ROOPKUND TREK
OVERVIEW
Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Uttarakhand state of India. It lies in the lap of Trishul Massif and is famous for the hundreds of human skeletons found at the edge of the lake. The area is uninhabited, located in the Himalayas at an altitude above 4500m. Surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow-clad mountains, the route along this trek is a fascinating journey of discovering the most pristine Himalayan contribution of oak and blooming rhododendron forests. A moderate to difficult trek, the path trails through mountainous rivers, enthralling ridges, lush forests, and scenic meadows. The trail climbs out of splendid dark forests suddenly bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably India’s most beautiful high-altitude meadows. Out of the meadows, the trail quickly gets into terrific alpine stretches. Climbing on snow to Roopkund Lake is a heart-pounding thrill. The beautiful Mt Trishul looms over the setting, getting closer as you climb higher when at a ridge above Roopkund, only air separates the trekker from them and Trishul.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
High altitude trekking.
Mysterious Roopkund Skeleton Lake.
Rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad mountainns.
Amazing views of peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul & Nanda Ghunti.
COST AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
ARRIVAL AT LOHAJUNG
We pick you up at Kathgodam railway station and drive down to Lohajung which takes approx 8-9 hours. The serpentine road goes through regions of Kumaon and crosses deep valleys of the Shivalik mountain range. On reaching Lohajung we relax, unwind & have dinner after which we prepare for the trek.
LOHAJUNG TO DIDNA
We start early and take the trail to Raun Bagad which leads us towards our destination. We reach Kuling village and after crossing an iron bridge over Neel Ganga climb for half an hour to reach Didna village where we will camp for the night.
DIDNA TO ALI BUGYAL
We start off early and crossing the shepherds’ huts at Tolpani move on towards Ali Bugyal. The meadow trek goes through a series of switchbacks and thick Oak forests. Ali Bugyal is on top of a mountain where the tree line recedes and grasslands start. During summer months one can see wild horses grazing in these meadows which are among one of the Himalayas’ most attractive meadows. On a clear day, one can view the Garwhal Himalayan ranges from here in its full glory. We reach our destination and camp for the night.
ALI BUGYAL TO PATAR NACHAUNI
We trek along the contour of the mountain to reach Bedni Bugyal. It’s going to be an easy day as the route is gentle and we don’t gain much height. The meadows at Bedni are beautiful and we get to see Trishul peak up close. After crossing Bedni Bugyal we make a steep ascent before reaching Ghora Lotani and then trek down to Patar Nachauni where we camp for the night. We can have a session of star gazing if the sky is clear.
PATAR NACHAUNI TO BHAGWABASA VIA KALU VINAYAK
Today’s trek goes through the snowline. We start early to reach Bhagwabasa before the weather becomes harsh. Ascend to Kalu Vinay temple via a zig-zag path that takes you to the top of the mountain from where the destination for the day is just 2 km away. The trail crosses through snow patches and offers scenic views of the mountains. We camp here for the night.
BHAGWABHASA TO ROOPKUND TO PATAR NACHAUNI
Today’s trek is a long and tough one. We will start early to climb to Roopkund which is a 5 km-long gradual ascent with a few steep gradients in between and in the end. It takes about 3 hours to reach Roopkund which is a crater lake in the mountain. We climb down to reach the edge of the lake. We can climb to Junargali from Roopkund if the weather permits. Junargali is a sharp ridge line that towers over Roopkund. It’s a 20-minute climb but on a very steep surface. After enjoying the views we start our return to Bhagwabhasa and from there head down to Pathar Nachauni.
PATHAR NACHAUNI TO LOHAJUNG VIA WAN
After breakfast, we will pack up and trek to Wan. Today’s trek goes through the meadows of Bedni Bugyal and then through the forests of Wan. We can stop at the bridge over Neel Ganga, where you can quickly wash up. From the bridge, it’s a half-hour climb to Wan and a further one-and-a-half-hour descent to Kasar Bagad, where you meet the road. We drive to Lohanjung and camp there for the night.
LOHAJUNG TO KATHGODAM
After breakfast, we pack our bags and depart for Kathgodam to catch the train for the journey back home with wonderful memories made with Adventureism.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT LOHAJUNG
We pick you up at Kathgodam railway station and drive down to Lohajung which takes approx 8-9 hours. The serpentine road goes through regions of Kumaon and crosses deep valleys of the Shivalik mountain range. On reaching Lohajung we relax, unwind & have dinner after which we prepare for the trek.
DAY 02: LOHAJUNG TO DIDNA
We start early and take the trail to Raun Bagad which leads us towards our destination. We reach Kuling village and after crossing an iron bridge over Neel Ganga climb for half an hour to reach Didna village where we will camp for the night.
DAY 03: DIDNA TO ALI BUGYAL
We start off early and crossing the shepherds’ huts at Tolpani move on towards Ali Bugyal. The meadow trek goes through a series of switchbacks and thick Oak forests. Ali Bugyal is on top of a mountain where the tree line recedes and grasslands start. During summer months one can see wild horses grazing in these meadows which are among one of the Himalayas’ most attractive meadows. On a clear day, one can view the Garwhal Himalayan ranges from here in its full glory. We reach our destination and camp for the night.
DAY 04: ALI BUGYAL TO PATAR NACHAUNI
We trek along the contour of the mountain to reach Bedni Bugyal. It’s going to be an easy day as the route is gentle and we don’t gain much height. The meadows at Bedni are beautiful and we get to see Trishul peak up close. After crossing Bedni Bugyal we make a steep ascent before reaching Ghora Lotani and then trek down to Patar Nachauni where we camp for the night. We can have a session of star gazing if the sky is clear.
DAY 05: PATAR NACHAUNI TO BHAGWABASA VIA KALU VINAYAK
Today’s trek goes through the snowline. We start early to reach Bhagwabasa before the weather becomes harsh. Ascend to Kalu Vinay temple via a zig-zag path that takes you to the top of the mountain from where the destination for the day is just 2 km away. The trail crosses through snow patches and offers scenic views of the mountains. We camp here for the night.
DAY 06: BHAGWABHASA TO ROOPKUND TO PATAR NACHAUNI
Today’s trek is a long and tough one. We will start early to climb to Roopkund which is a 5 km-long gradual ascent with a few steep gradients in between and in the end. It takes about 3 hours to reach Roopkund which is a crater lake in the mountain. We climb down to reach the edge of the lake. We can climb to Junargali from Roopkund if the weather permits. Junargali is a sharp ridge line that towers over Roopkund. It’s a 20-minute climb but on a very steep surface. After enjoying the views we start our return to Bhagwabhasa and from there head down to Pathar Nachauni.
DAY 07: PATHAR NACHAUNI TO LOHAJUNG VIA WAN
After breakfast, we will pack up and trek to Wan. Today’s trek goes through the meadows of Bedni Bugyal and then through the forests of Wan. We can stop at the bridge over Neel Ganga, where you can quickly wash up. From the bridge, it’s a half-hour climb to Wan and a further one-and-a-half-hour descent to Kasar Bagad, where you meet the road. We drive to Lohanjung and camp there for the night.
DAY 08: LOHAJUNG TO KATHGODAM
After breakfast, we pack our bags and depart for Kathgodam to catch the train for the journey back home with wonderful memories made with Adventureism.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in a tent, homestay, or camp on a sharing basis.
- All meals are as per the itinerary.
- Qualified instructors and facilitators during the programme.
- Wilderness First Responder trained and certified guides from NOLS-USA to handle any medical emergencies.
- Transfers to and from Kathgodam.
EXCLUSIONS
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, and flight/train cancellations.
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation expenses.
- Any expense of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
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