The Roopkund Trek is a legendary high-altitude adventure in Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalayas, renowned for its glacial "Skeleton Lake" and breathtaking alpine scenery. This moderate-to-challenging journey covers about 50-65 km round trip, typically spanning 7-10 days from Lohajung base village, reaching a peak altitude of around 16,500 ft (5,020 m) at Roopkund Lake.
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Mystery of Skeleton Lake: Roopkund Lake at 16,500 ft reveals hundreds of 9th-century human skeletons preserved in its glacial waters, likely pilgrims killed by a massive hailstorm.
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Stunning Alpine Meadows: Vast bugyals like Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal bloom with wildflowers, offering panoramic 360° views of Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Mrigthuni peaks.
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Diverse Terrain: Trail spans oak forests, river crossings along Neel Ganga, steep snowfields, and high passes like Junargali for a thrilling moderate-difficult challenge.
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High-Altitude Climax: Final push from Bhagwabasa campsites rewards with surreal lake views and dramatic ice fields amid Garhwal Himalayas' raw beauty.
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization in Rishikesh
Arrive in Rishikesh, the adventure capital of India, nestled along the sacred Ganges River. Check into your comfortable guesthouse and spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude transition ahead. Explore the vibrant streets, visit iconic spots like Laxman Jhula or Triveni Ghat, and enjoy a relaxing evening with riverside yoga or a group briefing. Overnight stay in Rishikesh (B, D).
DAY 2: Drive to Lohajung Village (252 km from Rishikesh / 216 km from Kathgodam)
Depart early for the scenic drive to Lohajung, the base village of the Roopkund Trek in Chamoli district (altitude: 7,662 ft / 2,335 m). Whether arriving from Rishikesh or Kathgodam, soak in the majestic views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti during sunrise or sunset. Stroll through the lively village market to restock personal items or rent trek gear. Overnight stay in a guesthouse (B, L, D).
DAY 3: Lohajung to Didna Village (6.5 km Trek, ~4-5 hours)
Start trekking at 8:30-9:00 AM with your rucksack, water, and snacks. After 1.5 hours, reach the picturesque village of Kulling. The trail then follows the Neel Ganga River, gradually steepening to Didna Village (altitude: 8,000 ft / 2,438 m). Enjoy panoramic mountain views. Overnight camp in Didna (B, L, D).
DAY 4: Didna Village to Ali Bugyal (10.5 km Trek, ~6-7 hours)
Gain altitude steadily to reach Ali Bugyal (11,000 ft / 3,353 m), a stunning high-altitude meadow visible from Didna. The steep ascent rewards you with clear views of Mt. Trishul and Mrigthuni on good days. After arriving at camp, visit the sacred temple at nearby Bedni Bugyal. Overnight camp in Ali Bugyal (B, L, D).
DAY 5: Ali Bugyal to Ghora Lotani via Patar Nachauni and Bedni Bugyal (7 km Trek, ~5 hours)
Trek through rolling bugyals (meadows) with significant altitude gain from 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to 14,500 ft (4,420 m). Pass Patar Nachauni and ascend to the picturesque Ghora Lotani campsite. This strenuous day features a slow, continuous climb—rest well for tomorrow. Overnight camp in Ghora Lotani (B, L, D).
DAY 6: Ghora Lotani to Bhagwabasa via Kalu Vinayak (10 km Trek, ~6-7 hours)
Start early for the steep push to Bhagwabasa (15,696 ft / 4,784 m). Watch for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms like headaches or nausea—inform your trek leader immediately. The trail passes the Kalu Vinayak temple, offering a first glimpse of Roopkund Lake to fuel your energy. Overnight camp in Bhagwabasa (B, L, D).
DAY 7: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake and Return to Bedni Bugyal (10 km Trek, ~7-8 hours)
Dawn start at 4:00 AM for the highlight: Roopkund Lake (16,470 ft / 5,020 m), shrouded in mystery with its preserved 500-year-old skeletons. Spend time marveling at the glacial lake and surrounding peaks, then descend via Bhagwabasa to Bedni Bugyal for well-deserved rest. Overnight camp in Bedni Bugyal (B, L, D).
DAY 8: Bedni Bugyal to Lohajung via Wan (15 km Trek, ~9-10 hours)
Retrace your steps on the zig-zag forest trail through Gahroli Patal and along the Neel Ganga. After pit stops and rest, arrive in Lohajung by evening—pure bliss after the long descent. Overnight stay in a guesthouse (B, L, D).
DAY 9: Lohajung to Rishikesh (252 km Drive)
Wake up leisurely and drive back to Rishikesh. Reflect on the trek's highlights en route, with time for optional stops. Arrive by evening, check into your guesthouse, and celebrate with a group dinner by the Ganges. Overnight stay in Rishikesh (B, L, D).
Day 10: Departure from Rishikesh
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing for your onward journey from Rishikesh. Bid farewell to the mountains with memories of an epic Himalayan odyssey. (B)
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation: Rishikesh and Lohajung in Twin/Triple sharing basis (Hotel / guest house / tents).
- Meals: Lohajung to Lohajung
- Transportation: Rishikesh to Rishikesh
- Camping, Dining Equipment, and Cutlery. (Sleeping Bags, Tents, Sleeping Mats, Camping stools, Dining tent, Toilet tent with commode chair)
- Certified English Speaking Trek Lead.
- Support staff (Guide, Cook, Helper and Mule staff)
- Forest entry charges for Indian nationals. For non-Indian passport holders, there will be an additional charge.
- Mules to carry common equipment.
- Gaiters and Crampons: Included for your comfort and safety.
- First Aid: Comprehensive first aid kit for your well-being.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Charges for air / train travel to & from Delhi/Rishikesh.
- Personal luggage with weight not exceeding 12 kg per bag per person can be carried by porters/mules @ Rs. 400 per day per bag.
- Any meals which are not included in the inclusions section.
- Optional / Add on / Extra activity charges.
- Medical expenses (apart from first aid).
- Any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sight-seeing, and any other expenses of personal nature.
- Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
- Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, down jackets and other special clothing etc. (You can rent out from us)
- Any other item not mentioned in the cost include section.
- Trek Insurance.
