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Roopkund Trek Overview
Highlights of Roopkund Trek
Maximum altitude - 16,499 ft.
Grade - Moderate to difficult
Duration - 8 days & 7 nights
Trekking distance - 53 kilometers
Trail type - Steep ascent
Airport - Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Snow Season - December last week to March.
Service from - Lohajung
Base camp - Roopkund Lake
Best season - In Winters (December, January, February & March)- In Summers (April, May June)- In Autumn (September, October & November)
Region: Uttarakhand
Who can participate: 10 years and above age
- People with severe heart disease and asthma are advised not to participate.
- Previous trekking experiences are appreciated however first timers can also take part in.
Short Itinerary for Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek Detailed Itinerary
Kathgodam- Lohajung
Reach Kathgodam and embark on the journey towards the charming village of Lohajung, surrounded by the beauty of oak and fir trees.
Savor a hearty dinner in Lohajung and spend the night there, taking in the peaceful ambiance of the village.
Lohajung- Didna Village
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Lohajung before embarking on your trek, taking in the stunning views of the Neelganga river as you ascend.
Trek through the snowy trail and marvel at the beauty of the serene Roopkund Glacier Lake.
After admiring the lake, traverse through a mix of oak and bamboo forests to reach the picturesque Didna Village.
Arrive at the first base camp, and end the day with a warm dinner by the campsite.
Overnight stay in tents, at Didna village
Didna Village to Ali Bugyal
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at Didna, before setting out on your trek.
The trail takes you through a mix of oak and bamboo forests, and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Garhwal Himalayas.
Arrive at the picturesque Ali Bugyal, surrounded by open alpine grazing meadows.
Take the time to savor a mouth-watering dinner and spend the night at Ali Bugyal, immersing in its natural beauty.
Ali Bugyal to Ghora Lotani
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before starting your trek.
As you ascend, keep an eye out for a glimpse of a Himalayan Magpie along the way.
Reach Ghora Lotani, take some time to relax at the campsite and take in the stunning views of the stars above you.
Spend the night camping in Ghora Lotani, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Ghora Lotani to Bhagwabasa
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Ghora Lotani before starting your trek.
The trek will take you to altitudes of 12,500-14,500 ft, where you will face challenges like high altitudes, zigzag passes and icy cold winds.
As you trek, pass through the iconic Kalu Vinayak and spot the black-stoned idol of Lord Ganesha.
Arrive at Bhagwabasa and set up camp in the desolate and barren landscape. Spend the night at Bhagwabasa, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area.
Bhagwabasa to Bedni Bugyal via Roopkund Lake
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bhagwabasa and get ready for a challenging trek to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, located in the laps of Mt. Trishul and known for its many stories.
Continue for another half hour to reach Junar Gali, the highest point on this trail, before trekking back to the base camp at Bedni Bugyal via Bhagwabasa.
Take in the breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas in full glory, stretching up to Gangotri.
End the day with a warm dinner at the campsite, and spend the night in Bedni Bugyal, surrounded by natural beauty.
Bedni Bugyal to Wan
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at Bedni Bugyal and set out on your journey through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
As you ascend, capture a glimpse of Mt. Trishul from Kanakdhar and immerse in the tranquility of the quaint village of Wan. Along the way, spot the famous and sacred Neelganga river.
After your journey, drive to Lohajung and share your travel stories while relaxing at the village.
Spend the night at Lohajung, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.
Departure
Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Lohajung and take the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their customs and culture.
Afterwards, continue your journey back home or head to your next destination.
What To Pack For Roopkund Trek?
Documents - Original photo copy of government issued identification card
Trekking Shoes - The trek requires sturdy trekking shoes with a good ankle grip and support and which is suitable to walk on snow
Backpack - You would require a backpack of 50-60 ltrs with good hip support, shoulder support and quick access pockets
Clothes - You would require 3 base layer t-shirts, 3 insulation layers with 2 light sleeves and one light sweater and 2 pairs of trek pants.
Sunglasses - You would sunglasses to avoid snow blindness.
Sun Cap - As you trek, your energy level will drop down with the heat of the sun, to avoid quick exhaustion, you would require a sun cap.
Synthetic hand gloves - You would require synthetic hand gloves because you will be trekking in snow and synthetic hand gloves will dry quickly.
Woolen caps - Out head is prone to losing heat, so it is very important to cover our heads.
Socks - Carry 3- 4 pairs of socks and carry separate woolen socks to fight the cold.
A toilet kit- Your toilet kit should not include unnecessary things, it should be smartly packed with a small soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet tissue roll, small moisturiser, lip balm and roll ons.
Water bottles - Since Roopkund is a long trek, you would require to keep yourself hydrated. Carry a 1- 2 litre of water bottle along with you.
Know Before You Go for Roopkund Trek
Be physically active and indulge in jogging and running activities before you participate in the trek.
Take comfortable and waterproof shoes with you. Also carry a backpack which can fit in your required clothing items.
Stay hydrated and munch on light snacks to keep yourself full and energized.
Stay Close to your group and carefully follow the instructions of your supervisor.
Be aware of your trekking route and itinerary beforehand.
Use walking poles for better support.
By Bus - A lot of buses operate from Delhi to Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. The best option from Delhi is Volvo which takes around 10-13 hours, depending on the weather and road conditions. De-board at Mcleodganj bus stop and take another bus or taxi to Dharamkot which is just 2 kilometers away. You may even walk to Dharamkot which will take around 30 mins.
By Air- Airport Kangra at Gaggal is just 20 kilometers from Dharamkot. You may take a flight to Gaggal and then hire a bus or taxi to reach Dharamkot.
By Train- 93 kilometers away from Dharamkot, the nearest railway station is Pathankot. Take a train from Delhi to Pathankot and then hire a taxi or board a bus to Dharamkot.
In Winters - The best time to experience the Roopkund trek is in winter months starting from December till April, is when there is a high chance of snowfall. This makes the trek a little more dangerous as well as spikes up the difficulty level which might intrigue the adventure enthusiasts. The temperature falls down to the negative scale making it a paradise covered with pristine white snow that will mesmerize you. If you want to level up your trekking game then this is the best time for the trekking excursion.
In Summers - The during the summer months which are usually from May to June. During this time the temperature is around 8 degrees however tourists might not find any snow-clad mountains. The trek up is beautiful when you will witness alpine meadows, lush tropical forest views and finally the mysterious Roopkund lake filled with fresh water from the ice melting from the Himalayan mountains.
In Autumn - The autumn months which start from July till October are another splendid season that makes this trekking even more beautiful. Cover all 53 kilometers to the trekking through which you will witness unbelievably beautiful flowers blooming up the entire valley. This beautiful and mesmerizing view will definitely remain etched to your minds forever. The Roopkund Trek is definitely one of the finest trekking routes that you should experience once.
Why to Go for Roopkund Trek?
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FAQ's of Roopkund Lake Trek
How Difficult is the Roopkund Trek?
The trek is of moderate to high level difficulty. As the trek takes you through 53 kilometers and covers over 8 days and 7 nights, Roopkund Trek is considered a rather challenging experience. However with an experienced guide you will have the most relaxing and wholesome trekking experience ever.
The Roopkund lake is the ultimate destination which has a mysterious story that will inspire you. The path leading from the Bedni Bugyal consists of many curvy zigzag roads that might be a challenging day for beginners. But the view from the vibe is absolutely worth it. Trek for another half hour to reach Junar Gali, the highest point on this trail, and trek back to the base camp at Bedni Bugyal via Bhagwabasa. You will pass lush confers and alpine meadows that will definitely amuse you with their beauty. You will have expert guidance and supervision throughout the trek therefore it is perfect for beginners as well.
What are some of the othe trekking that you can enjoy in the Himalayas?
Hampta Pass trek - This is one of the most fascinating trekking excursions you can enjoy which can extend upto 25 kilometers. The Hampta pass trek takes you through incredible views of the lush Himalayan conifers and freshwater stream, where you will come across spectacular Himalayan villages like Shea Goru and Balu ka Ghera as well.
Bhrigu Lake trek - Often compared to Switzerland, this trek which is located in close vicinity to Manali will surprise you with its ethereal beauty. The entire ascend up is studded with surplus green meadows and alpine stretches that will mesmerize you. You will also come across the stunning Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal peaks during your journey too.
3.Kheerganga trek - This is one of the most serene and calming reeking routes that you can take. The trek takes you through snow clad mountains of the Himalayas, and is a perfect trek for beginners.
What kind of physical fitness is required to take the Roopkund lake trek ?
People are required to have a very active physical fitness schedule. People who are included in daily jogging and running exercises will be benefited with the steep ascent that the Roopkund lake trek has. The Roopkundtrek distance is about 53 kilometers which takes around 3 days for completion hence physical activity is required. People with asthma, heart diseases and other physical ailments are strictly asked to refrain from such hectic trekking activities.
What is the mystery of Roopkund lake?
The lake is known for its mysterious human skeletons that are visible at the bottom of the lake when the ice melts. The origin and identity of these skeletons have been a topic of debate and speculation for many years. Some theories suggest that they are the remains of a group of travelers who died in a sudden and severe hailstorm, while others suggest they are the remains of soldiers who died in battle. Some researchers also suggest that they could be the remains of a local tribe or pilgrims on their way to Nanda Devi shrine. The mystery of the Roopkund Lake is still unresolved and continues to intrigue researchers and trekkers alike.
How long is the Roopkund trek?
The Roopkund trek is a moderate to challenging trek that typically takes around 7 to 8 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and route. The trek starts from Lohajung, a small village located in the district of Chamoli in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The trek covers a distance of about 35 km and passes through beautiful alpine meadows, dense forests, and rocky terrain.
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