Roopkund trek

For those wishing for a trekking experience in India, the Roopkund trek is a must do! The region has got it all from the deep virgin forests, break taking campsites, vast expanses of undulating meadows, and the thrill of being amidst the Skeleton Lake as you climb from 7000 ft to 16,500 feet in 5 days.

The Roopkund trail climbs out of splendid dark forests bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. Once out of the meadows the trail quickly gets into terrific alpine stretches. Climbing on snow to the Roopkund lake is a heart pounding thrill. The beautiful Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nandagunti, looms over as you climb higher, when at a ridge above Roopkund, only thin air separates the trekker from them and Mt. Trishul.

This trek is connected with many mythological stories, which is another highlight of this trek. Even today the footprints of this folklore are found here. This is a fascinating journey and high on the bucket list of many travelers.

Best Time to Visit Roopkund

Roopkund can be trekked between May and June and August and mid-October. The harsh climatic conditions only provide trekkers with a small window to trek between the 1st week of May to about the 1st week of July. June is the perfect time to witness the twin Bugyals /meadows of Ali and Bedni as by this time, the meadows are in their full spring. Trekking between the last week of August and the first week of October is another good trekking season in Roopkund. The sky remains clear and the weather is perfect for a hike.

Tour Plan page

Day 1: Welcome to India.

Arrive New Delhi and transfer to hotel. Evening briefing and orientation of the tour for preparation and packing.

Day 2: Tour of New Delhi.

Full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi to include sights such as the Qutub Minar, the Jama masjid, Red fort and the India gate. In the evening dinner at a local restaurant near Connaught circuit.

Day 3: Fly to Jolly Grant Airport & transfer to Lohajung.

A short flight to Uttarakhand Jolly Grant airport and then drive to Lohajung. Upon arrival, check in at the guest house then some time for personal exploration of the village and the surrounding area.

Day 4: Trek to Bedni Bugyal, approx. 5 hours walking.

Early breakfast and begin the trek to our destination for today at Bedni Bugyal. The trek goes through Oak and Rhododendron forest and later climbs steeply on a switch back trail to Ali Bugyal. Here we have mesmerizing views of the fabled peaks like Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nandagunti, Nilkantha & Chandrashila peak. Overnight camp.

Day 5: Trek to Bhagwabasa, approx. 5 hours walking.

Enjoy the spectacular sunrise from the camp site followed by a hearty breakfast. Our next destination is Bhagwabasa. The trail winds through the forest past the kalu Vinayak temple located on the side of the ridge. Soon we find ourselves walking on the snow trail and keep watch for symptoms of high altitude sickness. The air is thin here and due to decreasing oxygen headache and nausea are common, take enough rest and make certain to rehydrate one self.

Arrive camp site for hot drinks and after some rest and lunch, we practice hiking with additional equipment such as crampons and gaiters.

Day 6: Visit the RoopKunda lake and return to Patar Nachuli.

Today is the longest day of the trek. We wake up early to conquer the Roopkunda lake which is best done in the morning hours due to the trail conditions, snow and sleet. With the use of crampons and gaiters, we maneuver ourselves on the slippers trail to the lake. We try to hike to the top of Roopkund lake, Junargali from where the views are incomparable. Return to Patar Nachuli for an overnight camp.

Day 7: Trek to near Lohajung.

Enjoy breakfast at this picturesque location then descend to the Shukrikhan for lunch. There are numerous trails here and we take the most convenient route to our overnight stop at WAN. All along, we will have pleasant views of Mt. Hathi and Badrinath peak. The rest of the day is at leisure to relish the experience and share stories with fellow travelers.Day 8: Conclude and depart for onward connection.

Tours and extensions to Agra and Jaipur can be organized, please let us know your areas of interest and we will suggest accordingly.