Glimpse of Roopkund trek:
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Duration: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Trek gradient: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 4,800 m (15,750 ft) above sea level
Pickup/ Drop Point: Lohajung
Temperature:
Customized fees:
Fees based on the final number of participants. Kindly contact +91-9051055011/ +91-8969336262 for the further detail before proceeding for the payment.
Nestled in the Chamoli district of Garhwal in Uttarakhand lies a lake of mysteries and unknown wonders, Roopkund at an altitude of over 15000ft, is the origin of many stories and adventures. This forever frozen lake, surrounded by glaciers and tall snow-capped mountains, is a lock-box of many mysteries and untold stories and, at the same time, is the millennia-old icy graveyard to many forgotten souls.
Roopkund, or the “Lake of Skeletons,” gets named after the hundreds of human remains that remain buried in their snowy cascade to date and can be seen when the snow melts. With an estimated over 700 skeletal remains dating back to the 9th century AD, Roopkund guards a piece of history in its frosty clutches that might never be fully deciphered. But the mystery only begins there. Upon analysis and carbon dating of 38 bodies, it was found that the human remains did not belong to one group exclusively. Data showed that some of the humans died 1000 years apart, rooting out the event of a single catastrophe. Genetic study shows one of the groups to resemble the present-day south Asian population while others closely share a lineage to Greeks. The south-Asian population also has its own diversity, with some having ancestry from the north of the subcontinent and some sharing lineage from the south. Many stories go around about the origins of these frozen people, and some say they are remains to an Indian royal family and their attendants who fell victim to a hellish blizzard, while others speculate they are remains of Indian soldiers who went to invade Tibet. There is also folklore popular in the villages about how Goddess Nanda Devi created a hail storm for anyone who dared to venture past the frozen lake. Yet another possible answer could be that it was a burial site of the victims of an epidemic, or the most likely answer can be that they are the remains of pilgrims but then again, how did the people from eastern meditation lineage end up in Roopkund. Who were these people? Did they travel here in different groups at different periods? How did they die? These are some questions one ponders upon seeing the perished, sometimes even with the flesh preserved in their crystal coffins.
As mysterious as Roopkund is, it is equally beautiful. Popular not only in India but also abroad, Roopkund is a one-of-a-kind mesmerizing destination located at the base of 2 grand Himalayan peaks, Nandghungti and Trishul. The Roopkund trek seems like a natural gift to people with the spirit of adventure, having the perfect balance of ethereal beauty and enigmatic mystery.
The trek to Roopkund is equally mesmerizing, with century-old Cypress trees welcoming you as the journey starts from Wan; the trek takes you through a trail by the river to the ascent along the windy trails amidst great oaks and beautiful Rhododendron trees. From hearing the burble of flowing rivers to the rustle of dry leaves, the journey rejuvenates your senses as you hike among the beautiful flora of Himalayan rose, pear, and walnuts. If you listen closely to the beautiful bird songs, you are sure to catch a glimpse of some magpies and flycatchers. With drifting clouds above and acres of lush green meadows ahead, the journey truly entraps the serenity of mother nature.
Summer (May-June): The temperatures will be not as cold (ranging from 10 to 20 ˚C in the day and 0 to -2 ˚C in the night), but the weather will be windy, and one might expect a lot of snow in this beautiful spot.
Autumn (September-October): Clear views and stary skies are the highlights of this season. Although the temperatures will get colder (10 to 15 ˚C in the day and -4 to -6 ˚C in the night), the climate will be less windy, and there will be less snow and more lush green meadows. The Roopkund remains thawed, and the carpet of the snow lightens, giving you a better view of the skeletons in their crystal cascades.
Both seasons have their own charm, but you should be prepared for sudden weather changes as the weather tends to be fickle in these high altitudes.
Gharoli: Gharoli is surrounded by dense forests and offers spectacular views of Mt. Trishul and a few other high mountain summits. From the campgrounds in Gharoli Patal, Mt. Trishul appears to be absolutely stunning. The early morning view might easily bring a tear to your eye. Roopkund is truly breathtaking, with its combination of green meadows and azure sky as far as the eye can see.
Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda: One of the most breathtaking vistas this place has to offer is Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti over all their splendor. They protrude from the surface, and you can see their entire face, including the 6,000-7,000 feet of Mt Trishul just in front of you. Imagine the magnificence as the sun sets on it. Soft, lush grassland carpets the trail to Bedni Bugyal. Another feature of the Roopkund lake hike is camping in Bedni Bugyal and walking in the Garhwal Himalayas, seeing the dusk reflection of sunlight on the Trishul Mountain top.
Roopkund Lake: Roopkund is a fascinating lake nestled in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand’s interior. This high-altitude glacial lake in Uttarakhand is located in the shadow of the Trishul massif. The region around the lake, which is located in the Himalayas and is about at the height of 5,020 meters, is desolate and bordered by rock-strewn glaciers and snow-clad peaks.
Neelganga: A river called Neelganga will be crossed on the Wan to Gharoli Patal Trail. After crossing this river, the trail gets steeper and leads to ridges where we can stop for tea. River Neel Ganga flows peacefully through a valley near Kulling, and its main attraction is its crystal-clear water. Trekkers are frequently spotted taking a break before continuing on to locations in the region’s top reaches of the mountains.
Bedni Kund: Bedni Kund is a portion of the Bedni Bugyal alpine meadows that cover 20 square kilometers in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. This is the alleged location where the goddess defeated Mahishasura.
Lohajung, Uttarakhand
Lohajung, Uttarakhand
Our trek starts from Wan which is an hour’s drive away from Lohajung. Reaching Lohajung:
By Road
There are overnight buses from Delhi to Kathgodam. Then there are buses/cabs from Kathgodam to Lohajung. Alternatively, you might get a direct bus from Rishikesh to Lohajung.
By Air
The nearest airport to Lohajung is Pantnagar and you need to book a cab from Pantnagar to reach Lohajung.
By Train
There are overnight trains from Delhi to Kathgodam. You will have to take a bus or hire a cab from Kathgodam for a further journey to Lohajung.
Reach Lohajung where we shall receive you and shall drive you to Wan base camp from where we shall start the trek the next day.
Distance – 8 km
Trekking time – 5 hrs
Altitude – Gehroli Patal, 3218 m
We are going to start our journey from Wan that is 2,438 m or 8000 ft. in altitude. We will come across the Neelganga River, which is located about 3 km from the Wan after crossing the Wan village. The bridge located on Neel Ganga is very stunning and breath taker. The surrounding is filled with overhanging trees and wet boulders, and the water is very refreshing. Later on, we will perform a gradual climb of 5 km to reach Gehroli Patal, which is at 3218 m and it is approximately 835 m above the Lohajung village. The trail is filled with Oak and Rhododendron forests. We will spend the night in tents.
Distance – 8 Km
Trekking Time – 5 Hrs.
Altitude – Patthar Nauchni, 3871 m
We gonna get up early and enjoy an amazing morning starting off with exercising and stretching, then we will have our breakfast and leisurely start the trek, as we have to get used to altitude change. Bedini Bugyal is situated 3 km away from Gehroli Patal. Here we will stop over the ancient Nanda Devi temple and the beautiful Bedini Kund. The panoramic view of the gigantic Trishul from Bedini Bugyal is totally mesmerizing. Also, you will witness remnants of winter snow on another side.
Camping is restricted in Bedini Bugyal. For this, the trek to Roopkund becomes a bit difficult. We will put up a camp at Patthar Nauchni campsite under permission.
We will spend the night here.
Distance – 4 Km
Trekking Time – 2 Hrs.
Altitude Gain – Baguabasa, 4298m
Today we will visit Bhaguvabasa via Kalu Vinayak pass which is at 4325m. The route is steep and zig-zag, and the gaining of height is very rapid. Else, we will rest at Bhaguwabasa and get acclimatized to the climate. From Bhaguwabasa, the jaw-dropping views of Mount Trishul and Nandaghunti will get you mesmerized. There is nothing in between these mountains and you. We will have our dinner and spend the rest of the night in camps.
Distance – 10 km
Trekking time – 8 to 9 Hours
Altitude – Roopkund, 15,756 feet
Early morning, we will start the day with a hot cup of tea or coffee, then we will leave for Roopkund with packed breakfast since it’s in the morning you can have a clear view of the mountains as later, they get covered by the clouds.
Today trek to Roopkund is difficult ascending.
The Nanda Devi temple will come into view after a steep climb, and it is also a suggested visit since you may gain picturesque vistas, take pictures, catch your breath, and spend time there. Now returning to Patar Nachauni through Bhagwabhasa, the descent becomes more difficult since the ascending trail was steep, making the descent all the more thrilling. Following the same trail, go towards the cave-like structure, which is known as Bhagwabhasa, descend, and you will have reached your campsite Patthar Nachauni.
The time here is spent best in peace, relaxing your body and mind. The nights include dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Distance – 7 km
Trekking time – 4 to 5 hours
Altitude – Descending to Ghairoli Patal, 3218 m
Today we will descend down to Garoli Patal from Patthar Nauchni. The trail is simple and filled with dense outgrowth and big trees. The place hosts rich flora and fauna. And the air is refreshing. We will stay here at Ghairoli Patal and spend the night in tents recalling all the beautiful places we have been through for the past few days.
Distance – 7 km
Trekking time – 4 to 5 hours
Altitude – Wan, 2438 m
We will wake up in the morning, and we will cherish the moments of enjoying the lavishing sunrise. Today we will walk back to Wan village, leaving the Neel Ganga River behind. We will visit the Latu Devta temple. The village is surrounded by mountains. And here, the journey ends with a lot of amazing memories.
As we come to the end of this beautiful himalayan trek, we shall see you off for your further journey, with a hope to meet you again in some other trek.
