8 Days/ 7 Nights
Difficult
Wan village
4850mt
Rs.13,500/-
May to June and September to October
Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake located in the Uttarakhand state of India. Here’s some information about Roopkund:
Roopkund is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, within the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies in the lap of the Trishul massif, at an elevation of about 4850 meters above sea level.
Roopkund is a popular trekking destination known for its natural beauty and mysterious skeletons. The trek to Roopkund is considered moderate to challenging, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and dense forests along the way.
Roopkund gained notoriety due to the presence of hundreds of human skeletons at the bottom of the lake. These skeletons date back to around the 9th century AD and have led to various theories about their origin, including a catastrophic event or pilgrimage gone wrong.
The Roopkund trek often includes a visit to Brahmatal Lake, another beautiful high-altitude lake situated nearby. Brahmatal offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and is known for its serene ambiance.
The best time to undertake the Roopkund trek is during the summer months from May to June and the post-monsoon season from September to October. During these times, the weather is generally favorable, and the trails are accessible.
The Roopkund trek is graded as moderate to difficult due to its high altitude and challenging terrain. Trekkers should be adequately prepared with proper acclimatization, trekking gear, and physical fitness.
The most common starting point for the Roopkund trek is Wan village. The trek typically takes around 6-8 days to complete, depending on the chosen route and weather conditions.
Trekkers are required to obtain permits from the local forest department before undertaking the Roopkund trek. It’s advisable to hire an experienced guide or join a trekking group for safety and navigation purposes.
Roopkund is renowned for its mysterious skeletons dating back to the 9th century AD, its high-altitude glacial lake nestled in the Himalayas, breathtaking scenic beauty, cultural significance for local communities, and its popularity among adventure enthusiasts due to its challenging trekking route.
1. Adventure:
Challenging terrain attracts adventure seekers.
Natural Beauty:
2. Stunning Himalayan landscapes offer breathtaking views.
3. Mystery:
Intriguing presence of ancient skeletons adds allure.
4. Cultural Immersion:
Opportunity to interact with local communities enriches the experience.
5. Personal Challenge:
Conquering high altitudes provides a sense of achievement.
6.Spiritual Significance:
Some trekkers find spiritual fulfillment in the trek's ambiance.
Yes, the Roopkund trek is considered moderately difficult to challenging due to steep ascents, rocky paths, and high altitude.
It is a 8 Days and 7 Nights Trek starting from Wan village to Wan village and Wan village.
Roopkund is famous for its mysterious skeletons, stunning natural beauty, challenging trekking routes, and cultural significance.
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.
We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.
For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.
Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.
If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do
It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.
The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung, which is located at an altitude of 7,662 ft. The 210 km journey takes about 10 hours, passing through Bheem Tal, Almora, Kausani, Gwaldam, and Dewal. Local markets and mobile network are available in Lohajung, where you'll spend the night in a guest house.
The trek starts with a 6.5 km journey from Lohajung (7,662 ft) to Didna Village (8,045 ft). The first 4.5 km involve a gradual descent to Ruan Bagad Bridge, where you can refill your water bottles from the Neel Ganga river. After crossing the bridge, there is a steep ascent for 2 km to Didna, where you will stay in a village homestay. Network is available, though there is no local market.
The trek to Ali Bugyal is 10.5 km, climbing from 8,045 ft to 11,320 ft. The first half involves a steep ascent through oak and rhododendron forests, while the second half is a gradual ascent through expansive alpine meadows. Reach Ali Bugyal by late noon, where you'll camp in tents.
This is an easier day with a 7 km trek from Ali Bugyal (11,320 ft) to Patar Nachauni (12,818 ft). The route involves a gradual ascent to Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lotani, followed by a gentle descent to Patar Nachauni. You'll reach the camp before lunch and spend the night in tents. This area requires proper clothing due to the possibility of altitude sickness (AMS).
The trek covers 4 km, climbing from 12,818 ft to 14,117 ft. The first part of the trek involves a gradual ascent to Kalu Vinayak Temple, followed by a steep ascent. From Kalu Vinayak, the trail descends gradually to Bhagwabasa, where you'll camp. The trail may have snow in May and June, while in September and October, it is rocky.
This is the most challenging day of the trek, covering 10 km and climbing from 14,117 ft to 15,755 ft. The ascent to Roopkund is steep and challenging, and the trek starts early in the morning at 4:00 am. After reaching Roopkund, you'll return to Bhagwabasa by lunch and continue to Patar Nachauni by evening. In August, September, and October, the famous skeletons of Roopkund are visible, while snow covers the area in May and June.
A long descent of 15 km takes you from Patar Nachauni (12,818 ft) to Lohajung (7,662 ft). The trail passes through Ghora Lotani, Bedni Bugyal, Doliya Dhar, and Ghaeroli Patal, before descending steeply to Neel Ganga. After a short ascent to Ranka Dhar, you'll descend gradually to Wan Village, from where a 45-minute drive takes you back to Lohajung.
The final day involves a 10-hour, 210 km drive back to Kathgodam. The journey passes through Kausani, where you can buy herbal tea and souvenirs. You'll reach Kathgodam by 6:00 pm, marking the end of the trek.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free trekking experience with TrekwithLocal, make sure you have the following documents ready. These documents are required by both TrekwithLocal and the forest department, and without them, you will not be permitted to trek.
Carry the original and a photocopy of a government- issued photo identity card. This can include a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport. The forest department requires this for identification purposes.
The disclaimer certificate consists of two sections: •Personal Medical Record if anyDuring registration at the base camp, hand it over to your Trek Leader.
Safeguard your important documents by placing them in a clear plastic cover and sliding them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This precaution prevents them from getting wet and ensures their safety throughout the trek.
Having these documents in order ensures a smooth check-in process and allows you to focus on the adventure that lies ahead. Trek safely and enjoy your journey with TrekwithLocal!
Before making any gear purchases, consider inquiring at TrekwithLocal for custom-made, high- quality gear available at just 5% of the buying cost. Rent trekking essentials like shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear, and headlamps for less than Rs 1400 for the entire duration of your trek.
Spring, Summer, and Monsoon Treks
**Our top tip: Keep your backpack light. TrekwithLocal promotes low-impact sustainable trekking, and carrying your own backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We encourage all trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to. Trek responsibly and enjoy your adventure!
Ensure you carry these medicines with you, easily accessible always. Remember not to take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
1. Diamox (1 Strip): An essential part of Live Saving Drugs, Diamox helps reduce the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the trek.
2. Dolo 650 (5 tablets): A paracetamol that tackles fever and mild pain.
3. Avomine (4 tablets): If you are prone to motion sickness, carry Avomine. Take one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
4. Combiflam (5 tablets): Useful for sudden twists or muscle strains. Combiflam is a pain reliever containing paracetamol.
5. Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food, you’ve consumed is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately, as it could be a sign of AMS.
6. ORS (6 packs): Consume an ORS pack at least once a day, usually mid-day during your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
7. Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high-altitude medical kit, including Life Saving Drugs, and are trained to handle emergencies. Contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines.
Number of Days prior to Trek | Cancellation Charges applicable |
30 Days before | 10% |
8-29 Days before | 30% |
7 Days before/ No show | No refund |
Note: – Contact us in case of change of dates/trek
Accommodation: – Stay is included on all days of the trek. In tents/guest house double/triple sharing only. Guesthouse stay will be at base of Trek and on other days you will be staying in tents.
Day | Meal included |
Day-1 of base camp arrival | Dinner & Breakfast next morning |
Next Days on Trek | Breakfast, Packed lunch & Dinner |
Final Day at Base camp for Departure | Dinner & Breakfast next morning |