Roopkund Trek

About Roopkund Lake Trek

Known for its mysterious surrounding and astounding scenic beauty, Roopkund is a high altitude trek in Uttarakhand at the base of Trishul Peak and Nanda Ghunti. The maximum height of this trek is 5029 m. The trek in the Garhwal Himalayas offers magnificent views of the mountains surrounded by rock- strewn glaciers. This 9 days trek in Chamoli District is of moderate to difficult trekking grade.

The lake at Roopkund is also known as a ‘mystery lake’ for the human skeletons and remains of horses that are found in huge numbers in the surrounding areas. These remains are believed to be of around the 15th to 16th century when a strong hailstorm took away the lives of hundreds of pilgrims.

Lohajung is the base of Roopkund trek and is easily accessible by road from Rishikesh. The drive from Rishikesh to Loharjung is picturesque with the views of snow-clad mountains, sprawling valleys and meandering rivers.

The trek to Roopkund starts from Lohajung and passes through the village of Didna. In between Loharjung and Didna, there is a small village called Kulling from where River Neel Ganga flows between Wan and Lohajung. From Kulling a steep ascent leads to Raun Bagad which is partly thick and dotted by the rhododendron, oak, and pine forest. On this trekking trail, the trekkers can spot many birds like fork-tailed Himalayan Magpie on the branches of rhododendrons. On the lower levels of Neel Ganga River, Lammergeiers are found soaring over the valley. One can also see yellow-throated marten.

The trail to Raun Bagad ends at an iron bridge from where the climb to Didina starts. From Didina the trail leads towards Bedni Bugyal, one of the major attractions of Roopkund trekking tour which again passes through Ali Bugyal. The trail from Didina to Bedni Bugyal is a stiff climb at the beginning but an easy walk in the middle as it ascends towards the end.

The trail from Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal is carpeted with soft green grassland. Camping at Bedni Bugyal is another major highlight of Roopkund lake trek. Witnessing the evening reflection of sunlight on Trishul Mountain peak is yet another attraction of this trek in Garhwal Himalayas.

From Bedni Bugyal one has to head towards the meadows of Ghora Lotani where the vicinity is painted with the shades of olives and browns spread across all directions over the black terrain. Trekkers can witness abundant snow while reaching Bhagwabasa. Further, the trekkers have to head towards Roopkund from Bhagwabasa which is a 5-km ascent. There are series of switchbacks and a steep climb over the snow patched route but the stretch is not long and the hard snow is helpful to trek without being worried about the danger.