About Roopkund Lake Trek
Known for its mysterious surrounding and astounding scenic beauty,
Roopkund is a high altitude trek in the base of Trishul Peak and Nanda
Ghunti. The maximum height of this trek is 5029 m which adds to the zeal
of trekking experience. The trek lies in the Garhwal Himalayas of
Chamoli district and offers magnificent views of mountains surrounded by
rock- strewn glacier. This 9 days trek goes through moderate to
difficult grades and satiates the trekking-obsession of beginners to
high altitude experts. 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 of the lake. These remains are
believed to be of around 15th to 16th century when a strong hailstorm
took away the lives of hundreds of helpless people who went there for
pilgrimage.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 08 Days (5 days trekking and 3 days travelling)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 5029 mts
Total Trekking : 60 K.M
Lohajung is the base of this well acclaimed trek which is easily
accessible by motor from Rishikesh. Generally the trekking teams drive
from Rishikesh to Loharjung witnessing the snow-packed mountains,
valleys and rivers. The original trek starts from Lohajung and passes
through the village of Didna. In between Loharjung to Didna, there is a
small village called Kulling where the bubbling river Neel Ganga flows
between Wan and Lohajung. From Kulling a steep ascent leads to Raun
Bagad which is partly thick and densely dotted by the rhododendron oaks
and pine forest. All along the walk the trekkers can hear the whistles
of the thrushes and twittering of birds. Catch a glimpse of 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 which
again passes through Ali Bugyal. The trail from Didina to Bedni Bugyal
is a stiff climb at the beginning and through an easy walk in the middle
it ascends towards the end. The undulating Alpine meadows at Ali Bugyal
are considered to be among the best in the country which are located
atop a ridge.
The trail from Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal is carpeted with soft green
grassland. Those who would like to camp on the Himalaya, Bedni is the
ideal place. Witnessing the evening reflection of sunlight on Trishul
Mountain peak is a memorable experience. From Bedni Bugyal one has to
lead 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 one needs to head towards Roopkund from Bhagwabassa
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 meadows of Bedni and Ali
- Get an opportunity to visit some of the remotest villages of Uttrakhand
- Enjoy the opportunity to camp 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.
How to Reach Roopkund?
By Air:
Dehradun is the closest airport for reaching Karnaprayag. Scheduled flights operate to and from several major cities in India.
By Rail:
The nearest rail head from Karnprayag would be Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Haridwar is well-connected to major cities of India, whereas in
Rishikesh the number of trains is comparatively less than Haridwar.
By Road: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun are well
connected from Delhi. One can find taxis to Loharjung from these
destinations. On an average, Loharjung is 210 kms from Rishikesh.
Roopkund Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
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.Day 02: 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.Day 03: 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.Day 04: 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.Day 05: 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.Day 06: 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.Day 07: 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.Day 08: 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.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Roopkund Trek
- Daypack (40-60 ltr)
- Good Quality of rain proof trekking shoes
- Socks (3 pairs)
- Light wind jacket
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Trekking pants
- Warm hat
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Light gloves
- Duffel bag
- Sunglasses
- Torch/Headlamp
- Camera
- One liter water bottles
- Water purification/filter
- Books
- Lip balm
- A light weight umbrella.
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Personal medicines
- Money pouch/belt
- Energy bars
- Vitamin tablets
- Bandana/scarf
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
| 04 May, 2018 | 11 May, 2018 | 18 May, 2018 |
| 25 May, 2018 | 01 June, 2018 | 08 June, 2018 |
| 15 June, 2018 | 22 June, 2018 | 14 September, 2018 |
| 21 September, 2018 | 28 September, 2018 | 05 October, 2018 |
| 12 October, 2018 | 19 October, 2018 | 26 October, 2018 |
| 09 November, 2018 | 23 November, 2018 |
