Roopkund Trek is one of the most popular high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas, leading to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake. The lake is famous for the human skeletons found at its edge, which date back to the 9th century. The trek offers a mix of everything – scenic landscapes, dense forests, alpine meadows (Bugyals), and a glimpse of local culture, making it a sought-after adventure for trekkers.
Roopkund Trek Overview
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Altitude: 15,696 feet (4,780 meters)
Trek Duration: 7-9 days (including travel)
Trek Distance: ~53 kilometers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
Starting Point: Lohajung
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Lohajung (7,662 ft)
- Distance: 220 km drive from Kathgodam (~10 hours)
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Highlights: Scenic drive through the Kumaon region, passing through small towns and villages like Almora and Kausani.
Day 2: Lohajung to Didna Village (8,530 ft)
- Trek Distance: 6 km (~4-5 hours)
- Accommodation: Homestay or tents
- Route: The trek begins with a gradual descent to the Neel Ganga River, followed by a steep ascent to Didna Village.
- Highlights: River crossing, oak and rhododendron forests, and first views of the Garhwal peaks.
Day 3: Didna Village to Ali Bugyal (11,320 ft) via Tolpani
- Trek Distance: 11 km (~6-7 hours)
- Accommodation: Tents
- Route: Trek through dense forests, followed by an open meadow (Bugyal) leading to Ali Bugyal.
- Highlights: Expansive meadows, panoramic views of Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, and alpine flora.
Day 4: Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni (12,818 ft) via Bedni Bugyal
- Trek Distance: 12 km (~6-7 hours)
- Accommodation: Tents
- Route: Trek across the rolling meadows of Bedni Bugyal, followed by a gradual ascent to Patar Nachauni.
- Highlights: Bedni Kund (a small sacred lake), views of Trishul massif, and grazing sheep.
Day 5: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa (14,100 ft) via Kalu Vinayak
- Trek Distance: 5 km (~4-5 hours)
- Accommodation: Tents
- Route: Steep climb to Kalu Vinayak, a stone temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, followed by a gradual walk to Bhagwabasa.
- Highlights: Kalu Vinayak temple, panoramic views of surrounding peaks, and spotting of Brahma Kamal flowers.
Day 6: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake (15,696 ft) and back to Patar Nachauni
- Trek Distance: 10 km (~7-8 hours)
- Accommodation: Tents
- Route: Steep ascent to Roopkund Lake, passing through snow patches and rocky terrain. Return trek to Patar Nachauni.
- Highlights: The mysterious Roopkund Lake, snow-covered landscapes, and surrounding peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Trishul.
Day 7: Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Wan
- Trek Distance: 12 km trek + 10 km drive (~6-7 hours trek + 1 hour drive)
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Route: Descent to Wan village, passing through forests and streams. Drive from Wan to Lohajung.
- Highlights: Forest trails, river crossings, and local village life.
Day 8: Departure from Lohajung
- Route: Drive back to Kathgodam (~10 hours).
- Highlights: Final views of the Himalayas, and reflection on the trekking experience.
Key Points to Remember
- Physical Fitness: The trek requires a good level of fitness due to its altitude and steep ascents.
- Permits: Required permits for trekking are obtained at Lohajung. It’s advisable to carry a valid ID.
- Guides: Hiring a local guide is recommended for safety and navigation.
- Weather: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially near the summit.
- Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
This itinerary can be adjusted based on weather conditions and individual fitness levels.