Roopkund Trek

• Starts from Lohajung in Uttarakhand and follows one of the most iconic high-altitude trekking routes in the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Leads to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, popularly known as Skeleton Lake, famous for the ancient human skeletons found around its shores.
• Passes through the spectacular alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, among the most beautiful high-altitude grasslands in India.
• Features dense oak and rhododendron forests, traditional Himalayan villages, vast meadows, rocky trails, snowfields, and glacial terrain.
• Reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 15,750–16,500 ft (around 4,800–5,029 m), depending on the route and altitude reference used.
• Includes major trekking locations such as Didna Village, Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, Patar Nachauni, Kalu Vinayak, and Bhagwabasa.
• Offers spectacular views of prominent Himalayan peaks including Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
• The final ascent to Roopkund is challenging, involving steep climbs, rocky terrain, snow sections, and high-altitude exposure.
• Generally rated Moderate to Difficult, requiring good endurance, physical fitness, and preferably prior high-altitude trekking experience.
• Best seasons are traditionally May–June and September–October, depending on weather and current forest permissions.
• Important current update: Roopkund trekking has reportedly reopened in 2026 after restrictions on overnight camping in Uttarakhand's bugyals were lifted, but trekkers should verify the latest forest permits and route permissions before planning.
• Considered one of India's most legendary treks because it combines mysterious history, Skeleton Lake, vast alpine meadows, Himalayan panoramas, snow-covered terrain, and a demanding high-altitude adventure.

Roopkund Trek is one of the most iconic high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, the trek is famous for Roopkund Lake, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of approximately 16,499 ft.

The trek begins from Lohajung and passes through beautiful forests, traditional villages, alpine meadows, and remote Himalayan campsites. One of the major highlights is Bedni Bugyal, one of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in Uttarakhand.

The trail gradually climbs towards higher and more rugged terrain, offering magnificent views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Roopkund is also historically famous for the human skeletal remains discovered around the lake, earning it the name "Skeleton Lake."

Major Attractions

• Lohajung Village
Traditional mountain village and the base point of the trek.

• Didna Village
A beautiful Himalayan village surrounded by forests and mountains.

• Ali Bugyal
One of India's largest and most scenic alpine meadows.

• Bedni Bugyal
A vast high-altitude meadow offering spectacular views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.

• Bhagwabasa
A high-altitude campsite surrounded by rugged Himalayan terrain.

• Roopkund Lake
A mysterious glacial lake famous for the skeletal remains found around its shores.

• Trishul & Nanda Ghunti Views
Magnificent views of some of the most prominent Himalayan peaks.

Day 1 — Kathgodam to Lohajung
Long scenic drive through the Kumaon and Garhwal mountain landscapes towards Lohajung, the base village for the trek.
220–250 km | 9–11 hours

Day 2 — Lohajung to Didna Village
Begin the trek through forest trails and traditional mountain villages towards Didna.
8–10 km trek | 5–6 hours

Day 3 — Didna Village to Ali Bugyal
Trek through dense forests before emerging into the vast open meadows of Ali Bugyal.
7–8 km trek | 5–6 hours

Day 4 — Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal
Continue across beautiful alpine meadows with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
6–7 km trek | 4–5 hours

Day 5 — Bedni Bugyal to Bhagwabasa
Gradual ascent through increasingly rugged and high-altitude terrain towards Bhagwabasa.
8–10 km trek | 6–7 hours

Day 6 — Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and Return
The main summit and exploration day, involving a challenging trek to Roopkund and return to camp.
10–12 km trek | 8–10 hours

Day 7 — Bhagwabasa to Bedni Bugyal / Wan
Begin the descent through high-altitude landscapes and alpine meadows towards Bedni Bugyal or Wan.
10–12 km trek | 6–7 hours

Day 8 — Return to Kathgodam
Drive back to Kathgodam, marking the conclusion of the trek.

Participants should:

• Have good cardiovascular endurance
• Be comfortable trekking 6–8 hours daily
• Have previous high-altitude trekking experience, if possible
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and pulse rate
• Avoid trekking with serious heart, kidney, liver, or respiratory conditions
• Be prepared for steep ascents and cold weather
• Consult organizers regarding any medical conditions

Starting Point

Lohajung, Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Nearest Railway Station

Kathgodam Railway Station

Most trekkers travel to Kathgodam and continue by road towards Lohajung before beginning the Roopkund Trek.

Clothing

• 1 full-sleeve synthetic quick-dry T-shirt

• 1 fleece T-shirt

• 1 wind stopper/fleece jacket

• 1 windproof jacket

• 1 down feather/hollow jacket

• 1 pair thermal innerwear (upper & lower)

• 2 synthetic quick-dry trekking pants

• 1 wind stopper/fleece pant

• 1 pair waterproof gloves

• 1 pair fleece/woollen gloves

• 1 poncho/waterproof jacket and pants

Head Gear

• 1 head torch

• 1 sun cap

• 1 woollen cap

• 1 balaclava

• 1 synthetic and 1 woollen buff/neck gaiter

• Sunglasses with UV protection and side cover
  (Contact lenses are preferable; photochromatic glasses can also be used.)

Footwear

• 1 pair water-resistant trekking shoes with good ankle support and grip

• 1 pair floaters/flip-flops

• 6 pairs cotton socks

• 1 pair woollen socks

• 1 pair gaiters (provided by Trek The Himalayas when required)

• 1 pair micro spikes (provided by Trek The Himalayas when required)

Backpack & Basic Gear

• 50–60 L backpack with rain cover and comfortable shoulder straps

• 20–30 L daypack if your main luggage is being offloaded

• At least 1 walking stick

• 2 one-litre water bottles or hydration pack

• Small tiffin/lunch box

• Energy bars, dry fruits and electrolytes/ORS

• Personal medical kit as advised by your doctor

Personal Essentials

• Sunscreen

• Moisturizer

• Chapstick/lip balm

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Toilet paper and wipes

• Soap/hand sanitizer

• Antibacterial powder

• Quick-dry towel

Tip: Don't overpack. Proper layering, waterproof protection, comfortable trekking shoes, hydration, and sun protection are essential for a safe Himalayan trek.

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.