feet to 13,000 feet where you can not have any problem of oxygen, this is tree line area
• In case of any medical problem, the help of your guide or a well-informed trekkers should be taken
• If there is major health problems inroopkund trek , then Nearest Hospital is in Chamoli- Karanparyag which is about 98  Kms away from Roopkund trek  last option in dehradun and Rishikesh the distance is 257 kms
• Remember that when we go on any trek, we go from low altitude to high altitude, it does not cause much problem on us.
• Our camps also move forward day by day and our bodies also work with the altitudes that are safe for trekkers
• Along with the trek we keep getting acclimatization

Day 1: Pickup to you from Kathgodam railway station – Drive to Lohajung village

Total distance – 210 km – 9/10 Hours journey

Mode of journey – By taxi

Altitude – Lohajung – 7,663 feet

Night stay – Our Home stay – on twin share basis

Our vehicle picks you up from Kathgodam Railway station and en routes to Lohajung, the journey is of 9/10 hours, there will be one or two breaks, have your breakfast and lunch on the way.

We will go through the region of Kumaon and valleys of Shivalik mountain ranges.

The road takes you through picturesque places with beautiful forests and curves with mountain views in the backdrop.

There is a direct road from Gwaldam to Deval but it is damaged due to heavy rains so the other route is preferred, from there we will reach Deval.

Deval is a village from where one can purchase food and kerosene for the journey, now from Deval drive is towards Lohajung.

Road to Lohajung is windy and curvy and an experienced driver is needed to drive on those roads.

Temperature is mostly cold here as we gain height while going upwards and it is rainy and foggy most of the time.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or home stay

Day 2 : Trek from Lohajung to via Wan to Ghairoli Patal

Trek Distance – 5.5 km – 4/5 Hours journey

Mode of journey – On foot

Altitude – Ghairoli Patal – 10,100 feet

Night Stay – Our Camp site – on twin share basis

After having proper breakfast your trek begins, you have to walk on levelled ground, reach village Wan from here you have to walk on flat ground to reach Kulling which is 6 km away from Lohajung.

Kulling is a small village with few people living there, this place looks peaceful. You can spot variety of birds here, the climate is invigorating; you can feel the freshness in the air.

Take a break here after your break descends to the village, the trail is narrow which takes you through houses and pasturelands to a small stream, the water in this stream comes from Neel Ganga.

Continue walking and cross the bridge, now you have to climb a ridge, this is a steep climb, it ends at an altitude of 8,000feet at village Didna.

The trail is through the evergreen alpine forest. Reach the top of the ridge it will take two hours to reach there, the views from here are entrancing and magnificent, you will see open lands on the lap of the mountains.

Didna is a famous village where trekkers stay.

Reach your destination Ghairoli Patal you will reach there through dense forest, the campsite looks alluring, set up your camps in the desired area, hot lunch will be served dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 3 :Trek from Ghairoli Patal to Bedni Bugyal via Ali Bugyal

Trek Distance – 10 km – 6/7 Hours journey

Altitude – Ali Bugyal – 11,506 feet

Have your breakfast in Ghairoli Patal and start your trek to Bedni Bugyal, today you will go through the village of Ali Bugyal, this village is at an altitude of 3410m.

Ali Bugyal is visible from Didna as it is on the top of the mountain.

You have to climb the mountain to reach Ali Bugyal, the trail is not steep, but it is slightly upwards, on the way there are shepherd huts, known as Tolpani.

Now the other climb is steep, but it takes you through picturesque places, there are trees of Oak, Birch, and Rhododendrons only these trees grow there, on the way you can see local people with their sheep, you can communicate with them.

During the spring season the valley gets more beautiful with exotic views blooming flowers make this valley look divine.

You will see the receding treeline and plain grasslands after some hours of the climb the Ali Bugyal unfolds in front of you, it has got fascinating views, there is inherent beauty in this place.

In the month of summer, you can see some beautiful white horses and cows grazing the fields, the fields are all covered by grass and flowers.

From here you can spot the tallest mountain peaks Mrigthuni and Mt. Trishul, the views are the main attention seeker.

Cross the soothing meadows and trek for more half an hour to reach Bedni, there is our campsite where we will set up our tents.

Have your lunch intents and then visit Bedni Kund which is a temple nearby.

Garhwal Himalayan ranges are also visible from here if the weather is clear. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 4 : Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni

Trek Distance – 07 km – 4/5 Hours journey

Altitude – Patar Nachauni – 12,818 feet

Night Stay – Our Camp – on twin share basis

The morning views of Bedni Bugyal are unmatched there are lush green trees and soothing greenery is all around.

Sunrise looks mesmerizing from there. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created Vedas here.

Have your breakfast and then depart to Patar Nachauni which is 5 km away.

The trail is an easy climb following the trail from Bedni campsite is visible till 3km further then it disappears.

Continue trekking and you will sew the other side of the ridge which is entirely different and beguiling, different scenic views in one trek.

It is a delight for trekkers, have full view of charming mountains like Nanda Ghughunti and Trishul.

You can see some waterfalls and narrow streams flowing through the meadows, they add beauty to them.

Reach your campsite Patar Nachauni, it is a meadow from where you get spectacular sight of mountains and the clouds touch the peaks, it looks wonderful, enjoys sightseeing snacks and meal there and then overnight stay in tents.

Day 5 : Trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa via Kalu Vinayak (14,310 feet)

Trek Distance – 4.5 km – 4/5 Hours journey

Altitude – Bhagwabhasa camp – 14,126 feet

After breakfast, start your trek to Bhagwabhasa (14,126 feet), it is a 6km long trek, and it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach there. The story behind this place is dancers were converted into stones because goddess Nanda cursed them.

Patthar- stone Nachauni- dancers.

Walk towards Bhagwabhasa and the same trail will take you to Kalu Vinayak temple, to reach the temple you have to travel 2kms by gaining 200ft altitude.

The path isn’t easy, it is uneven and zig-zag in shape so walk carefully because a single mistake can be very dangerous, this climb is worth your every effort because the top will mesmerize you.

It is very windy there because the altitude increases, oxygen decreases at this level, take breaks and drink water while ascending.

The temple has a traditional design and made of stones but it looks beautiful and unique. You can feel spiritualty in the atmosphere there.

Visiting a temple at such a high altitude is very interesting and people who love to explore can only understand this.

When you reach the temple from there you can see Roopkund the place which you are going to visit the next day and your final destination

Also, The view of glittering beautiful amongst all Mt. Trishul on one side and Nandaghunti on the other.

Now, follow the trail which not leveled, it will take you to Bhaguabasa which is 1 km away from here.

The trail is rocky and is not easy to cross, take breaks and continue walking reach Bhaguabasa, the place is a barren piece of land but during monsoon, flowers bloom in this region.

Set up your tents there and dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 6 : Trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund (15,756 feet), further Junargali Top (16,156 feet). Return to Patar Nachauni

Distance – 10 km – 8/9 Hours journey

Altitude – Roopkund – 15,756 feet

Night Stay – Camp site – on twin share basis

Early morning we will provide hot tea or coffee then we will leave for Roopkund with packed breakfast because in the morning you can have a clear view of the mountains and later they get covered by the clouds.

Today trek to Roopkund is difficult ascending and 400 meters to Junargali Dhar Top summit (5029 meters).

Roopkund is a glacial lake at high altitude also known as “Mystery Lake” because the human skeletons.

from ancient times are found here and can be seen inside the lake when the ice melts.

You can spot those skeleton on the edge of the lake, you will be lucky enough if you spot them.

After a steep climb, you will see Nanda Devi temple visit that temple from there you can get scenic views,

click pictures spend time there and if the weather is good you can visit Junargali Top which is (16,700 feet) when you reach top it is very windy there,

you will be amazed while standing at Junargali top, the sense of confidence you will feel would be one of the best feeling.

Now return to Patar Nachauni you have to go through Bhagwabhasa the descend is more difficult because while ascending trail was steep and it the trail becomes thrilling while coming down,

Follow the same trail go to a cave-like structure which is known as Bhagwabhasa, descend and you will reach Patthar Nachauni your campsite.

Spend your time in peace and relax your body and mind. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 7: Trek from Patthar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan and back to Lohajung

Distance – 15 km – 8/9 Hours journey

Altitude – Lohajung – 7,663 feet

Night Stay – Home stay – on twin share basis

Today is the last day of your trek so cherish these moments relish the sunrise and move towards Lohajung.

Today from Bedni Bugyal we will go from another route which goes to Lohajung,

the trail is through the dense forest there are big and thick trees, this place is rich in flora and fauna.

At Wan village,

A famous temple of Latu Devta in which there is puja organized by the villagers.

You can visit this temple or take a break here.

The trail is simple and with the trail, you will spot wooden huts and further you will see the road diverged into two paths.

Descend and you will enter a forest region and there are trees all around.

You can hear birds chirping which is the trail is varying so walk carefully so that you don’t get slipped.

walk further cross some yards and you will reach Gahroli Patal which is opening of a forest.

Then reach the banks of river Neel Ganga continue walking and visit a wan village,

it is a big village surrounded by mountains and from there back to Lohajung by Taxi.

Dinner and overnight stay at tourist guest house.

Day 8 : Drive from Lohajung village to Kathgodam Railway station

Distance – 210 km – 8/9 Hours journey

Depart for Kathgodam and reach the Railway station by 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the documents given below.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc, Passport and Visa important to foreigners Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker) Declaration Certificates

Note: –   Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.

Necessary Items for trekkers

Backpack (50 to 60 liters) A strongly built backpack with good support is compulsory for a trek. (Rain cover is important)

Sturdy Trekking Shoes The shoes should be strong enough with good support. The people ask if sports shoes would be comfortable but it is good to bring the right trekking shoes.

The Clothes You Should Bring On a Trek Avoid keeping extra clothes because it only makes you backpack heavy.

Trek Pants – The jeans are never suitable for a trek so you need at least 2-3 trek pants for treks carry more for longer treks.

Jacket – Jackets are very important to carry on a trek it protects you against the chilly weather. So carry 2 jackets on a week long trek.

Layers of warm Clothing  Carry warm woolen layers or fleece. Carry more layers during winter season (at least 2 to 3) and less during summer.

Thermals – The Temperature decreases at night so you might be need thermals for Night.

T- Shirts – Bring those t shirts which dry fast.

Poncho –They are needed if you are trekking on a Rainy day to keep you dry.

Hiking Pole

Water Bottle 2

Cap or Balaclava

Woolen and Waterproof Gloves

Socks (Woolen and Regular)

Torch head light

Personal Toiletry Items –  (toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitizer etc.)

Carry Personal Medical Kit

Personal Medical Kit (Carry minimum 5 tablets and maximum 10)

Diamox – (Prevents altitude sickness)

Digene – (It cures discomfort in stomach, acidity)

Crocin Advance – (Cures fever and headache)

Aspirin/Combiflam – (Pain reliever)

Disprin – (Cures headache)

Avomine – (Prevents motion sickness)

Avil – (It treat allergies)

Norflox TZ & Lomofen – (Prevents Diarrhoea)

Ranitidine – (Reduces the amount of acid in stomach)

Volini/Moov spray – (For sprains)

Betadine/Savlon – (Antiseptic cream)

Stretchable/Elastic bandage

Note:- Use medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek, discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.

Sorry! Here are no Available dates right now. For Any Queries you can Email us with [email protected] and Call Us +91 9756197558

What is Included In This Trek?

Forest Permit and entrance fee

Accommodation in Hotel Lohajung

Accommodation in tents on twin share basis

All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner

(All camping gears)

High quality tents

Sleeping bags

Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents

Dining Tent

Dining Table

Kitchen team

Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication

Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide

Medical Kit

Oxygen Cylinders

Crampons and Gaiters

What is Not Include In This Trek?

Personal Insurance

Medical Certificate

Personal toiletry Items and Personal Medicine kit

On first day En Route to base camp the Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included

Last Day En Route Lunch and Dinner are Not Included

Transport Facility

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Roopkund Trek

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About Roopkund Lake Trek

Known for its mysterious surrounding and astounding scenic beauty, Roopkund is a high altitude trek in Uttarakhand at the base of Trishul Peak and Nanda Ghunti. The maximum height of this trek is 5029 m. The trek in the Garhwal Himalayas offers magnificent views of the mountains surrounded by rock- strewn glaciers. This 9 days trek in Chamoli District is of moderate to difficult trekking grade.

The lake at Roopkund is also known as a ‘mystery lake’ for the human skeletons and remains of horses that are found in huge numbers in the surrounding areas. These remains are believed to be of around the 15th to 16th century when a strong hailstorm took away the lives of hundreds of pilgrims.

Lohajung is the base of Roopkund trek and is easily accessible by road from Rishikesh. The drive from Rishikesh to Loharjung is picturesque with the views of snow-clad mountains, sprawling valleys and meandering rivers.

The trek to Roopkund starts from Lohajung and passes through the village of Didna. In between Loharjung and Didna, there is a small village called Kulling from where River Neel Ganga flows between Wan and Lohajung. From Kulling a steep ascent leads to Raun Bagad which is partly thick and dotted by the rhododendron, oak, and pine forest. On this trekking trail, the trekkers can spot many birds like fork-tailed Himalayan Magpie on the branches of rhododendrons. On the lower levels of Neel Ganga River, Lammergeiers are found soaring over the valley. One can also see yellow-throated marten.

The trail to Raun Bagad ends at an iron bridge from where the climb to Didina starts. From Didina the trail leads towards Bedni Bugyal, one of the major attractions of Roopkund trekking tour which again passes through Ali Bugyal. The trail from Didina to Bedni Bugyal is a stiff climb at the beginning but an easy walk in the middle as it ascends towards the end.

The trail from Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal is carpeted with soft green grassland. Camping at Bedni Bugyal is another major highlight of Roopkund lake trek. Witnessing the evening reflection of sunlight on Trishul Mountain peak is yet another attraction of this trek in Garhwal Himalayas.

From Bedni Bugyal one has to head towards the meadows of Ghora Lotani where the vicinity is painted with the shades of olives and browns spread across all directions over the black terrain. Trekkers can witness abundant snow while reaching Bhagwabasa. Further, the trekkers have to head towards Roopkund from Bhagwabasa which is a 5-km ascent. There are series of switchbacks and a steep climb over the snow patched route but the stretch is not long and the hard snow is helpful to trek without being worried about the danger.

Roopkund Trek Highlights

• Explore the mystery of the Skeleton Lake, Roopkund, witness the years long buried human and animal bones in the snow.
• Enjoy the breathtaking views of lofty Himalayan peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba & Trishul and Rudragaira.
• Cherish the sprawling lush alpine meadows of Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal.
• Get an opportunity to visit some of the remotest villages of Uttrakhand.
• Enjoy camping under the open sky and amidst the stunning landscape.

Best Time to Visit Roopkund Trek

Roopkund can be trekked between May and June and August and mid-October. The harsh climatic conditions only provide trekkers with a small window to trek between the 1st week of May to about the 1st week of July. June is the perfect time to witness the twin Bugyals /meadows of Ali and Bedni as by this time, the meadows are in their full spring. Trekking between the last week of August and the first week of October is another good trekking season in Roopkund. The sky remains clear and the weather is perfect for a hike.

Where is the Roopkund?

Roopkund is situated in a remote area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand State. It is an isolated place with no permanent human settlements in the vicinity, Roopkund is surrounded by glaciers and situated near the base of two Himalayan peaks Trishul, and Nanda Gunti. Despite of its increasing popularity, it generally remains inaccessible for six months in a year because of its high altitude and continuous snow.

Roopkund Trek (Detailed Itinerary)

Delhi – haridwar – rishikesh, other benfits (on arrival).

• Stay Included

In the morning take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar, meet our representative who will help you with transferring to Rishikesh and check-in in to your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Rishikesh - Karanprayag - Wan (2200 mts /7200 ft) (170 kms / 6-7 hrs)

Today, we will drive along the River Ganges to reach Wan. En route visit the famous places of religious importance. Continue to drive further via Rudraprayag and Karanprayag to reach Wan by evening. Dinner and overnight stay in tents / tourist rest house.

Wan - Bedni Bugyal (3350 mts / 11000 ft) (10 Km / 4-5 hrs)

After the breakfast, we shall head towards the enchanting villages of Wan to reach the ridge of Rankiyadhar. From here, the trail descends to the river Neelganga River. After crossing the river, we will pass through the dense forests of Rhododendron and Oak to reach Gairoli Patal. The trail still continues to ascend to the Dolia Dhar ridge, which is marked with a temple. The trail then continues towards the meadows at Bedni. Overnight stay in tents.

Bedni Bugyal

Today, we will explore the region of Bedni Bugyal and capture wonderful photographs of nature. This is a rest day to acclimatize. Overnight stay in the tents.

Bedni Bugyal - Bagubassa (4100 mts / 13450 ft) (8 km / 4-5 hrs)

After the breakfast today, we will trek from Bedni to Bagubassa via Patar Nachaniya. Overnight stay in tents.

Bagubassa - Roopkund (4450 mts/14600 ft) - Bedni Bugyal (7-8 hrs)

Post breakfast, we shall trek from Bagubassa to Roopkund. The trail passes through alpine pasture lands that offer a fantastic view of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Badrinath peaks. Later, the trail becomes steep as we get near to the Roopkund Lake. After exploring the area and taking the pictures, we shall return to Bedni Bugyal. Overnight stay in the tents.

Bedni Bugyal - Wan (10 km / 3-4 hrs) – Rudraprayag

In the morning today, we shall trek from Bedni to Wan. The trail goes downhill and offers wonderful opportunity to enjoy the forest trail. Upon reaching the road head, we will drive towards Rudraprayag. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Rudraprayag - Haridwar – Delhi

After the breakfast, drive towards Haridwar via Devprayag and Rishikesh. After arriving in Haridwar, catch a train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.

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Roopkund Trek

Duration: 10 Days (2 extra days if you extend to Homekund)

Destination: Rishikesh - Mundoli - Wan - Bedni Bugyal Bhaggubasa-Roopkund - Homekund - Sutol - Ghat

Experience: Hiking and Trekking

Total Trekking Distance: 103 kms

Arrive at the spiritual city of Rishikesh, filled with spiritual vibes coming from the temples. Explore the city, and its wonderful ambience will add to your experience. Stay the day and spend your time by the sides of the tranquil waters of the Ganga river.

Get up and pack your bags and head to a 240 kms drive to Mundoli. Enjoy the hot piping tea with some lunch for your route. Upon reaching Mundoli, you can choose between spending the night in a cozy bed at a homestay/hotel or can stay in one of the camps and spend your night under the starlit skies.

Begin your journey with a 13 kms walk to the small hamlet of Wan. The beauty of the quaint village can be best described as being postcard worthy. Enjoy the fresh environs with an overnight stay.

Bedni Bugyal

Tie up your shoelaces and get ready to explore the 12 kms trek to the majestic Bedni Bugyal. Its lush green environs are dotted with a panoramic view of the valley. Spend a night while enjoying the night skies with a bonfire.

Gear up for the next destination, Baggubasa.The 9 kms trek will refreshen you with its verdant vistas. Upon reaching the camp, spend your time exploring the village and enjoy an overnight stay at the location.

Shail Samudra via Jurangali Pass and Roopkund

Wake up to the aroma of a hot cuppa and enjoy the sight of the sunrise. Prepare your bags to depart to the next destination, Shail Samudra. Don't miss out on passing through the Jurangali Pass and Roopkund. Enjoy a warm lunch amidst the verdant natural setting with the songs of the birds providing a soothing setting. Upon reaching the camp, rest your feet here for the night.

Homekund to Chandaniya Ghat

Get an early start to the day and head straight to Homekund. The trek to the mountain pond is filled with adventure and is the perfect route for adrenaline junkies. The pond resting at the foothills of the Nanda Ghuti peak offers the perfect vantage point of the snow capped mountain tops of the Trishul and Nanda Ghuti peak. Go further 7 kms trekking down to the Chandaniya Ghat with a warm lunch and explore the routes passing through the dense forests. Upon reaching camp take a time off to reflect on your journey.

Wake up early and stretch your legs before heading up to the 18 kms quaint village of Sutol. Hike through the beautiful trek dotted with dense forests and the chirping of birds, you can stop and take pictures if you want. Upon reaching the village, explore the town and retire for the night at the camps.

A new day for a new adventure, pack your bags and get ready to head to the Ghat packed with a hot meal to enjoy en route. Once you reach the picturesque ghat, spend some time reminiscing on your journey before you head off to the 20 kms drive to Nandprayag. Upon your arrival check into the Homestay and get out exploring the wonders of the city.

Conclude your trip with a 191 kms drive to Rishikesh, a hot lunch will be served en route.

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Roopkund Trek: Unraveling Mysteries in the Garhwal Himalayas

The Roopkund Trek is a thrilling odyssey into the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, where mystery, mythology, and breathtaking landscapes converge. Nestled in the state of Uttarakhand, India, this trek is renowned for its high-altitude glacial lake, known as the “Skeleton Lake” due to the human remains that emerge from the frozen depths.

Commencing from the picturesque village of Lohajung, the trail unfolds through dense forests, charming meadows, and rugged terrains. As trekkers ascend, the iconic Trishul Peak and Nanda Ghunti come into view, creating a dramatic backdrop against the clear blue sky.

The trek reaches its zenith at an elevation of around 4,800 meters, revealing the mystical Roopkund Lake surrounded by snow-clad peaks. The lake, frozen for most of the year, thaws during a brief summer, exposing the skeletal remains that add an air of enigma to the landscape.

Roopkund Trek is not merely a physical challenge; it’s a cultural exploration and a rendezvous with nature’s extremes. The ancient temples en route, the diverse flora and fauna, and the ethereal beauty of the high-altitude landscapes make this trek a holistic adventure, inviting trekkers to unravel the mysteries hidden in the folds of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Upcoming Treks to Roopkund

Here's everything that you need to know about the Roopkund Trek

Roopkund Trek, it is said, is one of India 's best treks.

And I did it last month.

For those of you who have no idea about it, let me point out a few things about the Trek.

First off this is a Himalayan trek which starts from Lohajung in Uttarakhand . The goal of this trek is to reach the Roopkund lake situated at a height of 4500MSL. The lake has mythological significance and for all thrill-seekers, some mystery to it too. In 1942 a park ranger found mounds of human skeletons here. Since then a lot of theories have been floated about their presence much to the delight of the conspiracy theorists but recently National Geographic put in the theory that they may have been hit by a huge hailstorm. This theory is consistent with the found evidence of cracked skulls. And to the delight of some and dismay of others there are no haunting stories associated with this macabre presence.

Claim to Fame:  1. Human Skeletons 2. Breathtaking views.There are three different landscapes on offer here. Forests, meadows and snow. It also presents views of peaks like Mt Trishul (7120MSL) and Nanda Ghunti (6309MSL) 3. Many websites rate Roopkund as one of the top three treks in India.

Region: This trek starts in the Kumaon region and goes into the Garhwal region.

Best time to do it- There are two windows for this trek: 1. May-June. This is for the snow.You will find lots of snow but no skeletons as they lie covered by snow. 2. September. This is for the skeletons. I will be talking everything related to the May-June window in this blog post.

Duration- The whole trek starting from Lohajung village and ending at Wan village typically takes 5 days. It can be done leisurely in 6 or 7 days too.

Grade- The grade is Moderate+ which means get ready to do some exhausting physical work. It is said that this can be done by fit first timers. I strongly suggest you do some physical exercises before undertaking this trek. I trained for this trek by trying to achieve Indiahikes's formula of being able to run 5km in 30 mins. I achieved my personal best of 5km in 36min in 10 days.

Medicines- Altitude Sickness plays a factor in this trek so be prepared with medicines. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) differs from person to person. While some may get affected, while some remain completely free from it. I strongly advise everyone to carry a set of medicines with you. While Diamox is the medicine for AMS, the various trekking agencies have differing opinions about it. Some suggest taking it may cause more harm than good. The locals prefer taking roasted garlic for every problem. Even if you are the sort of person who despises taking tablets I suggest you carry a strip of Paracetamol with you. Dolo 650 is a good option. Make sure it is pure paracetamol. It shouldn't be added with any other compound as you never know what side effects it may cause.

Equipment- This is the kind of trek where if you forget even one key item from your gear, you may have to stop your trek midway. Take very seriously whatever your trek agency suggests you to pack. I am the kind of man who packs everything with emergencies in mind. 99% of the time you may not need them but I prepare for that 1%. Sometimes when I get carried away I prepare a back up for my back up. My top 5 must have items apart from the usual sweaters, jackets, raincoats and rain pants are: 1. Sunglasses: On the day that you push for the summit you have to pass through snow everywhere. And with the sun shining above everything will be bright white. For people like me who have migraine problem, this is a nightmare as bright light triggers an attack. I don't usually have the habit of wearing sunglasses as I wear prescription glasses but for this trek I packed in a pair of sunglasses which was sent by my brother who bought it from the Decathlon store in Hyderabad . So I repeat, if you forget your sunglasses you may have to stay back at the base camp. 2. Torch: A torch is essential for movement in the night. Also on the day you try to summit you may have to start at 3am depending on where you camp for the night. Don't forget to pack in an extra pair of batteries. 3. Waterproof Gloves: Believe me, with the amount of cold and the snow on the penultimate day you will be saved a lot of pain with a pair of good reliable pair of waterproof gloves. 4. At least 5 pair of socks: I carried 9 pairs with one woollen pair included. I did not regret it. 4 pairs got wet on the last day of the trek. The woollen pair was for the night. 5. Garbage bags: Do not underestimate the worth of garbage bags as they have a number of uses. They can be used to store wet clothes, your chappals, sometimes shoes, your valuables in case of rain. I even wore them over a pair of socks on which I wore another pair on the summit day. I thus protected my feet from getting wet as I was not wearing waterproof shoes.

And finally the Trek Agency:

Choosing a trek agency is very critical. Remember the following points when choosing an agency 1.They are responsible for your fooding and lodging all throughout the trek. You don't have other options once you start the trek. You solely depend on the agency. 2.They are responsible for your safety. The competency of your guide and his team is vital. Good guides are certified First Aiders and have undergone proper mountaineering courses. 3.You get to use their gear. Good agencies use good gear. Simple really. 4.Go with agencies that do treks with small groups. Easy to manage and ensures proper safety of all. 5.Choose established agencies as they have local contacts in the villagers and can be of huge help in case of emergencies.

We did this trek with GIO Adventures. They met all the above criteria and were excellent in their service. Our guide Mr Durga Singh Banta and his deputy, the sprightly Mr Aman Chouhan ensured our stay was comfortable. And on a lighter note you don't have to wash your own plates with the freezing cold water if you are with GIO. Apparently some agencies have this policy.

This post was originally published on Razzaq was Here .

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Roopkund Trek

₹27,500  (flat 40% off), ₹ 16,500, (wan to wan), service tax @ 5% (gst),  + single tent occupancy: ₹ 2,000,  + backpack offloading: ₹ 2,100,  + ftg (100% refundable*): ₹ 3,000, batch availability.

• Overview & Itinerary

Roopkund Lake has become quite popular in recent years as a trekking destination, due to its stunning landscape, mysterious nature, and picturesque views. It lies at an elevation of 15,750 feet above sea level and is encircled by two Himalayan Peaks – Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,310 m). The lake is usually small in size, but during monsoon season it expands to a large size because many glaciers fall into it. A Roopkund trek package should include passing through dense forests, scaling snow-covered mountains, and crossing gurgling streams. The people who come for the trek have various motives such as solving the riddle behind the human bones here or savoring the beauty of divinity that awaits on top of clouds at Roopkund. Be sure to enjoy every moment and savor each step because this will be an experience that will last you a lifetime!

Best Time to Visit : The best time to plan a visit and trek to Roopkund is during the months of May-June and September-October. During these months the weather is relatively mild, with some snow during the latter month. Solo adventurers shouldn't visit after October due to the intense cold, strong winds, and heavy snowfall that occurred in this region from then on.

Trek Itinerary

The drive from Rishikesh to Wan is an enchanting hill drive of 10-11 hours stretching over a 260 Km ride via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, Karnaprayag, Tharali, and Dewal. Take a small halt at Devprayag for refreshments and make some memories with your camera as the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet at Devprayag and take the name Ganga or Ganges. Wan serves as the beginning point and the base camp for the Roopkund Lake Trek and Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek. After reaching Wan, the stay will be in a Guest House/Camp/Homestay on a sharing basis. There are many local shops where you can buy basic things for trekking. if need be. However, you are advised to carry all required things for the trek beforehand and not rely on any shop. Transport will be arranged at an additional cost from Rishikesh Bus Stand at 06:00 AM. The cost of a Cab is Rs. 7,000/- per vehicle.

Initially, the trek from Wan village to Ghairoli Patal will give you an altitude rise of about 2,515 ft., this is about 4-5 hours of the trek through the dense oak and rhododendron forests following the Neel Ganga River and witness the captivating beauty of nature. Just as you make your way through this maze of trees, there is a lot of flora and fauna to be seen around. The first 2 km odd trail goes to the ridge top Ranaka Dhar above Wan village. Overnight stay at Ghairoli Patal.

Ghairoli Patal and Pathar Nachauni are two notable locations in the Himalayan region, situated at elevations of approximately 10,000 ft. and 12,700 ft. respectively. This route offers breathtaking views of the mountains, lush valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, making it an attractive destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. However, it is essential to be well-prepared, equipped, and aware of the weather conditions before embarking on such a journey, as it can be challenging and unpredictable.

Roopkund Trek Itinerary takes you along a steep climb up towards Bhagwabhasa which takes about 2-3 hours from Pathar Nachauni. With the climbers' steady pace, the trek goes downhill from this point onwards. Losing all the greenery in sight, it's just seen rocks, some loose and some taking the form of huge mountains. The views from Bhagwabhasa are stunning with snow-laden mountains like Mt. Trishul and Mt. Neelkanth becoming visible to everyone. This is also the highest-altitude campsite for the Roopkund trek and it gets very cold at night here!

The Roopkund Trek Itinerary will take you to the mysterious and fascinating Roopkund Lake. To get there, you need to start from Bhagwabhasa at 4:00 AM as it takes about 2½ hours to reach the final destination. Most of the hike is easily trekkingable as you must climb towards Roopkund while the snow is still hard underfoot. However, the trek is extremely steep and gradually ascending and if weather permits, you may even have a chance to climb up 250 feet to Junargali. Once there, an overnight stay will be provided at Pathar Nachauni.

On the last day of the trek, a flurry of emotions and excitement awaits you as you traverse through Ghora Lautani, followed by a picturesque meadow of Ali and Bedni Bugyal. Then, pass through Gharoli Patal for some delightful moments surrounded by dense trees and forest area before arriving at Neel Ganga River at the end, where one can dip their tired foot in its tranquil waters. Finally, have an overnight stay at Wan.

Depart from Wan to Rishikesh Bus Stand early in the morning, preferably before 06:30 AM since the journey takes 10-11 hours. Expected to reach Rishikesh by 07:00 PM. Transport will be arranged at an additional cost from Wan at 06:30 AM.  Cost of the cab – Rs. 7,000 per vehicle.

How to reach

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is located 17 kilometers from the city, serving Rishikesh. Daily flights are available from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Take the train from  Delhi to Rishikesh

• Yoga Express (19031):- Departure:- 05:05; Arrival:- 12:30

• Kalinga Utkal Express (18477):- Departure:- 13:23; Arrival:- 21:50

Regular bus service is available from Delhi (ISBT Kashmere Gate) to Rishikesh. We suggest that you take only government buses from the ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses run from outside ISBT Kashmere Gate and they are not trustable.

There is no direct bus to Wan run by the Uttarakhand Government, so you have to share a cab with Trekkaro  co-trekkers.

Things to carry

• Basic Gears
• Accessories
• Mandatory Documents

• Backpack & Rain Cover (40-60 Litres)

• Trekking Shoes  (included in FTG)

• Trekking Pole  (included in FTG)

• LED Torch/Headlamp

• Two Water Bottle (one liter each)

• Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)

• Trekking Jacket  (included in FTG)

• Three (Five in winter) Warm Layers

• Two trek pants (one Wear and one carry)

• Two collared t-shirts

• Thermals

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50/70)

• Lip Balm (SPF 30)

• Sun cap

• Synthetic hand gloves

• Two pairs of Socks

• Raincoat/Ponchos

• Daypack (20 liters), if you opt to offload your backpack

• Toiletries

• Cutlery

• Plastic cover (for wet clothes)

• Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license, or voter's ID).

Terms & Conditions

1-  Free Trekking Gear:  Shoes, Jacket(-10°C), and Pole.

2-  Accommodation: Full-load camping arrangements on the mountain with a large mess tent and tables. Stay from Day 1 to Day 6 (Wan to Wan). In Wan, the Stay will be in a Guest House/Camp/Home Stay on a sharing basis. You will camp on the trek (3 people per tent/room).

3-  Meals: All meals during the trek starting with dinner on Day 1 till Dinner on Day 6. (Simple Nutritious Vegetarian food) Tea/Coffee/Soups/Snacks will be served throughout .

4-  Camping charges:  All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included (if any).

5-  Leaders & Guides:  Trek leaders are assisted by certified and experienced local guides.

6-  Trekking Equipment: High-quality tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes, micro spikes, gaiters, etc. as required.

7-  Safety Equipment: First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretchers, etc. will be available at all the campsites to deal with emergencies.

1-  Transport to and from the base camp: We arrange shared taxis for trekkers from Rishikesh Bus Stand to Wan and drop you back from Wan. This will cost approx. Rs. 7,000/- one way per 5-6 seat vehicles. You will have to share this value with the other trekkers.

2-  Food during transit to and from the base camp.

3-  Backpack offloading charges: Rs. 2,100/- for the full trek + 5% GST. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kg. Suitcases/trolleys/duffel bags will not be allowed. Please note that charges will vary for the last-minute offloading in case you decide to offload your bag after reaching Wan.

4-  Anything apart from inclusions.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests are not taken over the phone.

In case you wish to cancel your trek please e-mail us at  [email protected]

1- Cancellations up to 21 days before departure date - 70% refund

2- Between 21 days to 14 days before departure - 50% refund

3- Between 14 days to 10 days before departure- 30% refund

4- Less than 10 days of departure –  No refund  or you can transfer your trek (same batch date & same trek) to your dear one OR apply for TREKCASH Voucher 10 days before your trek date which comes with 2-year validity.

a) Change of trek batch date is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.

b) In case of transferring a trek to your dear one, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements laid down by Trekkaro.

c) Trekkaro holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.

Refund Policy  The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 working days. If we have to cancel/suspend your trek before the date of departure or at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, curfew, etc.), then you will get the TrekCash Voucher of the total fee you have paid to us and you can redeem it with 2 years on any trek but where this is of a higher price, you will be expected to pay the difference. The TrekCash voucher will be generated within 10 working days and sent to your email address by us.

Note:  In the instance of exchanging a TrekCash Voucher for your dear one, he/she ought to fulfill all the obligatory necessities set around Trekkaro.

Trekkaro team will specifically ensure your safety with...

1.  Daily oxygen saturation & pulse reading (if required in trek) We do treks that have a different environment than our daily life. We live in an environment where we less care about a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to doing treks or surviving in a not-so-pure environment for more than a day our body should accept the changes. Oxygen saturation is the fraction of [oxygen]-saturated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin in the blood. So we ensure the specific balance of oxygen in your blood. Our team ensures the health condition by oxygen saturation and pulse reading before trekking so everyone should be aware of their health.

2.  Oxygen cylinders and medical kit  When it comes to high-altitude trek the body doesn't get enough oxygen. It’s not always that you cannot survive in high-altitude treks but for a safer side if your body is not adjusted to the environment we are always ready with the oxygen cylinders. Our team member carries the portable oxygen cylinder and all the basic medicines on the trek. To prevent high altitude conditions - do more exercise, cycle, and swim. The more you practice it’ll easier for you.

3.  Stretchers on every campsite  Although we are physically and mentally ready for the environment there are chances of accidents or uncertain things. In those situations, we have stretchers at every campsite so, in an emergency, the porter will safely drop you at base camp where we can do further treatment.

4.  High-Quality Trek Gear and Equipment Trekkaro is the only trekking company in the world that provides Free Trekking Gear (FTG) at no charge/rent only for use during the treks. Expensive FTG includes Decathlon Quechua Trek 100 Shoes, Quechua SH 100/300 Jackets, Hiking Pole/Stick, Gaiters, and Crampons. Now, before registering for the trek, there is no need to think about the expensive trekking gear, and you also, do not need to buy or rent expensive trekking gear to go on a trek.

Trekkaro team will ensure you with quality tents and sleeping bags where you can survive in extreme cold. We provide sleeping bags that can hold cold up to -5 to -20 degrees Celsius. It’s always warmer in tents so we ensure you with quality shelter. So even though we are ready for the storm you should tell us if anything bothers you regarding safety.

5.  Radio (for communication between camps and guides) Our camps are a bit far from each other. But they connect through radio though the network is the issue in the hills. Although you miss anything or the weather is not good or we need medical help from the base we can communicate through radios.

6.  Technical team on all snowy slopes All the treks come up with an adventure. But safety is important in all trails and treks. Wherever we find risky slopes or areas we ensure the turn with the technical team. As we already mentioned earlier we have a well-trained team knowing handles hustles in emergencies and even knows how to take care of the trekkers.

Expectations

When you take an adventurous trek with us, then be assured that whatever we do is more than your expectations. Our wish to excel goes beyond the point where your boots hit the trail – it begins the moment that you get in contact with us, and it never ends. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing from our trekkers that they’ve just had “another trip of a lifetime with Trekkaro ”.

Your Expectations

•  Safety  Of course, this is a non-negotiable. Safety is embedded in our business and it’s something that we take very seriously in all our treks. It's the primary reason we're very popular in just a year.

•  Personalized Service, Care, and Attention to Detail  For some organizations, this is, surprisingly, negotiable. But it isn’t for us. After safety, if we can do one thing right, every time, it’s to ensure that we sweat the small things.

•  The Best Guides  If you are already trekking with us, then you’d be forgiven for thinking our guides are superhuman. It doesn’t mean a feat to entertain, cook, guide, and facilitate, but our guides, handle it with grace, and all the while the attention is on you.

•  The Best Itineraries  It takes a lot of refinement to make a perfect trek, from dawn to dusk there are a lot of moving parts and the potential for things to go awry. For the last year, we’ve balanced on the tightrope of offering the right amount of activity, flexibility, and trek time. Whilst utilizing the best lodgings in the most unique places.

•  Value  We’re not in the business of making money and providing you with nothing. Our treks aren’t expensive, they represent excellent value for money, and for those seeking to maximize their time, there is no better way.

Our Expectations

It may come as a surprise, but the reality is that it is a two-way street (or trail), and you are ultimately responsible for the nature of the experience that you have with us. And not only that, but you also influence the experience of others in your small group.

•  Attitude  This is your vacation, and the attitude that you bring will set the tone for your experience. We get that at times it’s difficult (we plan to challenge you) and we get that at times it’s a bit uncomfortable (this is not a cruise trip). All we ask you to keep an open mind, a big smile on your face, and readiness for the unexpected.

•  Physical preparedness Our treks are designed for everyday people. You don’t have to be an athlete, but to be fair to yourself and your group members, you do need to be ready. Worried about it? Do not stress it, our team is 100% dedicated to helping you pick the right trek, bring the right gear, and be physically and mentally prepared.

•  Know who’s in charge As we’ve mentioned, you rightly expect when you join our trek to be in good, safe hands. For us to ensure the entire group’s safety, we suppose you, as our guest, to listen to your lead guide. They are the expert when it comes to decisions made on the trek.

How To Reach

Things to carry, brief description, gallery of this trek, people reviews, short itinerary.

The cab will be arranged at an additional cost from Rishikesh Bus Stand to Wan and drop you back from Wan. This will cost approx. Rs. 7,000/- one way per 5-6 seat vehicle. You will have to share this value with the other trekkers.

The cab costs approx.. Rs. 7,000 per vehicle (5-6 seaters) and Rs. 10,500 per tempo traveller (12 seaters). You will reach Rishikesh between 18:00 and 19:00 hrs.

ATM point and Mobile connectivity

Dewal has the last ATM point before you reach Wan (Basecamp) if you need to withdraw money. Wan is the last place before starting your trek where you’re likely to get a stable mobile signal (not Jio). Finish all your important phone calls here and inform anxious family members about limited phone connectivity.

Why trekkaro?

We’ve been the leaders in providing Free Trekking Gear (FTG) on treks for more than 5 years. How’d we get here? By redefining the way, everyone must trek. Check out how we’re creating the future of trekking around the globe.

Trekkaro is the world's only free trekking gear company, providing high-quality gear from the Decathlon brand to trekkers at no cost. Say goodbye to the hassle and expense of buying or renting gear for your next trek. Trekkaro offers everything from trek shoes to jackets rated for temperatures as low as -10 degrees, as well as poles, gaiters, and microspikes. Join Trekkaro today and experience the freedom of trekking without the burden of expensive gear.

Trekkaro offers free cancellation policies for all trekkers. If you need to cancel your trek for any reason, we provide a TrekCash Voucher that is equal to 100% of the amount you paid. This voucher has a 2-year validity, so you can use it towards any future trekking adventure with us. We want to make sure that our trekkers have the flexibility they need to plan their trips with confidence.

Trekkaro is the best trekking company in India, according to its impressive 4.9/5 rating on Facebook and 4.8/5 rating on Google. Customers rave about their experiences with Trekkaro, leaving glowing reviews and recommending the company to others. With such high ratings, it's clear that Trekkaro is a top choice for anyone looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of India through trekking.

We always help keep you safe from the moment you book to the moment you (reluctantly) head home.

No matter the trek difficulty, our treks balance well-planned itineraries with the flexibility to do your own thing and make the experience your own.

When you trek with us, you experience first-hand our commitment to making the trek a force for good in everything we do.

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Roopkund Trek

Max Altitude

Moderate To Difficult

Trekking KM.

10,500 /Person

• +5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Kathgodam to Kathgodam | included transport
• Rs 9,100 Trek Cost & Rs 1,400 Transportation (All included in the cost)

Help & Support

• +91 991 772 4737
• 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs Monday - Saturday GMT +5:30 Sunday Closed
• [email protected]
• Cost & Cancellation Terms
• Risk & Respond

How To Reach

Trek essential.

• Important Links
• Trail Type Round trail. The trek starts and ends at Lohajung
• Rail Head Kathgodam is the nearest rail head to the base camp
• Base Camp Lohajung
• Summer Treks (Mid Apr - Jun)
• Autumn Treks (Sep - Mid Nov)
• Snow Mid December to Mid June
• Services from Kathgodam to Kathgodam | Included Transport
• Meals Meals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
• Stay Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse
• Region - Uttarakhand
• Duration - 8 Days
• Grade - Moderate To Difficult
• Max Altitude - 15696 Ft.
• Approx Trekking Km - 53 Kms.

Roopkund is a famous glacial lake in the state of Uttarakhand in India . This lake is famous due to more than five hundred skeletons of humans that are found at the edge of the lake. It is located in the Himalayas and rests at an altitude of nearly 4,800 meters. Roopkund is located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal. It is one of the best sites for Trekking in Garhwal. It is closer to hill stations like Nainital and Kathgodam. At a distance of 217 km from Nainital and 235 km from Kathgodam, Roopkund is one of the major adventure attractions for people in the country and those traveling from abroad. Roopkund, which is located in the lap of Trishul massif is also known as the ‘mystery lake’. You can find human skeletons at the bank of the lake, which are believed to belong to the Palaeolithic age.

These are believed to be the skeletons of the heroes who had fought here in earlier times. Along with the skeletons of humans, you can also find the skeletal structure of horses and other animals. There are reports that these skeletons belong to the 12th century to the 15th century. It is believed by specialists that the death of many people in this region was a result of landslides, blizzards, or an epidemic. The human skeletons were re-discovered in 1942 by H K Madhwal, who was a Nanda Devi Game reserve ranger.

Later in 2004, a team of Indian scientists along with some Europeans visited the area to gain more information about the nature of the  skeletons . Through extensive research and findings, they found human skulls, bones, and other jewellery. The DNA of the skeletons was taken, and it appeared that the people belonged to many classes and showed different features and morphological structures. There was a group of short and tall people believed to be closely related to each other. Though the exact number of the skeletons cannot be ascertained, a total number of around 500 hundred skeletons were found. It is also believed that an equal number of skeletons perished due to the natural environment.

The Radiocarbon dating of the skeletons at the Oxford University Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit determines the age of the skeletons be somewhere around 850 AD. Later extensive research has been carried out in various parts of the country and the world. Many scientists are of the idea that the people did not die of an epidemic but due to sudden hailstorms. The hailstorms are supposed to be as big as the size of a cricket ball, and as there was no shelter in the open areas of the Himalayas, people might have come under its disastrous and direct effect. It is considered one of the strongest reasons for the extinction of the natives of this area.

The cold and icy weather conditions can be said to be the reason for the preservation of the skeletons for such a long time. The favourable weather conditions prevented the skeletons to decay and decompose into the soil. With landslides that were rampant in the area, many bodies slipped into the lakes and stayed there for a long time. The bodies that fell into the lake had a greater shelf-life as compared to the ones which remained in the open. However, it is still not determined if this group of people lived here, or if they were heading towards a destination. Historical evidence of any trade route toward Tibet has not been established. Therefore it is hard to decipher the real purpose of the group of people that were victims of this natural calamity. There are possibilities that the group may be heading towards the Nanda Devi pilgrimage where Nanda Devi Raj Jat festivities take place once every 12 years.

Lohajung is the starting trekking point for Roopkund. The Roopkund Trek can also be called Skeleton Trek due to the presence of different skeletons in and around the lake. The lake is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and rock-strewn glaciers.

Trekking in India and choosing the Roopkund Trek is an adventurous journey that passes through many exotic and beautiful locations. As you trek towards the lake, you would find lush green grassy land and conifer forest ranging towards the fall of hills. Thereafter the trek takes its way along the Pindar River. You can enjoy the natural and lush green beauty of the surroundings with the pleasant breeze that blows all around you, giving a soothing effect to your senses.

Roopkund is a picturesque, beautiful, and attractive tourist destination in the Himalayas. Located at the base of two Himalayan peaks, Trishul and Nandghungti, it attracts people who have an adventurous side to life. Religious festivals take place in autumn, held at the alpine meadow of Bedni Bugyal , where the nearby villages participate. The lake is covered with ice all the time and it adds to its beauty. It is an enjoyable travelling destination as one is surrounded by mountains from all sides. Trekking in Uttarakhand also gives you the chance to Trek The Himalayas . You can also go for the Nanda Rajjat Yatra.

There are many routes for a trek to Roopkund. One of the most common routes travelers and adventurers take is through Lohajung up to where you can travel by road. Trekking  begins after this point. There are also some plains or flat areas where you can camp during the night. If the weather is not foggy, you can easily see  Bedni Bugyal and Trishul . On your way to Roopkund, you would also find many grazing lands for horses, sheep and mules. You would come across a few temples and lakes on your journey. Many waterfalls are also visible on the slopes of the surrounding mountains. However, it should be kept in mind that the weather is generally hostile throughout the year and travellers need to be fully equipped and prepared for these conditions

Who can participate

• Age; 15 years.
• Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 1 treks of 4,000m/13,100ft.
• The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
• The climber should be able to carry a 12-16 kg backpack.

Health Awareness

• Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute)
• Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg)
• Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute)
• Should not have Liver and kidney issues
• Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Epilepsy, Heart problems, Hypertension etc
• No pacemaker implant
• People with the Sinus issues please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek
• If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.

Government Employees {SCL}

Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed  for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)  Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.

• Junior trekkers (below 15 years) should have a company of parent/guardian.
• Trekkers between 15 to 18 years can come solo with the disclaimer form signed by parent/guardian.
• Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents)    Click here
• Altitude 7,662 ft.
• Stay in guest house.
• Drive 210 km (10 hrs drive).
• Local market and network is available.
• Pick up time 06:00 am at the parking of Kathgodham railway station.
• Route:- Kathgodam - Bheem Tal - Almora - Kausani - Gwaldam - Dewal - Lohajung.

The journey will take not more than 10 hours, which includes one or two breaks. The serpentine road goes through the region of Kumaon and covers deep valleys of Shivalik mountain ranges. The road will take you to Gwaldam which lies under the administrative district of Garhwal. The road goes through coniferous forest and unrelenting curves. Though there is a direct road from Gwaldam to Deval, the final destination of the day, it is not preferred due to damages at various places due to the yearlong rains. Via Nandkesri the distance to be covered is less, around 11kms, but it is better to walk on a longer, but safer trail through Tharali, which is around 36kms. Around 2 hours of the ride will take you to Deval, a village with all provisions of purchasing food and kerosene required for the rest of the journey. The days last stretch of the journey is from Deval to Lohajung. The extremely curvy and winding road gains considerable height. The roads are so thrilling to drive on that sometimes even the slightest of oncoming cars and trucks send Goosebumps. It is generally rainy and foggy during most of the time and temperatures remain very cold. The night is spent a tourist rest house or nearby lodges.

• Trek 6.5 km.
• 7,662 to 8,045 ft.
• Reach Didna before lunch.
• accommodation in village home stay.
• No local market but Network is available.
• Till ruan bagad bridge gradual descent (4.5 km).
• Refill your water bottle at ruan bagad bridge from Neel Ganga river.
• After ruan bagad bridge 2 hours of a steep ascent to Didna Village (2 km).

The actual trek begins today. After a good home prepared breakfast, the walk starts on the level ground with slight ascent on the jeep road; the road goes till the village of Wan. An hour and a half walk on the flat surface will take you to Kulling, which is located at a distance of around 6km form Lohajung. Kulling is a peaceful village in the district of Garhwal, with a small pool of the population; it is filled with the beauties of nature. Exotic birds can be spotted very easily; the air feels crisp and fresh. After a break at Kulling, you take a right turn and gradually descend towards the village. At the start, you will notice a narrow concrete plain which cuts through houses and fields and takes you to a small stream. This small stream is fed by Neel Ganga. You descend further till you reach the bed of Neel Ganga. Go ahead and cross the cemented bridge and then start climbing the ridge on the right side of the bridge. The road ahead is moderately steep and ends at the village of Didna, situated at an altitude of 2450mts, 8000ft. The trail encompasses evergreen alpine forests and trees which are huge in size. After a climb of around two hours, you reach the top of the ridge; the view ahead is magnificent. It is surprising to find huge open lands at such a high altitude on the lap of the mountains. There are two villages very near to each other Didna and Kuling, basically they host the same type of people and trekkers. The first village is habited during the summer and monsoon months while the second one is popular during winter. The days trek is over at around 3pm, after which a hot lunch is enjoyed. Total distance covered during the day is approximately around 10kms, and the night is spent in a traditional guest house.

• Trek 10.5 km.
• 8,045 to 11,320 ft.
• Accommodation in tent.
• Carry water and ors both.
• Reach Ali Bugyal by late noon.
• Keep your wind and waterproof handy.
• Tolpani is the last point for drinking water.
• First half of is through oak and rhododendron forest (Steep ascent).
• Second half of the trek is through big alpine meadows (gradual ascent).

Todays trek involves trekking through the beautiful village of Ali Bugyal, which located at an altitude of 3400mts or 11000ft, is one of the highest inhabited locations of the country. Ali Bugyal is on top of the mountain and is clearly visible from the backdrop of Didna. The trek will take you to climb on top of this mountain, after the start the trail will take out of the village. On the right, the trail is slightly ascending with a very gentle gradient. On the way, temporary settlements of local shepherds known as Tolpani and their huge herds of sheep are a site to behold. They are very friendly and warm in welcoming people; you can even share their lunch, which they think as a friendly gesture. On the other hand, the trail on the left side is short in length but is steeper. But it doesnt really matter which trail you take, eventually both of them will take you to the same destination. Oak, Birch, and Rhododendron trees are the only trees that grow in these areas, and are magnificent and huge in size. According to locals, anyone visiting the place during the spring season can see the unbelievable view of the valley covered with thousands of Rhododendron flowers in vibrant colours. After reaching the mountain top, the tree line gradually recedes, and the plain grasslands start. The climb takes around 3 to 4 hours, after which right in front of your eyes, the Himalayas most attractive meadows, Ali Bugiyal welcomes you. The view is very similar to the default wallpaper of Windows XP and is a treat for the eyes. During summer months, wild horses and cows graze the fields which are filled with vast stretches of grass and flowers of various bright colours. On a clear weather, it is easy to spot the peaks of Trishul and Mrighthuni, the tallest mountain peaks in this part of the Himalayas. The mighty Trishul beckons to be climbed upon and feels as there is some hidden energy which attracts towards itself. After crossing the meadows, there comes a small face on the way, and another half an hour of trekking will take you to Bedni, the camping spot for day 3. After lunch, visit the nearby temple in Bedni Kund, if the weather is clear you might be able to view the Garhwal Himalayan ranges at its glory.

• 11,320 to 12,818 ft.
• Easiest day of the trek.
• Reach Patar Nachauni before lunch.
• Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal (gradual ascent 2 km).
• Bedni Bugyal to Ghora Lotani (gradual ascent 4 km).
• Ghora Lotani to Patar Nachauni (gradual descent 1 km).
• Spend some time at Ghora Lotani good for acclimatization.
• Ware proper clothing (this is the place where most of the trekkers get AMS).

Today being the 4th day of the trek you can have the choice of starting a bit late and sleeping a little bit extra. Your next camping location is Gora Lutani, which is a perfect camping spot. Keep on walking and enjoy the picturesque locations in the adjoining area. Along the way, you will come across Patat Nacholi, a rather unused and vest able landmass. This day you will make steep altitude gain from around 12,500ft to 14,500ft. The high altitude and the long continuous walks will make your legs hurt, and you will also start feeling the effects of the weather changes and the thin air will make breathing difficult. But don't worry; the wonderful surroundings will give you enough motivation to reach your destination. The positive vibes flowing in the air lets you forget all your troubles. After a travel of around 10kms, the campsite for the day is reached. Ghora Lotani will give you a good night's sleep, but the next morning waking up early is very crucial as it is going to be an exciting day ahead.

• 12,818 to 14,117 ft.
• Reached Camp site by lunch.
• Patar Nachauni to Kalu Vinayak Tempel .
• (first 1 km is gradual ascent and rest 1.5 km is steep ascent).
• Kalu Vinayak to Bhagwabasa (gradual descent 1.5 km, become tricky in may and June ).
• There will be snow on the trail in the month of may and jun and in sep and oct it will be a rocky trail.

Wake up early and brace yourself for the longest day of trekking. Have a filling breakfast and dont forget to do a few stretches. It should be kept in mind that today; the trekking will approximately cover 10kms and that too on a steep slope. Walk towards Bagubasa, located around 14000ft above the sea level. This road will also take you across Kalyuvinayak temple. The most thrilling part to see the temple is to travel up 2kms, also equivalent to gaining an altitude of around 200ft. The path leading to this temple is very uneven and zig-zag in shape. It is essential that proper safety gear and clothing is ensured before the days trek is even started. The walk should be done very slowly and carefully; one small slip and anyone can get hurt very badly. But since there is no gain without pain, the gifts await you at the top. It is difficult to understand how someone could create the temple at such a height. The temple is basically traditional in design and construction and has been there for centuries. As the altitude increases, the air gets thinner, and the quantity of oxygen also decreases, this might lead to headache and acute stomach pain, but dont worry, take some rest for a while. The temple is carved out of stones with ultimate precision and perfection; it installs divine intervention in your minds. From the temple, you can view  Roopkund , the final trekking destination. The view is just magnificent one with shining and sparkling Trishul on one side and bell shaped Nandagunti on the other. You further follow up the uneven trail leading to Bhaguabasa at 1km distance from there. The region has its own specialities, flowers that bloom only during the monsoon months. You currently stand at a very high altitude of 14000ft and the terrain seems to look rough and not so easy to traverse.

• Trek 10 km.
• 14,117 to 15755 ft.
• Start your trek by 4:00 am.
• Climb to Roopkund is 3 km.
• Challenging day of the trek.
• Carry energy bars, ors and water.
• Breakfast will be at Roopkund top.
• Reach Bhagwabasa back by lunch time.
• Reach Patar Nachauni camp by evening.
• In Aug, Sep, Oct can see skeleton but no snow.
• In May and Jun snow will be there but can't see the skeleton.

Start early on this day to reach the mega destination – Roopkund. At an altitude of more than 16000ft, it is surely the highest point on the trek. Though the path is not that complicated to climb, but even the 4km walk will take a breath out of you and tire you like hell. But no trekking is easy, right? During monsoon, the snow covering this area is very less and shallow, which makes the path reveal itself properly. From Bhaguabasa, your first checkpoint is Chhirianag which means ladder like snake. From this place, the next point lays Roopkund – The mystery island. The lake of skeletons is one of the most mysterious places in the world. Till date, even archaeologists, and scientists are not able to find out how there were so many skeletons on the bed of the lake. There are theories and fables which state that once a king and his fellowmen were going to Nanda Devi, and, unfortunately, a severe hailstorm led to their deaths. If you are extremely lucky, then from the edge of the lake you can clearly see somewhere around 300 human skeletons. This view in itself is breath taking and people go crazy after seeing this. From this place, the trek will be along a hard and steep terrain. After the steep climb gets over, you will find the Nanda Devi temple. This is very near to the Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve. A perfect site for taking good snaps with friends and other fellow trekkers. Depending upon the weather and the co-climbers conditions may decide to risk on the Junargali pass which stands 16700 feet from sea level. Without any meteorological interference, you would need about 45 minutes to climb. You will have to pass through Bhagwabasa on the return journey. These places are filled with sheer exhilaration and thrill. The descent along the path is twice difficult that of the ascent it is so steep that one might have the feeling of falling down from the top. Move along to discover a cave like structure called as Bhagwabasa or the abode of the tiger. You further climb down to reach PatarNachuni about 12500 above ground level. You continue backwards through Ghora Lautani back to Bedni Bughyal. Your day will end at the campsite amidst lush greenery. This trip is one of the longest, covering over a distance of 15km taking about10-15 hours for completion. The legs will push you to deep sleep as they need a lot of rest. But before going to bed, do realize the whole trek was not at all easy and requires a whole lot of determination and courage to complete it.

• Trek 15 km.
• 12,818 to 7,662 ft.
• Accommodation in guest house.
• Patar Nachauni to Ghora Lotani (1 km gradual ascent).
• Ghora Lotani to Bedni Bugyal ( 4 km gradual descent).
• Bedni Bugyal to Doliya Dhar ( 0.5 km gradual walk).
• Doliya Dhar to Ghaeroli Patal ( 3 km steep descent ).
• Ghaeroli Patal to Neel Ganga ( 4 km steep descent ).
• Neel Ganga to Ranka Dhar ( 1 km moderate ascent ).
• Ranka Dhat to Wan Village road head ( 1.5 km gradual descent).
• Wan Village to Loharjung ( 45 minutes drive, road condition is not good).
• Route :- Patar Nachauni - Ghora Lotani - Bedni Bugyal - Doliya Dhar - Ghaeroli Patal - Neel Ganga - Ranka Dhar - Wan Village - drive to Lohajung.

Day 7 is probably the last day of the trek where you will have to walk and return to the camp site at Day01. Descending and climbing up are two things that are very different, though the path remains the same. This time you travel on the right side of the trail and it seems a simple path as compared to the previous days strenuous affair. For the first time, you will see wooden huts dotted along the path. After travelling a little more, you are now able to see the road dividing itself into two lanes. You need to take the one which leads to right. It goes down and down, and as you descend further you can again see that you have entered the forest region with trees all along the lane. The bird tweeting and the cool aiwin past your ears are a treat that you will rarely get to feel. Due to the varying slope, trekkers are cautioned to take each and every step very carefully; otherwise one might end up hurting themselves. Shortcuts though may look rewarding must be avoided as much as possible as the terrain is pretty rough. After walking a few more yards you near an opening inside the dense forest called the Gahroli Patal. You continue our journey till you reach the banks of the river of Neel Ganga. Once you reach the river bed, your journey continues, till you reach the wan village called Ran ka Dhar. The village of Wan is the next stop after which you descend further. Wan feels like very much at home, a big village with hills and mountains covering the edges, a view to cherish all your lives. As you travel a few more yards at the road and you find the car waiting to pick you up. The distance covered for the day for the descent is nearly 18km and requires about 10 hours. It needs an hour from Wan to reach Lohargunj. The road taken by car is rocky. Once you reach back the tourist guest house you can rejoice all the memories of the trip and comfortably sleep on the warm bed.

• 10 hrs drive.
• Drive 210 km.
• Reach Kathgodam by 6:00 pm.
• On the way to Kathgodam at Kausani you can buy herbal tea and some souvenir.

Roopkund trek in Seasons.

Summer Treks (April, May, June) 1. Less colder 2. More windy 3. Weather is unpredictable 4. Cant see human skeleton 5. Roopkund is in frozen condition 6. Higher camps covered with snow 7. Natural source of drinking water are easily available 8. Best for those who want to see snow and want to do a difficult level of trek

Autumn Treks (September, October, November) 1. Less windy 2. More colder 3. Mostly clear weather 4. Can see human skeleton 5. No snow at any camp site 6. Roopkund lake is properly visible 7. Natural source of drinking water are limited 8. Best for those who want to see greenery and want to do moderate level of trek

Wake up early in the morning; have a nice cup of tea and an awesome hillside breakfast. Today you will leave for Lohargunj, along with all the beautiful and unforgettable memories pack your own stuffs and luggage. Your cab will drop you at the Kathgodam railway station. The car journey will take something around 10 hours, and do make sure that you are carrying mint and tablets which prevent nausea. From Kathgodam railway station, you will find trains to various locations. Board your respective train and take along a healthy experience with memories that will never fade away.

• Pick Up Place

At first you have to reach Rishikesh, after that TTH will take care of your further travel plan.

Our Pick-up place

Trek The Himalayas Head office , Tapovan Laxmanjhula, Landmark -Nainital Bank opposite Shiv Vilas Hotel

Options to reach Rishikesh

1.  Take overnight train/bus to Rishikesh.

2.  Take overnight train/bus to Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh (35 min drive with normal traffic).

We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am positively.

3.  Take the flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) and drive to Rishikesh (20 km, 30 min), if coming by flight then come one day early.

• TTH’s Tata Sumo, Tempo Traveller or similar vehicles will pick-up you.
• Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek.
• If you wish to upgrade the transport service, please contact the Trek Coordinator.
• After morning tea move to Rishikesh (breakfast and lunch on the way)
• Reach Rishikesh by 6:00 pm
• Drop off point is Trek The Himalayas Office (Tapovan) Laxmanjhula 
• Plan your further travel plan after 7:00 pm
• Cancellation Policy

1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping) 2. Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg) 3. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff. 4. All necessary permits and entry fees. 5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder. 6. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required). 7. Services from Loharjung to Loharjung. 8. TTH Staff insurance. 9. Mules to carry the central luggage.

1. Any kind of personal expenses. 2. Food during the transit. 3. Insurance. 4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage. 5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges. 6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.

Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)

1- Satellite phone/setphone -  is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.

2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) -  is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.

3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) -  are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly

Insurance is mandatory  and can be obtained through TTH or other providers. Non-Indian rates are slightly higher, trek coordinator will share the balance payment link after booking. If you choose not to book through us, we will refund your insurance fee; email us immediately after booking for the refund.

Normally  TTH  expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule. Charges of offloading backpack:- INR 1800/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance INR 2000/- if you inform us after reaching Loharjung The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

Special Offers

Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.

If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.

Terms and conditions

• This offer is a non-transferable.
• This offer is valid for Trek The Himalayas limited fixed departures.
• This offer is valid for 5 years from the date of booking.
• This offer is not valid if the participant has received a cash refund or voucher at the time of cancellation.
• Participants don’t have to pay for the trek cost but have to pay for transportation and trek permit costs.

The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

Cancellation terms:

For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected]   At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.

Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip

Refund options

• 5% deduction of trek fee
• 100% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip

• 30% deduction of trek fee
• 100% cash voucher for same trip till one year
• 85% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip

• Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
• 50% deduction of trek fee
• 80% cash voucher for same trip till one year
• 70% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek

• Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend
• No cash refund
• 20% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
• 10% cash voucher for any trip till one year

In the unlikely event that TTH cancels a trek prior to the scheduled departure date:

While it is extremely rare for TTH to cancel a trek, we understand that unforeseen circumstances or natural disasters may occasionally require us to do so before the scheduled departure. These circumstances could include continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that poses a risk to the safety of our trekkers. Additionally, unforeseeable events such as local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any similar situations that compromise the safety of the trekking experience may also necessitate a cancellation.

In the event of such a cancellation, TTH will provide you with a voucher equivalent to the amount you paid for the trek. This voucher can be redeemed for any of our treks within the next year, allowing you to still enjoy an adventure with us at a later date.

• The issuance of a voucher is not applicable in situations where you are required to descend from the trek for any reason. The trek leader may make the decision to send you down from the trek due to factors such as insufficient fitness level, symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), high blood pressure, exceeding the designated turn-around-time, health concerns, or if you are found smoking, drinking, or violating the rules set for the trek. In such cases, the provision of a voucher does not apply.

In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:

We would like to emphasize that weather conditions in high-altitude areas are highly unpredictable and can undergo sudden changes at any time, irrespective of the day. Additionally, circumstances beyond our control, such as natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics, and lockdowns, may impact the feasibility of conducting a trek. In cases where we are unable to proceed with an event due to such circumstances that are beyond our direct control, we will make every effort to provide you with an alternative trek that is safer and more suitable.

In such situations, we will issue a voucher to offset the cost difference between the originally scheduled trek and the alternative trek. This voucher can be redeemed at any time within one year from the date of issue. Please note that a refund fee or reimbursement of the cost difference is not applicable in these cases.

• Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
• In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
• TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
• Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers

Cash Voucher Terms:

• This is a non-transferable voucher
• The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
• The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
• To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
• All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
• Trek The Himalayas holds rights to add/remove any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice

Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.

• Personal Utilities

Fitness regime for:

Calculate Your BMI :

Your BMI value is

Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!

• If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned.
• If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
• If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.

• Customize the Trip
• Cost & Cancellation Terms
• Risk & Respond

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The Roopkund Trek is a journey of adventure and discovery that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. The trek is named after the mysterious Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 15, 696 feet. The trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture, as it takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and traditional Himalayan villages. The highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also known for its mysterious skeletons, which are believed to be the remains of ancient travelers who perished in a hailstorm. The Roopkund Trek is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas.

Roopkund Trek is a 53 km trek.

Roopkund Trek takes 8 days to complete the trek.

The best time to do the Roopkund Trek is during summer (mid-Apr to Jun) and autumn (Sep to mid-Nov) .

The maximum altitude reached during the Roopkund Trek is 15,696 ft .

Roopkund Trek is a moderate - difficult grade trek.

The cost of the Roopkund Trek is 10,500 INR per person.

The highlights of the Roopkund Trek include the Roopkund Lake, grand views of Chaukhambha Range, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, and Neelkanth Peak, camping in picturesque campsites.

During the Roopkund Trek , you will stay in a guest house in the base camp, and on the slopes you will be staying in tents (twin-sharing).

Yes, it is safe to do Roopkund Trek with an expert organization. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines issued by the Trek Leaders and guide while trekking in the mountains.

Here's a list of essential items to pack for the Roopkund Trek: Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes with a sturdy sole and ankle support is essential for the trek. Backpack: A backpack with a capacity of 40-50 litres is suitable for carrying your essentials, including clothing, food, and water. Warm clothing: The temperature at high altitudes can drop significantly, so it's important to carry warm clothing, including thermal layers, fleece jackets, and a down jacket. Rain gear: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's important to carry a rain jacket and pants to stay dry. Trekking pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants that are comfortable to walk in are ideal for the trek. Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries is necessary for navigating through dark trails and campsites. Water bottle: A reusable water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre is necessary to stay hydrated during the trek. Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun's UV rays can be strong at high altitudes, so it's important to carry sunglasses and sunscreen with a high SPF. Basic first aid kit: A basic first aid kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers can come in handy in case of injuries. Personal hygiene kit: Toiletries like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues can help you maintain personal hygiene during the trek.

Yes, it is recommended to have prior trekking experience before attempting the Roopkund Trek as it is considered a moderately difficult trek. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, and the altitude can also be a challenge. It is important to have good physical fitness and stamina to complete the trek comfortably. Prior trekking experience can help you to be better prepared for the challenges of the trek, such as acclimatization, managing your energy levels, and dealing with the rugged terrain. However, if you are in good physical condition and have a positive attitude, with proper guidance and preparation, you can still attempt the Roopkund Trek even if you are a beginner.

Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a professional expert for the Roopkund Trek , especially if you are a beginner or have limited trekking experience. A professional can provide you with valuable assistance, including knowledge of the local terrain, weather conditions, and the culture of the region. They can also help you with navigation and ensure your safety throughout the trek.

The Roopkund Trek Gets You Up Close And Personal With The Enchanting Uttarakhand

• Travel Tips
• May 24, 2019 in City Tours , Travel Tips
• roopkund lake uttrakhand

Mountains have always been an enigma with their strength and resilience. The Himalayas have been a strong contender for the title of most enigmatic and awe-inspiring mountain ranges with the pristine snowcapped peaks, highest peak (Mt. Everest) and stories that set the mood for a camp bonfire. Not to worry, these stories and landscapes are not simply restricted to your imagination or anecdotes pieced together from friends and acquaintances. You can now plan a Roopkund trek which also gives you a chance to explore Uttarakhand at its finest.

Journeying to the Mysterious Lake

Every mystery has a little history behind it! The Roopkund lake is located at the Chamoli District near the base of two peaks – Trisul (7120 mt) and Nanda Ghunti (6310 mt) and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.

Situated at an altitude of 5029 mts, this 2 mt shallow lake is referred to as the  Mysterious Lake due to the 9 th- century skeletons of humans and horses that are visible at the base of the lake. There are other attractions like deep virgin forests, brooks and camping sites that are scintillating nearby. The Lord of Adventure has never been more generous to travelers.

The trek’s starting point is Lohajang Pass which is well connected and can be travelled by motorcycles. Bedni Bugyal is the ultimate destination of this trek, following which the trek to the base camp starts. However, what a Roopkund Trek Guide will never be able to highlight is the absolute peace you will feel once you complete the journey and take in the lake and surrounding mountain peaks. Ah, that feeling of being at one with the universe and finding oneself again. See it to believe it!

Find Best Hotels in Nainital

Trekking in Roopkund

Put on your brave heart shoes because the Roopkund Trekking Route is not an easy one. In fact, this 8-day trek is sometimes a task for an avid trekker as well. This means that you should ideally be in the best of health, fit and bereft of any medical ailments. The Roopkund trek requires traversing through rough terrain for 8 days.

The starting point of the trek is reaching the gorgeous Lohajang Pass. This is done by taking a bus or car from Kathgodam. Taking Lord Curzon, you’ll travel from Lohajang to the Bedni River via the Lohajang Pass. Then, trekkers move to Ali Bugyal from Didna village and you can admire the scenic beauty of the Garhwal range alongside. The fourth day trek will see you reach Ghora Lotani from Ali Bugyal. Make sure that you try and spot a Himalayan magpie while travelling on this stretch.

Ghora Lotani to Bhagwabasa via Kalu Vinayak is what you will be covering on your fifth day. From here, the zigzagging trail starts and the altitude too becomes steeper while the weather gets icy. In short, the actual trek begins! The 6 th day is when you reach Roopkund Lake which is amazing to say the least! You will then move to Bedni Bugyal. Enjoy the scenic view of the snowcapped peaks of Trisul and Nanda Ghunti along with basking in the magnificence of the Garhwal Himalayas .

You start your return journey on the seventh day from Bedni Bugyal and pass through rhododendrons and stunning vistas along with the Neel Ganga to reach the hamlet of Wan. Camping in Wan is a thrill unto itself. The journey is completed on the eighth day as you reach Lohajang.

Travel Tips That Will Come in Handy

• Carry warm clothes, raincoats and waterproof bags. The weather here is unpredictable. You also need to take protective gear, camping items and toiletries, first aid kits and medication (if any). Be well prepared.
• Since you need to carry sizable loads, your stamina and endurance is of utmost importance. You will be covering roughly 8 kilometres each day so staying fit is very important. If you suffer from medical conditions like asthma and diabetes or spine injuries, you should not attempt the trek.
• Carry your refreshments and snacks in a separate pouch. There are fewer rest stops and you should stay hydrated.
• Do not consume alcohol during or before the trek.
• Oxygen is thinner once the altitude gets higher so you should take your time and be careful.

What Else Can You Explore in the Region?

There are many other places to see and things to do in Roopkund and Uttarakhand in general. Firstly, the time you choose to go on the trek matters as the season affects what you can see and places you can access. For first timers, it is best that you avoid the months of May and June as the place is covered in snow and not much can be seen.

The ideal time to visit is between September and October when you can view the lovely green meadows and the famous skeletons of course beneath the Mysterious Lake. Since Bedni Bugyal falls in your trek route, make sure you check out Bednikund and the quaint hamlet of Wan. Uttarakhand is known to be not only a pilgrimage site but also a hub for adventure sports like bungee jumping, river rafting and skiing to name a few. You can visit historic places like Nainital or Lansdowne later on if you’re in the mood to extend your trip by a few days.

Tick off Your Bucket List With a Roopkund Trek

This trek is definitely one for the bucket list! Apart from being challenging, this gets you up close with the majestic Garhwal Himalayas and landscapes that are too stunning to describe in words. They say that trekking through the mountains is food for the soul and training for the body. Who knows, you might just look at yourself and the world in a different light when you’re out there amidst the mighty mountains.

P.s. You might like these related resources:

• A Complete Trekking Guide to Dodital
• Pick up these Spectacular Places to Visit while Exploring the Picturesque State of Uttarakhand
• 12 Famous Hill Stations that you need to see in Uttarakhand
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Roopkund Trek Temperature and Weather

Roopkund temperature remains pleasant in summer, from May to June, and in autumn, from September to mid-October. The trek has two seasons with mild temperatures and clear weather.  

Roopkund trek weather is pleasant with comfortable daytime temperatures in the summer months of May and June. Night and early morning are known to have freezing temperatures. The autumn months also feature clear weather and visibility. 

In September and October, the day temperature in Roopkund remains warm and snuggly.  You need additional layers as the temperature can be notoriously extreme at night.  

Roopkund Trek temperature depends on the season you are trekking in. As the trek takes you to a higher altitude of more than 16,000ft, Roopkund trek temperature is cool and frigid.

Here is a detailed temperature guide for the Roopkund Lake trek, also known as the skeleton lake trek in Uttarakhand 

Roopkund Trek Monthly Temperature Details

Roopkund trek weather in winters (december to february) .

Roopkund Lake Trek in winter registers a minimum of -10°C to -15°C.   The temperature remains low throughout the day, and the number declines to minus. December, January and February are the coldest with heavy and constant snowfall. Roopkund temperatures in December, January and February are not favourable for trekking. 

Roopkund Temperature in December

Roopkund temperature registers minimum -10°C at higher elevations in December. Maximum temperature hover around 5°C . The lower regions will have slightly warmer temperatures. Roopkund trek temperature is at its lowest during early mornings and at night.

Roopkund Temperature in January 

The temperature declines further, making it extremely difficult to trek in January. Excessive snow also obstructs your speed on the trail. Expect a maximum of 4°C and a minimum of -15°C in January in Roopkund. 

Roopkund Temperature in February

Roopkund experiences comparatively warm weather in February.  You can expect clear sunny days offering crisp mountain views. Roopkund temperature in February ranges between 5°C to -12°C in the higher regions.

Roopkund Trek Weather in Spring (March to April)

The temperature increases in spring seas as the winter cold wears off, making way for bright sunny days.  A colossal amount of snow on the trail in spring months makes it challenging to navigate the higher campsites. 

Roopkund Temperature in March

March in Roopkund has a maximum of 7°C during the day to a minimum of -8°C in the morning and night. It is extremely cold at higher campsites and becomes windy in March. 

Roopkund Temperature in April

The trek in April registers a slight increase in day temperatures. Roopkund temperature in April ranges between 10°C in the daytime to min -5°C at night and early mornings.  April has warm and sunny days featuring clear weather and magnificent views of the big mountains. 

Roopkund Trek Weather in Summer (May to June)

May marks the arrival of trekkers to Roopkund. Summer begins in May and continues till May end. Mild temperatures and clear weather mark summer as the most loved season for Roopkund trek. 

Roopkund Temperature in May 

In May, the average temperature on the Roopkund trek is recorded between 12°C to 14°C during the daytime . It reaches 0°C to -5°C at night time. Roopkund weather in May will be warm and sunny if the weather is clear. At night, the temperature dips down and it gets chilly after sunset. 

Roopkund Temperature in June 

June temperature in Roopkund ranges between a maximum of 17°C. The night and early morning record 8°C  to 0°C, hence, carry enough layers of clothes to keep yourself warm at higher altitudes with sub-zero temperatures. During the daytime, your body will remain warm and cosy. Keep an outer layer handy in case it gets windy on the trail. 

Roopkund Trek Weather in Monsoon (July to August)

Roopkund is not accessible in monsoon. It rains heavily in the region making it difficult to traverse the slippery and muddy trail. The weather is harsh and the cold is unbearable. Trekking conditions are not conducive to attempt Roopkund trek in July and August. 

July and August register a minimum of 1°C and a maximum of 18°C in Roopkund. 

Roopkund Trek Weather in Autumn (September to Mid-October)

The second season for the Roopkund trek begins in September and continues till mid-October. The campsites have manageable temperatures during this period. 

Autumn temperature is mild during the day, however, the night gets chilly with cold. 

Roopkund Temperature in September 

September temperature in Roopkund is around 4°C to 15°C during the day. You will have to deal with freezing temperatures at night. 

Trekkers aren’t deterred by the freezing temperatures of September to November, as this season offers clear and stable weather, providing unobstructed views of the Himalayas while trekking along the Roopkund Lake trail.

In September, the temperature reaches a maximum of 15°C, and at night time it declines to -5°C. 

Roopkund Temperature in October 

In October, the Roopkund Lake trek temperature reaches 13°C during the daytime and touches a minimum of -6°C.  Come prepared with a minimum of five layers to guard against the biting cold. 

Roopkund Temperature in November 

Roopkund weather becomes extremely cold by November. You will experience a significant drop in temperature. November records a minimum of -7°C and a maximum of 10°C in Roopkund. The cold and harsh weather condition makes it strenuous to embark on a Roopkund trek. 

Come prepared with enough layers to guard yourself from the biting cold night temperature. 

Roopkund Trek Highlights 

The famous Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand leads you to an enigmatic Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake. This glacial lake is located at a staggering altitude of 16,470 ft above sea level. Roopkund owes its immense popularity to the presence of human skeletons. The Lake continues to be shrouded in innumerable mysteries with no definitive conclusions to date. 

Since the confounding discovery of the human skeletons, the Roopkund Lake has attracted trekkers, explorers, and researchers worldwide. 

The trek to the infamous skeleton lake passes through the stunning meadows of Ali Bedni Bugyal. Roopkund is also famed for the spellbinding sight of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. 

The trek starts from Lohajung village. Roopkund Lake trek distance is around 40 km, and you can complete the trek comfortably in 8 days, including travel to and from the base camp. The hike is for seasoned trekkers with prior hiking experience. 

If thrilling folklores, mesmerising meadows, and majestic mountains intrigue you, Roopkund Trek is a must for all adventure lovers. 

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