Roopkund Trek

The Mysterious Skeleton Lake Trek

The Roopkund Trek

The Roopkund Trek is one of the most sought-after high-altitude trekking destinations in India. It takes adventurers through breathtaking landscapes, including alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged terrain, before reaching the mysterious Roopkund Lake. Known for its challenging trails and mesmerizing views, this trek offers a thrilling experience for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

The journey to Roopkund usually starts from Lohajung or Wan village and takes several days to complete. Along the way, trekkers encounter scenic spots such as Didina, Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Bhagwabasa, each offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.

Day 1 - Rishikesh To Lohajung

Pickup Time: 6:00 AM
Drive Distance: 250–290 km | Duration: 10–11 hours
Altitude Gain: 1,200 ft → 7,600 ft
Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Karnaprayag → Tharali → Lohajung
Stay: Guesthouse at Lohajung
Meals: Dinner
Scenic drive through confluences and Himalayan roads
Mobile Network: Jio & BSNL reliable; Airtel/Vi patchy

Day 2 - LOHAJUNG TO DIDINA VILLAGE

Trek Distance: ~7 km | Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 7,600 ft → 8,200 ft
Stay: Homestay / Tents at Didina
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea + Snacks, Dinner
Stay: Homestay / Tents at Didina
Trek descends to the Neel Ganga bridge and climbs steeply through oak and rhododendron forest to Didina Village
Beautiful forest trai
Authentic Garhwali homestay experience
Mobile Network: Jio, BSNL – Patchy; Airtel/Vi – Mostly unavailable

Day 3 - DIDINA TO ALI BUGYAL

Trek Distance: ~7.5 km | Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 8,200 ft → 11,200 ft
Stay: Tents at Ali Bugyal
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea + Snacks, Dinner
A continuous climb leads you into the wide meadows of Ali Bugyal. Camp with views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Expansive alpine meadows
Spectacular open sky campin
Mobile Network: Jio, BSNL – Weak signal near ridges; Airtel/Vi Unavailable

Day 4 - ALI BUGYAL TO PATAR NACHAUNI

Trek Distance: ~6 km | Duration: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 11,200 ft → 12,200 ft
Stay: Tents at Patar Nachauni
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea + Snacks, Dinner
Cross Bedni Bugyal and descend slightly to reach Patar Nachauni, nestled below a ridge.
Gentle trail through meadows and ridgelines
View of Roopkund route ahead
Mobile Network: Jio, BSNL – Weak signal near camp; Airtel/Vi – Mostly unavailable

Day 5 - PATAR NACHAUNI TO BHAGWABASA VIA KALU VINAYAK

Trek Distance: ~5 km | Duration: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 12,200 ft → 14,100 ft
Stay: Tents at Bhagwabasa
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea + Snacks, Dinner
Steep zig-zag climb to Kalu Vinayak temple, then trek on rocky terrain to Bhagwabasa.
Temple visit & high-altitude acclimatization
Rugged terrain and views of Roopkund cirque
Mobile Network: Jio, BSNL – Patchy near temple ridge; Airtel/Vi – Not available

Day 6 - ROOPKUND SUMMIT & RETURN TO PATAR NACHAUNI

Trek Distance: ~10 km round trip | Duration: 7–8 hours
Altitude: 14,100 ft → 15,750 ft → 12,200 ft
Stay: Tents at Patar Nachauni
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea + Snacks, Dinner
Start early to summit Roopkund Lake. Steep and strenuous ascent followed by descent to lower camp.
Explore Roopkund Skeleton Lake
Views of Trishul & Chaukhamba peaks
Mobile Network: Jio, BSNL – Only at higher points; Airtel/Vi – Not available

Day 7 - PATAR NACHAUNI TO LOHAJUNG VIA WAN VILLAGE

Trek Distance: ~12 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Altitude: 12,200 ft → 7,600 ft
Stay: Guesthouse at Lohajung
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea + Snacks, Dinner
Descend through forests and meadows, cross Wan Village, then drive ~1 hr to Lohajung.
Bedni Kund & Latu Devta Temple visit
Final forest descent
Mobile Network: Jio, BSNL – Good; Airtel/Vi – Limited

Day 8 - LOHAJUNG TO RISHIKESH

Drive Distance: ~250 km | Duration: 9–10 hours
Meals: None
Return via the scenic mountain route. A long but relaxing ride with stops for meals.
Reflect on your trek & farewell drive
Mobile Network: Jio, BSNL, Airtel, Vi – Available throughout most of the route
Note: Expected arrival in Rishikesh is between 7:00–8:00 PM. Plan your onward journey accordingly.
In case of any unforeseen changes to the itinerary—such as due to landslides, road blockages, medical emergencies, or weather-related disruptions additional charges may apply for alternate arrangements like transport, stay, or route adjustments.

INCLUSIONS

Transport: Rishikesh ↔ Lohajung (to & fro)
Stay(multiple sharing): Guesthouse (Day 1 & 7), Tents (Day 2–6)
Meals: Nutritious pure veg meals (Day 1 dinner to Day 7 dinner)
Trek Gear: Sleeping bag, mat, tent, kitchen/dining/toilet tents, ropes
Permits: All entry & forest fees included
Safety: Oxygen, first-aid
Team: Certified trek leader, cook, guides & support staff
Luggage: Cloakroom at base; mules/porters for central luggage
Certificate: Issued by GoAdven India

EXCLUSION

CLOTHING

1 base layer set (top & bottom) – moisture-wicking
2 dry-fit t-shirts
2 fleece mid-layers
1 down jacket
2 trek pants
2 undergarments
1 waterproof outer shell (jacket & pants)
1 woolen cap, 1 sun cap
1 balaclava or neckband 1 pair waterproof & woolen gloves
3 extra pairs of socks
1 quick-dry towel (base use), 1 hand towel (trek)
Poncho or rainwear

Navigation & safety

Headlamp/torch + extra batteries
Whistle
Multi-tool/knife

Navigation & safety

Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm (SPF)
Moisturizer, sunglasses (UV protected)
Hat or wide-brim cap

Navigation & safety

3 photocopies of ID (Aadhaar/Passport)
Medical & registration forms
Cash / cards
Power bank, phone, camera
Trash bags, zip locks (for dry packing)

Footwear

1 pair trekking shoes (ankle-high, waterproof)
1 pair camp sandals/shoes
Backpack rain cover

Hydration & cutlery

2 bottles (1L each) or hydration bladder
Water purifier tabs/filter
1 thermos
1 leakproof lunch box, plate, mug, spoon

Food & Snacks

Energy bars, dry fruits, trail mix
ORS, energy drinks

Basic First-Aid

Diamox (1 strip), Dolo 650 (5)
Avomine (4), Combiflam (5), Digene (4)
ORS (6), knee brace (if needed)
Personal meds (if any)

Hygiene

Biodegradable soap/hand wash
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Toilet paper, hand sanitizer
Sanitary products (for women)

Optional Items

• Trekking poles (recommended)
• Binoculars

NOTE

Most items are available for purchase/rent at basecamp.
Please confirm with your trek coordinator in advance.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Age: 7 Years.
First timer can apply; previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
The trekker must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 4 km of distance in 35 minutes without a stress.
Maximum age depends on your fitness level
The climber should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack.