Roopkund Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Roopkund Trek is high up in the Indian mountains. It is a well-loved but not well-known path in Uttarakhand. This walk leads to the strange Roopkund Lake, or Skeleton Lake, called so due to the piles of old bones seen there when ice turns to water. The lake sits high at 15,750 feet (4,800 meters) a mix of nature, bold moves, old tales, and puzzles, making it a top pick for both trekkers and danger lovers. The trip starts at Lohajung, a tiny town that is the start point for the walk. From there, the path goes up first through thick woods, meadows called Bugyals, little falls, and then snowy areas. Two of the prettiest Bugyals, Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, show grand views of big mountains like Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The green meadows, with sheep and wildflowers, make a dreamy place for breaks and deep thoughts.

As you go further, the walk gets hard, with sharp rises, especially after Bhagwabasa, the last stop before the top. The end push to Roopkund Lake is full of snow and requires strong health and getting used to the high altitude. At the lake, you see a magic sight: a frozen lake with high ice tops around it and over 300 old bones, making the trip both odd and cool. Beyond looks, Roopkund's trip comes with tales too. They say the bones are from King Jasdhaval of Kanauj, his wife, who was to have a baby soon, and their folks, hit by big ice drops while on a holy trip to Nanda Devi. Tests say this is right, making the history even deeper.

The Roopkund Trek is usually an 8-9 day trip, best done in May-June and September–October when the sky is kind and the sights are clear. The path is said to be mid to hard level, great for those used to such walks or new ones ready to try. While full of beautiful nature and cool sights, the quick weather change and high altitude require good plans, the right stuff, and some help from guides. All in all, the Roopkund Trek gives a mix of bold action, history, and amazing nature views. It is more than just a walk, but a travel through old paths, mountain wonders, and past puzzles, all meeting at a far, old ice lake.

History of Roopkund Trek

Set in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Roopkund Trek is renowned not just for its beauty but also for its intriguing and chilling past story surrounding Roopkund Lake, also known as Skeleton Lake. This high ice lake, way up at 15,750 feet (4,800 meters), has drawn those who explore, learn, walk, and study history for years due to many old remains found near and in the lake. The lake was first known in 1942, around the time of World War II, when a British forest walker found many remains at Roopkund while on a check. At first, the British were scared they were new bones of foes trying to sneak in via the mountains. However, further tests revealed that this was not true; the bones were old, with no signs of a recent fight. Since that time, Roopkund has been in the middle of many stories and studies.

A well-known tale goes back to an old trip that happens every 12 years. They say a king, Jasdhaval of Kanauj, went on this trip with his wife Rani Balampa, who was to have a baby soon, and a big group. Their trip was meant to show love to their god, but their loud joy was said to make the goddess Nanda Devi mad. A fast, wild storm with big ice drops hit them by Roopkund, ending their lives. This old story fits what was found later. In the early 2000s, a mixed group of experts did many tests on the remains. They found the bones were from two different times: some from about 850 CE and some later around 1800 CE. This new fact added to the lake's mystery, as it said there had been many times of such sad trips. One big study in 2020 checked the DNA of 38 people found at the lake. The results showed three different groups. Most were from different parts of India. But one group had roots from the European area, likely Greece, showing they were not from India. This new fact broke old thoughts of all from one local group and made it seem Roopkund was a key, maybe world-renowned, path for trips or trade. Also, checks of the bones showed hits like those from big falling ice drops, backing the old ice storm tale. Things like wood, iron tips, rings, and old shoes also said Roopkund was a stop for many years. These finds made it clear the lake had been a big spot for many, adding to its long story and draw.

Nearby Places to Roopkund Trek

• Lohajung: Lohajung is a small mountain town at 7,700 feet. It is where you start the Roopkund Trek. Filled with green spots and high snowy mountains, it has great views and a calm spot before your walk. Lohajung has simple rooms, local shops, and places to eat for walkers. A story says a goddess named Parvati fought a demon here, giving the place its name. “Lohajung” means “war with the demon.”

• Didna Village: Didna is a sweet mountain town seen on trek day one. People here are warm and live in stone homes, showing you their simple life. Walkers sleep here to enjoy meals made at home. The path from Lohajung down to Didna crosses a river, adding beauty to the start.

• Ali Bugyal: Ali Bugyal is a big green field at 11,500 feet, ringed by trees. It looks like a soft green bed and is a top spot on the trek for its views. It's a common place to camp, where walkers see big mountains like Trishul. In warm months, the place is alive with flowers and cows, making a perfect picture.

• Bedni Bugyal: Not far from Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal is another lovely field known for its deep meaning and beauty. There’s a small holy lake here where people have special times in the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. It’s a top spot for taking photos and resting, with clear views of peaks like Chaukhamba.

• Bhagwabasa: Bhagwabasa, at about 14,000 feet, is the last camp before Roopkund Lake. The name hints at a tiger’s home, but no real tigers are here. The land is rocky and often snowy, offering real high walks. This spot is key to get used to the height before the last bit to Roopkund.

• Junargali Pass: Just up from Roopkund Lake, Junargali is a thin ridge pass with wide views of Himalayan mountains. It's sometimes cut off by snow, but when open, a hard climb from Roopkund takes walkers up. It’s less crowded, giving a quiet spot to take in the natural mountain beauty.

• Wan Village: Wan Village is often where you leave the trek, coming down from Bedni Bugyal after Roopkund. It's a big town in the woods of tall trees. Wan is important as the start of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. Going down to Wan is the usual end of the path for most.

• Kalu Vinayak Temple: Kalu Vinayak, a small temple for the god Ganesha, is on the route from Bedni Bugyal to Bhagwabasa. The temple is key for faith, and many stop to pray for a safe path ahead. It sits where the fields turn to rocky, snowy paths, offering striking views.

Best Time to Visit Roopkund Trek

• May to Mid-June: Warm Days, Cold Nights, and Snow: This time is best for the Roopkund Trek because the winter snow is still there high up near Bhagwabasa and Roopkund Lake. This makes a white path for those who walk it. Down low, places like Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal start to grow bright wildflowers, making the view great. Days are warm, but nights get cold. This time is good for those who like snow walking and green fields.

• Mid-September to October: Blue Skies and Fun Times: From mid-September to late October, the sky is clear, the air is fresh, and the mountains look great. The land turns golden-brown as the fields dry, making a nice sight. This is also good for taking pictures because of the great sunsets and clear views of peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The weather is steady, no snow on the paths, making it safer for walking high up. This time also matches with local festivals, mixing in some culture with the walk.

• Avoid Monsoon ( July to August ): Walking in the rain months is bad. There is a lot of rain, paths are slick, landslides happen often, and leeches are in the lower woods. The paths get risky and hard to see through. In Uttarakhand, paths like Roopkund are often closed or not suggested at this time for safety. It's best to skip planning your walk in these months.

• Avoid Winter ( November to April ): Roopkund is shut off in the deep winter months because of too much snow and tough weather. The path and sleep spots are covered in snow; it gets very cold, and there’s a big risk of avalanches and paths being blocked. The walk is closed then, and even good walkers are told not to go. Use winter to plan and get ready for the walk in safer times.

How to Get to Roopkund Trek

• By Airport: Pantnagar. The nearest place to start (Lohajung) for Roopkund Trek is Pantnagar Airport, about 230 km away. Pantnagar has a few flights, mostly from Delhi. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Lohajung via Haldwani, Almora, or Kausani. The ride is about 8–10 hours, based on the road. For more flights, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (around 290 km from Lohajung) is another choice, then an overnight road trip.

• By Railway: Kathgodam. The Kathgodam Railway is handy to get to Lohajung and connects to big places like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Trains like the Ranikhet Express and Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti run daily from Delhi to Kathgodam. From there, you can get a shared jeep, taxi, or bus to Lohajung, which is about 220 km and takes about 8–9 hours by road.

• By Road: Lohajung is where Roopkund Trek starts, and you can drive there on roads from big places in Uttarakhand. From Delhi, it's a 450 km drive, taking about 12–14 hours. The usual way goes through Haldwani, Almora, and Kausani. Regular buses and shared jeeps also run from Kathgodam or Haldwani to Dewal or Lohajung, but private taxis save time and hassle for walkers.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Roopkund Trek from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.