About Roopkund Trek (Roopkund Lake (Chamoli))

- Trekking in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Roopkund trek in India is one of the most popular trekking destinations among frequent trekkers. Roopkund trekking makes one aware about the beauty of deep virgin forests, gurgling brooks, breath-taking campsites, miles of undulating meadows, snow and ice and the taste of a great adventure as you climb from 8,000ft to 16,000ft. We start with dense forests bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal – India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. As we continue trekking higher and higher above Roopkund, we are only separated by air from the Trishul. Rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad mountains surround our journey. All along our trail, you will get to see mesmerizing views of peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul & Nanda Ghunti. The difficulty level of the trek is high and to have the full best view get into this trek during May - June, and September – October.

Highlights of Roopkund trek:

Enjoy the breath-taking campsite of the gurgling brooks near the cascading water in the clean night sky under the billion stars.
Trek tail through the most alpine forest of Rhododendron and oak and other rare flora and fauna of the region.
Witness the mystery lake which is immersed and circled by hundreds of skeleton. This one major attraction with the skeletons of the pilgrims who fell to their deaths due to the unexpected natural calamities.
Enjoy the majestic view of Mt Trishul by taking some amazing photographs.
Admire the imposing Chaukhamba range, Neelkanth peak, Kedarnath, Kedar Dom.

Learn about the local culture and their day to day life by share a cup of tea while you learn about their culture.

Basic Details of Roopkund trek:

The height of Trek: 16,000 feet
Difficulty level: Difficult
Age group: 16-45 years
Duration: 8days/7nights
Trek distance: 27 Km (one way)

How to Reach Roopkund Trek:

We need to reach Kathgodam station which is one of the oldest and the central station in the district. It is well connected with other places like Lucknow, Delhi, Howrah and more.

By Train:

From Delhi take the Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40 pm arrival Kathgodam at 5:30 am (Overnight Journey) or the Uttar sampark Kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:00pm arrival Kathgodam at 10:40pm (6 hrs.40min.Journey). Tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam by train cost around `150/- for a second class sleeper ticket and ` 400/- for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.

By Bus:

Regular buses ply from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. Buses that go to Nainital stops at Haldwani which is a twin town of Kathgodham (8 hrs. Journey).

Roopkund Trek Itinerary:

Day 1 – Kathgodam to Lohajung (Base Camp) (7662 feet)

Our trekking crew needs to be assembled at the Kathgodam Railway Station by 7.00am. From here we start our journey to the base camp Lohajing. We can notice the beauty of the narrow roads with curves, making the trekkers view the entire surrounding of lush green beauty jaw-dropping.

Day 2 - Lohajung Base Camp to Didna Village (8145 feet)

Bus stand backend trail takes us to the Raun Bagad. The walk is moderate difficulty with forests taking 2.5hrs to reach our destination of Raun Bagad. Raun Bagad is an iron bridge across the famous Neel Ganga River. Once you reach the bridge, we start with the climb to Didina. This is a steep climb for an hour and most of the time makes the trekkers tired soon. Once we have endured and overcome the tiredness and continue with the hill for about 1.5hrs. We will have an excellent mountaineering experience as we have finally reached our campsite for overnight stay and food.

Day 3 – Didna Village to Bedni Bugyal (12200 feet)

Reaching our today’s destination, we have two alternative routes. Take a look at the valley to witness a cluster of huts belonging to the shepherds of Tolpani village at a 3kms distance. From this village, we take a trail that climbs to Tolkaan in the northern direction. It makes us through a series of meadows switchbacks and lush oak mountains. It’s time to get out of the forest by taking a sharp left towards the douth to reach Ali Bugyal.

The alternative route to reach Bedni Bugyal is to climb directly towards Bedni Bugyal without going through Toplani. Its 2.5jrs climb to reach Ali Bugyal.

We need to reach Ali Bugyal before afternoon to enjoy the seductive view. The trek is excellent before and after the monsoon. Have fun by clicking memories as we need to ascend further for 1.5 to 2hrs to reach Bedni Bugyal to reach our campsite for overnight stay and food.

Day 4 – Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni (12900 feet)

Today is an easy day for all trekkers as we head towards Patap Navhauni. All our trekkers are requested to follow a straight line as we go to the other side of the ridge with a gradual increase in the slope. Morning view of Badani Bugyal is marvellous with green grass sounded view of Patti ka danda. Post breakfast we depart to Patar Nachauni which takes max 2-3hrs to reach. Enjoy the best picture with mountain, Waterfalls, small-small water lakes between meadows.

Day 5 – Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa (14000 feet)

We start making a steep dash to gain altitude as we trek in the snow line. Be prepared to feel the effects of weather change as it is a high altitude trekking. To acclimatize to the weather, we start our trek early to reach Bhawabasa. We take the steep zigzag route to climb the Kalu Vinayak Mountain for around 1.5hrs. Bhagwabasa camp is gradual slope downwards and is 2kms away from the view of Bhagwabasa huts.

Day 6 - Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and back to Bedni Bugyal (16000 feet)

Outstanding day of the trek and so we start the day early at 4 am. The early start is due to the snow which is hard now and turns soft as the sun rises. We are 3kms away from Roopkund, which is an uphill climb from here. The trail takes nearly 3-3.5hrs to reach Roopkund. Climb Roopkund, and we must climb to Junargali. Junargali is a must visit for trekkers unless the weather is too harsh. Once we enjoy the beauty of the sight, we start early to return to Bedni Bugyal. Be careful with every step as the snow slopes are tricky.

Day 7 - Bedni Bugyal to Lohajung Base Camp via Wan (7662 feet)

Another great trek of the complete trek package. With a simple path filled with oak forests and scenic beauty to see the end of meadows. On a clear day, you would be astonished by looking at the Trishul on your way back from Bedni Bugyal to Wan. Get down from the Rhododendron forest with a steep descent to the Neel Ganga. From here we are just 30mins climb away from Wan village. From here we take an hour drive back to Lohajung Basecamp.

Day 8 - Lohajung Base Camp to Kathgodam

Lohajung base in itself is a beautiful place to relax and chill after the high altitude trek. Don’t think more; we got this day covered. Enjoy the weather as our fellow representatives take you back to Kathgodam at the day's end.

The FAQ on Roopkund Trek:

1. When is the best time recommended for the trek?

Best time to go for Roopkund Trek is during May - June, and September – October.

2. How difficult is the Roopkund Trek?

Roopkund Trek in comparison is Moderate to Difficult difficulty with another high altitude trek.

3. How much distance do we have to trek each day?

On an average, we cover roughly 4-7kms between our camping stations.

4. What will happen if a trek is extended?

Beyond our controllable reasons when the trek is extended, then additional charges tend to be applied.

5. Who will be our lead guide person?

Lead guide person is certified & experienced personnel. These guides are locally sourced and have other team members including local guides, cook, helpers, and porters.

6. Is this trek safe for girls?

Our treks are planned with a male: female ratio. As an organizer, we make sure that their tents are shared only with other female trekkers.

7. Some people in a tent?

Our tents are all three person tents.

8. What is the level of fitness expected from the trekkers?

Good physical and mental fitness is expected to complete the Trek.

9. Ideal Food menu during a trek?

We make sure that wholesome and nutritious breakfast, lunch and evening snacks are served. We believe and serve only vegetarian food as it is easy to digest and preferable in high altitudes.

10. What if we encounter a medical emergency?

We are trained to manage emergencies in high altitudes. Our lead guide is professional and experienced. Our team do carry emergency first aid kits and oxygen cylinder.