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Roopkund Trek

Mystery Lake of the Himalayas

Trek Overview

  • Trek Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
  • Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult
  • 🏔️ Max Altitude: 15,750 ft (Roopkund Lake)
  • Trek Distance: ≈53 km
  • 🌤️ Best Time: May–June & September–October
  • 🗺️ Region: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
  • 📍 Start Point: Lohajung (Uttarakhand)
  • 🏁 End Point: Wan Village (Uttarakhand)
  • 🧥 Cloakroom facility: Available

INR 19,500

* Lohajung to Wan

Addons (Optional)

    • Transportation – INR 2,800 (* Rishikesh to Rishikesh)
    • Offloading-Bags – INR 4,800 (* Maximum weight 9kg/bag)

Terms & Conditions | Inclusions & Exclusions | Cancellation & Refunds

The Roopkund Trek (15,750 ft) in Uttarakhand is one of the most legendary Himalayan trails, blending mystery, adventure, and mythology. Starting from the charming village of Lohajung and ending at Wan, this 8-day trek takes you through ancient oak and rhododendron forests, vast alpine meadows like Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, and finally to the enigmatic Roopkund Lake—famous for hundreds of human skeletons visible beneath its icy surface. The trek offers breathtaking views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti while passing through sacred sites linked to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, one of Uttarakhand’s most revered pilgrimages held once every twelve years. Along the route, trekkers witness Himalayan flora like blue poppies and brahma kamal, and spot wildlife such as Himalayan monals and barking deer. Lohajung, the trailhead, carries folklore of the goddess Parvati defeating a demon here ('Loha Jung' literally meaning 'War of Iron'), while Wan, the concluding village, retains its ancient Kumaoni architecture and tranquil charm. The Roopkund Trek is a complete Himalayan experience—rich in culture, myth, and natural beauty—ideal for seasoned trekkers and mountain enthusiasts seeking a blend of mystery, high-altitude adventure, and heritage.

Highlights

✅ Trek through dense oak & rhododendron forests from Lohajung

✅ Walk across expansive alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal & Bedni Bugyal

✅ Reach Roopkund Lake (~15,750 ft) and witness its mysterious human skeletons

✅ Panoramic views of Mt Trishul, Nanda Ghunti & the Garhwal peaks

✅ Finish via Wan village — small Himalayan hamlet with traditional charm

Itinerary

📅 Day 1: Kathgodam / Rishikesh to Lohajung (7,600 ft)

• Drive Distance: ~210–230 km (9–11 hrs) via Almora / Kausani.
• The journey takes you through the winding mountain roads of Kumaon, passing through pine forests, terraced valleys and small hill towns like Gwaldam and Dewal.
• By evening, reach Lohajung — a scenic Himalayan base village overlooking the confluence of the Pindar and Kail rivers.
• The air is cool and crisp, and the sunset paints Mt Nanda Ghunti in golden hues.
• Overnight stay in a cozy guesthouse/homestay. Short evening acclimatisation walk to nearby viewpoints recommended.

📅 Day 2: Lohajung to Didna Village (8,530 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~7–8 km | Duration: ~4–5 hrs.
• The day begins with a descent through mixed forests of oak and rhododendron to the sparkling Neel Ganga river — a serene spot to rest and refill bottles.
• After crossing the bridge, climb gradually through dense forest dotted with wildflowers and chirping mountain birds to reach Didna village, located on a gentle slope amidst terraced fields.
• The trail offers views of snow-capped ridges beyond the valley.
• Overnight stay in a rustic guesthouse or homestay; expect pleasant mountain breeze and starlit skies.

📅 Day 3: Didna to Ali Bugyal (11,320 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~10–12 km | Duration: ~6–7 hrs.
• The morning trail starts steeply through oak, maple, and rhododendron forests alive with Himalayan monals (state bird of Uttarakhand) and langurs leaping between trees.
• As you climb higher, the tree line begins to fade, and the lush alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal open up — an ocean of green grass stretching endlessly, often kissed by soft mist.
• Snow peaks like Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti rise majestically in the backdrop.
• Depending on the season, wild horses graze peacefully on the slopes.
• Overnight stay in tents or homestay at Ali Bugyal; expect cold winds and a stunning night sky.

📅 Day 4: Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni (12,818 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~6–10 km | Duration: ~4–6 hrs.
• Begin your day with a gentle traverse across the meadow linking Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal — one of India’s largest alpine meadows with spellbinding 360° views.
• Visit the sacred Bedni Kund (lake) reflecting the Trishul massif; locals believe Goddess Nanda Devi blesses every traveler here.
• The trail gradually ascends beyond the meadow as you enter higher, more rugged terrain towards Patar Nachauni.
• Weather turns colder and windier; nights can dip close to 0 °C even in summer.
• Camp at Patar Nachauni overlooking the vast alpine bowl under a starry sky.

📅 Day 5: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa (14,100–14,500 ft)

• Trek Distance: ~5–7 km | Duration: ~4–5 hrs.
• The trail steepens today, climbing over rocky switchbacks towards Kalu Vinayak temple — a small stone shrine perched dramatically at ~14,200 ft.
• From here, the panorama widens — Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, and Trishul appear spectacularly close.
• Descend slightly over boulder-strewn moraine to reach Bhagwabasa, the last campsite before the lake.
• Vegetation fades; the landscape turns barren and grey with patches of snow even in early summer.
• Nights here are frigid with sub-zero temperatures; strong winds are common.
• Overnight stay in tents surrounded by the raw grandeur of high Himalayas.

📅 Day 6: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake (15,750 ft) and back to Patar Nachauni

• Trek Distance: ~10–12 km | Duration: ~8–9 hrs (round trip).
• Early pre-dawn start (around 3–4 AM) to catch firm snow and clear weather.
• The climb is steep and zigzagging over snow slopes, scree, and rocky patches leading to the fabled Roopkund Lake — a glacial tarn nestled in a crater surrounded by snow walls.
• When the snow melts, human skeletons dating back centuries can be seen at the edge of the lake — one of the great mysteries of the Himalayas.
• Important seasonal note: In May–June, the trail beyond Bhagwabasa often has a mix of hard ice and soft snow, making it slippery and risky. Always walk strictly under your guide’s supervision — no selfies or rushing at any point.
• Descending on snow from Roopkund to Bhagwabasa can be equally tricky; take extreme caution and use trekking poles properly.
• Sunglasses are **mandatory** on this stretch to prevent snow blindness — the glare from early morning snow can be intense and disorienting.
• The climb to Junargali Top (16,200 ft) is **not possible** during icy conditions in May–June but opens up post-monsoon (September–October) when snow has melted. During that season, trekkers can climb safely to Junargali for a spectacular close view of Mt Trishul — appearing almost at arm’s distance.
• Note that Mt Trishul is **not visible from the Roopkund Lake** itself due to the surrounding ridges.
• Weather at this altitude can change rapidly — if strong winds, whiteout, or snowfall occur, the **turnaround point will be decided by the trek leader/guide** for safety reasons.
• After spending some quiet moments at the lake, descend carefully to Bhagwabasa for breakfast, then continue down to Patar Nachauni by afternoon.
• Expect biting cold winds before sunrise and softening snow after 8 AM, which can make footing unstable — start early and maintain a steady, cautious pace.
• Overnight stay in tents at Patar Nachauni.

📅 Day 7: Patar Nachauni to Wan Village (7,900–8,200 ft) + Drive to Lohajung

• Trek Distance: ~12–17 km | Duration: ~6–7 hrs.
• Begin descent through rolling meadows and retrace the path via Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lotani, where you might spot mountain goats and Himalayan eagles circling above.
• The trail passes through Doliya Dhar ridges with occasional rocky patches — trekking poles are highly recommended to protect knees during the steep descent.
• As you descend below the tree line, the temperature warms and forest fragrances return — pine, oak, and rhododendron canopy the trail.
• Cross the Neel Ganga river again before the final short climb to Wan village.
• A 45-minute scenic drive brings you back to Lohajung.
• Relax with a hot meal, share stories, and enjoy your last night in the mountains.

📅 Day 8: Lohajung to Kathgodam / Rishikesh

• Drive Distance: ~210–230 km | Duration: ~9–11 hrs.
• After breakfast, bid farewell to the trek team and retrace the mountain roads down to the plains.
• Expect changing landscapes — dense forests giving way to terraced fields and finally the bustling towns of Kumaon/Garhwal.
• Reach Kathgodam or Rishikesh by evening/night — trek concludes with lifelong memories of the mysterious lake and the grand meadows of Roopkund.

Map

How to reach

✈️ Air: Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Then drive to Kathgodam → Lohajung.

🚆 Train: Nearest major Railway Station: Kathgodam. Then drive to Lohajung (approx 9-10 hours).

🛣️ Road: Regular bus/cab from Rishikesh/Dehradun to Lohajung (~250 km, 9–10 hrs).

🗺️ Travel Tip: Reach Lohajung a day early and acclimatise; carry cash and essentials as facilities get limited beyond Didna/Wan.

Did you know?

Roopkund Lake lies at 15,750 ft and is famously known as the ‘Skeleton Lake’ because over 300 human skeletons dating back to the 9th century were discovered at its bottom — a mystery linked to a rare hailstorm disaster uncovered by scientists only recently.
The Roopkund trail passes through Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal, two of Asia’s largest alpine meadows, carpeted with wildflowers like Brahma Kamal, blue poppies, and primulas in summer. These grasslands also offer majestic panoramas of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Roopkund lies on the ancient route of the sacred Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra — a grand pilgrimage that happens once every 12 years. Devotees trek for over 280 km from Nauti village to Homkund, carrying a four-horned ram believed to be a messenger of Goddess Nanda Devi.
Lohajung, the starting point of the trek, literally means ‘War of Iron’. Local folklore says it’s named after a mythical battle fought between Goddess Parvati and a demon. The charming mountain village also serves as a gateway to several Kumaon and Garhwal treks.
The small hamlet of Wan, your trek’s ending point, is one of the last inhabited villages in this part of Uttarakhand. Its ancient Latu Devta temple is closely tied to the Nanda Devi legend — locals believe you must cover your head and enter barefoot to pay respect.
Wildlife enthusiasts often spot Himalayan monals, yellow-billed choughs, and even musk deer along the trail. The changing vegetation — from oak and rhododendron forests to alpine meadows — makes Roopkund one of the most ecologically diverse Himalayan treks.
September to early October is the best time for clear mountain views and to glimpse the skeletal remains when the lake’s snow cover melts. May–June, on the other hand, transforms the meadows into a paradise of flowers, making both seasons uniquely rewarding.

Packing list

For a comprehensive packing list, download the PDF below: Download Packing List

FAQs

  • This trek is suitable for individuals with good physical fitness and some high-altitude trekking experience. It involves steep ascents, high camps and variable terrain.
  • Essential items include waterproof trekking shoes, layered clothing, 50 L rucksack with rain cover, thermal wear, sleeping bag rated for cold nights, headlamp, trekking poles.
  • Some high-altitude meadows are ecologically fragile and may be subject to restrictions or bans on overnight camping — please check with your trek operator for latest updates.
  • Mobile network is limited. You may get some signal at Lohajung or Didna, but beyond that expect very little or none — inform family accordingly.
  • You would typically need forest/wildlife permits and entry passes for the area. Permit formalities are usually handled by the trek operator.
  • The ideal windows are **May-June** (late spring) when alpine meadows bloom and snow remains at higher altitudes, and **September-October** (early autumn) when skies are clear and the “Skeleton Lake” becomes visible. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • On the Roopkund trail you pass through oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows and snow-high ridges. You may spot Himalayan monals, yellow-billed choughs, musk deer and a variety of wildflowers like blue poppies and brahma kamal. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • The trek is rated Moderate-to-Difficult: there are sudden elevation gains (from ~7,700 ft at Lohajung up to ~15,750 ft at Roopkund), snow patches, exposed ridges and steep climbs. Preparation with cardio, altitude awareness and proper gear is essential. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Camping in certain meadows may be restricted. While the trail is open, some operators avoid overnight stays in specific zones to comply with regulations — check with your operator for the current status. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • During May–June daytime temps may range from 8-15 °C at higher altitudes, while nights can drop to below zero. In September–October, day temps may be 7-12 °C; nights drop to –2 °C to –7 °C. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

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