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₹14,999/Person
Uttarakhand, India
Moderate to Difficult
48-55 km (round trip)
16,499 feet (5,029 meters)
8-9 Days
Roopkund Trek is one of India’s most popular high-altitude treks, known for its mysterious Skeleton Lake and breathtaking Himalayan views. The trek takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered trails, leading to the glacial lake at 16,499 feet (5,029 meters) in Uttarakhand.
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, the Roopkund Trek is one of India’s most enigmatic and thrilling adventures. Known for its stunning alpine meadows, dense forests, and the mysterious Skeleton Lake, this trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Whether you’re an avid trekker or a nature enthusiast, Roopkund promises an unforgettable experience.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Duration | 8 Days |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
Highest Altitude | 16,499 feet (5,029 meters) |
Total Distance | 48-55 km (round trip) |
Base Camp | Lohajung |
The snow starts melting, revealing lush green meadows.
Pleasant daytime temperatures (10–15°C) and cold nights (-2 to 5°C).
Ideal for those who want to experience both snow and greenery.
Easier trek conditions compared to post-monsoon.
The skies are clear, and the views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks are stunning.
The meadows turn golden, and the weather is stable.
Chilly temperatures (5–10°C during the day, dropping to -5°C at night).
A great time for photography and clear starry nights.
Monsoon (July–August): Heavy rainfall makes the trails slippery and risky.
Winter (November–April): The trek is covered in deep snow, making it inaccessible.
The Roopkund Trek is one of India’s most thrilling and scenic high-altitude treks. Here are its major highlights:
Roopkund Lake (16,499 ft) is famous for hundreds of human skeletons found at its bottom, dating back to the 9th century.
The lake remains frozen for most of the year, but when the ice melts, the skeletons become visible.
Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) dominate the skyline, offering breathtaking views.
On a clear day, you can also spot Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath peaks.
Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are two of the largest and most beautiful alpine meadows in India.
The green rolling hills contrast with the snow-capped peaks, making it a perfect spot for photography.
The trek climbs from dense oak and rhododendron forests to open alpine meadows and finally into snow-covered terrain.
The journey is challenging yet rewarding, making it a dream for adventure seekers.
Roopkund is linked to the legend of Goddess Nanda Devi, and locals believe the skeletons belong to a king’s cursed pilgrimage.
The famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a grand religious procession held once every 12 years, passes through this route.
You may spot Himalayan monals (state bird of Uttarakhand), blue sheep, and even bears in the forests.
During spring, the trail is covered with colorful rhododendrons.
Roopkund is a moderate-to-difficult trek, making it perfect for trekkers looking for a challenge.
Reaching the frozen lake at 16,499 ft gives an unparalleled sense of achievement.
Physical Fitness: The trek is moderately challenging, so ensure you are in good physical condition.
Packing Essentials: Carry warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, and essential gear like a sleeping bag and trekking poles.
Acclimatization: Take time to acclimatize to the high altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
Kathgodam to Lohajung (7,700 ft)
Drive: 220 km | 10–12 hrs
Route: Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Almora → Kausani → Dewal → Lohajung
Scenic drive through Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas.
Views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks en route.
Stay in guesthouses or tents at Lohajung.
Lohajung to Didna Village (8,045 ft)
Trek Distance: 6 km | 4–5 hrs
Trail: Mixed terrain – forests, river crossings, and steep climbs.
Cross the Neel Ganga River via a wooden bridge.
Trek through dense oak and rhododendron forests.
Stay in homestays or tents in Didna village.
Didna to Ali Bugyal (11,500 ft)
Trek Distance: 10 km | 5–6 hrs
Trail: Gradual ascent through forests leading to vast alpine meadows.
Enter Ali Bugyal, one of India’s largest alpine meadows.
Panoramic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks.
Camp under a starlit sky.
Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni (12,500 ft)
Trek Distance: 5 km | 4–5 hrs
Trail: Gentle slopes through rolling meadows.
Cross Bedni Bugyal, another stunning meadow.
Visit Bedni Kund, a sacred lake.
Spectacular sunset over the mountains.
Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa (14,117 ft)
Trek Distance: 5 km | 5 hrs
Trail: Steep ascent with patches of snow.
Experience Harsh Weather Conditions (cold winds & low oxygen).
Camp at Bhagwabasa, the last campsite before Roopkund.
Prepare for the summit push!
Bhagwabasa to Roopkund (16,499 ft) & back to Patar Nachauni
Trek Distance: 12 km | 8–9 hrs
Trail: Challenging ascent through snow and rocky terrain.
Reach Roopkund Lake, famous for ancient human skeletons.
If weather permits, continue 300 ft higher to Junargali Pass (16,799 ft).
Descend to Patar Nachauni for an overnight stay.
Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni & Wan Village
Trek Distance: 12 km | 6–7 hrs
Trail: Gradual descent through meadows and dense forests.
Pass through Bedni Bugyal and Wan Village, the largest village on the trek.
Celebrate the successful trek at Lohajung!
Lohajung to Kathgodam
Drive: 220 km | 10–12 hrs
Route: Lohajung → Dewal → Kausani → Almora → Kathgodam
Last scenic drive through Uttarakhand.
Drop-off at Kathgodam Railway Station for departure.
Note: This itinerary is a general guideline and may vary based on the trekking organization and specific conditions.
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