Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
16,000 ft.
Roopkund (locally known as Mystery Lake or Skeleton Lake) is a high altitude glacial lake in the Uttarakhand state of India. It lies in the lap of Trishul massif. Located in the Himalayas, the area around the lake is uninhabited and is roughly at an altitude of 5,020 metres (16,470 ft), surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow-clad mountains.
Roopkund is a popular trekking destination. The size of the lake varies substantially, but it is seldom more than 40 metres in diameter (1000 to 1500 square metres in area), and is frozen in the winter. Roopkund the most popular trek in India, is almost picture-perfect. The Roopkund trail climbs out of splendid dark forests suddenly bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. Out of the meadows, the trail quickly gets into terrific alpine stretches. The beauty of the lake is mesmerizing as the soft sun rays fall over mountain ranges, on to the lake. With snow-covered peaks surrounding the lake, and the mythology and folklore in mind, the ambience of the lake is exceptionally magical.
Once here, you can understand how the setting plays a great role in mythology how truly this place is the ‘Land of Gods’. With sights of peaks and snow-covered mountains looming over you all throughout the trail, they all get a lot closer once you are in near the lake. Peaks like the Trishul, NandaGhunti, Neelkanth, Bandar Poonch, Gangotri, Chaukhamba range, Maiktoli, Mrigthuni, Chanyakot and many more can be seen on this trail.
The great 'Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra' is held in every 12 years from Nauti village near Karnaprayag to Homkund near Roopkund. This yatra is dedicated to Goddess Nanda. A large number of people from Garhwal and Kumaon take part in this tough holy yatra. Many stories were also made about the mysterious human skeletons of Roopkund. According to research it was indicated that the people were from the 12th century to the 15th century who died of hailstorm. But it is still a mystery that what were those people doing there.
our trail will take you through dense forests of oak and Rhododendron. As you make your way through the forest, the gentle air of the mountain breeze as it flows through the rustling branches of the forest acts as a calming effect on any trekker. The peaceful ambience feels all the more musical as you can hear the birds singing and dry leaves crunch under your feet as you walk through the forest bed.
The best season to explore this trail is either summer or in the springs. During summer weather normally remains clear and panoramic beauty of the surrounding is unmatched. Adequate amount of snow is another reason that this is getting popular in recent years. In Spring the trail is bountiful with Rhododendron blossoms while the last patches of snow start melting.
The Roopkund trek takes one through beautiful valleys, hushed hamlets, streams, and conifers, and oak forests. The Roopkund trail climbs out of splendid dark forests suddenly bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. Out of the meadows, the trail quickly gets into terrific alpine stretches. offered an unparalleled Himalayan view.
After warmup & briefing we begin our trek. We trek through the forest following the Neel Ganga river. The initial trek is downhill till we hit the river. After we cross the river throught the metal bridge, the trail winds upwards. After a good climb of around 2 hours, we reach Didina. which is at 2450 meters. There will be a hike of two hours through alpine forests. After the climb, you will be at the ridge that shows some amazing views. There will be a series of open grounds which can be seen from the ridge. Didna and Kulling are the popular villages that are famous as per their allocated season, one is for summer and the other is for winter. You will be spending the night at Didna in the Homestay after the long hike.
We start early today in order to enjoy the best views. There is a brief climb till the Ridge of Ali bugyal. Once we reach the ridge of the trek. it will be fairly easy with long sections of flat walk or gradual ascent. We will walk through the Ali Bugyal with mountains on our both side far in the distance. You will realize on the trek that these meadows are one of the best in the country. As you are walking through the Ali Bugyal, Nanga Ghunti & Trishuli are prominently visible in the East. We trek easy today taking frequent halts. You will get ample time to click pictures, so make good use of cameras today. Our campsite for the day is a forest section between Ali & Bedni Bugyal. It is also called Abin Kharak or Khobal Tal. .
Today you will hike a short distance due to acclimatisation purpose. From today onward the oxygen starts reducing so we spend more nights before reaching the higher altitude. A short and easy walk takes us to Patar Nachuni (3750m/12,300ft). Total distance is 5 Km and may take 4 hours. We start by walking on the Bugyal and climb for half an hour to take the trail which is coming from Ali Bugyal. From here onward the road is almost flat till we reach Ghora Lautani. The road splits and we take the trail which goes to the right. Walking an hour on level ground we are at Patar Nachni
Today we trek to Bhagwabasa (4300m, 14000ft) via Kailuvinayak (4400m, 14400ft). Patar Nachuni is surrounded by meadows and occasional mountain tops. The top of the ridge going almost straight ahead is Kailu Vinayak. First we gradually climb the ridge for first 2 Km. Then the ridge turns right and rises sharply in next one and half Km. This is a steep climb and we gain almost 1500 feet within a distance of 1.5Km. otal distance is 5 Km and can take up to 3/3 and half hours. There is a small cave on the right side of the well defined trail, and according to the legend it is the resting place or shelter of the Tiger ( Bagua -> Bagh/Tiger, Basa -> Home) that the goddess Nanda Devi rides.
We start early in the morning by 5 am for Roopkund. It is a moderate climb to Roopkund for about 4 km but surely the altitude gain tires the body. Depending upon snow conditions it may take 2 to 4 hours to reach. Until mid of June the trail is covered with snow. During monsoon to late September snow will be much lesser. The trail is well defined but on snow it is difficult to locate. From Baguabasa camping ground the trail is a traverse first till we reach a place called Chhiria Nag meaning staircase formation like a snake. From this point the climb is moderately steep and one final steep climb on rock leads us to a flattened trail. From here we can see the depression ahead which is our destination, Roopkund (4800m/15750ft). We spend some time clicking the photos and offering puja to the small temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. The shallow lake has remains of skeletons which are almost 1200 years old! thenWe return on the same trail to Baguabasa. Descend on a steep trail is often tricky comparing to that of ascent. We climb down till Baguabasa and then almost on a level ground till Kailu Vinayak. We continue our descent till we reach Patar Nachuni. A long days trek ends at the lush green camping ground.
Today is a long way descending till Wan. From the camping ground a small climbtakes us on the main trail. Now we follow the same path back fter descending for an hour we reach an opening inside the forest and called Gahroli Patal. We continue going down till we reach the river bed of Neel Ganga. From here we climb to reach the top of the Wan Village which is called Ran ka Dhar.Finally we reach the road head to take the Jeep. It is around an hour from Wan to Lohajung by car and the road road is bumpy at places.
In the morning start from Lohajung to Rishikesh by car and reach in 10 hours. Roopkund trek ends here. You will reach by 7 pm in the afternoon. You can book tickets accordingly.
The original document of identity proof - driver’s license, Aadhar card, the passport will be fine. It is very important to have your identity proof with yourself while on a journey
The cancellation charges are as under:
1.If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trek, 50% of the trek cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
2.If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trek, 75% of the trek cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
3.If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trek, 100% of the trek cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
4.In the case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be canceled and in such cases, the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.
5.No cancellations will be taken over phone calls or WhatsApp messages. Please reply to the email of the payment receipt that you received at the time of booking regarding the cancellation.
6.If a trek/trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). No refund would be provided.
● Drinking and smoking during the trek are strictly prohibited. If found flouting the rules, your participation on the trek will be canceled with immediate effect.
● Route changes, postponement, delay, or finishing the trek a day earlier: Under some extraordinary circumstance, your trek may end a day earlier or start a day later. This may become necessary due to inclement weather, snow and ice conditions, political restrictions, or any other cause. In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants have no right to refund of the trek (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage. Trek fee is not charged broken down in terms of days but is a composite fee for the whole trek.
roopkund Trek.. (pdf)
DownloadCopyright © 2020 Northern Himalayas - All Rights Reserved.