Roopkund is a famous glacial lake located in the state of Uttarakhand. Apart from its scenic beauty, the Roopkund is also famous because about 500 human skeletons (believed to belong to the 12th to 15th century) have been found near the lake. Towering at a high altitude of 4,800 m, the lake is situated in the Chamoli district of Garwhal.
Roopkund trek is regarded as one of the best trekking locations in the region. It attracts a huge number of travellers and adventure seekers towards itself due to its close proximity to the famous hill stations like Nainital & Kathgodam.
Lohajung acts as the base camp for the Roopkund trek, and the journey will take you through exotic locations. The Roopkund Lake is located at the base of Mount Trishul & Nangangati.
The trail is filled with adventures of all kinds, you will come across ancient temples, vast grazing lands and tons of waterfalls all along the route. The weather on the Roopkund trek is highly unpredictable and makes it a challenging trek not advised for beginners.
If you plan to embark upon this trek, proper trekking equipment and gears are a must have.
Day one of the Roopkund Trek starts with a 210 Km drive through the Kumaon region and takes about 10 hours. The road passes through the deep valley of Shivalik Mountain ranges and coniferous forests. We will be crossing Deval village where you can shop for any amenities that you might require for the trek. The last part of the journey from Deval to Lohajung is very exciting with breathtaking views and curved roads. Overnight stay at Lohajung guest house/ homestay.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today after having breakfast, we will start walking. The trail at the beginning is simple and flat, and we will be crossing Wan & Kulling villages. Kulling is a masterpiece of nature. You can spot various exotic birds in this beautiful village which has a very low population.
As we keep walking further, we will climb down to the bed of the river called Neel Ganga and cross the bridge over the river. After crossing the bridge the trail starts to get a bit steeper. Soon we will reach the Didna village which is at an altitude of 8000 ft. above the sea level. Overnight stay in camps
Brief Overview of the Day
Today we will be passing through the beautiful village of Ali Bugyal, located at an high altitude of 11,000 ft. We will leave Didna to climb up to Ali Bugyal on a slightly ascending trail. There is another trail that goes to Ali Bugyal from the village which is shorter but steeper. You will be able to spot the beautiful trees of Oak, Birch and Rhododendron on the way.
As we reach closer to our destination the tree line starts to shrink gradually and you will find open grasslands in the area. As you reach the top of Ali Bugyal, you will find a vast open meadow and if the weather is clear you will also be able to spot Mount Trishul & Mrighthuni. The trek will take around 4 hours to complete and we will spend the night in camps.
Brief Overview of the Day
On the fourth day of the Roopkund trek we will start walking in the morning and our destination will be Gora Lutami, one of the most beautiful camping spots of the area. As we keep climbing further you will see the drastic changes in weather and the thinning of air which has less oxygen to breathe as we inch closer to 12,800 ft.
After trekking for 10 km we will finally arrive at our camping destination for today at Gora Lutami. We will spend some time acclimatizing and the night would be spent at camps.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today we will wake up early in the morning as we have a very long day ahead of us. After having our breakfast we will start walking on a steep trail and will cover approximately 10 Km. Our destination for today is Bagubasa which is located at an extremely high altitude of 14,000 ft.
We will visit the Kalu Vinayak temple located on the same trail. Make sure to carry hot water to drink and wear proper clothes to reduce the chances of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). Walk slowly and steadily on the slippery spots.
As we keep climbing the air will start to get even thinner and that might cause headaches and stomach pain but dont worry as we can rest if needed. Once you reach the temple, you will be able to spot the Roopkund Lake which is the final destination of our trek. We will follow a trail to Bhagubasa which is located about a kilometer away from the temple. Overnight stay at Bhagubasa.
Brief Overview of the Day
We wake up early in the morning and after having breakfast, we will push to our final destination - Roopkund. The path is easy but the high altitude makes it difficult to cover 5 Km to the Roopkund Lake at 16,000 ft.
As we reach the lake, and if you are lucky, you might be able to spot hundreds of human skeletons on the bed of the lake. It is believed that a king and his fellowmen were travelling to Nanda Devi but a hailstorm caused this devastation.
From this point we walk further on a steep trail to reach Nanda Devi Temple. After spending some time at the temple, we will start descending back to Bhagwabasa. If you think it would be easier to descend than it was to ascend, then you are mistaken. Walk very slowly and carefully as the steep downward trail increases the chances of disbalance and falling down.
This is one of the most difficult days of the Roopkund trek and we will be climbing down through Ghora Lotani all the way down to Bedni Bugyal. Overnight stay in camps.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today is the last day when you will have to walk on the Roopkund trek. It's another long day and we will retrace our steps back through the same trail we came from. Once again we will cross Neel Ganga through Wan village and back to Lohajung. The travelling distance is around 15 Km and a 10 hour walk.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today is the last day of the Roopkund trek. The drive from Lohajung will take you back to Kathgodam and you will be dropped at the railway station. The 210 Km long drive will take 10 hours to complete.
Brief Overview of the Day
By Air
You can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun. From Dehradun, you can take a train to Kathgodam or drive there. The Naini Jan Shatabdi leaves at 3:45 pm in the afternoon, and the Kathgodam Express leaves at 11:25 pm at night. From Kathgodam, you take a taxi to Lohajung, which is the base camp. The taxi journey takes 7 hours, 45 minutes.
By Train
Two trains run daily from Delhi to Kathgodam. The Ranikhet Express leaves Delhi at 10:40 pm and arrives in Kathgodam at 5:30 am in the morning. The Uttar Sampark Kranti Express leaves at 4 pm in the evening and arrives at Kathgodam at 10:40 pm.
In both cases, you take a taxi to Lohajung from Kathgodam to reach base camp. The taxi journey takes 7 hours, 45 minutes. This is the fastest way to reach Lohajung.
By Bus
Regular buses leave from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar Station for Nainital. Since they are government buses, they are punctual and trustworthy. You have to get down at the Haldwani railway station and take a taxi from there to Lohajung. Haldwani Railway station is merely 4 km from Kathgodam railway station.
Inclusions :-
Exclusions :-
Note : Normally THE CRAZY MOUNTAINEERS expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have a waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
| Basics Gear | |
| Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
| Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
| People who use hydration pack | |
| 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter | |
| Carry at least one thermos flask | |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Be comfy at the Roopkund | |
| T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
| Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Poncho | 1 Nos. |
| Think about your head | |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
| Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. |
| People who wear spectacles- | |
| (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) | |
| (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. | |
| Mind your step | |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
| Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (The Crazy Mountaineers team will notify you if required) |
| Keep these handy | |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Personal Utilities | |
| Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Lip balm | Quick dry towe |
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund (Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
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