RoopKund Trek
8 Days
53 Km
15,696 ft
18+
Difficult
The Roopkund Trek is one of the most thrilling and famous high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand, reaching an altitude of 16,499 ft. Known as the ‘Mystery Lake’, Roopkund is famous for its human skeletal remains, believed to date back to the 9th century. The trek offers a dramatic mix of dense forests, alpine meadows (Bugyals), gushing streams, snow-covered landscapes, and towering Himalayan peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The journey passes through Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal, some of the most stunning high-altitude meadows in India, making it an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- Mystery Lake of Roopkund: Witness the ancient human skeletons at the lake, shrouded in history and myths.
- Spectacular Himalayan Views: Throughout the trek, enjoy the panoramic sights of Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti.
- Stunning High-Altitude Meadows: Walk through Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, two of India’s most picturesque meadows.
- Challenging Yet Rewarding: A moderate to difficult trek that pushes endurance while rewarding with breathtaking beauty.
- Rich Flora & Fauna: Encounter oak and rhododendron forests, Himalayan wildlife, and diverse bird species along the trail.
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RoopKund Trek
Complete Trek Information
The best time to trek Roopkund is from May to June and September to October. Summer (May- June) offers clear skies, lush meadows, and pleasant weather, while post-monsoon (September- October) brings crisp air, golden landscapes, and better visibility of the Himalayas. Winters (November-April) make the trek inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, and monsoons (July-August) are risky due to landslides and slippery trails.
By Air
The nearest airport to Lohajung is Pantnagar Airport (PGH) in Uttarakhand.
Distance: ~250 km from Lohajung
How to reach from Pantnagar: Take a taxi to Haldwani or Kathgodam, then catch a bus/shared taxi to Lohajung via Dewal or Tharali.
Flights are limited, so an alternative option is to fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi, DEL) and continue by train or bus.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are:
- Kathgodam Railway Station (Approx. 220 km)
- Rishikesh Railway Station (Approx. 250 km)
- Haridwar Railway Station (Approx. 275 km)
Route Options:
From Kathgodam: Take a direct bus or shared taxi to Lohajung (via Almora, Kausani, Gwaldam, and Dewal).
From Haridwar/Rishikesh: Take a bus/shared taxi to Karanprayag, then another vehicle to Lohajung.
By Road (Bus & Taxi)
Lohajung is accessible by road from major cities like Delhi, Haldwani, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
From Delhi:
Option 1: Take an overnight bus/train to Kathgodam → Then a shared taxi/bus to Lohajung.
Option 2: Take an overnight bus to Rishikesh/Haridwar → Then a bus to Karanprayag → Then another bus to Lohajung.
From Haldwani/Kathgodam:
Direct/shared taxis are available to Lohajung (8–10 hours journey).
Buses are limited and might require a break journey via Almora, Gwaldam, and Dewal.
From Rishikesh/Haridwar:
Board a bus to Karanprayag → Then a shared taxi to Lohajung via Tharali & Dewal.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
Last ATM:
- The last ATMs are in Lohajung, the base village.
- Withdraw sufficient cash before leaving Lohajung, as there are no ATMs beyond this point.
Mobile Network:
- Patchy network till Lohajung (Airtel, Jio & BSNL may work).
- No network connectivity beyond Wan Village and throughout the trek.
- Inform family and friends before starting the trek.
Electricity:
- No electricity during the trek.
- Lohajung is the last place to charge devices.
- Carry a power bank for phones and camera batteries.
FAQs about
RoopKund Trek
Roopkund Trek is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for its mysterious skeletal lake, Roopkund, which lies 5,029 meters (16,499 feet).
Roopkund is called the Mystery Lake because of the hundreds of human skeletons found at its bottom. These skeletons are believed to date back to the 9th century, and their origin remains a subject of research. The lake remains frozen for most of the year, revealing the skeletons only when the ice melts.
The trek is considered moderate to difficult, as it involves steep ascents, long trekking hours, and high-altitude conditions. The final stretch to the lake is especially challenging due to thin air, snow, and rocky terrain.
The trek covers around 40–50 km and takes approximately 7–9 days to complete, depending on the itinerary. Trekkers pass through dense forests, meadows (Bugyals), and snow-covered trails.
The best time to undertake this trek is May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is stable, and trekkers can witness lush green meadows, clear trails, and breathtaking mountain views. In May and June, some snow remains, while in September and October, the trails are clearer.
The trek starts from Lohajung, which is about 320 km from Rishikesh. The nearest major railway station is in Kathgodam, and the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. From these points, one can take a bus or taxi to Lohajung.
Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern as the trek reaches over 5,000 meters. Trekkers are advised to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually to avoid symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
The trek is known for its stunning alpine meadows (Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal), breathtaking views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, and the eerie yet fascinating Roopkund Lake. The final summit climb to Roopkund is an adventure in itself, offering an adrenaline rush and rewarding views.
Trekkers should carry sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothes, a rain jacket, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, high-energy snacks, and a first-aid kit. A good quality backpack and sleeping bag are essential for comfort in cold conditions.
The Roopkund Trek is not recommended for absolute beginners due to its high altitude, long trekking hours, and challenging terrain. However, beginners with good fitness levels and some trekking experience can attempt it with proper preparation and guidance.
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