Roopkund Lake
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
TREK DURATION
8 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
15,748 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
52 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
May to June and September to October
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Roopkund Lake Trek
Roopkund is a mysterious lake in the interiors of district Chamoli.The lake is rather shallow having a depth of about 2m with the edges covered with snow for most parts of the year. When the snow melts;human and equine skeleton remains can be seen, some of them with flesh attached. These remains have been preserved in the alpine conditions for centuries. It is believed that these are the remains of about 300 persons who died about 500-600 years ago. There are many theories about these findings but none are satisfying. Hence the lake is known as the Mystery Lake. Some believe them to be those of General Zorawars’ soldiers who died here in a vain attempt to conquer Tibet, while others maintain that they are the skeletons of the zealous pilgrims, who went on the Raja Yatra to the base of Trishul. It is however one of the popular treks in Garhwal as it abounds on spectacular mountain scenery. The trek to Roopkund is very scenic and passes through the magnificent Bedni Bugyal. The trek goes through the outer periphery of the Nanda Devi national park and is one of the best treks to view the magnificent peaks of the Nanda Devi Park.
Day 1: Dehradun - Karanprayag - Lohajung
We begin the journey early in the day. Its a long drive and after we set out from Dehradun we proceed towards Devprayag, the confluence of River Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. We stop enroute for breakfast preferably at Kaudiyala, at someplace overlooking river Ganges. The drive further provides us opportunity to visit two more Prayags, i.e. Rudraprayag and Karanprayag. We stop for lunch at the latter. Finally we make our to Lohajung. We reach Lohajung by evening and retire to the comfort of a guest house.
Day 2: Lohajung to (2,100 m) to Didna (2,500 m)
The first day’s hike takes us to the beautiful village of Didna, which is situated at an approximate distance of 9 kms, which lies on the opposite, eastern bank of Neelganga river. After we descend down almost all the way to the river bed below, we climb up the ridge towards village Didna. The trail here is marked by the vivd flora all around and Rhododenderon trees can be seen, identified by their disctinc red flowers. The ridge futher up on the eastern side climbs up to Ali Bugyal, to the North of which is located Bedni Bugyal, our destination for the next day. Overnight in camps.
Day 3: Didna to Bedni Bugyal (3,505 meters)
Today we will trek 11 km to reach the Alpine Meadow of Bedni Bugyal (3350 mts), probably one of the best camping sites in the Garhwal Himalayas. There are two trails from Didna to Ali Bugyal, while one trail climbs up straight, cutting through the steepest slopes, the longer trail with lesser gradient goes around the edge of the ridge. It is this trail that we take. Ali bugyal is a massive meadow with the topmost section going all the way up to 3,520 meters. We cover the length of Ali Bugyal and finally reach Bedni Bugyal further ahead. From Ali Bugyal we get great views of snowcapped mountains. Trishul, a seven thousander peak can be seen in all its magnificence. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 4: Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nauchani
We begin the day at ease and after breakfast we head up the trail clearly visible from Bedni almost halfway to Patar Nauchani. The entire elevation gain is only up to the topmost section that is already visible to us. After reaching this section we get splendid views of the snowcapped Trishul up ahead and Nanda Ghunti to our left. The trail henceforth descends slightly as we proceed further to Patar Nauchani campsite.
Day 5: Patar Nauchani to Bhagguwa Basa
After breakfast we trek to Bhaguwa Basa. Bhaguwa means flowery park and Basa means place. And rightly the place is full of variety of flowers including the rare Brahma Kamal(state flower of Uttarakhand), a special godly lotus found only between altitudes of 14000 – 15000 ft. Today we will trek 5 km, to reach today’s campsite at Bhaguwa Basa. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 6: Bhagguwa Basa to Roopkund Lake (4800 meters) and Back to Bedni Bugyal
It is a hard day and by early morning we are at Roopkund (4800 mts). Roopkund is a picturesque and beautiful tourist destination in the Himalayas, located near the base of two Himalayan peaks: Trishul (7120 m) and Nandghungti (6310 m). In the afternoon we trek back to Bedni Bugyal for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Bedni Bugyal to Wan to Lohajung
Today we set out towards Wan and finally drive to Lohajung. The route taken goes through dense forests with plenty of Rhododenderon trees (Buransh), the red flowers of which are used to extract and make a juice. We descend to Gharoli Patal and further down to the bed of a river stream before we begin climbing towards Wan village. This journey will take 3-4 hrs. From Wan we drive to Lohajung which lies 17 km from here. Dinner and overnight in guest-house in Lohajung.
Day 8: Lohajung to Dehradun
Today, after breakfast, we return back to Mundoli drive back to Rudraprayag. We visit the confluence of rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda. Continue the journey to Dehradun.
Inclusion
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
- Transportation – Support from Dehradun to Dehradun. Pickup time: 7:30 am, Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
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