Roopkund Trek
About Rookund Trek
Have you ever wondered to step into a place that awaits your arrival with Human Skeletons? The Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand is one such Himalayan trek that mesmerises you with its eerie beauty. As the name itself explains, ‘A pool of Beauty’, this glacial lake trails amidst deep untainted forests, untamed mineral-rich streams, vast stretched meadows of Ali & Bedni Bugyal and many more. Skeleton Lake Nestled in the deep sloped depression of Mt. Trishul, Roopkund is historically said to be the ‘Skeleton Lake of Uttarakhand’ that gained the interest and curiosity of many travellers, historians and archaeologists. The lake is believed to have around 600-800 (number still unknown) human skeletons dating back to ages still unknown. Few research reports claim it to be somewhere around 870 years back! Beauty of Roopkund Trek Be prepared for the hostile weather conditions that turn this trek from moderate to difficult, enriching and energizing your mind and soul. The snow-covered pristine peaks of the mountains will leave you spellbound and hypnotised throughout the trail. Roopkund Trek best viewpoints The Roopkund Trek throughout is filled with scenic beauty. The breathtaking route challenging you at every stage, the snow-covered peaks, canopy of oaks, deodar, cedar, the sparkling Brooks, the campsites amidst the cold atmosphere, the bonfires, all add up to the viewpoints of the Roopkund Trek. Best Time for Roopkund Trek Roopkund Trek is a seasonal trek that opens for just 4 months a year. Trek Difficulty Roopkund Trek is a moderate to difficult level trek and certainly not for beginners. The difficulty level is much higher than the other treks in Uttarakhand. This trek gives you the adrenaline shot and experience of climbing through dense forests, vast meadows and alpine snow lands. Because of its zigzag rocky paths and steep climbs, there’ll be a chance of huffing and may run on short-breathe. It would be good if you train your body and start working out. Prerequisites for trek 3-4 months of training and physically fit body along with the right tools and gears. Should not have any health issues related to heart and lungs. Must be in the practice of running at least 4.5 km in 30 minutes. How to reach Roopkund Trek To reach Roopkund, you need to first reach Lohajung, in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. To Reach Lohajung: Take a bus from Dehradun to Rishikesh—hire a cab/taxi to reach Lohajung via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag. Take a cab from Delhi to Rishikesh — follow the same route. Or you can book a train from Delhi to Kathgodam — hire a cab/bus to reach Lohajung. Roopkund Trek Travel Tips Travelling in monsoons should be avoided as the hilly region in Uttarakhand has its fair share of heavy rainfall. The weather is unpredictable at such high altitudes so carry a raincoat and avoid hiking alone in the Himalayan wilderness. The best time to trek in snow would be from December to May. Take medicines to deal with AMS problems. It is recommended to not bring more than 2-3 pairs of clothes, 2 pairs of sweat proof socks, bottles, and your own sanitary essentials.
You will be coming across the local habits of Transhumance, local historic temples, alpine meadows and cascading streams.
Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand is a trek awaited by many trekkers. You cannot miss this place if trekking is what you love.
Note: The Roopkund Trek is now closed under the Government of Uttarakhand due to violation of rules and regulations for the protection and sustainability of the place. It was noticed that trekkers happened to pollute the rich biodiversity.
Various historical stories are tagged with the incident that caused this major havoc. One such history claims that these skeletons were of some Japanese soldiers during World War II whereas some people claim it to be the skeletons of Indian soldiers who tried to invade Tibet in 1841. Another suggests that this could have been a cemetery of locals who got hit by an epidemic and were then buried.
When further thorough research was carried on, it was also inferred that these skeletons belonged to a group of an Indian King, his wife and attendants who were enroute to a pilgrimage and were prey to a harsh sudden hailstorm that perished the whole group.
These reports on The mystery of Roopkund Lake are still derivatives and assumptions. No clear statements have yet been made about the Mystery behind Roopkund Lake. In recent times, human behaviours have made it more difficult to date back these skeletons.
‘The Roopkund Trek’ is something beyond your imagination. It can be as adventurous as your mind willing to take on any challenges to reach the destination. It has got both uphill and downhill trails with steep and slippery routes, daunting you to give up your trek at every step. But that’s where the real challenges lie and you are creating your travel diary with such adventurous stories to cover.
We trek from Lohajung to Didina Village through the Neel Ganga River. You would enjoy clear weather with mild sun rays, crystal quiet surroundings, the hustling sound of the flowing streams, birds chirping, cool breeze shushing you, dense forests of oaks and rhododendrons, clear mountain ranges, rich flora and fauna. You get to mix up with the locals and connect to their simple lives living so peacefully. You would want to thrive for that harmony in life they live with.
Our guides accompanying you to reach the summit, the food made with love and care for our trekkers are all the best memories you would be collecting throughout.
Apart from this, some of the epic viewpoints you would be coming across while trekking Roopkund are: Ali Bugyal & Bedni Bugyal – the two most loved meadows of the Himalayas, Kaluva Vinayak (Ganesh Temple) at a height of 14,000ft amidst covered with snow and bells filling you with spirituality and strength, Wan village – a secretly enchanted village with untouched greenery and fresh air to breathe in.
Let’s have a look at how our Roopkund Trek itinerary explains all your rising curiosity.
If you wish to be amidst the snow-covered surroundings, the best time would be Early May /June, post to which monsoon arrives and is no longer open to trekking.
On the contrary, if you wish to encounter the mythological and mysterious Skeletons that gave their name, the best time would be September/October when the frozen lake shrinks and melts, thus allowing the skeletons to appear.
Note: A very famous pilgrimage known as the Nanda Devi Rath Jatra is followed once every twelve years at Roopkund to worship Nanda Devi Goddess. Worshippers and Visitors follow the route from Bedni Bugyal to reach Roopkund and is a highly religious ritual being followed by the locals.
If you’re a first-time trekker, we highly recommend you to go for other treks first, as it’ll give you the right experience and knowledge before expanding your trekking threshold. But in case you still want to climb this trek, your body must meet certain requirements to build endurance and more strength.
Though Roopkund trek is no longer open for trekkers, but with specially authorized entries, you would be guided by our guides to trek the Summit.
Day 1: Dehradun to Lohajung, 300 Km, 10-11 hrs.
Day 2: Lohajung to Didna Village, 7 Km, 5 hrs.
Day 3: Didna Village to Ali Bedni Bugyal, 9 Km, 6 hrs.
Day 4: Ali Bedni Bugyal to Patar nachuni, 6 Km, 4 hrs.
Day 5: Patar nachuni – Bhagwa basa via Kaluva Vinayak Temple , 6 Km, 5 hrs.
Day 6: Bhagwabasa – Roopkund and Back Patar nachauni, 8 hrs.
Day 7: Patar nachauni to Bedni Bugyal via Gheroli Patal and Wan village to Lohajung, 12 Km Trek, 14 Km, 8 hrs.
Day 8: Lohajung to Dehradun, 10-11 hrs.
Day 1: Dehradun to Lohajung – 300km approx.
The route trails from Dehradun through Rishikesh – Teen Dhara – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Tharali, Dewal, Mundoli and then Lohajung. You will be thrilled throughout the curvy mountainous forest roads alongside different rivers like Ganga, Mandakini, Pindar, Alakananda, Bhagirathi flowing beside you.
Since it’s a trek best sought in winters, you would be all the way more chilled and captivated by the foggy views, the green enchanting nature, hot breakfast intervals and photos to overfill your device storage. This is a 300km route from Doon to Lohajung and would take around 10-11 hours to reach. Once you reach Lohajung, remember to withdraw cash from Dewal as it has the last ATM service.
The best option for you would be to get all the necessities from Dehradun as it guarantees the availability of cash as well as any required commodities.
Once you reach Lohajung, you would be welcomed and served with the most relaxing tea snacks of the day followed by dinner at night.
Day 2: Lohajung to Didina Village; 7 km,5 hrs.
Today, we will start our initial trekking from Lohajung to Didina Village which falls at a height of 8,530km. It’s a trek of approx. 7 km, taking 4-5 hours to reach the village. You will be awestruck by its captivating nature, confined to a thick dense forest with beautiful homestays and locals to spend the time with.
You would want to camp under the open atmosphere and view the vast starry sky all night long. The trek to Didina village is 50% downhill followed by 50% uphill where you would be crossing Kuling village, River Neel Ganga which flows across Wan village and Lohajung. You would be encountering rich locally cultivated crops like Amarnath (Chaulai), various flora and fauna.
This is the last village to get a proper network range so you can wrap up all your calls if needed.
Day 3: Didina Village to Ali Bedni Bugyal; 10.5 km,6-7 hrs.
After a good jungle sleep, Day 3 trekking starts at 9:00 in the morning prior to which breakfast would be served. The trekking would start with ascending trails followed by descends and would test your endurance to the fullest. Deep mystic forests would accompany you till a point where it all suddenly starts disappearing and the Meadows start showing up.
The next route is a steep climb to Tolpani and meadows of Tolkan which is the best example of pasturelands with shepherd huts scattered around. It is around 3km from Didina Village and rests at a height of 1000ft. This route is also advisable to opt for as it gives you a good refreshing point to fill your water bottles. The next point where you would be getting water is Ali Bugyal.
After a good steep trekking, you can finally see the meadows showing up. Ali Bugyal starts showing up where you get to view the huge gigantic mountains of Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul looming out, standing tall against you. The cool fresh air, the stretched grasslands, an amazing campsite with food would be awaiting you to dive in and a bonfire to enjoy with your mates.
Day 4 : Ali Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni; 6 km, 4 hrs.
Day 4, starts with a mild breakfast followed by trekking ahead to reach the Bedni Bugyal top from which we can view the massifs of Mt.Trishul, Mt.Nanda Ghunti and to some extent Mt. Chaukhamba. We would then continue trekking to Patar Nachauni which is going to be an easy straight trek. We would be camping here for the rest of the day and can engage in different sightseeing activities. You may also enjoy snowfall depending upon the weather conditions.
Day 5: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa via Kaluva Vinayak Temple; 6km, 5 hrs.
Day 5 calls for the trek to Bhagwabasa which is going to be the last campsite before reaching Roopkund. We start early from our campsite and start our zig-zag snowy trek towards Bhagwabasa. It’s a trek to reach a height of ~14,450ft with a chilled climate and gearing up your long-hidden adventurous mode to its full form.
En route, you will be coming across the historic Kaluva Vinayak (Lord Ganesha)Temple which is at a height of 14,202ft. We rest here for a while as now Bagwabasa would be 3.5 km away only. You would be ascending to reach Kaluva Vinayak through snow patched trails fascinating you with each passing picturesque landscape.
From this point, Roopkund is 6.5 km away followed by JunarGali which is 6.9 km away. We then descend our trek to Bhagwabasa base camp (14,075ft) which is a full snow-covered trail.
Slide into the snow-covered stretches and have a good rest by the end of the day as you feed upon a delicious meal amidst The Himalayas. Be sure to keep yourselves warm as when the day keeps setting, the temperature keeps falling to 1-2°or even lower.
Note: Many people might be prey to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) due to its altitude. It is mandatory to keep checking your oxygen rate which should not be below 75. The best way to prevent this is to keep yourselves warm and trek high, sleep low.
Day 6 : Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and Back to Patar Nachauni via Bhagwabasa; 12 Km, 8-9hrs.
On Day 6, the most important day of the whole trip, starts by trekking at around 3:30 am to reach Roopkund as early as possible since we will be witnessing the Sunrise and then also climb along the long snow-covered Ridge to reach the Roopkund Glacial lake depression of Mt. Trishul. One more reason to start early is that the snow is hard before the sun rises fully and it would be easier to trek with the micro spiked shoes and gaiters.
The trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund is about a 3km uphill battle. But the battle seems very little as compared to the majestic and mystical Skeleton Lake that awaits our arrival. The lake remains frozen throughout the year except for the summers when the snow melts and you can observe the human skeletons strewn down the lake.
It is said that these skeletons age back to the 9th to 10th century and were first discovered by HK Madhwal in 1942 who was then a forest ranger.
We start our trek back to Patar Nachauni via the same route covering a total distance of 12 km approx. It would be a long tiring yet fulfilling trek refreshing our mind and soul, memories of which will always be imprinted inside us.
Day 7 : Patar Nachauni to Ali Bedni Bugyal via Gheroli Patal and Wan village to Lohajung; 15 Km, 8-9hrs.
Today, we make our way back to Lohajung through Patar Nachauni via Bedni Bugyal followed by Gheroli Patal and Wan Village.
The Wan village is yet another extended hushed village away from all the crowd. This village has only a few people and houses. It is the initial base camp for most of the Himalayan treks but due to its discreet reach, Lohajung happened to gain more populism.
Reaching Wan village we then drive back to Lohajung which is just an hour’s drive. We then have a good rest at Lohajung only to bid Adieu to such an indelible trip. You can have a beautiful night spent with the locals, enjoy their local food, and if you are a memory collector, you will also receive special handmade gifts.
Day 8 : Lohajung to Dehradun.
Today, we bid adieu to the whole place that helped us fulfil a much-awaited trip of all times. Post breakfast, we drive back to Dehradun via the same route as before. It would be hard to adjust ourselves to the same old routine of our life, but as they say,
“You Never Get Old or Lose Time to Plan a New Trip and Explore A New Place”. And the mountains will always be welcoming us with their beauty and charm.
Inclusion
- Accommodation (Camping, Home stay)
- Meals while on Trek (Veg + Egg)
- All necessary entry fees and permits.
- First aid, medical kits and oxygen cylinder:
- Mountaineering qualified and professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff.
- Porters / Mule to carry central equipment
- Camp fire at camps (If Available)
- Achievement certificate after Trek
- Gaiters, micro-spikes and rope (if required).
- Guide Ratio of Group 1: 10
- Tent accommodation on triple sharing basis.
- Meals (Day-1 Dinner to Day last Dinner)
- Accommodation (Camping, Home stay)
Exclusion
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Price Includes.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Gears on Rent (*This price is for per day)
Basics Gear | |
|---|---|
| Back pack & rain cover | (50 – 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
| Day pack + rain cover | 20 – 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Hand torch would be an alternative) |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Think about your head | |
|---|---|
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
| Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Be comfy at the trek | |
|---|---|
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
| Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woolen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
| Wind & waterproof jacket & pant | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners | 1 Pair |
| Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Mind your step | |
|---|---|
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
| Cotton socks | 4 pairs |
| Woolen socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters | Raftaar Adventure team will notify you, if required |
| Gumboots | Required only for Chadar trek |
Personal Utilities | |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
| Lip balm | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Keep these handy | |
|---|---|
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Booking & Payment Policies
- You can either make the entire payment at once or pay an amount of Rs.2,000 per person in advance at the time of booking.
- The remaining payment to be made when you meet us at the pickup point or you can also pay at the base camp on the first day of the trek.
- You can make the payments for the booking via Google Pay, Phone Pay, cash, or bank transfer.
- The last date for the booking will be closed 5 days prior to trek departure.
- If you have any questions about our packages or would like to discuss them further with us directly, feel free to call us at +91 89795 68292 before making any online bookings.
- You can either make the entire payment at once or pay an amount of Rs.2,000 per person in advance at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
- In case of any emergency, or unavoidable circumstance, if you need to cancel the trek or any related activity, make sure to give us a call at +91 89795 68292.
- The cancellation fees will be applied beginning on the day we get a call from you regarding withdrawal of the trek, and will be as follows:
● Before 30 days: 90% of the total cost will be refunded
● Between 20−30 days: 70% of the total cost will be refunded
● Between 10−20 days: 50% of the total cost will be refunded
● Less than 7 days: No refund will be applicable - Refunds are not valid in case of-
● Any unused services such as meals will not be reimbursed for any reason.
● If you leave the trek in between after we pick you up from the meeting point.
● If a customer is dissatisfied with any of the operator’s services.
- In case of any emergency, or unavoidable circumstance, if you need to cancel the trek or any related activity, make sure to give us a call at +91 89795 68292.
FAQs (Roopkund Trek).
May to June = 15- 20 ℃ during the day and 7 to -2 ℃ at night.
September to October = 10-15 ℃ during the day and 5 to -5 ℃ at night.
The highest altitude would be 15,750 feet
The mobile networks may fluctuate from one place to another during the trek. Electricity facilities are not available and you need to carry power banks, torches, etc.
You can book with us from our website by choosing the ‘Book Now’ tab, or give us a call at +91 89795 68292.
Yes, you can customize the trek as per your preferences by paying for the extra services.
The best time to visit is Mid April – June, and September – October
The group size remains from 6-20 people.
Once you book with us, we will send you a list of essentials via mail.
Yes, you need to carry aadhar card with you.
You will get a tent, sleeping bag, mattress, or a homestay.
Yes, you can get trek gears on rent from us.
You will get breakfast, lunch, evening snacks , and dinner.
No, you won’t be allowed any alcoholic beverages or smoking.
It will depend on the group size. The vehicles we provide are Swift Dzire, Bolero, Sumo, and tempo traveler.
The ratio will be 1 guide to a group of 10 members, and 2 guides to 20 members.
Enquire Now
Other Terms & Policies
- Raftaar Adventures reserves the right to alter the order of the daily itinerary without prior notice. It could vary caused by unexpected travel-related events like weather changes, landslides, changes in flight plans, or traffic delays or limitations.
- If we cancel the group from our end, owing to any unforeseen circumstances, we will either move the booking to one of our other fixed departure trips or refund the entire payment, excluding any flight costs that are applicable.
- Our team takes the highest precautions to ensure the safety of every member throughout any adventure activities. However, in the event of any unforeseen accidents, we will not be held responsible for any harm done or for any fatalities. Moreover, before the trek begins, all members must sign a disclaimer form; otherwise, they will not be permitted to take part in any of the adventure activities.
- The trek package will not include and entertain-
● No on-demand meals, you will be served with a fixed menu during the trek.
● Any kind of alcoholic beverages will not be included in the trek package.
● No personal agenda to be fulfilled from the trek staff without permission. - All members must have a valid photo ID such as aadhar card, or voter ID card at all times.
- Raftaar Adventures reserves the right to dismiss any member from the trek due to inappropriate behavior, including physical or verbal assault with other members or the trek staff.
- Raftaar Adventures reserves the right to alter the order of the daily itinerary without prior notice. It could vary caused by unexpected travel-related events like weather changes, landslides, changes in flight plans, or traffic delays or limitations.
Trek Details
Start: Dehradun
|
End: Dehradun
Moderate
|
Uttarakhand
Fixed Departure Dates
01 April(Open)
08 April(Open)
15 April(Open)
22 April(Open)
29 April(Open)
08 April(Open)
15 April(Open)
22 April(Open)
29 April(Open)
06 May(Open)
07 May(Open)
13 May(Open)
14 May(Open)
20 May(Open)
21 May(Open)
27 May(Open)
28 May(Open)
07 May(Open)
13 May(Open)
14 May(Open)
20 May(Open)
21 May(Open)
27 May(Open)
28 May(Open)
03 June(Open)
04 June(Open)
10 June(Open)
11 June(Open)
17 June(Open)
18 June(Open)
24 June(Open)
28 June(Open)
30 June(Open)
04 June(Open)
10 June(Open)
11 June(Open)
17 June(Open)
18 June(Open)
24 June(Open)
28 June(Open)
30 June(Open)
02 September(Open)
03 September(Open)
09 September(Open)
10 September(Open)
16 September(Open)
17 September(Open)
23 September(Open)
29 September(Open)
30 September(Open)
03 September(Open)
09 September(Open)
10 September(Open)
16 September(Open)
17 September(Open)
23 September(Open)
29 September(Open)
30 September(Open)
07 October(Open)
14 October(Open)
21 October(Open)
22 October(Open)
28 October(Open)
29 October(Open)
14 October(Open)
21 October(Open)
22 October(Open)
28 October(Open)
29 October(Open)
04 November(Open)
11 November(Open)
18 November(Open)
25 November(Open)
26 November(Open)
30 November(Open)
11 November(Open)
18 November(Open)
25 November(Open)
26 November(Open)
30 November(Open)
Gears on Rent
*This price is for per day
