Roopkund Trek – Journey to the Mysterious Lake in the Himalayas

Duration

8 Days

Max People

99

Min Age

16+

Pickup

Kathgodam

Roopkund Trek: The Mysterious Glacial Lake of Uttarakhand

Roopkund, a famous glacial lake located in Uttarakhand, India, is renowned for the more than five hundred human skeletons found at its edge. Nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of nearly 4,800 meters, this lake, also known as the ‘mystery lake,’ lies in the Chamoli district of Garhwal. It’s a prime site for trekking in Garhwal, located 217 km from Nainital and 235 km from Kathgodam, attracting adventurers from across the globe.

Situated at the base of the Trishul massif, Roopkund is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and rock-strewn glaciers. The skeletal remains, believed to date back to the Palaeolithic age, have puzzled researchers for decades. Discovered in 1942 by H K Madhwal, a Nanda Devi Game Reserve ranger, these remains have been the subject of extensive research. In 2004, a team of Indian and European scientists conducted further studies, revealing that the skeletons likely date from the 12th to 15th centuries. Many experts suggest these people perished due to sudden hailstorms, with hailstones as large as cricket balls, which proved fatal in the open Himalayan environment.

The preservation of the skeletons is attributed to the cold and icy conditions, preventing decay and decomposition. The landslides in the area likely caused many bodies to slip into the lake, where the freezing temperatures preserved them for centuries. There is speculation that these individuals were part of a pilgrimage group heading towards the Nanda Devi Raj Jat festivities, which occur once every 12 years.

Trekking to Roopkund

Lohajung serves as the starting point for the Roopkund trek, often referred to as the Skeleton Trek. This adventurous journey passes through exotic and beautiful landscapes, including lush green grassy lands and conifer forests. The trek follows the Pindar River, offering stunning natural beauty and a pleasant breeze that soothes the senses.

The route to Roopkund is dotted with picturesque meadows like Bedni Bugyal and surrounded by the towering peaks of Trishul and Nandghungti. The trek provides a unique blend of adventure and history, as trekkers encounter ancient temples, lakes, and grazing lands for horses, sheep, and mules. The journey also features numerous waterfalls cascading down the slopes of the surrounding mountains.

Despite its beauty, the weather in this region is generally hostile throughout the year, requiring trekkers to be fully equipped and prepared for extreme conditions. The best time for the Roopkund trek is during the summer and autumn months, when the weather is relatively milder.

Cultural Significance

Roopkund also holds significant cultural importance. During autumn, religious festivals are held at the alpine meadow of Bedni Bugyal, with participation from nearby villages. These events add to the mystical allure of Roopkund, making it not only a trekker’s paradise but also a site of cultural and historical intrigue.

Conclusion

Roopkund is a picturesque, beautiful, and mysterious destination in the Himalayas. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a history buff, the Roopkund trek offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From the enigmatic skeletons to the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Roopkund is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the unexplored.

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation: Guest houses and camps as per the itinerary.
  • Meals: Veg and egg meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation: Kathgodam to Kathgodam
  • Permits and Fees: All required permits and entry fees for Indians.
  • Medical Support: Includes medical kit, stretcher, oxygen, and monitoring equipment.
  • Insurance (Mandatory).
  • Food during the transit.
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charge or etc.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.

Tour Plan

Day 1 Kathgodam to Lohajung – Drive: 210 km | 10 Hours
  •  Drive Distance: 210 km | Duration: 10 hrs.
  •  Altitude (Lohajung): 2,300m/7,545 ft.
  •  Meals: Breakfast and lunch en route, dinner in Lohajung.
  •  Stay: Tourist rest house or nearby lodges.
  •  Transportation: Not included in the trek cost.

The journey from Kathgodam to Lohajung takes about 10 hours, including one or two breaks. The serpentine road travels through the Kumaon region, covering deep valleys of the Shivalik mountain ranges, and takes you to Gwaldam, which lies under the administrative district of Garhwal. The road winds through coniferous forests and unrelenting curves. Although there is a direct road from Gwaldam to Deval, the final destination of the day, it is not preferred due to damages caused by yearlong rains. Via Nandkesri, the distance to be covered is around 11 km, but it is safer to take the longer trail through Tharali, which is around 36 km.

After about two hours of riding, you will reach Deval, a village with provisions for purchasing food and kerosene needed for the rest of the journey. The last stretch of the journey from Deval to Lohajung involves an extremely curvy and winding road that gains considerable height. The roads are thrilling to drive on, and even the slightest oncoming cars and trucks can give you goosebumps. It is generally rainy and foggy most of the time, and temperatures remain very cold. The night is spent at a tourist rest house or nearby lodges.

Day 02 Lohargunj to Didna Village (2,450 m / 8,000 ft) – Trek: 10 km | 5-6 Hours
  • Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 56 hrs.
  •  Altitude (Didna Village): 2,450m/8,000 ft.
  •  Gradient: Moderate with gradual ascents and descents.
  •  Meals: Breakfast in Lohajung, packed lunch en route, and dinner in Didna.
  •  Stay: Traditional guest house.
  •  Water Source: Neel Ganga stream.

On the first day of your trekking, you will start your journey from Lohajung to Didna Village. After a good homeprepared breakfast, the walk begins on level ground with a slight ascent on the jeep road, which goes until the village of Wan. An hour and a half walk on the flat surface will take you to Kulling, located at a distance of around 6 km from Lohajung. Kulling is a peaceful village in the district of Garhwal, filled with the beauties of nature, where exotic birds can be spotted very easily and 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 that cuts through houses and fields and takes you to a small stream fed by Neel Ganga.

You descend further till you reach the bed of Neel Ganga, 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 2,450 meters. The trail encompasses evergreen alpine forests and huge trees. After a climb of around two hours, you reach the top of the ridge, where 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, which 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 day’s trek is over at around 3 pm, after which a hot lunch is enjoyed. The night is spent in a traditional guest house.

Day 03 Didna Village to Ali Bugyal (3,400 m / 11,000 ft) – Trek: 10 km | 6-7 Hours
  • Altitude (Ali Bugyal): 3,400m/11,000 ft.
  •  Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs.
  •  Gradient: Moderate to steep.
  •  Water Source: Natural streams en route.
  •  Stay: Tents, twin sharing.

Today's trek involves ascending to the beautiful village of Ali Bugyal, one of the highest inhabited locations in the country. The trek starts from Didna, climbing the mountain that forms the backdrop of the village. As you leave the village, the trail ascends gently on the right side. Along the way, you will encounter temporary settlements of local shepherds, known as Tolpani, and their large herds of sheep. These shepherds are warm and welcoming, often sharing their lunch as a friendly gesture.

Alternatively, the left trail is shorter but steeper. Regardless of the path taken, both trails eventually lead to the same destination. The trek passes through forests of oak, birch, and rhododendron trees, which are magnificent and huge in size. During the spring season, the valley is covered with thousands of vibrant rhododendron flowers, creating an unbelievable view.

Reaching the top of the mountain takes about 3 to 4 hours, where the tree line recedes, giving way to the plain grasslands of Ali Bugyal. This picturesque meadow resembles the default wallpaper of Windows XP, offering a visual treat. In summer, wild horses and cows graze the fields filled with grass and colorful flowers. On clear days, the peaks of Trishul and Mrighthuni are visible, with Trishul seemingly beckoning to be climbed.

After crossing the meadows, a small face appears on the way, and another halfhour of trekking brings you to Bedni, the campsite for the day. After lunch, you can visit the nearby temple in Bedni Kund. If the weather is clear, you might be able to see the Garhwal Himalayan ranges in all their glory.

Day 04 Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni via Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lotani
  •  Altitude (Patar Nachauni): 3,700m/12,140 ft.
  •  Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs.
  •  Gradient: Moderate to steep.
  •  Water Source: Natural streams en route.
  •  Stay: Tents, twin sharing.

Today, being the 4th day of the trek, you have the option to start a bit late and enjoy some extra sleep. Your next camping location is Ghora Lotani, a perfect camping spot. As you continue walking, relish the picturesque landscapes around you. Along the way, you will pass through Patar Nachauni, a rather unused and vestigial landmass.

This day involves a steep altitude gain from around 12,500 ft to 14,500 ft. The high altitude and the long continuous walks may make your legs ache, and you will start feeling the effects of the weather changes, with the thin air making breathing slightly more challenging. However, the breathtaking surroundings will provide enough motivation to reach your destination. The positive vibes in the air will help you forget all your troubles.

After traveling approximately 10 km, you will reach the campsite for the day. Ghora Lotani promises a good night's sleep, but waking up early the next morning is crucial as an exciting day lies ahead.

Day 05 Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa via Kalu Vinayak
  •  Altitude (Bhagwabasa): 4,200m/13,800 ft.
  •  Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 7-8 hrs.
  •  Gradient: Steep.
  •  Water Source: Limited, carry sufficient water.
  •  Stay: Tents, twin sharing.

Wake up early and brace yourself for the longest day of trekking. Have a filling breakfast and don’t forget to do a few stretches. It should be kept in mind that today’s trek will approximately cover 10 km on a steep slope. Begin your walk towards Bhagwabasa, located around 14,000 ft above sea level. The trail will also take you across the Kalu Vinayak temple.

The most thrilling part of this trek is reaching the Kalu Vinayak temple, which involves a climb of about 2 km, equivalent to gaining an altitude of around 200 ft. The path leading to this temple is very uneven and zigzag in shape. Ensure proper safety gear and clothing before starting the day's trek. Walk slowly and carefully; one small slip can result in serious injury. However, the rewards at the top make the effort worthwhile.

The Kalu Vinayak temple is traditionally designed and constructed, standing at this height for centuries. As the altitude increases, the air gets thinner, and the quantity of oxygen decreases, which might lead to headaches and stomach pain. Don’t worry, take some rest if needed. The temple is carved out of stones with ultimate precision, instilling a sense of divine intervention.

From the temple, you can view Roopkund, the final trekking destination. The view is magnificent, with the shining and sparkling Trishul on one side and the bellshaped Nanda Ghunti on the other. Follow the uneven trail further to Bhagwabasa, about 1 km from the temple. The region has its own specialties, including flowers that bloom only during the monsoon months. At this high altitude of 14,000 ft, the terrain appears rough and challenging to traverse, but the journey's beauty and uniqueness make it a memorable experience.

Day 06 Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and back to Bedni Bugyal
  • Altitude (Roopkund): 4,800m/15,750 ft.
  •  Trek Distance: 15 km | Duration: 10-15 hrs.
  •  Gradient: Steep ascent and descent.
  •  Water Source: Limited, carry sufficient water.
  •  Stay: Tents, twin sharing.

Start early on this day to reach the mega destination – Roopkund. At an altitude of more than 16,000 ft, it is the highest point on the trek. Though the path is not overly complicated to climb, the 4 km walk will test your endurance. During the monsoon, the snow cover in this area is minimal, revealing the path clearly. From Bhagwabasa, your first checkpoint is Chhirianag, which means "ladderlike snake." From here, the next point is Roopkund – The Mystery Lake.

Roopkund, also known as the Lake of Skeletons, is one of the most mysterious places in the world. Archaeologists and scientists have yet to determine the exact origins of the numerous skeletons found at the lake's bed. One popular theory suggests that a king and his entourage perished in a severe hailstorm while en route to Nanda Devi. If you're lucky, you might see around 300 human skeletons from the lake's edge, a sight that leaves many in awe.

After taking in the eerie beauty of Roopkund, continue along the challenging terrain to the Nanda Devi Temple, near the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. This area is perfect for taking memorable photos with friends and fellow trekkers. Depending on the weather and your group's condition, you might also consider climbing Junargali Pass, which stands at 16,700 ft. This climb takes about 45 minutes without any weather interruptions.

On your return journey, you will pass through Bhagwabasa again. The descent along the path can be even more challenging than the ascent due to its steepness. You might feel as if you're about to fall from the top, but the exhilarating experience is worth it. As you continue, you'll discover a cavelike structure known as Bhagwabasa, or the Abode of the Tiger. Descend further to reach Patar Nachauni, situated about 12,500 ft above sea level.

Continue backward through Ghora Lotani until you reach Bedni Bugyal. This day will end at the campsite amidst lush greenery. This trek covers a distance of over 15 km and takes about 1015 hours to complete. Your legs will crave rest, pushing you into a deep sleep. Before going to bed, reflect on the immense determination and courage required to complete this challenging yet rewarding trek.

Day 07 Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan
  • Altitude (Lohajung): 2,350m/7,700 ft.
  •  Trek Distance: 18 km | Duration: 10 hrs.
  •  Gradient: Steep descent.
  •  Water Source: Available at various points.
  •  Stay: Guesthouse/homestay in Lohajung.

Day 7 marks the final day of the trek, where you will descend back to the campsite from Day 1. Though the path remains the same, descending presents its own challenges. This time, you will travel on the right side of the trail, which seems simpler compared to the strenuous ascent of the previous days. The trail is dotted with wooden huts, adding a quaint charm to your journey.

As you progress, the trail divides into two lanes. Take the one leading to the right, which descends steadily. You will enter a forest region with trees lining the path, and the sounds of birds tweeting and the cool air whistling past your ears create a rare and delightful experience. Due to the varying slope, be cautious with each step to avoid injury. Shortcuts might seem tempting but are best avoided due to the rough terrain.

After a while, you will reach an opening in the dense forest called Gahroli Patal. Continue your journey until you reach the banks of the Neel Ganga River. Cross the riverbed and proceed until you reach Ran ka Dhar in the village of Wan. Wan, a large village surrounded by hills and mountains, offers a view to cherish for a lifetime. As you near the end of the trek, you will find the car waiting to pick you up.

The descent covers nearly 18 km and takes about 10 hours. The drive from Wan to Lohajung takes about an hour on a rocky road. Upon reaching the tourist guesthouse in Lohajung, you can rejoice in the memories of the trek and enjoy a comfortable night's sleep in a warm bed.

Day 08 Lohajung to Kathgodam – Journey: 10 Hours by Car | End of Trek
  •  Journey Duration: 10 hrs by car.
  •  Stay: N/A (End of trek).

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a nice cup of tea along with an awesome hillside breakfast. Today, you will leave Lohajung with all the beautiful and unforgettable memories from the trek. Pack your belongings and get ready for the journey back. Your cab will take you to Kathgodam railway station, which will take around 10 hours.

Ensure you have mints and nauseaprevention tablets for the car journey, as the winding roads can cause discomfort. Upon reaching Kathgodam railway station, you will find trains to various locations. Board your respective train and carry with you the healthy experience and memories of an adventure that will never fade away.

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