Roopkund Trek

The 10-hour journey to Village Wan takes you through the stunning Kumaon region and the deep valleys of the Shivalik mountains. Winding roads pass through dense coniferous forests, offering both adventure and breathtaking views.

Your route leads to Gwaldam, a peaceful town in Garhwal. Instead of the risky Nandkesri (11 km) route, the safer Tharali (36 km) route is preferred. After about two hours, you’ll reach Deval, the last stop for essentials before heading to Lohajung.

The final stretch is a thrilling ascent with sharp curves and misty roads, making for an unforgettable drive. By evening, settle into a tourist rest house or a cozy lodge, preparing for the trek ahead.

The trek begins today! After a hearty home-cooked breakfast, the journey starts on a jeep road with a gentle ascent towards Wan village

A 6 km walk (about 1.5 hours) on flat terrain brings you to Kulling, a peaceful Garhwal village known for its serene beauty and exotic birds. The crisp mountain air adds to the refreshing experience.

From Kulling, a right turn leads to a gradual descent towards a small stream fed by the Neel Ganga. Cross the cemented bridge and begin the ascent up the ridge. The moderately steep trail winds through towering alpine forests before reaching Didna village (2450m/8000ft).

After a two-hour climb, the ridge opens up to stunning meadows at high altitude, a rare sight nestled in the lap of the mountains. The neighboring villages, Didna and Kuling, host trekkers seasonally—Didna in summer and monsoon, Kuling in winter.

By 3 PM, the trek ends, and a hot lunch is served. The day’s journey covers approximately 10 km, with the night spent in a traditional guest house, recharging for the adventure ahead.

Today's trek takes you to the breathtaking village of Ali Bugyal, located at an altitude of 3400m (11,000ft). One of the highest inhabited places in India, Ali Bugyal sits atop a mountain, visible from Didna.

The journey begins with a steady ascent out of Didna village. The right trail follows a gentle gradient, passing through temporary settlements of local shepherds (Tolpani) and their massive sheep herds—a heartwarming sight. These friendly shepherds often welcome trekkers to share their meal as a gesture of goodwill. The left trail is steeper but shorter, and both routes eventually lead to the same destination.

The path winds through majestic Oak, Birch, and Rhododendron forests. In spring, the valley transforms into a spectacular sea of vibrant Rhododendron flowers. As you ascend, the tree line recedes, giving way to expansive grasslands. The climb takes about 3 to 4 hours before reaching the stunning meadows of Ali Bugyal.

Ali Bugyal is a mesmerizing sight, resembling the Windows XP wallpaper with vast green meadows stretching endlessly. During the summer, wild horses and cows graze in this paradise filled with colorful flowers. On clear days, you can spot the towering Trishul and Mrigthuni peaks, some of the tallest in this part of the Himalayas. The mighty Trishul peak seems to radiate an irresistible energy, calling to adventurers.

After crossing the meadows, a small ridge appears, followed by another 30-minute trek leading to Bedni, the camping spot for Day 3. After lunch, visit the Bedni Kund temple. If the weather is clear, you’ll witness the Garhwal Himalayan range in all its glory.

Day 4 of the trek allows you to start a bit late, giving you the luxury of extra sleep before setting off. Your next camping spot is Ghora Lotani, a perfect location for an overnight stay.

As you continue walking, take in the picturesque landscapes surrounding you. Along the way, you’ll pass through Patat Nacholi, an unused and vast landmass. The day involves a steep altitude gain, from 12,500ft to 14,500ft. The high altitude and long trek will challenge your endurance—your legs will ache, and the thinning air will make breathing slightly difficult.

Don't worry! The breathtaking scenery and positive energy of the surroundings will keep you motivated. The pure mountain air, the towering peaks, and the endless beauty of nature will make every step worthwhile.

After covering approximately 10km, you will reach your campsite for the night—Ghora Lotani. The serene atmosphere ensures a restful sleep, but be sure to wake up early the next morning, as an exciting adventure awaits!

Wake up early and brace yourself for the longest day of trekking. Start with a filling breakfast and don’t forget to do a few stretches. Keep in mind that today’s trek will cover approximately 10km on a steep slope, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the journey.

Walk towards Bagubasa, situated at an altitude of 14,000ft above sea level. On the way, you will pass the Kalyuvinayak Temple. The most thrilling part of this trek is the 2km ascent, which also involves gaining an altitude of about 200ft. The trail is uneven and zigzagged, demanding careful navigation. Make sure you have proper safety gear and warm clothing before beginning this trek.

Take slow and careful steps—one small slip can lead to serious injury. But remember, there’s no gain without pain, and reaching the top brings well-earned rewards. It is truly astonishing to see a temple built at such an extreme altitude. The centuries-old temple has a traditional design, crafted with stone, showcasing precision and divine artistry. The higher altitude means thinner air and lower oxygen levels, which may cause headaches or stomach discomfort. If needed, take short breaks to acclimatize.

From the temple, you get a breathtaking view of Roopkund, your final trekking destination. The scenery is simply magnificent, with the sparkling Trishul peak on one side and the bell-shaped Nandagunti on the other.

Continue along the rugged and uneven trail leading to Bhaguabasa, which is just 1km away. The region has its own uniqueness, including rare flowers that bloom only during the monsoon months. Now, standing at an altitude of 14,000ft, you’ll notice that the terrain is rough and challenging, yet incredibly rewarding.

Start early on this day to reach the mega destination – Roopkund. At an altitude of more than 16,000ft, it is the highest point of the trek. Though the path is not too complicated, the 4km walk will take your breath away and tire you out. But no trek is easy, right?

During monsoon, the snow covering this area is minimal and shallow, making the path more visible. From Bhaguabasa, your first checkpoint is Chhirianag, which means "ladder-like snake." From here, your next destination is Roopkund – The Mystery Lake.

Known as the lake of skeletons, Roopkund is one of the most mysterious places in the world. Even today, archaeologists and scientists cannot fully explain why hundreds of skeletons lie at the bottom of the lake. Legends suggest that a king and his followers, on their way to Nanda Devi, were caught in a severe hailstorm, leading to their deaths. If you’re lucky, you might see around 300 human skeletons from the lake’s edge—an eerie yet breathtaking sight.

From Roopkund, the trek continues along a steep and challenging terrain. After the climb, you will come across the Nanda Devi Temple, located near the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It is a perfect spot for capturing stunning photographs with your friends and fellow trekkers.

Depending on the weather conditions and the group’s fitness level, you may attempt the Junargali Pass, which stands at 16,700ft. If conditions are favorable, the climb will take around 45 minutes.

On the way back, you will pass through Bhagwabasa again. The descent is twice as difficult as the ascent—it is so steep that it may feel like you are falling from the top. Along the way, you will discover a cave-like structure called Bhagwabasa, meaning "Abode of the Tiger."

Continue the descent to reach Patar Nachuni, which is situated at 12,500ft. From here, you will trek backward through Ghora Lautani and return to Bedni Bugyal, where your day’s journey will end at a beautiful campsite amidst lush greenery.

This is one of the longest and toughest days of the trek, covering over 15km in about 10-15 hours. Your legs will be exhausted, pushing you into a deep sleep. But before resting, take a moment to realize that this trek was no easy feat—it required immense determination and courage to complete.

Day 7 is probably the last day of the trek, where you will walk back to the campsite from Day 1. Descending and climbing up are two very different experiences, even though the path remains the same. This time, you will travel on the right side of the trail, which seems much easier compared to the previous day’s strenuous climb.

For the first time, you will notice wooden huts dotted along the path. After traveling a little further, you will come across a fork in the road. Take the path to the right, which leads downward. As you descend further, you will find yourself back in the forest region, surrounded by tall trees. The chirping of birds and the cool breeze passing by your ears is a treat to experience.

Due to the varying slope, trekkers must be cautious with every step to avoid injuries. While shortcuts may seem tempting, they should be avoided as the rough terrain can be dangerous.

After walking a few more yards, you will reach an opening inside the dense forest called Gahroli Patal. From here, the journey continues until you reach the banks of the Neel Ganga River. Once you reach the riverbed, the trail leads to Ran Ka Dhar, a part of Wan village.

Wan feels like home—a big village surrounded by majestic hills and mountains, a view that you will cherish for a lifetime. As you walk a little further down the road, you will see the car waiting to pick you up.

The descent covers nearly 18km and takes about 10 hours. From Wan, it takes another hour to reach Lohajung by car. The road is rocky and bumpy, but once you arrive back at the tourist guest house, you can finally relax, reminisce about the incredible journey, and enjoy the warmth of a comfortable bed.