DPHolidays
Himalayan Trek - The Roop kund Trek
The Roop kund Trek also known as mysterious trek or skeleton trek is located in the Himalayas in Chamoli, Uttrakhand. It is known as the mystery lake as human skeletons are found around the lake. It is estimated that around 300-900 people lost their lives over there, these skeletons are visible when the ice melts and the water of the lake is clear for us to gaze at. It is said that along with the skeletons other artefacts like iron spearheads and wooden arts were also found.
According to native mythology the King of Kanauj, Raja Jasdhaval along with his pregnant wife and servants went on pilgrimage to Nanda Devi shrine, but on the way the group faced a storm and probably met an unfortunate end near the lake. The Roopkund Trek will start from the base camp village Lohajung and with each passing day you will encounter new shades of mother nature.
Trek Overview
Trek Name: ROOPKUND TREK
Days: 8
Adventure Type: Trekking
Base Camp: KASHMIR GREAT LAKES
Season:Summer | Autumn |
Month: March | April | May | September | October | November |
Distance: 58 Km.
Trail Type: Circle trail | Camping in various locations, starting and ending at the same point.
Country: India
Altitude: 16,499 Ft
Grade: Difficult
Stay: Hotel and tea house
Food: Meals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
Highlights
The Mystery of Skeletons: Roopkund Lake is famous for the human skeletons that lie at its edge, visible when the snow melts. The mystery of these skeletons, combined with the lake’s stunning glacial beauty, makes it a fascinating destination.
Panoramic Views of Himalayan Peaks: The trek offers close-up views of some of the most prominent peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas, including Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,310 m). The view of Trishul from the Bedni Bugyal is particularly iconic.
Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through dense oak and rhododendron forests, as well as expansive alpine meadows like Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, which are among the largest and most beautiful high-altitude meadows in India.
Varied Trail: The trail is diverse, ranging from lush green forests to rocky paths and steep climbs as you approach Roopkund Lake. The final stretch involves navigating snow and ice, especially in early summer or post-monsoon.
Picturesque Campsites: The campsites at Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Bhagwabasa are set in stunning locations, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes and starry skies at night.
Local Villages: The trek starts from Lohajung and passes through quaint villages like Didna and Wan, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals.
Safety Tips
Physical Fitness : The Roopkund Trek is moderately challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. Regular cardio exercises, leg strength training, and endurance-building activities will help you prepare.
Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial as the trek reaches altitudes of over 4,800 meters. Spend some time in Lohajung to acclimate, and ascend gradually during the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Altitude Awareness: Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If symptoms persist, descend immediately and consult your guide. Carry necessary medications like Diamox.
Weather Preparedness: The weather in high-altitude regions like Roopkund can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes, including snowfall, cold winds, and freezing temperatures.
Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and keep your energy levels up with nutritious snacks. Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking during the trek, as they can exacerbate altitude sickness.
Short Itinerary
Day-1: Drive RISHIKESH to LOHAJUNG
- Drive Distance: 210 KM
- Drive Duration: 10-11 HRS.
Day-2: Lohajung To Didna Village
- TREK DISTANCE : 6.5 KM
- Altitude Gain : 7,662-8,045Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12 hr
Day-3: Didna Village To Ali Bugyal
- TREK DISTANCE : 10.5 KM
- Altitude Gain:8,045 to 11,320Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12Hrs
Day-4: Ali Bugyal To Patar Nachauni Via Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lothani
- TREK DISTAANCE : 7 KM
- Altitude Gain-11,320 to 12,818Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12Hrs
Day-5: Patar Nachani To Bhagwabasa Via Kalu Vinayak
- TREK DITANCE : 4KM
- Altitude gain: 12,818 to 14,117 Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12Hrs
Day-6: Bhagwabasa To Roopkund and Back To Bedni Bugyal
- TREK DISTANCE : 10 KM
- Altitude Gain: 14,117 15,755Ft
Day-7: Patar Nachauni To Lohajung Via Bedani and Wan
- TREK DISTANCE : 15 KM
- Altitude Loss: 12,818 to 7,662Ft
Day-8: Return To Rishikesh From Lohajung
- DRIVE DISTANCE : 210KM
- Drive Duration - 10-11 hrs.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY1
Drive RISHIKESH to LOHAJUNG
- Drive Duration: 10-11 HRS.
Our team will pick you up from the assigned location at 6:00 AM in the morning and it will mark the starting of your beautiful trek journey, the way to reach Lohajung from Rishikesh is quite a long one and will take hours before you reach the final destination for the day but don’t worry the breathtaking views will make for it. On your way you will pass the holy cities: Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karanprayag. Devpragyag is where the two rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet and flow on as the Ganges river or the Ganga. Lohajung is a high-altitude village and this will help you to acclimate your body for the trek next day. The village itself is surrounded by mesmerising views and beautiful localites.
Make sure you have all the necessary equipments for your trek the following day, you can also opt to rent or buy trekking gears from the market of Lohajung, since the village is the starting point of many treks the market is flooded with a lot of trekkers and you will be able to find almost all the things needed for the trek.
If in case you happen to face any problem our team will be there to help you out and make your trek a memorable one.
DAY 2
Lohajung To Didna Village
- TREK DISTANCE : 6.5 KM
- Altitude Gain : 7,662-8,045Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12 hr
- Your trek will start from today, after a nutrition rich breakfast and a brief explanation by our trek leader you will begin your trek towards a jeep road which connects to the village of Wan.
Then your next location is Kulling which is a tiny village surrounded by large mountains and stunning views with a handful of population.
The village of Kulling is a home for exotic birds and pure air. You can take a small break to observe the above mentioned things and then resume your walk, on your way you will see a small stream which is connected to the larger stream Neel Ganga, on descending further you will encounter the mainstream.
Further on your trek you’ll cross a bridge and will trek further where the final destination for the day is waiting for you. Didna Village is surrounded by alpine forests and huge open fields.
After reaching your destination you’ll be served lunch and you can finally take a rest for the day.
DAY 3
Didna Village To Ali Bugyal
- TREK DISTANCE : 10.5 KM
- Altitude Gain:8,045 to 11,320Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12Hrs
On this day you will wake up with a healthy breakfast served and will gradually start your trek for the day which is Ali Bugyal.
The village of Ali Bedni Bugyal is a majestic one with breathtaking views of nature; it is also one of the highest altitude village of the country.
It is recommended to carry your own water bottle and ORS, this will help you stay hydrated all day long. The initial trek is a steep ascent and you’ll find yourself in between oak and rhododendron forest, while the second is comparatively easy since it is a gradual ascent where you’ll be trekking between alpine meadows.
On arrival to your destination you will be welcomed by a stunning view and on a good weather day you might even witness the peaks of Mount Trishul and Mrighthuni.
DAY 4
Ali Bugyal To Patar Nachauni Via Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lothani
- TREK DISTAANCE : 7 KM
- Altitude Gain-11,320 to 12,818Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12Hrs
This day will be one of the more relaxing day compared to others, also probably the easiest day to trek as well.
You start walking from your camps to Bedni Bugyal which is a gradual ascent after that you will do a 4 KM trek towards Ghora Lotani.
On the way you will pass beautiful fields of Patar Nachauni.
You can stay there for a while and take your time to sulk in yourself to the beauty which Patar Nachauni had to offer.
You will move towards Ghora Lotani known for hosting the best camping experience one might have in their life.
It is also suitable for acclimatisation as there is a danger of AMS.
As you’ll be arriving before lunch you might spend some time clicking pictures and enjoying nature.
After spending a good time in the pastures you will have your lunch and will end your day in the tents as the next day which quite a challenging one awaits you.
DAY 5
Patar Nachani To Bhagwabasa Via Kalu Vinayak
- TREK DITANCE : 4KM
- Altitude gain: 12,818 to 14,117 Ft
- Trek Duration : 10-12Hrs
Today will mark one of the most difficult day for trekking as it’s on a steep slope and will cover 10 KM.
The trail to Bhagwabasa will also lead you to the temple of Kalu Vinayak.
The way to reach the temple is uneven and at an altitude to reach the temple you’ll be required to hike almost 2 KM and will gain altitude around 2 Ft.
The temple is a beautiful old traditional construction you’ll see a lot of bells hanging and the main deity lord Ganesha is made up of black stone hence the name Kalu Vinayak.
From the top of the temple you get a 360 degree aerial view and can watch your mega destination Roopkund Trek.
Continuing your journey you will reach the campsite for the day after a 1 KM trek from there.
DAY 6
Bhagwabasa To Roopkund and Back To Bedni Bugyal
- TREK DISTANCE : 10 KM
- Altitude Gain: 14,117 15,755Ft
After a yummy and nutrition rich breakfast you’ll finally bid your final bye to the beautiful village of Pipalkoti, but you are not going alone a bag full of memories is coming with you too.
DAY 7
Patar Nachauni To Lohajung Via Bedani and Wan
- TREK DISTANCE : 15 KM
- Altitude Loss: 12,818 to 7,662Ft
After a yummy and nutrition rich breakfast you’ll finally bid your final bye to the beautiful village of Pipalkoti, but you are not going alone a bag full of memories is coming with you too.
DAY 8
Return To Rishikesh From Lohajung
- Drive Duration - 10-11 hrs.
Marking the end of your adventurous journey!!
After a yummy and nutrition rich breakfast you’ll finally bid your final bye to the beautiful village of Lohajung, but you are not going alone a bag full of memories is coming with you too
Health and Awareness
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 70 – 90, SYSTOLIC 100 – 140 mm Hg).
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Kids Guidelines
- Junior trekkers (below 15 years) should have a company of parents/guardians.
- Trekkers between 15 to 18 years can come solo with the disclaimer form signed by parent/guardian.
- Medical & Disclaimer Form
Inclusion:
- Veg meals: breakfast, Lunch, Evening snacks and dinner
- Tents(triple/double sharing), SleepingBags, Sleepingmatts
- Gears: Micro spikes and Gaiters as per snow conditions
- Accomodation in hostel / Guest house on Day1
- Experienced and Qualified Guides
- Friendly and Supportive staff
- Forest permits
- Medical Amenities: First Aid Kits, oximeter, oxygen cylinder
- Sanitised and Hygienic camp site and hostels
- Mode of Transportation
- Numbers of people (1-4): Hatch back - Alto, Swift or Equivalent Vehicle
- Numbers of people (5-8): tata sumo/Mahindra bolero or equivalent vehicle
- Numbers of people (9-12): Temp travel
Exclusion:
- Anything not mentioned in the list
- Meal during transportation
- Any kind of personal expenses during trek
- Porter/mule-charges (Personal), Backpack offloading charge
- Unscheduled or extended stay due to road blocks, landslides, bad weather and snowfall
- Cost of evacuation in-case of an emergency
We get that a travel and adventure enthusiast like you will be as bumped about cancelling a trek as us but we also understand that you may have to cancel the trek for any unforeseen reason and therefore the Cancellation Service of DPHolidays does not return the advance amount paid by the trekkers instead we provide a voucher for the exact amount which is equivalent to the amount paid by you.
Terms & Conditions for the cash voucher:
- You can book any other trek of your choice with The DPHolidays including the one you cancelled at any other given point of time with the voucher.
- The voucher is only valid for treks directly booked with The DPHolidays
- Your Voucher will be valid for 24 months starting from the month you got your trek cancelled.
- To redeem the Voucher text us on our official TMV number or TMV e-mail id.
- The DPHolidays holds the right to add or remove any of the terms and conditions without notifying.
Basic Gear
• An identity card-original (MANDATORY)
• Bagpack and Rain cover(50-60 liter )
• Day pack And Rain cover (if you hire mule or porter)
• 1liter of Water Bottle
•Slipper and TrekKing Shoes (Waterprof is Preferred)
•LED Torch/Headlamp(With extra batteries)
•Poncho, Raincoat or Umbrella any one is must.(Poncho is preferred, since it is light weighted)
Cloths
- 2 pairs of Quick Dry T-shirt and Trek Pants (DENIM ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TREKS)
- 1 pairs of T-SHIRTS for (Full Sleeves or Half Sleeves)
- 3 Pair of Cotton Socks And 2 Pair of Woollen Socks
- 2 weater OR 1 Fleece Jacket
- Thermals (1 is must 2 if going on a long trek)
- Sun Cap, Scarf, Light Towel, Snow Gloves
- Woolen Cap or Balaclava that cover Your ears (For the protection from coldwaves)
- UV sunglasses
- • Carry few plastic bags incase your clothes get wet.
- • Wind sheeter, Snow Jackets, One Down Feather Jacket (Carry any one from the mentioned)
HEALTH SKIN-CARE KIT
Personal Toilet kit, Toilet Paper, Sanitizer, Tooth Brush and Paste
• Lip balm , Cold Creame , Mistiriser and Sun Screen Lotion(SPF 40)
•Personal Medicine Kit (With basic First Aid kit and your regular medicine)
•Anti Fungal Creame : Carry an Anti Fungle Creame if you are sensitive to Sweating and prone to skin irritations around genital or groin area due to lack of bathing.
Personal Utilities
Sunscreen | 1 Nos |
Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
FAQ
1.What kind of accommodation will you get on the trek?
You’ll be accommodated in a clean and hygienic guest house for the first two and the last two days of the trek and for the remaining you’ll be accommodated in tents and sleep bags will also be provided.
2.How many trekkers do we take in a group ?
We’ll dispatch daily batches (almost all days) in the months of August, September and October. Where we welcome large groups and small groups likewise. Though if you want to trek solo or in a small group the trek can be customised according to your need. (Charges may differ according to your needs)
3.Do we provide accommodation if you come prior to the trek date ?
No it is not in our policy though we might help you in finding accommodation, however we are not responsible if there are no guest houses/hotels available, also the charges for accommodation for days before the trekking date and after the trekking date are NOT INCLUDED and the trekker is accountable to bear all the expenses for the same.
4.Are the required trekking gears available for rent by the DPHolidays?
Yes, we provide all the necessary trekking gears on rent for which the trekker may pay after completing the trek. We also provide mule and poter services the cost of which is totally exclusive from the package and you will have to pay additional charges for the same
5.What is the age limit ?
There is no particular age bar we welcome anyone and everyone who is a travel enthusiast, but children below the age of 16 are preferred to come along with their parents or gurdain and if they want to do a solo trek a non objection go ahead will be required from their parents end.
6.How safe is it to trek with The DPHolidays ?
The sole purpose of The DPHolidays is to provide its trekkers with the best trekking experience with quality as well as safety. We take extra precautions when it comes to the safety of our trekkers.
- We have a team of well trained and certified trek leaders.
- We have high end quality trekking gears and equipment.
- We have 24*7 medical assistance.
- Our staff is not only well behaved but also good at heart and will be available at your service 24*7
- We can proudly assure you that our team is the best in the field work it conducts to ensure you don’t go through any problem.
For Booking:
Talk to us: 9486111904
Email:Travelwithdpholidays@gmail.com
www.dpholidays.in