The Roopkund Trek is one of the most fascinating
and adventurous high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand,
offering an unforgettable blend of mystery, mythology,
natural beauty, and Himalayan adventure.
Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand,
Roopkund is a glacial lake perched at an altitude
of approximately 4,800 meters (15,800 ft) above sea
level. Popularly known as the "Mystery Lake," it has
captivated trekkers, historians, and researchers from
around the world for decades.
Roopkund gained international recognition after
the discovery of hundreds of ancient human
skeletons around the lake's frozen edges. These
skeletal remains were first reported in 1942 by
forest ranger H.K. Madhwal. Later, radiocarbon dating
conducted by researchers at Oxford University revealed
that many of the skeletons date back to around 850 AD.
According to scientific studies, these
individuals are believed to have died during
a sudden and devastating hailstorm, where
hailstones as large as cricket balls caused fatal
injuries. Due to the freezing Himalayan temperatures,
many of the skeletons remain remarkably well preserved
and are still visible when the snow melts.
However, the Roopkund Trek is much more than
its mysterious history. The trail is renowned
for its incredible diversity of landscapes,
taking trekkers through dense oak and rhododendron
forests, picturesque Himalayan villages, sparkling
streams, expansive alpine meadows, rugged mountain
ridges, and breathtaking snow-covered terrain.
One of the biggest highlights of the trek is passing
through the spectacular Bedni Bugyal, one of
India's largest and most beautiful alpine meadows.
During spring and summer, these grasslands are
covered with colorful wildflowers, while autumn
offers crystal-clear views of the surrounding
Himalayan peaks.
Throughout the journey, trekkers are treated
to magnificent panoramas of iconic mountains
such as Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and on clear
days, Chaukhamba.
The trail also offers a rich cultural
experience as it passes sacred sites like the
Latu Devta Temple and Kalu Vinayak Temple,
both of which hold great religious significance
for the local communities and the famous
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.
Although the trek is considered moderate to
difficult, it is highly rewarding for trekkers
with good physical fitness and prior preparation.
Whether you are seeking adventure, photography,
Himalayan landscapes, or a journey into one of
India's greatest mysteries, the Roopkund Trek
offers an experience unlike any other.
Why Roopkund
Why Choose the Roopkund Trek?
The Roopkund Trek stands out as one of the most
iconic Himalayan adventures because it combines
breathtaking natural beauty with centuries-old
mystery.
Unlike many other trekking destinations, Roopkund
offers a unique opportunity to witness an ancient
glacial lake that has fascinated archaeologists,
historians, and trekkers alike.
The trail passes through enchanting oak and
rhododendron forests, vibrant alpine meadows,
pristine rivers, and rugged mountain landscapes
before reaching the legendary Skeleton Lake.
Along the journey, you'll witness panoramic views
of towering Himalayan peaks, including Trishul
and Nanda Ghunti, while experiencing the peaceful
charm of remote mountain villages and traditional
Garhwali culture.
Adventure lovers will appreciate the changing
terrain — from lush forests and grassy bugyals
to rocky ridges and snow-covered slopes. Every
campsite offers spectacular sunrise and sunset
views, making the trek a paradise for photographers
and nature enthusiasts.
Trek Information
Everything You Need To Know
Explore the Roopkund Trek in detail, from the complete
itinerary and trail experience to inclusions, fitness,
best season and nearby places.
Day 01
Rishikesh → Wan Village
Scenic drive via Rishikesh,
Karnaprayag and Lohajung.
Overnight stay at Wan Village.
Day 02
Wan Village → Geruli Patal
Trek through dense oak and
rhododendron forests via Latu
Devta Temple and Neel Ganga.
Day 03
Geruli Patal → Patar Nachauni
Gradual ascent through alpine
meadows with spectacular Himalayan
views and Bedni Bugyal.
Day 04
Patar Nachauni → Bhagwabasa
Continue towards higher-altitude
terrain with increasingly rugged
landscapes and snow patches.
Day 05
Bhagwabasa → Roopkund → Patar Nachauni
Early morning summit push to
Roopkund Lake followed by descent
back to Patar Nachauni.
Day 06
Patar Nachauni → Wan Village
Long descent through alpine meadows,
forests and mountain landscapes.
Day 07
Wan Village → Rishikesh
Drive back to Dehradun via Lohajung,
Karnaprayag and Rishikesh.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Wan Village
286 km drive
10–11 hrs
Wan Village
Begin your journey from Rishikesh through
Devprayag, Karnaprayag and Lohajung before
reaching the peaceful Himalayan village of
Wan. The route offers river valleys,
terraced farms, pine forests, mountain
settlements and snow-covered peaks.
After arrival, attend the trek briefing
covering the upcoming trail, safety
guidelines and altitude awareness.
Day 2: Wan Village to Geruli Patal
7 km trek
5–6 hrs
Geruli Patal
Start trekking from Wan Village through
dense oak, maple and rhododendron forests.
The trail passes the sacred Latu Devta
Temple and crosses the Neel Ganga River
before reaching the campsite at Geruli
Patal.
Day 3: Geruli Patal to Patar Nachauni
6 km trek
Approx. 5 hrs
Patar Nachauni
Leave the forests behind and gradually
enter spectacular alpine landscapes.
Walk through Bedni Bugyal with expansive
Himalayan views before reaching Patar
Nachauni.
Day 4: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa
High Altitude
Snow Patches
Bhagwabasa
The landscape becomes increasingly rugged
as you climb higher. Snow patches may appear
depending on the season. Reach Bhagwabasa,
rest at the campsite and prepare for the
summit push towards Roopkund Lake.
Day 5: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Summit
and Back to Patar Nachauni
11 km trek
Approx. 9 hrs
15,800 ft
Begin before sunrise for the steep climb
towards Roopkund Lake. The summit offers
spectacular views of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti
and Chaukhamba. After spending time at the
mysterious lake, descend back towards
Patar Nachauni.
Day 6: Patar Nachauni to Wan Village
13 km trek
7–8 hrs
Wan Village
Descend through alpine meadows, forests,
streams and mountain landscapes before
reaching Wan Village. Relax and celebrate
the completion of the trekking portion.
Day 7: Wan Village to Rishikesh
286 km drive
Approx. 10–11 hrs
Rishikesh
Drive back through Lohajung, Karnaprayag and Devprayag,
enjoying one final journey through Uttarakhand's
mountain landscapes before arriving in Rishikesh.
The Roopkund Trek is renowned for offering one of the most diverse
trekking experiences in the Indian Himalayas. The trek
starts in the peaceful village of Wan and winds through
dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and maple.
One of the most memorable highlights is crossing the breathtaking
alpine meadows of Bedni Bugyal. As the trek progresses,
the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with rocky
ridges, snow patches, glacial landscapes, and
high-altitude campsites.
The journey concludes at the legendary Roopkund Lake, where natural
beauty, history, and mystery come together. Throughout
the trek, you'll enjoy magnificent views of Trishul,
Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba, making every day a
photographer's dream.
What's Included
Accommodation in guesthouses,
homestays and alpine campsites.
Healthy vegetarian meals with eggs
during the trek.
Trekking equipment including sleeping
bags, mattresses, tents, kitchen and
dining tents and seasonal crampons.
Required forest permits, camping
permits and entry fees.
Experienced trek leaders, local
guides, cooks and support staff.
First-aid kits, stretcher and oxygen
cylinder for emergencies.
Complete on-ground logistical support.
What's Not Included
Personal expenses of any kind.
Meals during road travel to and
from Wan Village.
Travel or medical insurance.
Porter or mule charges for carrying
personal luggage.
Any service or expense not specifically
mentioned under the inclusions.
The Roopkund Trek is classified as a moderate to difficult Himalayan
trek. While beginners with excellent physical fitness
can complete it successfully, proper preparation is
essential due to the high altitude, steep ascents,
and long trekking days.
Trekkers should be comfortable walking for 6–9 hours daily while carrying
a light backpack. The summit day is particularly demanding,
involving a steep climb over rocky and occasionally
snow-covered terrain.
To prepare effectively, begin training at least 6–8 weeks before your trek.
Focus on cardiovascular endurance through running, brisk
walking, cycling, or stair climbing. Strength exercises
such as squats, lunges, step-ups, and core workouts help
improve stability and reduce fatigue.
Endurance
Prepare for long walking days and build endurance
Leg Strength
Include stairs, squats and strength training
Cardio
Run, cycle or brisk-walk to build cardiovascular fitness
May – June
Spring & Early Summer
This is considered one of the best seasons for the Roopkund Trek.
Snow gradually begins to melt, revealing vibrant alpine
meadows filled with blooming flowers. Pleasant daytime
temperatures and moderate snow conditions make it ideal
for adventure and scenic beauty.
September – October
Autumn
After the monsoon, the skies become exceptionally clear, offering
spectacular panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.
The weather remains cool and comfortable, while the
trails are generally dry and ideal for trekking.
July – August
Monsoon
Heavy rainfall makes the trails slippery and increases the risk of
landslides. Dense fog often limits mountain visibility,
making this season unsuitable for trekking.
November – April
Winter
Heavy snowfall covers much of the trail, making Roopkund inaccessible
for regular trekking. Extreme weather and deep snow
require specialized mountaineering equipment and expertise.
Bedni Bugyal
Often regarded as one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in India,
Bedni Bugyal is famous for vast green grasslands,
colorful wildflowers, and spectacular views of Trishul
and Nanda Ghunti.
Ali Bugyal
Located near Bedni Bugyal, Ali Bugyal is another breathtaking alpine
meadow known for rolling landscapes and panoramic
Himalayan scenery. Together, Ali and Bedni Bugyal
form one of the largest alpine meadow systems in Asia.
Lohajung
Lohajung is a picturesque Himalayan village and an important gateway
for several trekking routes in Uttarakhand. Surrounded
by dense forests and mountain views, it offers a
peaceful environment before or after the trek.
Karnaprayag
Situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers,
Karnaprayag is one of Uttarakhand's sacred Panch Prayags.
It offers beautiful river views and is an important stop
during the journey to and from Wan Village.
Rishikesh
Located on the banks of the Ganga River, Rishikesh is one of India's
most famous spiritual and adventure destinations.
Visitors can enjoy river rafting, camping, yoga retreats,
Ganga Aarti, and vibrant cafés overlooking the river.
Dehradun
The capital city of Uttarakhand is often the starting and ending point
for the Roopkund Trek. Visitors can explore Robber's Cave,
Sahastradhara, Forest Research Institute, Tapkeshwar Temple,
and local markets.
Trek Gallery
Experience The Roopkund Trail
Explore the landscapes, alpine meadows, mountain trails
and high-altitude beauty of the Roopkund Trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roopkund Trek FAQs
Everything you need to know before planning your
Roopkund Trek.
The Roopkund Trek is located in the Chamoli
district of Uttarakhand, India. The trek starts
from Wan Village, which is accessible by road
from Rishikesh via Devprayag, Karnaprayag and
Lohajung.
The best time for the Roopkund Trek is during
May to June and September to October. These
months offer pleasant weather, clear Himalayan
views and favorable trekking conditions.
Monsoon is generally avoided due to slippery
trails, while heavy snowfall during winter can
make the route inaccessible.
The highest point of the Roopkund Trek is
Roopkund Lake, situated at approximately
15,800 ft (4,800 meters) above sea level.
Due to the high elevation, proper acclimatization
and physical fitness are essential.
The Roopkund Trek is classified as a moderate
to difficult trek. It includes long trekking
days, steep ascents, rocky terrain and
high-altitude camping. Beginners with good
fitness can complete the trek successfully
with proper preparation and guidance.
The trek is usually completed in 7 days and
6 nights. The total trekking distance is
approximately 43–45 kilometers, excluding
the road journey between Rishikesh and Wan Village.
Roopkund Lake earned the name "Mystery Lake"
after hundreds of ancient human skeletons were
discovered around its frozen shores. Scientific
research suggests that many of these skeletal
remains date back to around 850 AD.
Most Roopkund Trek packages include accommodation,
meals during the trek, camping equipment, forest
permits, experienced trek leaders, guides,
support staff, first-aid facilities, oxygen
cylinders and other essential trekking logistics.
Carry warm layered clothing, waterproof trekking
shoes, a backpack, rain gear, trekking poles,
sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, woollen socks,
a headlamp, water bottles, personal medicines,
toiletries and energy snacks.
Yes. While the Roopkund Trek is challenging,
beginners with good physical fitness, proper
preparation and determination can complete it
successfully. Training for at least 6–8 weeks
before the trek is highly recommended.
Since the trek reaches an altitude of 15,800 ft,
there is a possibility of experiencing mild
symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Staying hydrated, maintaining a steady pace,
eating nutritious meals and following the
guidance of experienced trek leaders can help
reduce the risk.
The Mountain Hike offers professionally managed
trekking experiences with experienced trek
leaders, certified guides, comfortable camping
arrangements, nutritious meals, safety equipment,
medical support and personalized assistance.
Absolutely. The Roopkund Trek combines
breathtaking alpine meadows, dense forests,
majestic mountain views, rich local culture
and the legendary Skeleton Lake, making it
a memorable Himalayan adventure.
Prior trekking experience is not mandatory,
but it is beneficial. The trek is suitable for
beginners who have a good fitness level and are
prepared for long trekking hours at high altitude.
Mobile network connectivity is available in
some lower regions such as Dehradun and parts
of Wan Village. Once the trek begins, network
coverage becomes extremely limited or unavailable.
It is advisable to inform your family and friends
before starting the trek.
Booking your Roopkund Trek with The Mountain Hike
is simple. You can explore the available trek
dates and choose the package that suits your
schedule. The team can also assist with itinerary
details, inclusions, travel guidance, fitness
preparation and other questions.
Trekker Experiences
Stories From The Trail
Hear from trekkers who have experienced the
Himalayan trails with The Mountain Hike.
The Mountain Hike is the best trekking
company at a very reasonable rate.
Our trek guide Vicky bhaiya was an
amazing person. With his help we were
able to complete our trek to the Valley
of flowers and the Hemkund sahib very
easily without any difficulties. The
rooms were neat and clean. The food was
very good, it was just like home cooked
food. Conveyance and the driver was also
good. Driver was well trained and drove
safely throughout the mountains. We were
only girls but it was very safe. We
enjoyed all the beautiful views. Thanks
to Vicky bhaiya for taking care of all
of us just like his family throughout
the entire trek.
We completed valley of flowers trek
with mountain hikes .. overall good ..
food was decent.. stays in ghangaria
was little bit disappointing but we
can't expect luxury homestay or hotel
there though. Guide bhaiya was very
helpful and supportive.. we were really
thankful for that.
Had an amazing experience trekking to
Rudranath with The Mountain Hike. The
entire journey was well-organized, safe,
and memorable. A special thanks to Raju
Bhaiya, who guided and supported us
throughout the trek with great patience
and positivity. His encouragement made
even the toughest stretches feel
manageable. Highly recommended for
anyone planning a trek in the Himalayas!
Had an amazing yatra and trekking
experience with Mountain Hike... a
special thanks to Raju Bhaiya... who
went above and beyond to help us
throughout the journey... when the trek
became really challenging for me, he
even carried my bag so I could continue
the climb.
What truly stood out was his care and
dedication. He stayed in touch and
checked on each one of us until we
safely reached home.
I would highly recommend Mountain Hike
to anyone planning a trek or yatra.
Their support, professionalism and
genuine concern made all the difference.
Going with the mountain hike was one of
the best decisions ever. Rajendra bhaiya
was such a great guy. He has supported
and motivated us through the whole trip.
He was there for us at every point and
took responsibility till the end. Thank
you so much.
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