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Roopkund Skeleton Lake Trek Highlights

  • Roopkund Lake is a mystic beauty, you can actually see the human skeletons in the water and on the banks of the lake.
  • Marvel at the stunning views of Roopkund Glacier, Trishul, Nandaghungti, and Choukhamba peaks.
  • Gigantic mountains, mysterious lake and Himalayan vegetation is sure to make your journey all the more interesting.
  • Surrounded by snow clad mountains the path is drenched in snow & laden with forest covers and verdant meadows

Roopkund Skeleton Lake Trek Overview

About the Roopkund Trek-


The Roopkund trek is an invigorating expedition from the high altitude region of Loharjung, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at 16499 ft. The trail for the trek that leads to the frozen Roopkund Lake also overlaps with the religious pilgrimage of Nanda Devi thus making this experience of trekking in Uttarakhand, an overall mix of culture and adventure. Going by legends, the ‘Mystery Lake’ is immersed and circled by hundreds of skeletons which is the major attraction of this trek.


At the top of the mysterious lake of Roopkund, witness, and marvel at the stunning views of Roopkund Glacier, Trishul, Nandaghungti, and Choukhamba peaks. Roopkund trail cuts through dense thickets and surpasses through the varied landscape of gushing waters and streams as well as charming lakes and vast expanse of lush grasslands.

 

Quick Facts:

Duration: 8D/7N

Maximum Altitude: 16,499 ft.

Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult

Total Trek Distance: 53 km

Temperature: May – June: day 15°C to 20° C and night 7°C to -2°C Sept-Oct: Day- 15°C to 10°C and night 5°C to -5°C

Best Time To Travel: May- June & September- October

Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station

Base Camp: Lohajung Base Camp

ATM: Last ATM is in Kathgodam

Start point/Endpoint: Kathgodam

How to reach Kathgodam:

By Air: The nearest airport to Kathgodam is the Pantnagar Airport located at a distance of 32kms from Kathgodam. The airport is connected with Delhi by 4 round flights per week. Taxis are easily available from the Airport to Kathgodam.

By Train: From Delhi take the Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40 pm arrival Kathgodam at 5:30 am (Overnight Journey)

or the Uttar sampark Kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:00 pm arrival Kathgodam at 10:40 pm (6 hrs. 40min. Journey)

From Dehardun take the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun at 10:30 pm arrival Kathgodam at 7:10 pm (8hrs. journey)

By Road: Buses to Kathgodam are easily available from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi. Regular buses ply from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. Buses that go to Nainital stops at Haldwani which is a twin town of Kathgodham (8 hrs. Journey).


Roopkund Trekking Inclusions:

1. Accommodation – Guest House stay on 1st and 5th night. You will be staying in tents for 3 nights of the trek (3 people/tent). The room/tent is separate for the male and female participants.

2. Meals – (Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner). We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek

3. Camping charges – All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.

4. Trekking equipment – High-quality tents and sleeping bags in all the camps. Sleeping bags can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC.

5. Safety equipment – First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc. will be with guide/trek leader and at the campsite as well to deal with emergencies.

6. Expert trek Leaders – All our trek leaders are at least qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering and first aid course.

7. Expert Trek support team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.

Roopkund Skeleton Lake Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung
  • Arrive at the starting point of this high altitude expedition, Kathgodam through the Ranikhet express.
  • From here hop onto a vehicle and make a pleasant road journey to Loharjung traversing through slim curvy roads and verdant scenery all around.
Day 2
Trek from Lohajung – Didina (5.5-6.5 Hours Trek)
  • Begin your trek to Roopkund with a voyage to Didina Village through the iron bridge of Raun Bagad built over the Neel Ganga River.
  • There are two routes to trail to this bridge.
  • The first option is the route that is a moderate trek going downhill and cutting through a variety of lush thickets till Raun Bagad.
  • The other option is taking the route through Wan from where the village of Kulling is only 6km away followed by a steep climb to Raun Bagad.
  • From the two routes, the former is more picturesque with regard to the forested region that you come across while the latter is easier to traverse.
  • Once you arrive at the iron bridge, climb uphill for about an hour and a half to reach Didina village.
Day 3
Trek from Didina Village – Ali Bugyal
  • This day’s trek also involves an option between two routes.
  • The first route takes you through the hamlet of Tolpani inhabited by shepherds and stands at about 1000ft only 3km away from Didina.
  • From here, ascend towards Tolkaan in the north crossing verdant meadows and mountains laden with oak forests.
  • Take a sharp left to get to Ali Bugyal in the south surpassing a gorgeous ridge and forest on the way.
  • The other route is a direct ascend from Didina to Ali Bugyal without surpassing Tolpani but will involve climbing up steep slopes and will take about two and a half hours to traverse.
  • It is advised to reach Ali Bugyal before afternoon in order to marvel at the remarkable views.
  • The highlight of this day is the snow climb to Chang Ma surpassing beautiful terrains.
  • You may even opt to relax at Ali Bugyal instead of trekking to Chang Ma.
  • Set up your camps here and retire for the night in your tents.
Day 4
Trek from Ali Bugyal – Ghora Lotani
  • This day will comprise an easy walk through a straight route of about 3km.
  • The gradual climb offers views from the other side of the ridge.
  • Upon reaching Ghora Lotani, unwind at the campsite and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the place.
  • Retire in your tents for the night.
Day 5
Trek from Ghora Lotani – Bhagwabasa (2km)
  • This day’s trek will entail climbing from an altitude of 12,500ft to 14,500ft.
  • This high altitude trek commences early in the morning so as to reach Bhawabasa early.
  • Surpass the mountain of Kalu Vinayak through windy and steep terrains which need to be traversed slowly and carefully.
  • After about one and a half hours, arrive at Kalu Vinayak from where you can head off to Bhagwabasa through a gradually descending route comprising of snow-laden regions for about 2km.
Day 6
Trek from Bhagwabasa – Roopkund Lake – Bedni Bugyal
  • Start the day at about 5:00 AM and ascend uphill from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund for about three to three and a half hours.
  • Upon reaching Roopkund, marvel at the mysterious lake and take in the sights of its surroundings.
  • Thereafter you can choose to climb about 200ft to Junargil in a span of about half an hour.
  • Head back to Bedni Bugyal carefully and as early as possible surpassing Bhagwabasa and some snowy patches.
Day 7
Trek from Bedni Bugyal - Wan, Drive from Wan - Lohajung (1 Hour)
  • The day starts off with a trekking journey from Bedni Bugyal to Wan through simple pathways laden with forest covers and verdant meadows.
  • You can even marvel at the Trishul Peak if the weather favours you as you head back to Wan.
  • Descend through Rhododendron forests and steep routes across the Neel Ganga River; the entire journey till here will take around 6-6.5 hours.
  • From Neel Ganga, scale for about half an hour to the ridge right above Wan from where you can take a road trip to Loharjung.
Day 8
Drive from Lohajung - Kathgodam
  • This is the last day of your trek to Roopkund.
  • Spend the entire day relaxing and unwinding in the scenic environs of Loharjung.
  • Bid adieu to its mesmeric sceneries as you take a road journey from Loharjung to Kathgodam.
  • Continue onwards to your destination back home.

Select Package Options


Price Includes
  • Stay

    Stay at Guesthouse/ Campsites/ Homestays on dual or triple sharing basis

  • Meals

    All Meals during the trek are included in the package.

  • Activities

    Trekking and camping

  • Guide

    Qualified, experienced professional trek leader, guide and supporting staff.

  • Permits

    All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.

Exclusions
  • Transfers

    Transportation from Kathgodam to Lohajung and return can be availed at an extra cost.

More Details about Roopkund Skeleton Lake Trek

Know Before You Go for Roopkund Skeleton Lake Trek

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • The management reserves all the right to modify the trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.
  • Consult a physician before undertaking the trek. Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the trek.
  • Pay heed to the trek guides and instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites. Travelers littering may be fined.
  • Do not encourage trekking during the night unless it is a part of the itinerary and a guide is with you; this might lead to unforeseen mishaps.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • Guidelines issued by the State-Government are to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of mask is recommended.
  • Professional guide(s) are available to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek.
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
  • Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • Please carry a valid ID proof.
  • The exact location of the the starting point of the trek will be shared post booking.

Things To Carry for Roopkund Skeleton Lake Trek

  • Back pack (50-60l)
  • Water bottle
  • Toilet paper & wipes
  • Fleece jackets and thermals
  • Hiking shoes
  • Thermal inners
  • Woollen cap, socks, mittens & scarf
  • Warm clothes
  • Caps

Tour Difficulty for Roopkund Skeleton Lake Trek

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