Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 7 Days
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude: Roopkund & Jurangali ridge (4800mts & 4878mts)
Approx kms: 34kms
Best Season: Apr-Jun, Sep-nov
Max group size: 12
Roopkund, the beautiful and mysterious lake, is situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal, at a height of 4800mts, in the lap of Trishuli massif. The Roopkund trail is a classic case of experiencing both, the beauty and the wild side of the Himalayas. On one side you get a great opportunity to hike through a beautiful inviting forest section, cross a meandering stream, walk on the unusually green and world famous high altitude meadows called Ali bugyal & Bedni bugyal only to be welcomed by an intimidating high altitude environment where one gets to see Himalayan giants like Trishul (7120m) & Nanda Ghunti (6310m) at very close quarters. Roopkund is usually called as the 'Mystery Lake' and the reason behind this is quite fascinating. Human skeletons and remains of horses from the poleolithic age were found here. For many years, Roopkund has held the attention of trekkers because of the presence of several bones and skeletons that can be seen in its waters. Only until recently, an international team which found out that around 850 AD, a group of pilgrims faced an unusually severe hailstorm which caused hundreds to die. While the history is quite fascinating, the enchanting landscape surrounding it creates a scenic experience for those interested in natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad peaks. The trek of Roopkund passes through lushgreen grassy lands and coniferous forests climbing into the slope of hills. The trek thereafter winds its way along the Pindar river. Bedni Bugyal and Bhagubasa are the most beautiful places in this trek. Witnessing the very beautiful "Bramhakamal" is a treat to the eyes.
Day 1:- Drive from Haridwar to Lohajung (270kms) - 9hrs drive
Day 2:- Lohajung to Dedhna (8kms) - 5hrs trek
Day 3:- Dedhna to Bedni Bugyal (via Ali Bugyal) (11kms) - 6hrs trek
Day 4:- Bedni Bugyal to Bhugawasa (10kms) - 6hrs trek
Day 5:- Bhugawasa to Roopkund (3kms) - 3hrs trek Return to Bedni Bugyal for overnight
Day 6:- Bedni Bugyal to Wan (11kms) - 4hrs trek down then Drive to Rudraprayag (120 kms)
Day 7:- Rudraprayag to Haridwar (Drive) 150 kms
Day 01: Haridwar to Lohajung Drive/270 kms/9 hrs
We will board a vehicle from Haridwar to be driven up to Wan. For most portion we will pass along the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers before moving into the Pinder valley. Enroute we will be crossing the holy towns of Devprayag and Rudraprayag. These are two of the “Paanch Prayags”, or 5 river confluences, rich not only with stories from puranas and legends, but also in terms of the scenic beauty We will see the Himalayan snow covered peaks and enchanting valleys. Overnight in a guesthouse/tents.
Day 02: Lohajung – Dedhana (2550m) Trek/5-6 hrs
Today we will walk through an enchanting mixed forest, with a variety of birds. You will cross a few crystal clear streams. We will also walk through a couple of villages to appreciate a culture typical of the terrain. Overnight in tents.
Day 03: Dedhana (2550m) – Bedni bugyal (3350m) Trek/6-7 hrs
The Ali Bhugyal and the Bedni Bhughyal (Bhugyal means a high altitude meadow) are immensely beautiful and camping here is a treat for nature lovers. After a steady ascent through thick oak forest, we will come to the alpine grazing meadows called Ali bugyal. It’s the perfect place for taking a break and enjoying the views of unending vistas in all directions. If the sky is clear, you will be greeted with the views of the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. From here on it’s a peaceful walk till Bedni bugyal. Bedni bugyal is a very fine camping site with vast open views and grazing pastures all around. Overnight in tents.
Day 04: Bedni bugyal (3350m) – Bhagubasa (4100m) Trek/5-6 hrs
The word Bagua? means flowery park and Basa means place. This has got to be one of the most romantic spots in the Himalayas. We will start climbing up the slopes of the meadow and trek up to the ridge on top from where there are many fine views. We will have to crest another ridge coming to the shrine at Kalu Vinayak. Kalu Vinayak gets its name from a black Ganesh idol enclosed in the stone shrine. It is a custom to offers a prayer here for a safe pilgrimage to Roopkund. From here there are fabulous views of Neelkanth, Chaukhamba & Hathi peaks. From here on, depending upon the season, we will find snow in varying quantities. The terrain also becomes a bit rocky. The last leg of this trek proceeds on a thin line that divides two mountain ranges. Walking here itself is a unique experience. Hereon, we touch the snowline to Bagubasa. Today in the final stages one might feel slightly out of breath due to the altitude, one will get comfortable after spending some time here. Overnight in tents.
Day 05: Bhagubasa (4100m) – Roopkund & Jurangali (4750m) – Bedni bugyal (3350m) Trek/8-9 hrs
This day is going to be full of adventure and will give us a great feeling of achievement. We will start early and make it to the lake in about 3 hrs. We will climb through moraine, rock gardens and snow patches to reach the periphery of the mystery lake. Many parts of this trail is steep and there are possibilities of it being under snow for most of the year. If there isn’t much of snow around the lake, we will get to see human bones and skeletons. The fascinating history behind this has already been described above. Roopkund is a crater like formation in the mountains. There are spectacular views from the region. After spending some time here, we will also have the option of climbing up a short distance towards the ridge of Jurangali (20 mins). Everyone will have an opportunity to click as many photos as they desire, after which we will retrace our steps to Bedni bugyal. This is a long walk down and we will take lots of rest in between. Overnight in tents.
Day 06: Bedni Bugyal (3350m) – Wan (2550m) (trek) – Drive to Rudraprayag (120 kms)
We Trek down through a variety of a different flora until we reach Wan, a village you are sure to fall in love with. Visit the village temple and rest for some time. Our vehicle will be waiting to drive you to Rudraprayag
Day 07: Drive from Rudraprayag to Haridwar (150 kms). (Trip ends here)
In the initial days of the pre monsoon season (May-Jun) there will be snow along the latter part of the trail which generally melts by end June. Days are going to be sunny and warm (12-20°C) while the night temperature at the highest campsite would be in the range of -2 to 6°C. In the post monsoon season (Sep-Oct) there is hardly any snow at the start with possibility of snowfall towards the end of the season, which also melts very fast. The days are sunny with temperatures hovering around (10-16°C) the evenings start getting cold with the onset of October and nights are comparatively colder (- 5 to 5°C)
1. Shirts / T-shirts
2. Trousers / Track Pants
3. Windproof jacket
4. Fleece / Full-sleeve Woolen sweater
5. Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
6. Woolen cap
7. Mittens (Woolen gloves)
8. Scarf
9. Woolen socks (extra pairs to be carried)
10. Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
11. Raincoat / Poncho
12. Towel
13. Water bottle
14. Cap / Hat
15. Walking stick / Trekking pole
16. Sunscreen Lotion
17. Lip Balm
18. Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
19. Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
20. Camera
21. Sunglasses
22. Personal toiletries
23. Books, if you like reading
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.) (Egg)
3. Trek equipments.
4. Permits
5. First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
6. Qualified & experienced Professional trek Leader, Guide and Support staff
7. Transport from Haridwar and return.
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -
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