WEAL AND WOE ENROUTE "ROOPKUND TREK"
“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.” Standing on the last point till where we could reach with the Mt. Trishul on the...
Aparna Sadhu
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Roopkund Trek
Chamoli,Garhwal,Uttarakhand
Grade
Moderate
No of Days
Maximum Altitude
4800m
Price
INR 14,500/- Per Person Haridwar to Haridwar
Available Date
Customised dates available
About Roopkund Trek
In the grand kingdom of the Indian Himalayas, one name echoes with awe, mystery, and thrill — Roopkund. Known worldwide as the Skeleton Lake, Roopkund lies shrouded in legend and folklore, making it a magnet for trekkers, adventurers, historians, and spiritual seekers alike. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this high-altitude glacial lake is perched at an elevation of 16,470 ft (5,020 meters) in the shadow of Trishul Massif and the mighty Mt. Nanda Ghunti.
The Mystery of Roopkund Skeleton Lake
Roopkund has earned its global fame for the eerie human skeletons found at its edge. Hundreds of bones and skulls, dating back to the 9th century, have been discovered frozen in and around the lake. Theories abound — was it a royal procession caught in a hailstorm, a pilgrimage gone wrong, or something else entirely? This mystery makes Roopkund not just a trekking destination, but a historical enigma, drawing archaeologists, anthropologists, and curious minds from around the world.
The Sacred and Mythical Connection
Despite the chilling name and story, Roopkund is deeply connected to Hindu mythology. Legend says that Goddess Nanda Devi caused a hailstorm to strike down a king and his entourage for disrespecting the mountain’s sanctity. The name "Roopkund" itself, meaning "Lake of Beauty," hints at a myth where the Goddess Nanda Devi once glimpsed her reflection in the crystal-clear water.
Roopkund Trek Route and Highlights
The Roopkund Trek is regarded as one of the best high-altitude treks in India, offering a blend of mythology, adventure, alpine scenery, and raw Himalayan wilderness. The trail begins from Lohajung/Wan, a small village in the Garhwal Himalayas, and passes through scenic hamlets, dense oak and rhododendron forests, gurgling mountain streams, and vast alpine meadows.
Major Trek Highlights:
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Wan to Gairoli Patal: A scenic trail through dense forest and remote mountain villages.
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Ali Bugyal & Bedni Bugyal: Among the most beautiful Himalayan meadows, offering panoramic views of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba. During monsoon, these meadows are dotted with vibrant wildflowers.
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Pathar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa: The terrain becomes more rugged and challenging, with panoramic views and chances of snowfall even in early summer.
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Kalu Vinayak Top: A mountain top just between the trail from Pathar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa, where a small temple is located dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This Top provides an amazing panoramic views of amazing famous peaks of Garhwal like Chaukhmaba, Nilkantha, Kamet, Jaonli, Kedar dome, Kedar, Bhartekunta and others. With Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti stands just infront with it's huge shape.
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Roopkund Lake and Junargali Pass: A heart-pounding climb to reach the Skeleton Lake, with the optional extension to Junargali Pass (subject to weather and conditions).
Best time for Roopkund :- Best time for Roopkund is either from Mid May to June, and from end September to October. One could get snowy trails in pre monsoon, and vibrant flowers in Ali Bedni Bugyal during post monsoon.
Itinerary
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07
Day 08
Reporting at Haridwar, then drive to Wan:-
After arrival on Haridwar, drive to Wan, which is about 270kms, through beautiful town of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag Gwaldam, Tharali, Deval. On arrival briefing and registration to be completed, by the Trek Leader. Relax yourself and get prepared for the next day adventure. Overnight at Guest House/Lodge.
Wan to Gairoli Patal ( 8000ft, 6 KM, 5 Hr)
After hot breakfast, we move for our first campsite Gairoli Patal. Today we cover 6 km long trek in 5-6 hr crossing the rhododendron forest jungle. Spot the Latu Devta Mandir on the starting point of the trail, Latu Devta is know as brother of Goddess Nanda devi, and protector of Wan Village. Spot the beauty of the Neelganga river as you ascend during the trek. After, admiring the beauty traverse through mixed forests of oak and bamboo to arrive at Gairoli Patal. Arrive at your first base camp and enjoy a hot lunch by the campsite. Overnight stay in camp.
Gairoli Patal to Abin Kharak (10,400ft, 4KM, 4 Hr)
After early breakfast, we start trek for Albin Kharak, just beside the Ali Bedni Bugyal one of the largest meadows of Asia, which resembles to a Windows XP homescreen. The trail takes you through oak and bamboo forests. You can also spot the snow-capped Garhwal Himalayas during the trek, and keep the windcheater handy. Arrive at Abin Kharak early and immerse in the beauty of open alpine grazing meadows as you relish over the Lunch. We arrive Abin Kharak early, explore the Ali Bedni Bugyal throughout. Overnight stay at Camp
Abin Kharak to Patharnachauni via Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lotani (10 kms., 7-8hrs)
Today is the beautiful day, the trail will be through the beautiful alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, one could prominently spot Nanda Ghunti and Trishul on the east side of the trail. After Bedni Bugyal there is a mild steep ascent till Ghora Lotani. Ghora Lotani has got its name from a myhtological story as well. We recommend everyone to keep windcheater handy as one could face cold winds in the bugyal, and as we gain altitiude one may get mild AMS sysmptoms, so keep yourself hydrated properly. After the ascent reach Patharnachauni, relax yourself in the beautiful ambience. Overnight stay at Camps
Patharnachauni to Bhagwabasa via Kalu Vinayak Temple(4 kms).
Today may be a short distance but keep yourself ready to meet a steep ascending slope. After morning breakfast, start a steep climb to KaluVinayak Temple, which is dedicated to Bhagwan Ganesh. As you reach the KaluVinayak Temple the entire surrounding changes, like opening a window, from where the beautiful peaks of Garhwal is prominently visible like Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti. We will be reaching Bhagwabasa in the afternoon, this is the base camp of Roopkund lake and Highest campsite. Be prepared for an extreme cold night. Today we will be sleeping early. Overnight stay at camps.
Bhagwabasa to Roopkund, then return to Patharnachauni.(16Kms)
Today is the most important day, so we will be starting at 3:00 AM. The first part of the trail till Roopkund is gradual ascent with some steep sections in between, where one may need technical support for which the Team Leader/Trek Leader of Himalayan Passion will be there to assist you. On the last part one have climb down 100m to reach the beautiful mysterious lake. On reaching, get goosebumps from this holy place and observe the skeletons around the lake. It is strictly forbidden to touch the skeletons/carry, if anyone found touching or carrying the skeletons will be expelled from the group. If time permits we will go to the Junargali col, which is just 200m to the north of the Lake. Prepare to return to Patharnachauni, reach the campsite around the late afternoon.
Patharnachuni to Wan(15 kms.)
Today is the last day of the trek, we will descent down to the valley where river Neel Ganga welcomes us through Ali Bedni Bugyal and Gairoli Patal. Enjoy the last night in Wan relishing the memories. Overnight stay at Homestay/Hotel.
Wan to Haridwar Drive(270kms)
Early morning we will start our journey from Wan to Haridwar, plan your return journey from Haridwar after 9PM. We will drop you at Haridwar railway station, Our journey ends here, leave your footprints take only memories.
"What included"
Cost of accommodation in Homestays two night in Wan
Cost of transportation from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Haridwar/Rishikesh
Cost of Fooding while on trek (Morning and evening Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner- meals will be provided. Breakfast-Roti, Sabji/Maggi, etc., Lunch/Dinner-Rice/Roti, Sabji, Dal, Achar, etc.).(Day 1:- Dinner to Day 7:- Dinner)
Technical Camping equipments:- Tents(sharing basis), Sleeping Bag, Mattress, Utensils, Microspikes, Technical climbing equipments
Guide,Support staff,cook, Supporting crew.
Cost of Permit fees.
"What not included"
Cost of Personal expenses.
Hotel in Haridwar/Kathgodam.
Cost of emergency due to bad weather conditions.
Cost of personal porter for offloading
Meals during transit i.e. meals while on road or travelling will not be provided. No meals will be provided in Last day (Day 8)
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusion.
Check out the blogs by our clients
We at Himalayan Passion always encourage the Trekkers and participants to write a story or blog to express their feelings and emotions about mountains, and how they enjoyed the trek, which will be a document of memories for the participants, team members and for Himalayan Passion as well
Booking Policy:
To book your trek, you need to pay 30% of the trek fees as advance. Rest 70% to be paid 10 days prior to the starting date.
One can pay the amount online(Net Banking, GPay, UPI ID).
Details to be shared on request.
Cancellation Policy:
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30 days before the trek date, full refund of the paid amount
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15 days before the trek date, 50% refund of the paid amount.
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Cancellation less than 15days to the start date of the trek, no refund possible
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In case Himalayan Passion cancels the trek or trip, full refund will be paid.
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One has option to send another person on their behalf.
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One has option to adjust the paid amount on any other trek, if a person cannot join the trek he/she paid for.
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