Roopkund Trek

About Roopkund Trek (Roopkund Lake (Chamoli))

- Trekking in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Roopkund trek in India is one of the most popular trekking destinations among frequent trekkers. Roopkund trekking makes one aware about the beauty of deep virgin forests, gurgling brooks, breath-taking campsites, miles of undulating meadows, snow and ice and the taste of a great adventure as you climb from 8,000ft to 16,000ft. We start with dense forests bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal – India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. As we continue trekking higher and higher above Roopkund, we are only separated by air from the Trishul. Rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad mountains surround our journey. All along our trail, you will get to see mesmerizing views of peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul & Nanda Ghunti. The difficulty level of the trek is high and to have the full best view get into this trek during May - June, and September – October.

Highlights of Roopkund trek:

• Enjoy the breath-taking campsite of the gurgling brooks near the cascading water in the clean night sky under the billion stars.

• Trek tail through the most alpine forest of Rhododendron and oak and other rare flora and fauna of the region.

• Witness the mystery lake which is immersed and circled by hundreds of skeleton. This one major attraction with the skeletons of the pilgrims who fell to their deaths due to the unexpected natural calamities.

• Enjoy the majestic view of Mt Trishul by taking some amazing photographs.

• Admire the imposing Chaukhamba range, Neelkanth peak, Kedarnath, Kedar Dom.

• Learn about the local culture and their day to day life by share a cup of tea while you learn about their culture.

How to Reach Roopkund Trek:

By Bus:

From Delhi, a regular bus service operates to Rishikesh. The main bus station in Delhi is ISBT Kashmere Gate, offering both AC and non-AC buses for the journey to Rishikesh.

By Train:

To reach Rishikesh from Delhi by train, you’ll first need to travel to Haridwar. From there, you can take a bus to Rishikesh, which is 35 km away. Haridwar serves as a major railway junction connecting Delhi to Rishikesh.

By Air:

The closest airport to reach Rishikesh by flight is Jolly Grant Airport, located approximately 25 km from the city. Regular flights from Delhi to Rishikesh are available. If you plan to arrive by flight, it’s advisable to schedule your arrival one day in advance.

Roopkund Trek Itinerary:

Day 01: Rishikesh to Lohajung

• Stay: Overnight stay at Guest house/Home stay in Lohajung
• Meal: Dinner
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft)
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6–7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Your journey would begin at Rishikesh, and upon arriving at Rishikesh, you would meet with the driver. Who would then drive you through the picturesque views of the Himalayan Mountains. The road will wind through the mountain until you start seeing the forest line. On the way, you will be mesmerized by the sight of the Garhwal Himalayas. The scenery will remain the same till you reach the first place, which is Devprayag. Here, you could stop and be spellbound at the sight of two rivers merging (sangam): Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. You could see the different colors of the river, as Alaknanda is mudy in color while Bhagirathi is greenish blue in color. Then the next place you would be crossing is Karnaprayag, which is one of the famous Panch Prayags. Finally, after driving for almost 8 hours, you would be amazed at the place you would be staying, as the place is surrounded by forest.

Day 2: Lohajung to Didna Village

• Stay: Overnight stay at the homestay in Didna Village
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Lohagunj (7700 ft), Didna Village (8100 ft).
• Distance: By Road 5 km, By Trek 6 km
• Time Taken: By Road 1 hr, By Trek 4-5 hrs approx.
• Trek Grade: Gradual

On the second day, you would begin your travel with a short drive, followed by a trek later. On the road, you will be seeing forests, and when you begin your trek, you will be seeing rhododendron trees after crossing Raun Bagad Bridge. Once you are close to Didna Village, you will see houses made of stone, which is an old tradition. Then you would spend the night at Didna Village after having a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Didna Village to Ali Bugyal

• Stay: Overnight stay at Ali Bugyal in Camp
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Didna Village (8100 ft), Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft)
• Distance: 7 km.
• Time Taken: 4–5 – 5 hrs approx.
• Trek Grade: Gradual to Moderate

On Day 3, you will leave Didna behind and begin to walk through the stunning landscape of Tolpani Forest, which is dotted with old oak trees. On the way, you would be seeing local shepherds’ huts along with shepherds grazing their sheep, and as you started climbing, you would be seeing the forest of Birch. You will get to the Khobal top, where you will admire the peaks of Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti. Once you catch a glimpse of the peaks, you will then walk further and start seeing Ali Bugyal, where green grasslands are spread across the hill. Walk through the meadows and enjoy the scenery around you till you reach the camping site of Abin Kharak, which is the highest point of the trek.

Day 4: Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni via Bedni Bugyal

• Stay: Overnight stay at Patar Nachauni in Camp
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Bedni Bugyal (12,300 ft).
• Distance: 4+4 km
• Time Taken: 6–7 hrs approx.
• Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult

Day 4 marks the day when you will walk through the Bedni Bugyal. From the top of Bedni Top, you will be close to Mount Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Mrigthuni. On the trail, you would pass through Bedni Kund and Nanda Devi Temple, which are very auspicious places. At the Bedni Kund, you could see the reflection of Mount Trishul, and you could also see flowers in the middle of the meadows. Doliadhar, which marks the end of Bedni Bugyal and the start of the tree line. Once you have enjoyed the scenic vistas at the top of Bedni Bugyal, from Bedni Bugyal, continue your descent towards Patar Nachauni, following the well-defined trail through meadows and forests. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as Himalayan birds and mountain goats that inhabit the area. Finally, arrive at Patar Nachauni, a scenic campsite nestled amidst towering mountains and lush meadows, where you can relax and unwind after a day of trekking.

Day 5: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa

• Stay: Overnight stay at Bhagwabasa in Camps
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Bedni Bugyal (12,300 ft).
• Distance: 4+4 km
• Time Taken: 6–7 hrs approx.
• Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult

The trek route from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa presents trekkers with a challenging yet exhilarating journey through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. Starting from the picturesque campsite of Patar Nachauni, nestled amidst lush meadows and towering peaks, the trail gradually ascends through alpine forests and open meadows towards the sacred Kalu Vinayak Temple. From there, the path steepens, leading trekkers through rocky terrain and moraine fields, with occasional patches of snow, as they gain altitude towards Bhagwabasa. The air becomes thinner, and the landscape transforms into a barren yet awe-inspiring wilderness, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, trekkers may encounter mountain wildlife such as Himalayan birds and ibex. After several hours of trekking, they finally reach Bhagwabasa, a high-altitude campsite situated at around 14,000 feet, where they can rest and recharge amidst the stunning beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

Day 06: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake and return Patar Nachauni

• Stay: Overnight stay at Bhagwabasa in Camps
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Bedni Bugyal (12,300 ft).
• Distance: 4+4 km
• Time Taken: 6–7 hrs approx.
• Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult

And then day 5th, the day we were waiting for the most in this entire trek, Yes, waiting to see that mysterious “ Roopkund Lake”.  The trek route from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake and back to Patar Nachauni offers an unforgettable adventure through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. Departing from the high-altitude campsite of Bhagwabasa, trekkers embark on a challenging ascent towards the mystical Roopkund Lake, known for its enigmatic human skeletal remains dating back centuries. The trail winds through rocky terrain and moraine fields, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. As trekkers approach Roopkund Lake, the landscape becomes increasingly barren, with patches of snow and ice adding to the surreal ambiance of the surroundings. Upon reaching Roopkund Lake, trekkers are greeted by the crystal-clear waters of the lake and the eerie sight of ancient skeletons scattered along its shores. After exploring the lake and soaking in its mystique, trekkers retrace their steps back to Bhagwabasa, where they can rest and reflect on their journey amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

Day 7: Patar Nachauni to Wan, By Road Wan to Lohagunj

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6–7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

This is the last day of your trek; if you look carefully, you might recognize some walnut and pear trees. The trail goes downhill through the forest till you pass the Nile Ganga River by bridge. As you come close to Wan village, you will see thousands of years-old Cypress trees, which look amazing. From Wan Village, you will then begin your road trip towards Lohagunj, which takes just 1 hour. At Lohagunj, you will then be spending the night, this will be your last day of sleeping near the forest and mountains.

Day 8: Lohagunj to Rishikesh

• Meal: Tea/ Coffee
• Altitude: Lohagunj (7700 ft), Rishikesh (1120 ft)
• Distance: 250 km
• Time Taken: 8–9 hrs approx.
• Trek Grade: By Road

You will be driving from Lohajung and back to Rishikesh on the same route you came by. If you are one of those people who are adventure seekers and like to be in nature in its most majestic state, this is the best trek for them.