At the foot of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul Peak in Uttarakhand, Roopkund is a high-altitude trek renowned for its enigmatic surroundings and breathtaking natural beauty. This walk has a maximum elevation of 5029 meters. Trekking in the Garhwal Himalayas provides breathtaking views of the mountains encircled by glaciers scattered with rocks. Trekking difficulty for this seven-day hike in Chamoli District ranges from moderate to severe.
Because of the numerous human skeletons and horse remains that may be found nearby, the lake at Roopkund is also referred to as a “mystery lake.” These are thought to date from the 15th or 16th century, when hundreds of pilgrims were killed by a powerful hailstorm.
From Rishikesh, Lohajung, the starting point of the Roopkund trek, is conveniently reachable by road. Traveling from Rishikesh to Loharjung offers stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, expansive valleys, and winding rivers.
The village of Didna is traversed on the way from Lohajung to Roopkund. The River Neel Ganga flows between Wan and Lohajung, and there is a small settlement called Kulling between Loharjung and Didna. Raun Bagad, which is partially thick and interspersed with rhododendron, oak, and pine forest, is reached from Kulling after a difficult ascent. Hikers on this walk may see a variety of birds, including the fork-tailed Himalayan Magpie, perched on rhododendron branches. Lammergeiers can be seen soaring over the valley on the lower reaches of the Neel Ganga River. The yellow-throated marten is also visible.
The iron bridge, where the ascent to Didina begins, marks the conclusion of the Raun Bagad route. The route from Didina goes to Bedni Bugyal, which is one of the main destinations of the Roopkund hiking tour and which again goes through Ali Bugyal. The route from Didina to Bedni Bugyal starts out as a steep climb but becomes easier as it goes uphill in the finish.
The soft green grassland that covers the trail from Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal is quite lush. The Bedni Bugyal campsite is yet another excellent feature of the Roopkund Lake Trek. Another feature of this walk in the Garhwal Himalayas is seeing the dusk reflection of sunlight on the peak of Trishul.
Roopkund Trek Highlights
- Explore the mystery of the Skeleton Lake, Roopkund, witness the years long buried human and animal bones in the snow.
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of lofty Himalayan peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba & Trishul and Rudragaira.
- Cherish the sprawling lush alpine meadows of Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal.
- Get an opportunity to visit some of the remotest villages of Uttrakhand.
- Enjoy camping under the open sky and amidst the stunning landscape.
Best Time to Visit Roopkund Trek
Trekking is possible in Roopkund in May and June as well as in August and mid-October. There is a limited window of opportunity for trekkers due to the severe weather, which runs from the first week of May to around the first week of July. Since the meadows are in full spring bloom by June, it’s the ideal time to see the twin Bugyals, or meadows of Ali and Bedni. Another excellent trekking season in Roopkund is from the last week of August to the first week of October. The weather is ideal for a hike, and the sky is still clear.
