ROOPKUND TREK

Overview

The Roopkund Trek, often referred to as the “Mystery Lake” or “Skeleton Lake” trek, is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding high-altitude trek located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,800 to 5,029 meters (15,750 to 16,500 feet), the highlight of this trek is the glacial lake itself, known for the hundreds of ancient human skeletons visible at its edge when the snow melts.

The trek typically spans 7 to 8 days, starting from a base camp like Lohajung or Kathgodam. The total trekking distance on foot is around 50-60 km. The route takes you through diverse landscapes, including dense oak and rhododendron forests, picturesque villages, and vast, undulating alpine meadows, most notably the stunning Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, considered among Asia’s largest high-altitude meadows.

The difficulty level of the Roopkund trek is generally rated as moderate to difficult. It demands a good level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience due to the significant altitude gain, steep ascents, rocky terrain, and potential snow patches, especially in higher sections. Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.

Key milestones on the trail include the villages of Didna and Wan, the expansive meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal, Patar Nachauni, and Bhagwabasa, which serves as the last campsite before the final push to Roopkund Lake and sometimes further to Junargali Pass (at over 5,000 meters). The trek offers panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks like Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,310 m).