About Roopkund Trek
Have you ever imagined stepping into a place where mystery whispers through the mountains and history lies beneath your feet? 💀🏔️
The Roopkund Trek is not just a trek—it’s an experience wrapped in intrigue and breathtaking beauty. Known as the “Mystery Lake of the Himalayas,” Roopkund is famous for the human skeletons that rest around its glacial waters, creating an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.
But beyond the mystery lies unmatched natural charm—dense untouched forests, crystal-clear streams flowing through rugged terrain, and the endless rolling meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal 🌿✨
Every step on this trail feels like walking through a story—where adventure, beauty, and mystery come together to create an unforgettable Himalayan journey.
✨ Experience this incredible trek with Sunrise Travel — your trusted travel partner with 20+ years of expertise in crafting unforgettable adventures 🌄
Trek Details
Short Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Ranikhet / Kausani , Distance: ~350–400 km | Time: 9–10 hrs
The journey begins from Delhi, taking you away from the city rush into the peaceful landscapes of Uttarakhand. As you drive towards the hills, the route gradually transforms into scenic mountain roads surrounded by dense forests and fresh Himalayan air 🌿🏔️
Passing through beautiful towns and valleys, the drive offers mesmerizing views of winding roads, lush greenery, and distant Himalayan peaks. The journey becomes even more enjoyable with refreshing tea breaks and local food stops along the way ☕✨
As you reach Ranikhet / Kausani, you’ll be welcomed by calm surroundings, cool weather, and stunning sunset views over the mountains 🌄
🔔 Important Tip:
It is advisable to carry sufficient cash and all essential items from Delhi, as options may be limited in remote hill areas.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel, relax, and enjoy a peaceful evening followed by dinner and overnight stay—preparing you for the adventure ahead 🌙
Day 2: Ranikhet / Kausani to Lohajung, Distance: ~160–180 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
The journey from Ranikhet / Kausani to Lohajung takes you deeper into the untouched beauty of the Himalayas. The route passes through charming mountain towns like Gwaldam, Tharali, Dewal, and Mundoli before finally reaching the base village of Lohajung 🏔️
As you travel along the winding mountain roads, you’ll be accompanied by breathtaking views of lush forests, terraced fields, and the serene flow of rivers like Pindar and Alaknanda 🌊🌿. The peaceful surroundings and fresh mountain air make the journey as memorable as the trek itself.
With scenic halts and refreshing tea breaks along the way, the drive becomes a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration ☕✨
🔔 Important Tip:
Dewal is the last point with ATM access, so make sure to carry sufficient cash. It is also recommended to arrange all necessary items beforehand, as options are limited beyond this point.
Upon arrival at Lohajung, you will be welcomed with warm tea and snacks, followed by a delicious dinner. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay as you prepare for the trek ahead 🌄
Day 3: Lohajung to Didina Village ,Distance: 7 km (Trek) | Time: 5 hrs
Today marks the beginning of your trekking journey as you set out from Lohajung towards Didna Village. The trail takes you through dense oak and rhododendron forests, offering a perfect introduction to the serene beauty of the Himalayas 🌿🏔️
The trek is a mix of descent and ascent—initially descending towards the valley, followed by a gradual climb up to Didna. Along the way, you will cross small settlements like Kuling village and witness the soothing flow of the Neel Ganga river, adding charm to the entire experience 🌊
As you move ahead, you’ll pass through fields of locally cultivated crops such as amaranth (chaulai) and encounter rich Himalayan flora and fauna, making the journey both scenic and refreshing 🌸
Upon reaching Didna Village, you’ll be welcomed by peaceful surroundings, traditional mountain homes, and warm local hospitality. The village offers stunning views and a perfect setting to relax after your first day of trekking.
✨ Spend the evening under a sky full of stars, enjoying the calm and beauty of nature.
🔔 Important Note:
Didna is the last point with a reliable mobile network, so make sure to complete any important calls before heading further into the trek.
Overnight stay in homestay/camps 🌄
Day 4: Didna → Ali Bedni Bugyal ,Distance: 9 km (Trek) | Time: 6 hrs
After a refreshing night in the mountains, the day begins with a hearty breakfast before setting out on the trek around 9:00 AM. Today’s trail is a mix of gradual ascents and descents, testing your endurance while rewarding you with ever-changing landscapes 🌿🏔️
The journey starts through dense, mystical forests that slowly begin to open up, revealing the vast alpine meadows ahead. As you ascend towards Tolpani and Tolkan, you’ll pass through beautiful pasturelands dotted with traditional shepherd huts—a perfect spot to take a short break and refill your water bottles 💧
As the forest fades behind, the breathtaking expanse of Ali Bugyal unfolds before you—one of the largest high-altitude meadows in Asia. The view becomes even more magical with towering peaks like Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul standing majestically in the backdrop ❄️✨
The cool mountain breeze, endless green grasslands, and peaceful surroundings create a surreal experience. Upon reaching the campsite, relax and soak in the beauty around you, followed by a warm meal and a memorable evening under the open sky 🔥🌄
Overnight stay in camps amidst the meadows ⛺
Day 5 : Ali Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni ,Distance: 6 km (Trek) | Time: 4 hrs
Day 5, starts with a mild breakfast followed by trekking ahead to reach the Bedni Bugyal top from which we can view the massifs of Mt.Trishul, Mt.Nanda Ghunti and to some extent Mt. Chaukhamba. We would then continue trekking to Patar Nachauni which is going to be an easy straight trek. We would be camping here for the rest of the day and can engage in different sightseeing activities. You may also enjoy snowfall depending upon the weather conditions.
Day 6: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa via Kaluva Vinayak Temple ,Distance: 6 km (Trek) | Time: 5 hrs
Day 6 calls for the trek to Bhagwabasa which is going to be the last campsite before reaching Roopkund. We start early from our campsite and start our zig-zag snowy trek towards Bhagwabasa. It’s a trek to reach a height of ~14,450ft with a chilled climate and gearing up your long-hidden adventurous mode to its full form.
En route, you will be coming across the historic Kaluva Vinayak (Lord Ganesha)Temple which is at a height of 14,202ft. We rest here for a while as now Bagwabasa would be 3.5 km away only. You would be ascending to reach Kaluva Vinayak through snow patched trails fascinating you with each passing picturesque landscape.
From this point, Roopkund is 6.5 km away followed by JunarGali which is 6.9 km away. We then descend our trek to Bhagwabasa base camp (14,075ft) which is a full snow-covered trail.
Slide into the snow-covered stretches and have a good rest by the end of the day as you feed upon a delicious meal amidst The Himalayas. Be sure to keep yourselves warm as when the day keeps setting, the temperature keeps falling to 1-2°or even lower.
Note: Many people might be prey to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) due to its altitude. It is mandatory to keep checking your oxygen rate which should not be below 75. The best way to prevent this is to keep yourselves warm and trek high, sleep low.
Day 7: Bhagwabasa → Roopkund Summit → Patar Nachauni ,Distance: ~10–12 km (Trek) | Time: 7–8 hrs
On Day 7 , the most important day of the whole trip, starts by trekking at around 3:30 am to reach Roopkund as early as possible since we will be witnessing the Sunrise and then also climb along the long snow-covered Ridge to reach the Roopkund Glacial lake depression of Mt. Trishul. One more reason to start early is that the snow is hard before the sun rises fully and it would be easier to trek with the micro spiked shoes and gaiters.
The trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund is about a 3km uphill battle. But the battle seems very little as compared to the majestic and mystical Skeleton Lake that awaits our arrival. The lake remains frozen throughout the year except for the summers when the snow melts and you can observe the human skeletons strewn down the lake.
It is said that these skeletons age back to the 9th to 10th century and were first discovered by HK Madhwal in 1942 who was then a forest ranger.
We start our trek back to Patar Nachauni via the same route covering a total distance of 12 km approx. It would be a long tiring yet fulfilling trek refreshing our mind and soul, memories of which will always be imprinted inside us.
Day 8: Patar Nachauni to Lohajung (via Bedni Bugyal, Gairoli Patal & Wan Village) , Distance: ~12–14 km (Trek) | Time: 7–8 hrs
Today marks the descent back towards Lohajung, taking you through some of the most scenic parts of the trail. The journey begins from Patar Nachauni, passing through the beautiful meadows of Bedni Bugyal and the dense forests of Gairoli Patal 🌿🏔️
As you descend, you’ll witness a transition from vast open landscapes to lush forest trails, making the return journey equally captivating. The trail eventually leads you to Wan Village, a quiet and less-explored Himalayan settlement known for its simplicity and untouched charm. With only a few houses and locals, Wan offers a peaceful glimpse into mountain life away from the crowds 🏡
From Wan Village, a short drive of about an hour takes you back to Lohajung. Upon arrival, relax and unwind after the long trek, enjoying warm hospitality and local cuisine.
✨ Spend your final night in the mountains cherishing memories of the trek—whether it’s sharing stories, enjoying local food, or collecting small handmade souvenirs from the locals ❤️
Overnight stay at Lohajung 🌄
Day 9: Lohajung → Rishikesh / Haridwar , Distance: ~250–270 km | Time: 9–10 hrs
Today, we bid farewell to the mountains that made this journey truly unforgettable. After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh, passing through winding roads, river valleys, and lush forests 🌄
Upon arrival in Rishikesh, check into your hotel and relax for a while. Later, head out to explore the spiritual and vibrant charm of the city 🌊
Visit iconic spots like Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, stroll through local markets, and enjoy the peaceful vibe along the banks of the Ganga.
In the evening, experience the magical Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat—a soulful ceremony with chants, diyas, and spiritual energy that creates a truly mesmerizing atmosphere ✨🪔
You can also explore cozy riverside cafés or simply sit by the Ganges and unwind after the adventurous trek ❤️
“From mountains to mindfulness, this journey completes itself in Rishikesh.”
Overnight stay in Rishikesh 🏡
Day 10: Rishikesh / Haridwar to Delhi ,Distance: ~220–250 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
Wake up to a peaceful morning in Rishikesh / Haridwar and enjoy the calm vibes of the Ganges 🌊✨
After breakfast, head out for a short sightseeing tour in Rishikesh. Visit iconic spots like Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and explore the local markets or riverside cafés. You can also spend some quiet time by the river, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before heading back.
Post lunch, begin your return journey to Delhi. The drive takes you back through scenic highways, marking the end of an incredible adventure filled with mountains, memories, and meaningful experiences ❤️
“Every journey ends, but the memories stay forever.”
Arrival in Delhi by evening/night 🌆
Day 11: Arrival in Delhi
Trip ends with amazing memories ❤️…..
Inclusion
Exclusion
Things to Pack
Gears on Rent (This price is for per day)
Basics Gear
Think about your head
Be comfy at the trek
Mind your step
Personal Utilities
Keep these handy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Roopkund Trek is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It takes trekkers through beautiful forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude landscapes in the Garhwal Himalayas.
The best time for the Roopkund Trek is May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the trails are generally accessible.
The Roopkund Trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek. It is suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience.
The trek typically takes 7 to 8 days, depending on the itinerary and weather conditions.
The highest point of the trek is approximately 16,499 feet (5,029 meters) above sea level.
While beginners with excellent fitness may attempt the trek with a professional guide, prior trekking experience is recommended because of the high altitude and challenging terrain.
Roopkund Lake is internationally known as the “Skeleton Lake” because hundreds of ancient human skeletons were discovered around the lake. It is one of the most mysterious high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas.
The trek offers stunning attractions including:
Carry:
Most Roopkund Trek packages include accommodation in tents or guesthouses and freshly prepared vegetarian meals throughout the trek. Please check your package inclusions for complete details.
Mobile network coverage is available only in some lower villages. Most trekking routes have limited or no mobile signal.
Start preparing 6–8 weeks before the trek with:
Yes. Since the trek reaches over 16,000 feet, trekkers should acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and follow the instructions of the trek leader to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Yes, the trek is safe when undertaken with an experienced trekking organization, certified guides, proper equipment, and by following all safety guidelines and weather advisories.