One of the most stunning high-altitude glacial and a mysterious lake nestled in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Roopkund Trek is truly a treat for adventure buffs and nature lovers. Nestled in Uttarkhand’s Garhwal Himalayas in the lap of Trishul massif, the trek to the majestic Roopkund Lake (locally known as Skeleton Lake) is renowned for their mystery (remains of 500-600 old human skeletons and horses belonging to Palaeolithic age can be seen here), high alpine meadows & serene lakes, combined with the opportunity for mind-blowing trekking experience, thus making it a must-visit trekking destination in Uttarakhand for outdoor enthusiasts. Snow-clad mountains like Nanda Ghunti and Trishul, and rock-strewn glaciers surround this high-altitude Himalayan lake in Uttarakhand.
Come and experience this lesser-known trekking delight in Uttarakhand just perfect for beginners and seasoned trekkers. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Garhwal Himalayan peaks, camp under the zillion stars, experience the virgin natural beauty of Uttarakhand, and lots more – Roopkund Trek is sure to leave a lasting impression on you!
Embark on a beautiful journey with Go4Explore, here the prices are light and memories are limitless. A Roopkund Trek Tour calls for guidance, therefore Go4Explore brings you the Roopkund Trek Package from Rishikesh that involves an experienced Trip Captain.
Your mountain adventure awaits. Book your Roopkund Trekking Tour Package now and let the thrill begin.
Best Places to Explore on a Roopkund Trek Tour
- Lohajung: The starting point of the Roopkund Trek, it is a charming village that provides you with a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. It offers stunning views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. Enjoy camping and experience the sunset over the Himalayan ranges before starting your trek.
- Ali Bugyal: A stunning meadow, it is known for its vast open landscapes and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Rich with flora and fauna you can spot Himalayan birds, wildflowers, and occasional wildlife.
- Bedni Bugyal: One of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in India, it offers lush panoramic views, and a serene environment perfect for relaxation. Here, visit the Bedni Kund, a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, and a sacred lake of worshipping Goddess Nanda Devi and Shiva. According to the legends, it is believed that en route to Kailash Parvat, this is the lake where they took a dip.
- Bhagwabasa: The campsite for the trek before reaching Roopkund. Bhagwabasa is surrounded by rugged terrain and offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range. The night here may get a little difficult due to harsh weather changes and scarce water resources.
Best Things to Do on a Roopkund Trek Tour
- Discover the Roopkund Lake: The star of the trek! Also known as the Skeleton Lake, famous for the ancient human skeletons found around the lake.
- Admire the Stunning Himalayan Views: The trek offers mesmerizing views of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba peaks. The sight of these towering snow-capped mountains is truly unforgettable.
- Spot Unique Flora and Fauna: Roopkund Trek goes through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, home to the rare Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, and various bird species.
Best Places to Shop During Roopkund Trek Tour
Your best bet to shop on this trek is at Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula Market for precious stones and spiritual items, Ram Jhula Market for musical instruments, jewelry, books DVD, etc., and Rishikesh Main Market for colourful clothes and budget-friendly goods. To get some local spices head to Jain Spice Shop and for the best handicraft items visit Scorpion Handicrafts and Natural Fab And Handicraft.
Must Try Foods on Your Roopkund Trek Tour
- Aloo ke Gutke: Widely loved and consumed as a snack or side dish by the Pahadi people. This dish again proves that potatoes taste great in every shape and form. It is often paired with bhaang ki chutney by Kumaonis and is served at every festival and even consumed during fasting with some rock salt.
- Madua Roti: Made with Ragi flour, Madua roti is great for health and pairs well with any dry or wet side dish.
- Kafuli: Made with star ingredients of spinach, fenugreek, curd, and spices, Kafuli is super flavourful and pairs well with roti, rice, or any other traditional bread.
- Kafal: If you visit Uttarakhand during April – June you’d be in luck to try this wild berry of the mountains only available during spring and season. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, it becomes an ideal fruit for health benefits.
- Chainsoo: A traditional Pahadi lentil dish made with black lentils or black soybeans is another popular dish that you have to try out.
- Jhangora: Similar to Quinua it is a great source of easily digestible protein. Used to make kheer, and kadhi and also as a substitute to rice, it is suitable for diabetic patients due to its low glycemic index.
- Rhododendron Juice: Buransh, as the Pahadi people call it, are locally found flowers that are consumed as juice or even made in squashes. It’s a local delicacy that is great for health and tastes sweet and refreshing.
Adventure Activities to do During Roopkund Trek Tour
- High-Altitude Trekking: The trek reaches an altitude of 16,156 ft, making it a challenging and thrilling journey. You’ll traverse through dense forests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered landscapes.
- Camping: Experience camping under the stars at scenic locations like Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Bhagwabasa. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayas away from civilization.
- Exploring the Skeleton Lake: Roopkund Lake is famous for its ancient human skeletons, adding a mysterious element to the trek. The eerie yet fascinating discovery makes this trek unique.
- Rock Climbing: Some sections of the trek require rock climbing and scrambling, adding to the adventure.
- Crossing High Passes: The trek involves crossing Kalu Vinayak Pass, which offers breathtaking views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. The Junargali Pass is another thrilling section in this Roopkund Lake trek.
Best Time to do the Roopkund Trek Tour
The best time to embark on a Roopkund trek is from May to June (Summer) and September to mid-October (post-monsoon), to witness the lush meadows, pleasant weather, clear views, and the chance to see the lake’s skeletal remains after snow melt.
How to Reach the Base Camp
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 250 km from Lohajung (the base camp).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, around 230 km from Lohajung.
- By Road: You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Kathgodam, Haldwani, or Rishikesh to reach Lohajung.
Toughness Grade
The Roopkund Trek Tour is of around 7-8 days duration and is considered to be of hard intensity. The trekking trail can be uneven with narrow tracks, and steep slopes, and have to cross risky bridges. The weather can also be unpredictable and trekkers need to acclimatize before heading for the lake. Beginners with healthy stamina can plan on this trek, but some prior trekking experience can make it more bearable and fun. If you are sure to venture on this trek, consider doing cardio to get acquainted with increased endurance and stamina.