Roopkund Trek
The Roopkund Trek is one of the most popular and fascinating treks in the Indian Himalayas. Located in Uttarakhand, the Roopkund Lake trek is renowned for its mysterious skeletal lake, stunning mountain landscapes, high-altitude meadows, and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Roopkund sits at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) above sea level. It is nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and enchanting valleys.
The highlight of the Roopkund Lake trek is the glacial lake known as Roopkund Lake or Skeleton Lake. The lake is named after the hundreds of human skeletal remains visible at its bottom. These skeletons date back to the 9th century and are believed to be the remains of pilgrims or an army that met with a catastrophic event, possibly a hailstorm.
The trek to Roopkund offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba. The trail takes you through dense forests, charming villages, gushing streams, and expansive meadows. Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are two stunning high-altitude meadows encountered on the Roopkund Trek, offering panoramic vistas and vibrant flora.
The Roopkund Lake trek is considered moderately challenging and requires a good level of fitness. The trail involves steep ascents, rocky paths, and high-altitude conditions. It's essential to acclimatize properly to the altitude and maintain a steady pace throughout the trek.
Apart from its natural beauty, the Roopkund region also holds cultural significance. The Roopkund Trek takes you through several traditional mountain villages, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You'll come across unique cultural practices, folklore, and the warm hospitality of the people.
The Roopkund Trek is an adventure that combines natural beauty, mystery, and the thrill of exploring the Himalayas. It offers a unique experience for trekking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those interested in unraveling the secrets of Skeleton Lake.Roopkund Trek
Included and Excluded
- Accommodation: Accommodation in a comfortable and well-equipped hotel/resort as per the selected package.
- Transportation: Round-trip transportation from the designated departure point to the destination, including airport/train station transfers and local transportation for sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Meals: Daily meals as indicated in the itinerary, including breakfast and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
- Sightseeing: Guided tours and entrance fees to specified attractions and landmarks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Activities: Participation in specified activities and experiences, such as guided hikes, cultural performances, and local workshops.
- Local Guide: Knowledgeable and experienced local guides who provide insights and information about the destination's culture, history, and customs.
- Support: 24/7 on-call assistance for any travel-related emergencies or queries.
- Group Leader: An experienced trip leader to ensure smooth coordination and facilitate group activities.
- Flights: Airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price.
- Permit Documents: Costs associated with obtaining necessary permits, and travel documents are the responsibility of the traveler.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, shopping, and room service.
- Additional Meals: Meals not specified in the itinerary are not included. Snacks and beverages between meals are also excluded.
- Optional Activities: Costs for optional activities, excursions, or experiences not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tipping and Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.
- Medical Expenses: Costs related to medical treatment, medication, and medical emergencies that are not covered by the basic travel insurance.
- Transportation Beyond Itinerary: Any transportation costs incurred by deviating from the planned itinerary or additional transportation not specified.
- Personal Belongings: Responsibility for the safety and security of personal belongings, including lost or stolen items.
Highlights of the Tour
- Mysterious Skeleton Lake from the 9th Century
- Located at 4,800m in the Himalayas
- Trek through Ali & Bedni Bugyals
- Part of UNESCO-listed Nanda Devi Reserve
- Rich in folklore & local legends
- Cultural experience with Garhwali villages
Location Itinerary
- Arrive at Rishikesh, which is the pick-up point for the trek.
- Start the journey from Rishikesh to Lohajung, the starting point of the Roopkund trek.
- The journey takes around 8-9 hours, so it’s advisable to start early in the morning.
- Once you reach Lohajung, check into a guesthouse or campsite and rest for the night.
- After breakfast, begin your trek from Lohajung to Didna Village.
- The trek is approximately 6 kilometers and takes around 4 hours.
- Enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and lush green forests along the way.
- Reach Didna Village and set up camp or stay at a homestay for the night.
- Start your day early and trek from Didna Village to Ali Bugyal.
- The trek is around 8 kilometers and takes approximately 6-7 hours.
- As you ascend, you’ll witness stunning meadows and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Arrive at Ali Bugyal, a vast meadow offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
- Camp overnight at Ali Bugyal.
- Leave Ali Bugyal and continue your trek to Patar Nachauni.
- The trek is about 7 kilometers and takes approximately 5-6 hours.
- The trail passes through Bedni Bugyal and offers glimpses of snow-capped peaks.
- Reach Patar Nachauni, a picturesque campsite, and spend the night there.
- Begin your day with a challenging trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa.
- The trek is around 6 kilometers and takes approximately 4-5 hours.
- The trail includes steep climbs and rocky terrain, and you’ll pass through Kalu Vinayak, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
- Arrive at Bhagwabasa, which is the base camp for the Roopkund Lake.
- Set up camp at Bhagwabasa and acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Wake up early and start your trek to Roopkund, the highlight of the trek.
- The trek is approximately 5 kilometers and takes around 5-6 hours.
- Reach Roopkund, a glacial lake known for its mysterious human skeletons.
- Spend some time exploring the lake and its surroundings.
- Descend back to Bhagwabasa and continue trekking to Patar Nachauni for the night.
- Patar Nachauni offers beautiful camping spots and scenic views.
- Leave Patar Nachauni and trek toward Lohajung.
- The trek is around 15 kilometers and takes approximately 6-7 hours.
- Enjoy the enchanting views of the meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the Bedni Kund (pond).
- Reach Wan Village and visit the Latu Devta Temple.
- Drive from Wan to Lohajung, which is 14 kilometers.
- Start your journey toward Rishikesh by 6:00 AM.
- Reach Rishikesh by evening.
- The trip ends with a bag full of memories.
Upcoming Batches
Frequently Asked & Question
Our expert tour guides ensure a safe, well-organized, and insightful experience. You’ll gain local cultural knowledge, enjoy hidden gems, and have all logistics handled so you can focus on the adventure!
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Yes! The Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek is a moderate trek, making it perfect for beginners with basic fitness. It offers scenic meadows, cultural experiences, and breathtaking Himalayan views without extreme difficulty.
Both treks require moderate fitness levels. Regular walking, cardio, and endurance training before the trek can help. The Roopkund Trek is more challenging due to high altitude and steep climbs.
