Roopkund Lake Trek, Uttarakhand

Roopkund Trek is a popular high-altitude trek located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The trek takes you to Roopkund Lake, which is known for the hundreds of human skeletons that can be seen at the bottom of the lake. The trek is known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and alpine meadows. The trail takes you through remote villages, high-altitude passes, and glaciers, making it a challenging but rewarding trek. It usually takes around 7-9 days to complete the trek, and it is recommended for experienced trekkers due to the high altitude and difficult terrain.

The Roopkund Lake - The Mysterious Skeleton Lake

Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake, is a high-altitude glacial lake located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is situated at an elevation of 16,470 feet (5,020 meters) above sea level in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayas. The lake is famous for the hundreds of human skeletons that are found at its bottom. Roopkund Lake is a popular trekking destination, and it attracts adventurers from all over the world.
The mystery of Skeleton Lake has intrigued people for many years. The skeletons were first discovered in 1942 by a British forest guard who was on patrol in the area. The initial discovery was of a few bones, but subsequent expeditions have uncovered hundreds of skeletons. The skeletons are believed to be the remains of people who died in a hailstorm over 1,000 years ago. The hailstones were reportedly as large as cricket balls, and the people caught in the storm were unable to find shelter. The hailstones caused fatal injuries, and the people perished in the storm.
Scientists have conducted extensive studies of the skeletons, and they have found that the people were of South Asian origin. The skeletons are believed to be from the 9th century AD, and the scientists have identified some interesting features that indicate the circumstances of their deaths. For example, many of the skulls show evidence of blunt force trauma, which is consistent with the injuries that would be caused by large hailstones. Additionally, many of the skeletons have broken bones, which suggests that the people were caught in a sudden, violent storm. Despite the mystery and allure of Skeleton Lake, Roopkund is also a natural wonder in its own right. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors to the area can see Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and a variety of birds. The lake is also an important source of water for the surrounding villages. This shallow lake has a depth of about 2 meters and is the most popular lake in the entire Uttarakhand. The lake is situated foot of Nanda Ghunti mountain nestled amidst panoramic mountain scenery, surrounded by a glacier. The Lake is flanked by a rock face named Jyuragali to the North and a peak named Chandania Kot to the East.
Roopkund Trek popularly also known as  “The Mystery Lake or Skeleton Lake”, Roopkund gained immense popularity after skeletons of horses and people from the past were found here. Spooky! Right. Resting in the inner Himalayan regions of Garhwal, Uttarakhand this lake is known to everyone because of another significant reason which is the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat yatra. Surrounded by massive rock glaciers and peaks the lake remains frozen for the entire year. It is situated at an elevation of 4800m but still, the villages on the trail are highly rich in culture and values. We also get to see lush green meadows like Bedni Bugyal and flower beds seasonally.

Roopkund Lake Trek: A Thrilling Journey to the Mysterious Skeleton Lake

Location : Ghat Block, District- Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India
Lake Altitude : 5,020 metres (16,470 ft)
Trek Length : 53 Kilometer
Trek Difficulty : Moderate to Difficult

Roopkund Lake Trek is one of the most popular treks in India. The trekking trail takes you through the beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron, scenic meadows, and offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
The starting point of the Roopkund Lake Trek is the village of Lohajung or Waan, which is located at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. The village is well-connected by road from major cities in Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. From Lohajung, the trekking trail takes you through the dense forests of oak and rhododendron, and then onto the meadows of Bedni Bugyal, Ali Bugyal, and Ghairoli Patal. These meadows offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks of Trishuli, Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba.
After trekking through the meadows, the trail leads to Roopkund Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 5,029 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, and the view from here is breathtaking. The trek also offers the opportunity to visit the nearby Junargali Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,230 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
The trek is considered to be a moderate to difficult level trek, and it is recommended that trekkers have prior experience of high altitude trekking. The best time to undertake the trek is between May and June, and September and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. The trek takes around 8-9 days to complete, and the distance covered is approximately 53 km.

If you’re trekking in India, the Roopkund trek is a must-do or if you are a fitness lover you should trek for the Roopkund trek it improves your physical health massively, and spending numerous hours on the trail and climbing around stones and rock bounding and uphills give your whole body a workout, so ts improves your strength and cardio fitness. Roopkund is located in the lap of the Trishul line and is famous because of the hundreds of human bones found at the edge of the lake. You become amazing views of peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul & Nanda khat .
There is the most beautiful campsite in the Roopkund trial. This trek is mostly recommended for experienced trekkers who are good at trekkers and its physically fit because of its moderate weather and difficulty level.

Best time for the Roopkund Trek

This trek is a long trek and the difficulty for this trek is high, The best time to go on the Roopkund trek is from May to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is generally clear and pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures during the day, and chilly nights. This time frame also offers the best views of the surrounding mountain ranges, lush green meadows, and colorful flora. However, it is important to note that the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, so it's always advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking on the trek and to carry appropriate gear for all weather conditions.

---

The Major Places on the Roopkund Trek

The Roopkund Trek is a popular high-altitude trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The trek passes through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and barren mountain slopes. Some of the notable places on the Roopkund Trek include:

1. Lohajung: Lohajung is the starting point of the Roopkund trek, which is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a small village, surrounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and snow-clad mountains.
2. Wan: After leaving Lohajung, the trekking trail leads to Wan, which is a small village nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Wan is known for its beautiful meadows and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Bedni Bugyal: Bedni Bugyal is a picturesque meadow located at an altitude of around 3,354 meters above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful places on the Roopkund trek and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests.
4. Patar Nachauni: Patar Nachauni is another beautiful meadow on the Roopkund trek, located at an altitude of around 3,810 meters. It is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and is an ideal spot for camping.
5. Bhagwabasa: Bhagwabasa is a high-altitude campsite located at an altitude of around 4,150 meters. It is the last campsite before reaching Roopkund Lake and is known for its breathtaking views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks.
6. Roopkund: Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake located at an altitude of around 5,029 meters. It is also known as the 'Mystery Lake' due to the presence of human skeletons and bones that can be seen at the bottom of the lake.
7. Junargali: Junargali is the highest point on the Roopkund trek, located at an altitude of around 5,150 meters. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks.
8. Kalua Vinayak (Blue Ganesh Temple): Kalua Vinayak is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located on the way to Roopkund. It is situated at an altitude of around 2,530 meters and is known for its blue-colored Ganesha idol.

---

Roopkund Trek Price :

• Rishikesh to Rishikesh (6 days & 5 Nights):

  We start our journey from Rishikesh, which is well-known as the Yoga city of Uttarakhand. This is simply :- Rishikesh - Waan Village - Bedni Bugyal - Bhagwa basa - Roopkund - Waan - Rishikesh.
  Packages start from - Rs. 11,999 Per Person (Including Accommodation and Meal + Transport) + 18% GST
• If anyone is interested in booking a private tour for their friends and family, we have a distinct procedure in place to accommodate your needs.

---

Why you Should plan Roopkund Lake Trek ?

Roopkund Lake Trek is a popular trekking destination located in the beautiful Garhwal Himalaya. This trek is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts who seek an adrenaline rush and also for nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. Here are some reasons why you should plan Roopkund Lake Trek:

Natural beauty: The Roopkund Lake Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. The trek is surrounded by lush green meadows, beautiful forests, and the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The views from the trek are breathtaking and can leave anyone mesmerized.

The Mystery of Skeleton Lake: The Roopkund Lake is also known as the Skeleton Lake, as it contains the remains of hundreds of human skeletons. The mystery behind these skeletons is still unsolved and makes the trek even more interesting.

Cultural Experience: The Roopkund Trek takes you through some of the remote villages of Uttarakhand, giving you a chance to experience the local culture and way of life. You can interact with the locals and learn about their customs, traditions, and food.

Adventure: The Roopkund Lake Trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of physical fitness. It involves trekking through difficult terrains, steep climbs, and crossing glaciers. It is an excellent opportunity for adventure enthusiasts to test their limits and push themselves.

Wildlife: The trek takes you through some of the most beautiful forests in the region, where you can spot various wildlife species such as Himalayan bears, musk deer, and several species of birds

---

Accommodation and Meals availability on Roopkund Trek

Roopkund is a remote location devoid of any hotels, resorts or guesthouses. Therefore, trekkers must carry their own tents and camp along the trail during their nightly halts. The only budget accommodation options available are situated at Wan or Lohajang, the last inhabited village on the trail. Camping equipment is generally provided by tour operators. As for food supplies, trekkers usually purchase them before embarking on the trek.

---

To reach Roopkund Lake Trek, follow these steps:

1. Start by reaching the nearest transportation hub:

- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to your next destination.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow. From Kathgodam, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach your next destination.

2. From the transportation hub, reach Lohajung:

- Lohajung serves as the base camp for the Roopkund Trek. From Kathgodam, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Lohajung. The distance is approximately 210 kilometers, and it takes around 10-12 hours to reach by road.

3. Acclimatize in Lohajung:

- Lohajung is located at an altitude of around 7,700 feet (2,350 meters). It is essential to acclimatize yourself to prevent altitude sickness before starting the trek. Spend a day or two in Lohajung to adjust to the high altitude.

4. Begin the Trek:

- The Roopkund Trek usually takes around 8-9 days to complete, including acclimatization and return journey. The trek starts from Lohajung and passes through various scenic locations like Didna Village, Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Patar Nachauni before reaching Roopkund Lake.
- Hire a local guide or join a trekking group for a safe and well-guided experience.

5. Follow the Trek Route:

- The trek route is well-marked, and you'll encounter signs and indicators along the way. However, it's still recommended to have a guide who knows the trail well.
- The trail involves a mix of gradual ascents, steep climbs, and descents. Be prepared for challenging terrain and changing weather conditions.
- Carry essential trekking gear such as sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, a backpack, sleeping bag, and a tent if required. Don't forget to pack sufficient food, water, and snacks for the trek.

6. Reach Roopkund Lake:

- After trekking for several days, you will reach Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake. The lake is located at an altitude of about 16,470 feet (5,020 meters) and is famous for the skeletal remains visible in its clear waters.
- Spend some time exploring the lake and its surroundings. Take photographs, but please remember to respect the environment and preserve its sanctity.

7. Return Journey:

- After enjoying the beauty of Roopkund Lake, retrace your steps and follow the same trail back to Lohajung.
- Once you reach Lohajung, you can arrange for transportation back to your desired destination, such as Kathgodam or other nearby towns.

---

Key Points of Roopkund Lake Trek:

Duration	6 days & 5 Nights from Rishikesh to Rishikesh (Kindly allocate an extra day in your schedule to account for acclimatization and potential weather conditions.)
Trek Start and End Point	Lahajang Village
Trek Type	Trails, steep at points
Temperature at Trek	During the winter months of December to January, the temperature remains between – 2°C to – 5°C. In summers the temperature remains between +6 ° C to +15° C.)
Altitude of Ali bedni:	5,020 meters
Trek Weather	Weather in Mountains is unexpecrted. But In Winter Season it is cover fully with snow. In Summer Months the Field Covers with green grass, weather is almost Sunny But Rains Comes at any moment.
Best Time:	The best time to do the Roopkund Lake Trek is during the summer months of April to June and the autumn months of September to November.
Trek Level:	Moderate to Difficult
Trek distance:	53 kilometers
Trek Group Size:	A minimum group size of 7 people and a maximum of 30 & More people.
Trek Fee	Rs. 11,999/Per Person-
Items included	Vehicle (Rishikesh to Rishikesh), Accommodation (Lohajang & Camping sides), Food (Basic Breakfast & Dinner), A Trek Guide

• Roopkund Lake Trek Travel Guide
• Roopkund Lake Tourist Map
• Roopkund Lake Trek Packages
• Most Visited places near Roopkund Lake
• How To Reach Roopkund Lake Trek
• Roopkund Lake Trek Related FAQs