Roopkund Trek: Complete Details

INTRODUCTION:

In the pristine forests of Uttarakhand’s Nanda Devi National Park’s Garhwal Himalayas, a glacial lake by the name of Roopkund trek may be found. 16,500 feet is the height of the lake. The snow-covered summits of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul massif overlook it.

• Dhaula, a base camp close to Naitwar
• Gradient of moderate to challenging difficulty
• The trek’s highest peak is 15,696 feet.
• Jolly Grant Airport in Bhuntar is the closest airport.
• Railhead closest to is Chandigarh
• Locality: Mandi District
• Snow: If you enjoy snow and a strenuous hike route, May and June are ideal months for you.
• Trekking begins in Dhaula, close to Naitwar.

Roopkund Trek

A notable glacial lake in India, Roopkund is found in the state of Uttarakhand. A total of 500 human skeletons can be found near the lake’s borders, which have made it famous. At a height of 4,800 meters, it is located within the Himalayas. The Chamoli district of the Garhwal region has Roopkund. Within the Garhwal region, it is one of the best spots to go hiking. In India’s Nainital and Kathgodam, there are hills close by. Roopkund, one of the top adventure destinations for both domestic and international travelers, is situated 217 kilometers from Nainital and 235 kilometers from Kathgodam. 

The “mysterious Lake,” also known as Roopkund, is situated in the middle of the Trishul mountain. On the lake’s edge, human skeletons have been discovered. They are regarded as belonging to the Palaeolithic era.

Known as Skeleton Lake!!

A Nanda Devi ranger first noticed the lake’s bones in 1942. The Nat Geo crew also found spearheads, rings, and slippers in addition to the 30 skeletons that they had discovered. These skeletons, found near the lake’s bed, are thought to date around 800 AD, according to carbon dating. 200 pilgrims from Maharashtra who traveled to Nanda Devi Raj Jat on a 12-year cycle are said to have perished in an avalanche, according to one of the more well-known theories based on DNA matching. The story of Kashmiri General Zorawar Singh and his troops, who are claimed to have become lost and died in the high Himalayas while returning from the Battle of Tibet in 1841, is another well-known historical account.

There are numerous stories, however in 2013, there was a rumor that the enigma surrounding the human remains at Roopkund had been resolved.

Brief Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive 220 kilometers (10 to 11 hours) from Kathgodam to Lohajung.
• Day 2: Lohajung to Didna (10 kilometers; 4.5 hours).
• Day 3: Didna to Bedni Bugyal, 12 kilometers, six to seven hours.
• Day 4: It is 4 km (2.3 miles) from Bedni Bugyal to Pathar Nachuni.
• Day 5: 5 km (4/5 miles) from Patar Nachuni to Baguabasa
• Day 6: It is 12 kilometers (8.9 miles) from Baguabasa to Roopkund and back to Pathar Nachuni.
• Day 7: Drive back to Lohajung from Pathar Nachuni to Wan, a distance of 17 km, in 8 to 9 hours.
• Day 8: Drive 220 kilometers (10 hours) from Lohajung to Kathgodam.

When to Go on a Roopkund Trek

Trekking is permitted between mid-August and mid-October on Roopkund. Only a brief window, from the first week of May to about the first week of July, is available for trekkers due to the challenging climatic conditions. As the meadows are already fully in bloom by June, this is the ideal month to visit Ali and Bedni’s twin Bugyals. The last week of August through the first week of October is another excellent time to go hiking in Roopkund. The sky is still clear, and it’s the ideal time of year to go hiking.

Items to bring

• Ruck Sack: It is required that you carry a rucksack that holds between 55 and 60 litres.
• Rucksack cover: Shield your belongings from heavy snowfall or rain.
• Daypack: optional; only bring if you intend to leave your larger bag behind. If you are removing your larger backpack, you must also carry your personal valuables, water bottles, a packed lunch, a poncho or raincoat, and other items.
• Trekking Shoes: It is recommended to wear good rubber soled shoes with ankle support. Before going on a hike, please make sure your shoes are worn in.Sports shoes are not advised, however you can take a spare pair just in case.
• T-shirts: As needed, carry at least one quick-dry variety; stay away from too dark or vivid colours. Avoid wearing cotton t-shirts, especially when walking. It is advised to wear full-sleeved T-shirts.
• Track pants: One synthetic quick-dry type track pant, depending on your needs, is highly advised.
• Warm Jacket: It is strongly advised to take one heavy fleece or down jacket. This can be used to cool off when camping.We encourage you to take a windproof jacket or windcheater because it can withstand wind chill, snowfall, and brief periods of light rain.

How to Reach

One of the district’s primary stations and a historic station is Kathgodam. Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah are just a few of the places it has good access to. Train tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam typically cost between Rs. 150 and Rs. 400 for a second class sleeper ticket and a third A/C sleeper ticket, respectively. Because this route is always busy, it is imperative to reserve your seats at least one month in advance.

By Train :-

• Take the Ranikhet Express (5014) from Delhi, which departs at 10:40 p.m. and arrives in Kathgodam at 5:30 a.m. (overnight journey); or the Uttar Sampark Kranti (5035), which departs from Delhi at 4:00 p.m. and arrives in Kathgodam at 10:40 p.m. (6 hrs.40min.Journey)
• Doon Express is available from Dehardun (4120) Departing from Dehardun and arriving in Kathgodam around 10:30 p.m. (8hrs.journey)

By Bus :-

• The ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station offers regular bus service to Kathgodam. Haldwani, a twin town of Kathgodham that is served by buses headed to Nainital (8 hrs. Journey).