Roopkund trek
Discovery of Mystery Lake
Isn’t life just too vast to go through only one story, when you can simply plan and make few more experiences? Roopkund trek takes you to a lovely lake, locally known as Mystery/ skeleton lake, or simply called the Mirror Lake, is well known for its mythological significance, mysteries, and picturesque beauty.
The Roopkund lake trek takes you to a very high altitude glacial lake in the middle of the Trishul Massif in the district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand. The roopkund trek route is mainly known for the large number of human skeletons which are found at the end of the lake.
The corpses are about 500 years ago and some of these are preserved in the cold roopkund weather conditions, that the muscle of the corpses attached to the bones is visible when the snow clears up. This lake is quite shallow and small too and is a part of the route from Nanda Jat to Homkund. It is the quintessential Himalayan trek for every trekker who loves the adventures. The surreal beautiful landscape with enigmatic standout makes it adventurous.
The mystery lake is surrounded by lush green meadows, with an average altitude of 8000 feet. Two stunning lakes gathered in deep alpine forests with breathtaking campsites, snow dunes and cold winds pretending to be the guardians of the Roopkund hills make this trek unmissable.
You begin your roopkund trek from walking alongside the stray houses, huge Rhododendron and Alpine forests and then, in a blink of your eyes, you have already arrived at Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal or a meadow in the hills. The roopkund trek is absolutely enthralling for adventure trekkers. The three Trishuls (peaks) of Mount Trishul guide you all along the journey.
We, the team of Discovery Hike, are providing you this experience of a lifetime with the roopkund trek package, for a duration of 9 days. The roopkund trek height ranges from 8,000 ft to 16,000 ft; from calm and timid to beauty and mystery.
The two giant meadows covered with alpines amongst other trees, Ali and Bedni Bugyal are the intriguing ways to treat your mind and soul.
Other notable attractions are Mt.Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, the stunning Chaukhamba range, the Neelkanth peak, Kedarnath, Kedarnath Dome amongst other high peaks on this Trek.
Day 1: Kathgodam to Lohajung
Altitude gain: 7000 ft
Estimation time of completion: 9 -10 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 205 km
Tip: get ready to make memory.
Getting to the base camp at Lohajung. The journey from Haldwani or Kathgodam takes around 12 hours.
Day 2: Drive from Lohajung to Wan, trek to Gharoli Patal
Altitude gain: 7000 ft to 10200 ft
Estimation time of completion: 5 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 1hr drive ( 5 km trek)
Tip: carry sufficient water or refill from small streams on your way
The Roopkund trek route starts from Wan, a sleepy village located within an hour’s drive from Lohajung. Initially, while trekking we come across a cluster of typical houses in the countryside. A small 30 minutes ascent and we have arrived at a place from where the land starts sloping down and you can see the beautiful creek Neel Ganga at a distance.
We descent to the location of the creek. The bridge at the Neel Ganga with all its beauty and scenic delight force you to stop and admire the wilderness of these snowy mountains.
Take a small rest stop here, and take some longer breathes. Scenic views include ancient trees which resemble dormant giants and the water trips and falls over boulders into the shade. The water is rich with minerals, cold and simply refreshing. We start our ascent to the first campsite, Gheroli Patal.
The roopkund lake trek twists and turns through Ancient Oak and Rhododendron forests and the trail itself is clad in the clothing of dry fallen leaves that make a chirpy sound when you walk across them. Almost an hour and a half into the trek and you find yourself at a clearing with grassy green camp huts in the vicinity. We have arrived at Gharoli Patel and will be camping here.
Day 3: Gharoli Patel to Bedni Bugyal via Ali Bugyal (Asia long meadow)
Altitude gain: 10200 ft to 11550 ft
Estimation time of completion: 2 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 3
Tip: Carry sufficient water from the campsite.
A gradual vertical climb that ushers into a slight ascend in the dreamy meadows. The trail follows a rather difficult climb into those Giant ancient trees. Making your way across stones for an hour and a half leads you to a vast meadow dressed in fairy green.
We take the trail to the right which will lead us straight to Ali Bugyal.
Unexpectedly, the ancient trees fall behind us and we are welcomed by mammoth and breathtaking Ali Bugyal.
We have arrived at the famous meadow. The sight is truly mesmerizing. All the dreams for one, one for all the dreams!
Day 4: Bedni Bugyal to Bedni top and back (11500 -12500 ft)
Altitude gain: 11500 ft to 12500 ft
Estimation time of completion: 1- 1.5 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 2 km
Tip: Carry sufficient water from the campsite.
To acclimatize and get some quality time to sleep or rest, we use this day as the day for leisure. Bedni top provides an eagle view of the Bugyal campsite as well as other places like Maiktoli, Neelkanth, Chaukhambha and Mrigatuni.
Day 5: Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni campsite
Altitude gain: 11500 ft to 13000 ft
Estimation time of completion: 4 – 5 hrs
Estimation distance of trek: 4 – 5 km
Tip: carry sufficient water at least 2 liters from the campsite.
We head out for Patar Nachauni from the Bedni campsite in the laidback easy meadows. We can track the place with our vision for up to 3 km into the trek before it suddenly disappears into a saddle in the mountains. On crossing the lumber, the trek exposes us to the other side of the ridge.
The panoramic view is awe-inspiring. For the first time in your trek, you experience the view of winter snow remnants on the other side of the mountain flanks. We are standing in the beautiful meadows and few meters below are the grasslands of Ghora LOTANI.
The place is like a final pit stop for horses. Beyond this stage, the green meadows marry the alpine-rich mountainside. We are provided with two alternatives– The first and relatively easier one requires you to retrace your steps of the previous day to the point where you left the main trail to get into the Bedni campsite.
It’s a 10 mins walk. From here, we get onto the Roopkund trail and carry on our hike way, above the Bedni campsite.
The second alternative is to start directly from the campsite, flank the Bedni Bugyal from the right, climb up the steep slope behind the Kund, and climb further onto the trail through a multitude of ways.
Albeit this saves you almost 45 mins of trekking time, your lungs will curse you since it is a rather steep climb. Ghora Lotani makes for an excellent campsite where we can adapt ourselves to the altitude and enjoys the delight of great views.
The view is as good as Bedni’s but there is a certain charm that lingers in this place due to the feeling of a certain level of alienation from everything. Camping can be done almost anywhere at the Ghora Lotani, but preferably the ending point of the meadows is a better option due to its visual beauty. A clear stream silently makes its way out of the side of a slope and makes for a very good water source as well.
Another good place to camp is Patar Nachauni, where we head up a bit into the saddle and stay in the picturesque eco shelter huts. The view is undoubtedly beautiful but there is a strong current of winds which might make you a bit uncomfortable.
Looking to your left you will see a narrow trail that makes its way down to Bhuna and further onto Sitel and Author. From here to Kuari Pass a trail exists. Our climb is upwards to Kalu Vinayak. The end of the meadows is indicated by the Saddle.
Day 6 -Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa campsite
Altitude gain: 13000 ft to 14000 ft
Estimation time of completion: 5- 6 hrs
Estimation distance of trek: 5- 6 km
Tip: carry sufficient water from the campsite at least 2 liters
The climb to Kalu Vinayak is a steep precipice cross up the mountainside and it leads us to an elevation of 14000 ft. Though the distance is not much, the zigzag trail makes us gain height rapidly. Caution is advised during this part of the trek. A break of 10 mins for every 15 mins of the climb is recommended.
This is the crucial height where most trekkers feel the thinness of the air. Breathlessness and dizziness follow suit. Since we climb Roopkund the very next day, accustoming is a must as it possesses problems later. A well-rested climb to Kalu Vinayak should not take more than 2.5hrs.
Maintaining a slow pace is recommended. The steady pace ensures that your body adjusts to the increasing height and lack of oxygen.
The climb to Kalu Vinayak is more of a thrill and every time we look up and take bends on the rail, the ridgeline seems closer, almost like it is calling you, waiting patiently for your arrival. Surrounded by the vast green expanse of the mountainside during the trek.
The trail is around 2 km and it meanders through patches of pure white snow. During the summer months especially in June, around noon, the snow gets spongy and you feel like you sinking through your feet. It is recommended to step gingerly, with quick steps and skipping your way across them. Even better, skirt your way around them.
Bhagwabasa is like a small village comprising stone huts established by locals for providing accommodation to trekkers. The nights are filled with sharp winds and extreme temperature drops so sleeping bags are a must. However, if you have tents then walk another 10 mins and you will find a campsite to your left. This is Hunia Thal, a small clearing with space for up to 4 tents. The terrain is rocky but not too uncomfortable.
With a clear sky and a fit group of trekkers, a good idea is to attempt Roopkund in the afternoon. With regard to the Roopkund weather, nights can be extremely cold with temperatures inside the tent dropping as low as 1. If you are outside at 2.30 am, temperatures can be as freezing as -4. Point to note, this is an average summer temperature.
During the autumn months of October, the roopkund weather showcases temperatures that further downsize to -6. Layering yourself is Essential to brave the nights inside your tent that goes without saying.
Day 7: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and further up till Junargali. Return to Patar Nachauni via Bhagwabasa
Altitude gain: 14000 ft to 15500 ft
Estimation distance of trek: 10 – 11 km (3 hrs to Roopkund + 3 hrs. return to Bhagwabasa + 4 km hrs to Pathar Nachuni
Tip: no water source carry sufficient water from the campsite at least 2 liters
Trek to Roopkund starts at 4am, sooner the better. This is partly because climbing to Roopkund is to be done while the snow is still hard. With the break of dawn, the snow slowly starts becoming spongier.
Morning time is not advised to start the trek. From Bhagwabasa, a gradually upward sloping walk to Roopkund is around 5 km. The end of the trek leads you through a series of switchbacks and a steep climb over a snowy flank to arrive at Roopkund. The stretch is snow-clad and not too long.
If you are trekking solo, you may want to carry ice axes to make a way in the snow. The Roopkund climb ideally takes 2.5hrs. If you start your trek at 4 am, you expected to reach by 8 am (considering you stop at points). The climb leaves even seasoned trekkers out of breath. The final stretch of climbing over the snowy flank on the left requires the motor support of all four limbs and gets over in less than 10 mins.
The Roopkund trek is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s much bigger than what most pictures on the internet depict it to be. You are surrounded by the snowy flanks of the monumental mountains on all sides. To reach the lake, you need to climb down around 50-70-ft. The sharp elevation of this place will definitely have you craving for more oxygen to air content.
Trekkers are encouraged to attempt Junargali unless the weather plays spoilsport. From Roopkund, the sharp ridge line that towers above you is Junargali. Time taken to reach here is relatively short. The route is gently snow-clad with an upwards inclination until it reaches the face of the mountain.
After this point it is a steep clamber onto the mountain face to arrive at Junargali. The climb is around 300 ft and not too long. A rope is advised to be used while making this climb which can be a max of 30 minutes for average trekkers.
Day 8: Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan
Altitude loss: 13000 ft to 7000 ft
Estimation distance of trek: 6- 7 km (plus 1 hr. drive from wan)
Tip: Carry sufficient water from the campsite (At least 2 liters or refill from Neel Ganga)
There is quite a sense of happy elation as you return through Bedni. The Oak and Rhododendron forests just exponentially enhancing that feeling. Reminisces of the trip are happily afloat in your mind and you feel like a good dream has come to an end, as is the case with all good things. Retrace the path back to Bedni and pass the campsite and take the trail heading to the right and down below. 20 mins later, the tree line appears and a sharp descent that is the signal for the ending of these beautifully splendid and sprawling meadows. You can feel the Bedni and all its ineffable mysteries calling you, waiting for you to return to this Promised Land.
Watch out for the trail to the right as the one straight move to Ali Bugyal. Walk into the ancient sleeping forest and half hour into your descent u reach a clearing. The green trekker’s huts appear in the vicinity and this is the signal that we have arrived at Gheroli Patal. On clear sunny days, an absolute beauty of a sight beholds with Mt. Trishul standing tall over the whole area
DAY 9: Lohajung to Kathgodam (departure day)
Tip: Depart for Kathgodam. Expected to reach Kathgodam in the evening.
Roopkund trek
Discovery of Mystery Lake
Isn’t life just too vast to go through only one story, when you can simply plan and make few more experiences? Roopkund trek takes you to a lovely lake, locally known as Mystery/ skeleton lake, or simply called the Mirror Lake, is well known for its mythological significance, mysteries, and picturesque beauty.
The Roopkund lake trek takes you to a very high altitude glacial lake in the middle of the Trishul Massif in the district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand. The roopkund trek route is mainly known for the large number of human skeletons which are found at the end of the lake.
The corpses are about 500 years ago and some of these are preserved in the cold roopkund weather conditions, that the muscle of the corpses attached to the bones is visible when the snow clears up. This lake is quite shallow and small too and is a part of the route from Nanda Jat to Homkund. It is the quintessential Himalayan trek for every trekker who loves the adventures. The surreal beautiful landscape with enigmatic standout makes it adventurous.
The mystery lake is surrounded by lush green meadows, with an average altitude of 8000 feet. Two stunning lakes gathered in deep alpine forests with breathtaking campsites, snow dunes and cold winds pretending to be the guardians of the Roopkund hills make this trek unmissable.
You begin your roopkund trek from walking alongside the stray houses, huge Rhododendron and Alpine forests and then, in a blink of your eyes, you have already arrived at Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal or a meadow in the hills. The roopkund trek is absolutely enthralling for adventure trekkers. The three Trishuls (peaks) of Mount Trishul guide you all along the journey.
We, the team of Discovery Hike, are providing you this experience of a lifetime with the roopkund trek package, for a duration of 9 days. The roopkund trek height ranges from 8,000 ft to 16,000 ft; from calm and timid to beauty and mystery.
The two giant meadows covered with alpines amongst other trees, Ali and Bedni Bugyal are the intriguing ways to treat your mind and soul.
Other notable attractions are Mt.Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, the stunning Chaukhamba range, the Neelkanth peak, Kedarnath, Kedarnath Dome amongst other high peaks on this Trek.
Day 1: Kathgodam to Lohajung
Altitude gain: 7000 ft
Estimation time of completion: 9 -10 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 205 km
Tip: get ready to make memory.
Getting to the base camp at Lohajung. The journey from Haldwani or Kathgodam takes around 12 hours.
Day 2: Drive from Lohajung to Wan, trek to Gharoli Patal
Altitude gain: 7000 ft to 10200 ft
Estimation time of completion: 5 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 1hr drive ( 5 km trek)
Tip: carry sufficient water or refill from small streams on your way
The Roopkund trek route starts from Wan, a sleepy village located within an hour’s drive from Lohajung. Initially, while trekking we come across a cluster of typical houses in the countryside. A small 30 minutes ascent and we have arrived at a place from where the land starts sloping down and you can see the beautiful creek Neel Ganga at a distance.
We descent to the location of the creek. The bridge at the Neel Ganga with all its beauty and scenic delight force you to stop and admire the wilderness of these snowy mountains.
Take a small rest stop here, and take some longer breathes. Scenic views include ancient trees which resemble dormant giants and the water trips and falls over boulders into the shade. The water is rich with minerals, cold and simply refreshing. We start our ascent to the first campsite, Gheroli Patal.
The roopkund lake trek twists and turns through Ancient Oak and Rhododendron forests and the trail itself is clad in the clothing of dry fallen leaves that make a chirpy sound when you walk across them. Almost an hour and a half into the trek and you find yourself at a clearing with grassy green camp huts in the vicinity. We have arrived at Gharoli Patel and will be camping here.
Day 3: Gharoli Patel to Bedni Bugyal via Ali Bugyal (Asia long meadow)
Altitude gain: 10200 ft to 11550 ft
Estimation time of completion: 2 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 3
Tip: Carry sufficient water from the campsite.
A gradual vertical climb that ushers into a slight ascend in the dreamy meadows. The trail follows a rather difficult climb into those Giant ancient trees. Making your way across stones for an hour and a half leads you to a vast meadow dressed in fairy green.
We take the trail to the right which will lead us straight to Ali Bugyal.
Unexpectedly, the ancient trees fall behind us and we are welcomed by mammoth and breathtaking Ali Bugyal.
We have arrived at the famous meadow. The sight is truly mesmerizing. All the dreams for one, one for all the dreams!
Day 4: Bedni Bugyal to Bedni top and back (11500 -12500 ft)
Altitude gain: 11500 ft to 12500 ft
Estimation time of completion: 1- 1.5 hrs.
Estimation distance of trek: 2 km
Tip: Carry sufficient water from the campsite.
To acclimatize and get some quality time to sleep or rest, we use this day as the day for leisure. Bedni top provides an eagle view of the Bugyal campsite as well as other places like Maiktoli, Neelkanth, Chaukhambha and Mrigatuni.
Day 5: Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni campsite
Altitude gain: 11500 ft to 13000 ft
Estimation time of completion: 4 – 5 hrs
Estimation distance of trek: 4 – 5 km
Tip: carry sufficient water at least 2 liters from the campsite.
We head out for Patar Nachauni from the Bedni campsite in the laidback easy meadows. We can track the place with our vision for up to 3 km into the trek before it suddenly disappears into a saddle in the mountains. On crossing the lumber, the trek exposes us to the other side of the ridge.
The panoramic view is awe-inspiring. For the first time in your trek, you experience the view of winter snow remnants on the other side of the mountain flanks. We are standing in the beautiful meadows and few meters below are the grasslands of Ghora LOTANI.
The place is like a final pit stop for horses. Beyond this stage, the green meadows marry the alpine-rich mountainside. We are provided with two alternatives– The first and relatively easier one requires you to retrace your steps of the previous day to the point where you left the main trail to get into the Bedni campsite.
It’s a 10 mins walk. From here, we get onto the Roopkund trail and carry on our hike way, above the Bedni campsite.
The second alternative is to start directly from the campsite, flank the Bedni Bugyal from the right, climb up the steep slope behind the Kund, and climb further onto the trail through a multitude of ways.
Albeit this saves you almost 45 mins of trekking time, your lungs will curse you since it is a rather steep climb. Ghora Lotani makes for an excellent campsite where we can adapt ourselves to the altitude and enjoys the delight of great views.
The view is as good as Bedni’s but there is a certain charm that lingers in this place due to the feeling of a certain level of alienation from everything. Camping can be done almost anywhere at the Ghora Lotani, but preferably the ending point of the meadows is a better option due to its visual beauty. A clear stream silently makes its way out of the side of a slope and makes for a very good water source as well.
Another good place to camp is Patar Nachauni, where we head up a bit into the saddle and stay in the picturesque eco shelter huts. The view is undoubtedly beautiful but there is a strong current of winds which might make you a bit uncomfortable.
Looking to your left you will see a narrow trail that makes its way down to Bhuna and further onto Sitel and Author. From here to Kuari Pass a trail exists. Our climb is upwards to Kalu Vinayak. The end of the meadows is indicated by the Saddle.
Day 6 -Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa campsite
Altitude gain: 13000 ft to 14000 ft
Estimation time of completion: 5- 6 hrs
Estimation distance of trek: 5- 6 km
Tip: carry sufficient water from the campsite at least 2 liters
The climb to Kalu Vinayak is a steep precipice cross up the mountainside and it leads us to an elevation of 14000 ft. Though the distance is not much, the zigzag trail makes us gain height rapidly. Caution is advised during this part of the trek. A break of 10 mins for every 15 mins of the climb is recommended.
This is the crucial height where most trekkers feel the thinness of the air. Breathlessness and dizziness follow suit. Since we climb Roopkund the very next day, accustoming is a must as it possesses problems later. A well-rested climb to Kalu Vinayak should not take more than 2.5hrs.
Maintaining a slow pace is recommended. The steady pace ensures that your body adjusts to the increasing height and lack of oxygen.
The climb to Kalu Vinayak is more of a thrill and every time we look up and take bends on the rail, the ridgeline seems closer, almost like it is calling you, waiting patiently for your arrival. Surrounded by the vast green expanse of the mountainside during the trek.
The trail is around 2 km and it meanders through patches of pure white snow. During the summer months especially in June, around noon, the snow gets spongy and you feel like you sinking through your feet. It is recommended to step gingerly, with quick steps and skipping your way across them. Even better, skirt your way around them.
Bhagwabasa is like a small village comprising stone huts established by locals for providing accommodation to trekkers. The nights are filled with sharp winds and extreme temperature drops so sleeping bags are a must. However, if you have tents then walk another 10 mins and you will find a campsite to your left. This is Hunia Thal, a small clearing with space for up to 4 tents. The terrain is rocky but not too uncomfortable.
With a clear sky and a fit group of trekkers, a good idea is to attempt Roopkund in the afternoon. With regard to the Roopkund weather, nights can be extremely cold with temperatures inside the tent dropping as low as 1. If you are outside at 2.30 am, temperatures can be as freezing as -4. Point to note, this is an average summer temperature.
During the autumn months of October, the roopkund weather showcases temperatures that further downsize to -6. Layering yourself is Essential to brave the nights inside your tent that goes without saying.
Day 7: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and further up till Junargali. Return to Patar Nachauni via Bhagwabasa
Altitude gain: 14000 ft to 15500 ft
Estimation distance of trek: 10 – 11 km (3 hrs to Roopkund + 3 hrs. return to Bhagwabasa + 4 km hrs to Pathar Nachuni
Tip: no water source carry sufficient water from the campsite at least 2 liters
Trek to Roopkund starts at 4am, sooner the better. This is partly because climbing to Roopkund is to be done while the snow is still hard. With the break of dawn, the snow slowly starts becoming spongier.
Morning time is not advised to start the trek. From Bhagwabasa, a gradually upward sloping walk to Roopkund is around 5 km. The end of the trek leads you through a series of switchbacks and a steep climb over a snowy flank to arrive at Roopkund. The stretch is snow-clad and not too long.
If you are trekking solo, you may want to carry ice axes to make a way in the snow. The Roopkund climb ideally takes 2.5hrs. If you start your trek at 4 am, you expected to reach by 8 am (considering you stop at points). The climb leaves even seasoned trekkers out of breath. The final stretch of climbing over the snowy flank on the left requires the motor support of all four limbs and gets over in less than 10 mins.
The Roopkund trek is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s much bigger than what most pictures on the internet depict it to be. You are surrounded by the snowy flanks of the monumental mountains on all sides. To reach the lake, you need to climb down around 50-70-ft. The sharp elevation of this place will definitely have you craving for more oxygen to air content.
Trekkers are encouraged to attempt Junargali unless the weather plays spoilsport. From Roopkund, the sharp ridge line that towers above you is Junargali. Time taken to reach here is relatively short. The route is gently snow-clad with an upwards inclination until it reaches the face of the mountain.
After this point it is a steep clamber onto the mountain face to arrive at Junargali. The climb is around 300 ft and not too long. A rope is advised to be used while making this climb which can be a max of 30 minutes for average trekkers.
Day 8: Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan
Altitude loss: 13000 ft to 7000 ft
Estimation distance of trek: 6- 7 km (plus 1 hr. drive from wan)
Tip: Carry sufficient water from the campsite (At least 2 liters or refill from Neel Ganga)
There is quite a sense of happy elation as you return through Bedni. The Oak and Rhododendron forests just exponentially enhancing that feeling. Reminisces of the trip are happily afloat in your mind and you feel like a good dream has come to an end, as is the case with all good things. Retrace the path back to Bedni and pass the campsite and take the trail heading to the right and down below. 20 mins later, the tree line appears and a sharp descent that is the signal for the ending of these beautifully splendid and sprawling meadows. You can feel the Bedni and all its ineffable mysteries calling you, waiting for you to return to this Promised Land.
Watch out for the trail to the right as the one straight move to Ali Bugyal. Walk into the ancient sleeping forest and half hour into your descent u reach a clearing. The green trekker’s huts appear in the vicinity and this is the signal that we have arrived at Gheroli Patal. On clear sunny days, an absolute beauty of a sight beholds with Mt. Trishul standing tall over the whole area
DAY 9: Lohajung to Kathgodam (departure day)
Tip: Depart for Kathgodam. Expected to reach Kathgodam in the evening.