ROOPKUND – THE SKELETAL LAKE

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Roopkund - the 'Skeletal Lake' Trekking, Detail Information

If you are into trekking and hiking and haven’t done the Roopkund trail, then you need to start planning for it right away. Roopkund Trek is one trek that is a must-do.This trek has snowcaps, meadows, lakes, forests, folklore; and yes, it has an intriguing flashback too. Roopkund is a mountain lake, lying in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated at a high altitude, the lake remains frozen almost throughout the year. Roopkund is also called the ‘Mystery Lake’, or the ‘Skeletal Lake’, on account of the several hundred human skeletons found scattered in and around the lake.

Best Time to Visit Roopkund:

There are two time windows in a year when you can do this Roopkund Trek – once after winter from mid-May to mid-June, and once post monsoon during September and October. You can choose the post-winter variant if you want to have some fun with snow, or you can choose the post-monsoon variant if you want to stroll through lush green Himalayan meadows. Whatever the season, the weather in the mountains is delicately balanced, and can go from sunny to cloudy in minutes. This adds another dimension to the adventure, and you should be equipped with wind and water proof clothing to face these weather changes.

Can I do it Solo?

Yes, you can do Roopkund Trek solo. Many people did the same and you can also. But, the problem is the food. Beyond Bedini Bugyal, there is no dhaba for food. So if you don’t have your own food, then you have to proceed from Bedini Bugyal to Roopkund and then again return to Bedini Bugyal on the same day.

Can I do it without guide?

Yes. The trail is clearly visible and not confusing. In the peak seasons, there are many people on this Roopkund Trek. The funda is where there are two trails and you are not sure, wait for the help.

Tour Operator or Own Effort?

At least two renowned tour operators are working in this area. They arrange all the required equipment like tent, sleeping bag and also arrange mules, guides etc. Usually, there are 20-30 people in a group. So, in this case, you have to pack your backpack only and rest of the things will be arranged. But, we did it without help of any of those tour operators. We were a group of 6 persons. We organized this trip with the help of local guide. He arranged all the required equipment like tent, sleeping bag and food also.

Trek Route:

Route 1: Lohajung is basically the base camp for the trekking companies operating in this area. The typical tour programme looks like Lohajung- Didna Village- Ali Bugyal- Bedini Bugyal- Patharnachni- Bhagwabasa- Roopkund- Junargali – Patharnachni- Bedini Bugyal- Wan Village- Lohajung.

Route 2: This route again starts from Lohajung only, but goes like: Lohajung – Wan- Bedini Bugyal – Patharnachni – Bhagwabasa – Roopkund – Junargali – Patharnachni – Bedini Bugyal – Ali Bugyal – Didna Village – Kulling Village – Lohajung. But, we did it in reverse direction and climbed via Didna Village and returned via Wan village. You can choose either of these routes. We feel Route 1 is comparatively much more easier .