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Roopkund-Trek
Location
Chamoli district in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state, India.
Distance
National Capital Delhi: 486 km State Capital Dehradun: 250 km
Altitude
5,029 meters (16,499 feet) above sea level.
Best Season To Visit
May to June and September to October
Facts About Roopkund-Trek
The Roopkund Trek is a famous trekking destination in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Roopkund Trek starts from the village of Lohajung and takes trekkers through beautiful alpine meadows, dense forests, and scenic landscapes. The trail also passes through Bedni Bugyal, a vast high-altitude meadow, and ends at the glacial Roopkund Lake, known for the human skeletons that can be seen submerged in its waters.
The trek is popular among adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts due to its stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and the unique mystery surrounding the skeletons at Roopkund Lake, believed to date back to a historical event.
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Roopkund-Trek :- Famous Visiting Places
1. Roopkund Lake
The highlight of the trek is Roopkund Lake, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of around 5,029 meters (16,499 feet) above sea level. The lake is known for the hundreds of skeletal remains visible at its bottom, which date back to the 9th century AD and are believed to be the remains of pilgrims or travelers who perished in a sudden hailstorm.
2. Scenic Landscapes
The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth. Trekkers pass through lush green forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude glaciers, experiencing the diverse landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas.
3. High-Altitude Camping
The trek includes camping at high-altitude campsites, such as Bedni Bugyal and Bhagwabasa, which offer panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below. Camping under the starlit sky amidst the pristine wilderness is a memorable experience for trekkers.
4. Brahmatal Lake
Some itineraries include a visit to Brahmatal Lake, a serene alpine lake located at an altitude of around 3,840 meters (12,600 feet). The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.
How to Reach
By Road
To reach the starting point of the Roopkund Trek, trekkers typically travel to the village of Lohajung, which serves as the base camp for the trek. Here's how to reach Lohajung: By Road: Lohajung is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Uttarakhand. You can either drive to Lohajung in your own vehicle or take a bus from cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Kathgodam. The road journey to Lohajung involves traveling through picturesque mountain roads, passing through towns and villages along the way.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Lohajung is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Lohajung. The distance between Kathgodam and Lohajung is approximately 220 kilometers, and the journey by road takes around 8 to 10 hours.
By Air
The nearest airport to Lohajung is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From Dehradun, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Lohajung. The distance between Dehradun and Lohajung is approximately 300 kilometers, and the journey by road takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Once you reach Lohajung, you can start the Roopkund Trek, following the trail that leads through scenic landscapes, forests, and high-altitude meadows towards Roopkund Lake. It's advisable to plan your journey in advance, considering factors such as weather conditions, transportation options, and accommodation availability. Additionally, trekkers should be well-prepared with appropriate gear, clothing, and supplies for the trek.
Climate & Weather
summer
Summer (April to June): The Roopkund Trek is best undertaken during summer, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The weather is ideal for trekking, with clear skies and accessible trails offering breathtaking views of the trek's highlights.
monsoon
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall, with temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. The trekking trails become slippery and challenging, and landslides are common. The region becomes lush and green, but the weather can be unpredictable.
autumn
Autumn (October to November): Autumn is cool, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The postmonsoon season offers clear skies and crisp air, making it an ideal time for trekking. The landscape is vibrant, and the views of the trek are spectacular.
winter
Winter (December to February): Winters on the Roopkund Trek are extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The trek becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold. The region is covered in snow, and the trails are closed.
Hotels Around Roopkund-Trek
1. Lohajung: Lohajung is the starting point of the Roopkund Trek, and there are a few guesthouses and homestays available for trekkers. These accommodations offer basic facilities such as dormitory beds or private rooms and meals for trekkers preparing to embark on the trek.
2. Didna Village: Didna is a small village on the Roopkund Trek route, and trekkers often camp or stay in homestays here. The village offers a picturesque setting amidst terraced fields and oak forests, providing a peaceful environment for trekkers to rest and acclimatize.
3. Bedni Bugyal: Bedni Bugyal is a high-altitude meadow and camping site on the Roopkund Trek route. Trekkers often camp here overnight, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the starlit sky. Camping equipment can be arranged through trekking agencies or rented locally.
4. Ghairoli Patal: Ghairoli Patal is another camping site on the Roopkund Trek route, situated amidst lush green meadows and rhododendron forests. Trekkers can set up tents here and enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayan wilderness.
5. Patar Nachauni: Patar Nachauni is a camping site located at the base of the Roopkund Trek route, offering stunning views of the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. Trekkers can camp here overnight before continuing their ascent to Roopkund Lake.
While there are no hotels or luxury accommodations along the Roopkund Trek route, these camping sites and homestays provide trekkers with comfortable and authentic experiences amidst the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Trekkers are advised to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak trekking seasons, to ensure availability. Additionally, it's essential to carry appropriate camping gear, sleeping bags, and food supplies for the duration of the trek.: