Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek
Uttarakhand
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
15696 ft
Trekking
53 km
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
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Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
15696 ft
Trekking km
53 km
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Overview
Special Offer
Why is Roopkund a Must-Do Trek?
Roopkund is a famous glacial lake in the state of Uttarakhand in India. This lake is famous due to more than five hundred skeletons of humans that are found at the edge of the lake. It is located in the Himalayas and rests at an altitude of nearly 4,800 meters. Roopkund is located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal. It is closer to hill stations like Nainital and Kathgodam. At a distance of 217 km from Nainital and 235 km from Kathgodam, Roopkund is one of the major adventure attractions for people in the country and those traveling from abroad. Roopkund, which is located in the lap of Trishul massif is also known as the ‘mystery lake’. You can find human skeletons at the bank of the lake, which are believed to belong to the Palaeolithic age.
These are believed to be the skeletons of the heroes who had fought here in earlier times. Along with the skeletons of humans, you can also find the skeletal structure of horses and other animals. There are reports that these skeletons belong to the 12th century to the 15th century. It is believed by specialists that the death of many people in this region was a result of landslides, blizzards, or an epidemic. The human skeletons were re-discovered in 1942 by H K Madhwal, who was a Nanda Devi Game reserve ranger.
Later in 2004, a team of Indian scientists along with some Europeans visited the area to gain more information about the nature of the skeletons.
Kathgodam to Lohajung
- Altitude 7,662 ft.
- Stay in guest house.
- Drive 210 km (10 hrs drive).
- Local market and network is available.
- Pick up time 06:00 am at the parking of Kathgodham railway station.
- Route:- Kathgodam - Bheem Tal - Almora - Kausani - Gwaldam - Dewal - Lohajung.
Lohargunj to Didna Village
- Trek 6.5 km.
- 7,662 to 8,045 ft.
- Reach Didna before lunch.
- accommodation in village home stay.
- No local market but Network is available.
- Till ruan bagad bridge gradual descent (4.5 km).
- Refill your water bottle at ruan bagad bridge from Neel Ganga river.
- After ruan bagad bridge 2 hours of a steep ascent to Didna Village (2 km).
Didna Village to Ali Bugyal
- Trek 10.5 km.
- 8,045 to 11,320 ft.
- Accommodation in tent.
- Carry water and ors both.
- Reach Ali Bugyal by late noon.
- Keep your wind and waterproof handy.
- Tolpani is the last point for drinking water.
- First half of is through oak and rhododendron forest (Steep ascent).
- Second half of the trek is through big alpine meadows (gradual ascent).
Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni via Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lotani
- Trek 7 km.
- 11,320 to 12,818 ft.
- Easiest day of the trek.
- Accommodation in tent.
- Reach Patar Nachauni before lunch.
- Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal (gradual ascent 2 km).
- Bedni Bugyal to Ghora Lotani (gradual ascent 4 km).
- Ghora Lotani to Patar Nachauni (gradual descent 1 km).
- Spend some time at Ghora Lotani good for acclimatization.
- Ware proper clothing (this is the place where most of the trekkers get AMS).
Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa via Kalu Vinayak
- Trek 4 km.
- 12,818 to 14,117 ft.
- Accommodation in tent.
- Reached Camp site by lunch.
- Patar Nachauni to Kalu Vinayak Tempel .
- (first 1 km is gradual ascent and rest 1.5 km is steep ascent).
- Kalu Vinayak to Bhagwabasa (gradual descent 1.5 km, become tricky in may and June ).
- There will be snow on the trail in the month of may and jun and in sep and oct it will be a rocky trail.
Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and back to Bedni Bugyal
- Trek 10 km.
- 14,117 to 15755 ft.
- Accommodation in tent.
- Start your trek by 4:00 am.
- Climb to Roopkund is 3 km.
- Challenging day of the trek.
- Carry energy bars, ors and water.
- Breakfast will be at Roopkund top.
- Reach Bhagwabasa back by lunch time.
- Reach Patar Nachauni camp by evening.
- In Aug, Sep, Oct can see skeleton but no snow.
- In May and Jun snow will be there but can't see the skeleton.
Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan
- Trek 15 km.
- 12,818 to 7,662 ft.
- Accommodation in guest house.
- Patar Nachauni to Ghora Lotani (1 km gradual ascent).
- Ghora Lotani to Bedni Bugyal ( 4 km gradual descent).
- Bedni Bugyal to Doliya Dhar ( 0.5 km gradual walk).
- Doliya Dhar to Ghaeroli Patal ( 3 km steep descent ).
- Ghaeroli Patal to Neel Ganga ( 4 km steep descent ).
- Neel Ganga to Ranka Dhar ( 1 km moderate ascent ).
- Ranka Dhat to Wan Village road head ( 1.5 km gradual descent).
- Wan Village to Loharjung ( 45 minutes drive, ro...
Lohajung to kathgodam
- 10 hrs drive.
- Drive 210 km.
- Reach Kathgodam by 6:00 pm.
- On the way to Kathgodam at Kausani you can buy herbal tea and some souvenir.
Roopkund trek in Seasons.
Summer Treks (April, May, June)
1. Less colder.
2. More windy.
3. Weather is unpredictable.
4. Cant see human skeleton.
5. Roopkund is in frozen condition.
6. Higher camps covered with snow.
7. Natural source of drinking water are easily available.
8. Best for those who want to ...
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 100 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg).
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
How to reach — Maps
Pick-Up Information
- It is essential for everyone to arrive at Rishikesh (06:00 am)
- Pick-up Location - Back Stayz Laxman Jhula Near SBI Bank Tapovan
- Once you have reached Rishikesh, TTH will manage the rest of your travel arrangements, if you have opted for TTH's pick-up service, you can select this option during the booking process by adding it as an add-on.
Options to Reach Rishikesh
First, you can arrive at Delhi, Dehradun airport or Chandigarh. The journey from these locations to Rishikesh is explained below.
1. Take overnight train/bus to Rishikesh.
2. Take overnight train/bus to Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh (25km | 35 min drive with normal traffic).
3. Take overnight train/bus to Dehradun and drive to Rishikesh (50km | 1hr 20min drive with normal traffic).
( We always recommend going for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am. )
4. Board a flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) (21 km, 30 min). If you're arriving by air, then come one day in advance.
Drop-Off Information
- The designated drop-off point is Tapovan, Rishikesh.
- Reach in Rishikesh by 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
- Please consider planning your subsequent travel arrangements after 10:00 pm.
Note - In July and August month always have a buffer day in your Itinerary due to the Monsoon.
- It's highly advisable to keep a buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is not used, it can be used to explore Rishikesh.
( If you prefer to travel independently to Base camp and don't want to take TTH's pick-up service, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab from Rishikesh. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
- TTH offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for further assistance.
1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):
- Guest house, Home Stay.
- Camping while the trek (Twin sharing basis).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
- Meals while on trek(Veg + Egg).
3. Support:
- 1 Versatile base camp manager: handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies.
- 1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional trek Leader.
- 1 Experienced high altitude chef.
- Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size).
- Enough support staff.
4. Trek equipment:
- Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), Mattress, Utensils.
- 3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
- Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness, Gaiters & Crampon (if required).
5. First aid:
- Medical kit,Stretcher,Oxygen cylinder,Blood pressure monitor,Oximeter,Stethoscope.
6. Transportation (as per the itinerary):
- Transport from Loharjung to Loharjung.
7. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
8. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage.
9. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian.
10. Trek Completion Certificate.
Trek Essentials
Cancellation Terms
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 5% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 30% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 85% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 50% deduction of trek fee
- 80% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 70% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
- No cash refund
- 20% trek fee cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 10% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, same date) to your friend
- To reschedule a trek (same trek only), a 30 % rescheduling fee of the trek cost will apply.
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
Booking and Payments
- The Participant is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all details, including Trip dates and personal documentation, at the time of booking.
- Payments must be made in accordance with the timelines and instructions provided by TTH. Late payments may result in cancellation of booking without refund.
- In the event of a cash refund, only the portion of the payment made in cash shall be eligible for refund in cash. Any booking made using voucher, discounts, promotional codes, or through any non-cash mode of payment shall not be eligible for a cash refund under any circumstances.
- Refunds, if applicable, shall be processed within 15–30 working days of confirmation.
- All add-on bookings are subject to the respective add-on cancellation policy, and refunds will be processed accordingly.
- Voucher Terms
- This is a non-transferable voucher
- The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
- The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
- To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
- All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
Itinerary and Modifications
- TTH reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any part of the Trip due to transportation delays, weather, health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances including Force Majeure.
Cancellations and Refunds
- No refunds or vouchers, partial or otherwise, shall be provided for voluntary withdrawal, non-utilisation of services, or removal from the Trip.
- If TTH cancels the Trip before arrival at the designated pick-up point due to unforeseen circumstances or Force Majeure, the Participant may choose from:
- An alternate Trip/date.
- A credit voucher valid for one (1) year.
- Transfer to another Trip, with cost differences payable by the Participant.
- If the Trip is abandoned post-arrival at the designated pick-up point, no cash refund or voucher shall be issued. The Trek Again Policy may apply at TTH’s discretion.
- TTH shall not be liable for any associated travel costs such as flights, accommodation, or visa fees.
Force Majeure
- Events beyond its control including but not limited to earthquakes, landslides, strikes, curfews, war, pandemic, government restrictions, heavy rainfall or snowfall, windstorms, road blockages, trail disruption, or withdrawal of permits, TTH shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, or service modification caused by Force Majeure.
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas at least 20 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
- Trek name and trek date
- Booking details
- Full name
- Designation
- Department and department address
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Roopkund Trek is a journey of adventure and discovery that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. The trek is named after the mysterious Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 15, 696 feet. The trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture, as it takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and traditional Himalayan villages. The highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also known for its mysterious skeletons, which are believed to be the remains of ancient travelers who perished in a hailstorm. The Roopkund Trek is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas.
Roopkund Trek is a 53 km trek.
Roopkund Trek takes 8 days to complete the trek.
The best time to do the Roopkund Trek is during summer (mid-Apr to Jun) and autumn (Sep to mid-Nov).
The maximum altitude reached during the Roopkund Trek is 15,696 ft.
Roopkund Trek is a moderate - difficult grade trek.
The highlights of the Roopkund Trek include the Roopkund Lake, grand views of Chaukhambha Range, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, and Neelkanth Peak, camping in picturesque campsites.
During the Roopkund Trek, you will stay in a guest house in the base camp, and on the slopes you will be staying in tents (twin-sharing).
Yes, it is safe to do Roopkund Trek with an expert organization. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines issued by the Trek Leaders and guide while trekking in the mountains.
Here's a list of essential items to pack for the Roopkund Trek:
Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes with a sturdy sole and ankle support is essential for the trek.
Backpack: A backpack with a capacity of 40-50 litres is suitable for carrying your essentials, including clothing, food, and water.
Warm clothing: The temperature at high altitudes can drop significantly, so it's important to carry warm clothing, including thermal layers, fleece jackets, and a down jacket.
Rain gear: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's important to carry a rain jacket and pants to stay dry.
Trekking pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants that are comfortable to walk in are ideal for the trek.
Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries is necessary for navigating through dark trails and campsites.
Water bottle: A reusable water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre is necessary to stay hydrated during the trek.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun's UV rays can be strong at high altitudes, so it's important to carry sunglasses and sunscreen with a high SPF.
Basic first aid kit: A basic first aid kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers can come in handy in case of injuries.
Personal hygiene kit: Toiletries like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues can help you maintain personal hygiene during the trek.
Yes, it is recommended to have prior trekking experience before attempting the Roopkund Trek as it is considered a moderately difficult trek. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, and the altitude can also be a challenge. It is important to have good physical fitness and stamina to complete the trek comfortably. Prior trekking experience can help you to be better prepared for the challenges of the trek, such as acclimatization, managing your energy levels, and dealing with the rugged terrain. However, if you are in good physical condition and have a positive attitude, with proper guidance and preparation, you can still attempt the Roopkund Trek even if you are a beginner.
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a professional expert for the Roopkund Trek, especially if you are a beginner or have limited trekking experience. A professional can provide you with valuable assistance, including knowledge of the local terrain, weather conditions, and the culture of the region. They can also help you with navigation and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
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