Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek is a glacial lake located in the Chamoli District of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The lake is well known for the “Mystery of Skeletons” Lake as the archaeologists have discovered 30 Skeletons from the 2-meter depth of the lake. The consequences of their death are still unknown to the scientists. As a result, it has become one of the most mysterious lakes in the world. The height of the Roopkund trek is 15,696 feet and the distance is 53 Kilometers. Furthermore, it takes 8 to 9 days to reach the trek and return to the base camp (Lohajung Village). In between the trek, explorers can pitch camps in the lush green meadows at the high altitude of the Himalayan mountains. The last camping site for the Roopkund trek destination is Bhagwabasa. This glacial trek is a moderate trek with the difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions making it difficult to ascend the peaks. Travelers who are fascinated by the information can scroll down the page and scan the comprehensive details.
Roopkund Trek: Where Mountains Whisper Tales
Climbers setting out for the mysterious Roopkund Trek get captivated by the enchanting beauty of the Himalayan Range. The best seasons to visit Roopkund Lake are in the summer and post-monsoon season. The rays of the sun melt the snow spread across the lake. Due to this, skeletons of Paleolithic humans can be easily traced with the naked eyesight. Many stories revolve around the area and the folklore is narrated by the inhabitants. Roopkund is located at the heart of Trishul Massif. Trishul Mountain is named after the weapon of Goddess Shiva. The voyage starts from Lohajung Village and moves forward to Ali and Bedni Bugyal and finally to Roopkund Lake. Hiking devotees can spend a few hours at the site and then have to move to the nearest base camp (Bhagwabasa Peak). It is essential to be physically and mentally fit to trek in the toughest terrain with unstable weather. Once the trekkers reach their destination, it fills their hearts with pride and confidence. This trek will surely be the best trek of Uttarakhand filled with mystery and nature admiration.
Insights Into Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Lake Trek is a mesmerizing destination with a vistas of natural beauty in the Garhwal ranges. Hiking devotees must be inquisitive about treks and seek out answers to all their queries. The essential points regarding the trek are outlined in the following points. They will answer all the queries in one go.
- Location: Chamoli District of Uttarakhand
- Type of Lake: Glacial Lake
- Well Known as the Mystery of Skeletons
- Maximum Altitude: 15,696 Meters
- Estimated Trek Distance: 53 Kilometer
- Trek Duration: 8 Days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Base Camp Location: Lohagunj
- Last Camping Site: Bhagwabasa
- Best Time to Trek: April To June (Summers) and October to November (Autumn)
- Important Destinations on the Trail: Ali Bedni Bugyal, Didna Village, Patar Nachauni and Kalu Vinayak Village
- Nearby Locations: Bhagwabasa, Ali Bedni Bugyal, Auli, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, Homkund Lake, Bedni Kund, and Junargali Pass
- Nearby Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Roopkund Trek Itinerary
Now, let’s begin the Roopkund lake journey from the nearest Railway Station (Kathgodam) and airport (Pantnagar). The duration of Roopkund Trek is 8 to 9 days in which all the difficult terrains will be covered. The following lines provide the day-to-day itinerary that will assist in comprehending trek related destinations.
- Reach the Roopkund lake trek base camp via taxi or bus.
- Accilitamize with the high altitude weather.
- Wake up the crippling of birds with the enchanting Himalayan beauty
- Climb in the rugged terrain to reach Gehroli.
- Start a trek with an instructor to Bedni Bugyal.
- Famous for its emerald green land
Begin a trek to a vast pastureland.
- It’s time to get mesmerized with the Ali Bugyal beauty.
- Enclosed with snow covered peaks
- Return to the Bhagwabasa village for camping.
- Cover 15 Kilometer distance to reach Patar Nachuni
- A journey to the base camp (Lohajung)
Time to return the hustle bustle of life
- Transportation From Dehradun
- Meals During the trek (starting day 1 from Dinner & day 8 day Lunch)
- High Quality camping equipment (Tents, sleeping bags, zero degree sleeping Matts, dinning tents, toilet Tent)
- Crampons and Gaiters as per Snow Conditions
- Basic first Aid Kit with Oxygen Cylinders
- Forest permission charges
- Highly experienced team of mountain trek leader and guides
- Experienced Trek Leader/Trip Captain
- Radio Walkie Talkie for communication
- Certificate of trek completion
- Anything not mentioned in inclusion
- Personal insurance
- Meals During transportation
- All personal Expenses, optional tour, extra Meals
- Mules or porter charges to carry private Baggage Offload Charges for Bag 450 per campsite – Bag weight should not be more than 10kg
- Accommodation in dehradun
- Any expense for medical treatment of injury or accident before during and after the trek
- Any early returns travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary
- Any cost arising due to natural, calamities, landslide, Road blocking, political disturbance (strikes) etc ( to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
Best Time To Visit Roopkund Trek
Wanderlust freaks can begin their journey to the Roopkund treks with the assistance of the above itinerary. It is crucial to make an appropriate plan for the expedition. If the travelers are intrigued by the mystery of trek then the best time to visit the trek is between April to June and October to November. The Roopkund Trek Weather details are simplified in the following lines.
Summer Season (April to June): The daytime temperature in the summer season remains between 15 degree Celsius to 20 Degrees Celsius. On the contrary, the nighttime temperature starts to fall 4 to 5 Degrees Celsius. The penetration of sun rays is at its maximum which melts down the snow of the glacial lake. As a result, travelers can see the skeletons traced from the 12th Century BC.
Monsoon Season ( July to September): In monsoon, the trail becomes difficult because of the uncertainty of the weather. It pours heavenly making the route slippery and hikes become demanding. This season is favorable for trekking in the rugged terrain.
Autumn Season (October to November): The weather becomes pleasant after the monsoon season as the mountains get covered with lush green meadows and oak trees. Hikers can also plan in this season as the weather becomes certain as compared to other seasons.
Winter Season (December to March): The temperature in winter becomes unbearable and inhabitable for humans. The temperature fluctuates between 10 Degrees Celsius to 15 Degrees Celsius in the daytime and drops to minus 2 in the nighttime. Trekking in the harsh weather is too difficult. However, trekkers enthusiastic about snowfall can climb in this season also.
What is the mystery of Roopkund Lake Skeletons?
The Roopkund Lake is renewed for its mystery of the Skeletons. It is said that an Indian Forest Official named H K Madhwal unknowingly shows a large number of skeletons in the depths of the lake. Thereafter, scientists started researching to resolve the mystery. Many theories came into existence about the Roopkund Lake skeletons. According to the local narratives, there was a king from the Kanuj empire who was traveling to the Nanda Devi Pilgrimage with his pregnant wife and other servants. A heavy hailstorm started in the route making it difficult to survive and all 30 people died. As a result, the skeleton lake of Roopkund India becomes a mystery for the people which attracts a large number of tourists. Travelers hike in the rough mountains to get a glimpse of the skeletons.
Difficulty Level of Roopkund Treks India
The hardship of the Roopkund trek can be traced from the multiple parameters. These parameters include the altitude of Roopkund Lake, the extremity of weather, steep climbs, and many other numerous factors. These factors are discussed in the following points to provide detailed knowledge of the difficulty level of the climb.
- Terrain: The steep ascend and descent of the climb makes the trek difficult. It demands physical and mental fitness to reach the zenith.
- Duration of Trek: It takes 8 to 9 days to climb the rugged mountains. The constant physical and mental pressure makes the trail difficult..
- Altitude: The altitude of the Roopkund trek is high and the temperature is harsh. This makes the trail very challenging. It is essential to acclimatize the body to the environment and then move its step for the higher peaks.
- Weather Condition: The Roopkund Trek Weather is pleasant and captivates the trekkers with its serenity. However, the temperature becomes difficult as it starts to freeze in the night time. Sometimes the temperature also goes down, making the stay difficult. Hence, it is important to carry insulated jackets and wear inner wear to protect from the chilling winds.
The remoteness of the route: The distance of the trek is 53 Kilometers. From the base camp, the trek route is habitable from the natives thriving the culture and tradition. The trail becomes interesting as trekkers get involved with the villagers. Once the trekkers proceed to the high altitude then it is sometimes difficult to climb on the mountains.
Why is the Roopkund Trek Important?
The importance of the Lake Roopkund trek can be simplified in many ways. In these points, we can only share our experiences and observations that we have come across. Trekkers planning the climb can feel every point and make a long-lasting memory. Now, let’s begin the voyage with the following points.
- It gives a sense of mystery: The mystery of the lake of Roopkund attracts tourists from all over India and the world. The thrill of reaching the lake and seeing the skeletons in the glacial lake makes the trail interesting.
- A scenic meadow or pastureland In the Roopkund Lake trek trail, hikers will pass through the green meadows. The route becomes filled with beauty in the high-altitude mountains.
- Bumpy Terrains is the perfect route for trekking adventures: Hikers seeking out a new trek route than trekking in Roopkund Lake India are the best for expeditions.
- Trek on Gehroli: Trekkers commencing the climb will also trek in the Gehroli region. This place is filled with oak trees, amazing for the explorers. Treks can also camp in the destination and enjoy the moments.
Nearby Places to explore in Roopkund Trek
Hiking devotees who have concluded the skeleton Lake Roopkund trek can search for nearby destinations. These sites have their charm that captivates the trekkers in making lifelong memories. Let us begin the famous nearby destinations’ journey by glancing through the sites given below.
Homkund Lake
Homkund Lake is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 15,200 Feet. The lake can easily be traced in the lap of Nanda Ghunti Peak and enclosed with the Trishul Peak. According to Hindu mythology, it is said that the palanquin of Ardhya Nanda Devi was kept here. Furthermore, it is the last famous site in the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. Trekking enthusiasts also trek to the destination in the summer season.
Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This site is well known for its beautiful flora and fauna. As a result, it attracts tourists for sightseeing and exploration in the lofty mountains. Hiking enthusiasts admire the Valley of Flowers trek which covers 17 kilometers in 3 to 4 days. The trek begins from Govindghat and the time to enter the valley is between 7 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Junargali Pass
Roopkund Junargali Pass is a small pass located on the Roopkund trek trail. It is a narrow valley that blends with the beauty of lush green meadows and oak trees. Treks get mesmerized by the eye-catching destination with the mighty Himalayan ranges surrounding it. Junargali is near to the Roopkund Lake trek and can easily be approached in the hike. Trekkers can also camp at the destination and spend their night under the sky.
Bedni Kund
Bedni Kund Lake is a glacial lake located at the lap of Bedni Bugyal in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The altitude of Glacial Lake is 11,004 altitude or 3,354 meters above sea level. Trekkers commencing the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek will encounter the Bedni Kund on the trail. Here, climbers can camp at the destination and proceed to the next place the next morning. It is a 9 9-kilometer trek covered with the oak trees. This is also the route of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra that occurs once in 12 years. Hence, the importance of the trek route can easily be traced from the Vedic stories.
At last, travelers must have made up their minds for Skeleton Lake of Roopkund India. This trek can be difficult but as you reach the destination it fills your heart with great pride and enthusiasm. Tourists visiting Uttarakhand can book a trek package and begin the expedition to the best treks of Uttarakhand. To begin the trek, it is crucial to be physically and mentally fit. This will help the trekkers to make their journey full of thrill and calmness. The enchanting beauty of the Garhwal ranges will captivate the trekkers. Furthermore, trekking gives new insight into how as humans we are looking at our lives. It teaches us to live in the present and make a memorable journey with the mountains. These loft ranges have many things wrapped in it that only open after their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Lake is known for its mystery as the archeologists have found skeletons of paleolithic era humans. The skeletons are in large numbers and the cause of their death is still a mystery. It can easily be seen in the crystalline water in the melted water.
The depth of Roopkund lake is estimated at 2 meters and the skeletons can be seen in the water. However, it is difficult to trace skeletons in the frozen glacial lake.
The approximate distance of Roopkund Lake trek is 53 Kilometers and takes 8 days to conclude the trek in the Himalayan Range.
No, Roopkund trek is not a dangerous trek. Furthermore, it’s a beautiful trek blended with the natural beauty of meadows, high alpine: Oak trees and mesmerizing flora and fauna.
The hardship of the treks can be traced from various parameters like the altitude, terrain, weather and other numerous factors. All these parameters make the trek moderate but as the trekkers ascend, it becomes difficult.
No, Roopkund trek is not banned in Uttarakhand. Wanderlust freaks seeking out for mysterious journeys can start the journey from the Lohajung Gaon (Base Camp). However, camping is banned in the nearby area of the lake in order to conserve the site from its exploitation.
