    
|
Roopkund Trek :: Roopkund Travel Guide ::
Trek Route map for Roopkund lake
Duration : 15 Days
Season : June – Mid Oct
Difficult : Moderate ::
Book it now !!
Roopkund is situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal.
The road head for Roopkund is Lohajang 155km from Almora, 217km from Naini
Tal and 235km from Kathgodam. Roopkund situated at a height of 5029m in the lap
of Trishuli massif. ThisRoopkund is situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal. The
road head for Roopkund is Lohajang 155km from Almora, 217km from Naini Tal and
235km from Kathgodam.
Situated at a height of 5029m in the lap of Trishuli massif. This area is
usually called is the ‘mystery lake’, since human skeletons and remains of
horses from the Paleolithic age were found here. The lake is surrounded by
rock-strewn glacier and snow clad peaks. The starting point of the trek is
Lohajang, easily approached by motor from Almora. Roopkund can also be reached
by Ghat, connected by a motorable road with Nandprayag situated on the main
highway of Badrinath. The trek of Roopkund passes through lush green grassy land
and conifer forest clinging into the slopes of hills. The trek thereafter winds
its way along the Pinder River. Then to round off this trek, one can approach
Hemkund via Shila Samunder glacier and then move on Ghat. Bedni Bugyal and
Bhagwawasa are the most beautiful places in this trek. You must found lots of
“Bramhakamal” near Bhagwawasa. The best time of come here is last week of August
to last week of October. You must have 8 days to trekking for Roopkund.
It is a 40km trek from road head. For many years, Roopkund has heel the
attention of trekkers because of the bones and skeletons that can be seen in its
waters. The mystery of the same has never been solved but the lake has attracted
a number of people over the years. The trek by itself takes one through some of
the best terrain in the Garhwal Himalayas, with one passing through thick
forest, undulating meadows, towering peaks, etc. On this trek, you would go from
Roopkund towards another fabulous destination – Kuari Pass.This trek is also
known as Curzon’s Trail (named after the Indian Viceroy, Lord Curzon, who
undertook this trek during his stay in India). The main attraction of this trek
is the majestic views of the peaks of Nanda Devi, Hathi-Ghodi, Kamet, Dronagiri,
etc. During the trek one would pass through pristine forests of Oak,
Rhododendron and Deodar. The beauty of the region is best described by the
famous explorer Eric Shipton, who said, “A vision of such beauty is worth a
world of striving.”
Roopkund is situated in Chamoli district of garhwal. The road head for roopkund
is lohajung 155km from Almora, 217km from nainital and 235km from Kathgodam.
Roopkund situated at a height of 5029m in the lap of Trishuli massif. This area
is usually called is the ‘mystery lake’, since human skeletons and remains of
horses from the poleolithic age were found here.The lake is surrounded by
rock-strewn glacier and snow clad peaks.
The starting point of the trek is lohajung, easily approached by motor from
Almora. Roopkund can also be reached by ghat, connected by a motorable road with
Nanda Prayag situated on the main highway of Badrinath. The trek of Roopkund
passes through lushgreen grassy land and conifer forest clining into the sloper
of hills. The trek thereafter winds its way along the pindar river. Then to
round off this trek, one can approach hemkund via Shail Samundras glacier and
then move on ghat. Bedni bugyal and Bhagwawasa are the most beautiful places in
this trek.
You must found lots of “Bramhakamal” near Bhawawara. The best time of come here
is last week of August to last week of October. You must have 8 days to trekking
for Roopkund. It is a 40km trek from road head.
Day 01 : Rishikesh - Mundoli (265 kms / 10 hrs )
Drive to the small hamlet of Mundoli ( 2134m ), from where the trek begins.
Overnight in Guest House / Tents.
Day 02 : Mundoli-Bekhal Tal :
Begin the trek; cross the Lahjung pass ( 2250m ) and continue to Bekhal Tal- a
small lake amidst picturesque surroundings. Camp overnight. ( Aprox.8 Kms; 5-7
hrs walking )
Day 03 : Bekhal Tal :
Day at leisure to be spent in the beautiful environs.
Day 04 : Bekhal Tal - Wan :
Continue the trek to Wan village. The trail takes you via another small lake-
Brahm Tal. Overnight in Guest House / Tents at Wan ( 2340m ). ( Aprox.10 Kms;
6-8 hrs walking )
Day 05 : Wan - Bedni Bugyal :
Begin the uphill trek and reach the 'Bugyals' (high altitude meadows) of Bedini
( 3354m ) - a beautiful location with magnificent view of the surrounding
mountains. Camp overnight.
Day 06 : Bedni Bugyal : Day to explore the surroundings, which is bound to be an
experience to be remembered.
Day 07 : Bedni-Baguabasa :
Trek through the undulating grasslands to reach Baguabasa ( 3380m ). Camp
overnight. ( Aprox.7 Kms; 3-4 hrs walking )
Day 08 : Roopkund excursion :
Trek to the mysterious 'Pond of Beauty'- Roop Kund (5029m), close to the base of
the Trishul (7120m) and Nanda Ghungti (6310m) Peaks. Roopkund the mystery lake,
It was a lake that, a large number of Human bones were found and through
anthropologists are still working on its significance. The lake however is
nestled amidst a panoramic mountain scenery. Return to camp at Baguabasa for
overnight stay at Camps. ( 8-10 hrs walking )
Day 09: Baguabasa - Wan :
Retrace the route back to Wan. Overnight in Guest House / Tents. ( 6-8 hrs
walking )
Day 10 : Wan - Mundoli :
Continue downhill to Mundoli taking a direct route. Overnight in Guest House /
Tents. ( 6-8 hrs walking )
Day11 : Mundoli - Rishikesh :
Drive down along the river to Rishikesh. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 12 :Rishikesh - Departure :
Morning check out of Hotel to leave by train / surface to onward destination.
Roopkund (Mystery Lake) Trek
Region : Garhwal Himalayas
Season : May to October
Duration : 12 Nights & 13 Days
Routing : Delhi -Nanital – Mundoli – Bedni Bugyal – Bagubasa – Roopkund – Bhuna
– Kanol – Ghat – Rishikesh – Delhi
Tour Highlights
Nanital : Boating at Nani Lake
Rishikesh : Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan, temples & ashrams
Roopkund becomes famous when large number of Human bones was reported. After
that explorers & scientists have tried to explain the mystery but it helped in
deepening the mystery rather solving it. Two theories have emerged & one is that
these bones are of Gen. Zorawar Singh of Kashmir & his men who were coming back
after raiding China-Tibet in 17th Century. Second opinion, which is also
believed by locals, is that large numbers of people visiting Homkund were
trapped in avalanches & snowstorms & got killed.
Roopkund Trek
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our
representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the
ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive
dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are
believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic
Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several
centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks,
Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jehanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin
Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to
British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the
division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)
Roopkund (Mystery Lake) Trek
Day 02 : Delhi – Nanital (1938 m) (322 km - 10 hr)
After early breakfast we drive to Nainital, a hill-station popular with Indian
tourists. It falls in Kumaon Mountains, known for their idyllic beauty. Nainital
is a 100 year old hill-station situated around the beautiful Naini Lake, or
abode of the eye-goddess after which the town takes its name.
Overnight Hotel – Nanital (B)
Day 03 : Nanital–Mundoli (2134 m) Mundoli – Lohajung (2350 m) (Drive 195 km - 8
hr & Trek 1 km)
Todaywe drive 115 km towards Kausani (1890 m), a beautiful hill-staton from
where we have a 300 km view of the beautiful Himalayas. After crossing Kausani
we drive 17 km to Baijnath (1126 m), which has the famous temple complex,
dedicated to Lord Shiva. After that we drive to Mundoli via Gwaldam. The road to
Mundoli after Gwaldam is little rough. On arrival at Mundoli, we take our
backpacks & walk about 1 km towards our Campsite at Lohajung on the top of the
grassy ridge about 200 m above Mandoli. It has excellent views south towards the
valley & in the north we have our first glimpse of the peak Nanda Gunti (6860 m)
& also we look in the direction we will follow tomorrow up the River Gyan Ganga.
Overnight Tent – Lohajung (B, L, D)
Day 04 : Lohajung – Didana (2634 m) (05 hr trek)
Today we start trekking down into Gyan Ganga Valley initially through
rhododendron & oak forest. Then we follow the river before a climb to Didana.
Overnight Tent – Didana (B, L, D)
Roopkund Trek
Day 05 : Didana – Bedini Bugyal (3354m) ( 06 hr)
Today starts with a serious uphill section through forest. About 3 hr later we
reach the tree line & if the clouds allow we will have wonderful views of
Chaukhamba & Nilkanth Mountains. At this point we are on a grassy ridge leading
to the meadows of Bedni Bugyal. This high meadow is the main area used for
camping by travellers on the great pilgrimage to Roop Kund which takes place
every 12 years. It is a beautiful & interesting place dotted with shrines &
temples. It is said to be the one of the most stunning alpine campsites in the
Himalayas. In the morning there will be a tremendous view of Trishul above the
Shila Samudra glacier, as well as Nilkanth to the north-west.
Overnight Tent – Bedni Bugyal (B, L, D)
Day 06 : Bedini Bugyal (3354m) Day for Acclimatization.
Today we trek 500 m higher than Bedni Bugyal & then come down to our same
campsite. This exercise is to improve the acclimatization process.
Overnight Tent – Bedini Bugyal (B, L, D)
Day 07 : Bedni Bugyal – Bagubasa (4100m) ( 06 hr)
Today we again start our trek. The trail crosses a hump to reach Bistola & then
climbs up to Bagubasa, an improvised stone shelter that is generally used by
local pilgrims.
Overnight Tent - Bagubasa
Roopkund (Mystery Lake) Trek
Day 08 : Bagubasa - Roopkund Lake (4778 m) Roopkund Lake - Bagubasa ( 06 hr)
In the morning if the weather is clear you will have great views of Trishul &
the mountains around. Today we start our arduous trek of about 3 hr to reach
Roop Kund Lake. At Roop Kund, if the snow is not too deep, the mysterious
skeletons & remains of human beings & horses can be seen. There are also great
views of the surrounding glaciers & high peaks. The lake is haunting as well as
very scenic. If interested we can hike another 30 minutes or so up to the ridge
above the lake where you will be rewarded with wonderful views of Trishul & the
surrounding mountains. After spending some time exploring the area we return to
Bagubasa.
Overnight Hotel - Bagubasa (B, L, D)
Day 09 : Bagubasa - Pather Nachauni - Bhuna (3450 m) (06 hr)
Today we trek back till Pather Nachauni & then take a turn to traverse the
mountain face & below us on left side is beautiful Bedni Bugyal. The trek is
like on a fishbone with steep ravines & valleys cutting on both sides & allowing
us an exceptional panorama that spreads itself from Trishul to Chaukhamba. At
Bhuna we camp to the proximity of sheep barns.
Overnight Tent – Bhuna (B, L, D)
Day 10 : Bhuna - Kanol ( 2670 m) (6 hr)
Today we descend through a beautiful forest of Cedar & Rhododendron. The valley
widens itself & the slopes gradually soften & finally we reach Kanol amidst
cultivated fields. Kanol is a picturesque village & nestles among thick forests
of rhododendron. The Nandakini River flows close by. The village houses are made
up of stone & slate & we can meet the villagers. We may also see monkeys on the
trees or on the roof of the houses. The place offers a majestic view of the
Trishul
Roopkund Trek
Overnight Tent - Kanol (B, L, D)
Day 11 : Kanol – Sitel (1850 m)
Today we start our downhill trek to Sitel through a pastures & fields, where men
& women work on their fields amidst beautiful landscape & River Nandakini
flowing nearby with beautiful view of the mountains. Our trek ends at Sitel &
rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Tent – Sitel (B, L, D)
Day 12: Sitel – Ghat (1334 m) 16 km drive Ghat – Rishikesh (216 km - 8 hr)
Today we drive to Ghat, a small town & from there to Nandprayag, where River
Mandakini meets River Alananda. From there we drive down to Rishikesh is a very
important Hindu pilgrimage site. There is also a cluster of a number of Ashrams
& temples giving the entire place a very spiritual atmosphere. The ceaseless
flow of the river, regarded as Goddess Ganga adds to the beauty & the purity of
the place. Along the river, the area is filled with thick green forests in the
all-mountainous region. Roopkund (Mystery Lake) Trek Rishikesh is famous for its
yoga & meditation sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. It is also
a very popular centre for Ayurveda system of healing (traditional Indian
medicine system). Besides the sadhus & saints, a mass of tourists too visit this
place every year to have a look at this much heard about place. In addition to
wonderful scenery & the numerous pilgrimage sites, Rishikesh also makes some of
the most popular adventure sport destinations of India like river rafting,
trekking, rock climbing, hiking.
Overnight Hotel - Rishikesh (B)
Day 13: Rishikesh – Delhi (250 km - 06 hr)
Today we will visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan & other temples &
ashrams. Later we will drive back to Delhi & reach by evening.
On arrival transfer to airport.
Trekking Option Three :: Roopkund long version trek
Besides its rivers, rivulets and streams, Garhwal is famous for its high altitude lakes, which hold up a mirror to the awesome peaks that surround them. Not one of the most beautiful, but certainly the most fascinating lake in Garhwal Himalayas is “Roopkund”, the mystery lake. At an altitude of 4777 metres, this glacial lake is about 50 metres in diameter. It is so named, because of its banks lies the remains of human skeleton of scores of men who perished many centuries ago. Many mythological accounts and stories are heard about the remains, they range from Tibetan traders to refugees to Tughlaks army, who were on a mission to Tibet, under General Zorawar Singh.
Homekund is yet another lake, situated at a distance of 8 kms beyond Roopkund. Homkund is the final destination of Nanda Jat Yatra, commences after every 12 years. Along the route, one can witness the excellent close views of Nanda Ghunti (6309 metres), Trishul (7142 metres), Chaukhamba (7138 metres) and other important peaks.
Apart from lakes and peaks, the trek passes through one of the best ‘Bugyals’ the alpine meadow of the area, i.e. Bedni have long been related to myths and mysteries. Even today, the local people witness the presence of fairies. According to a popular belief the Vedas were written in sylvan haunts of Bedni. Regularly visited and worshipped temple of Goddess Nanda Devi is situated amidst the meadow.
A 14 Nights 15 days trip which involves trek to one of the high altitude Himalayan lakes and spiritual journey to one of the four most sacred place and source of second most important river of Northern India.
Best Time : June to November
Itinerary
Day 0. Arrive Rishikesh. Check in to High Bank Peasants Cottage. Evening introduction with trekking guide & camp staff followed by welcome dinner. Overnight High Bank Pesants Cottage.
DAY 01. RISHIKESH / JOSHIMATH DRIVE 8- 9 HRS. OVERNIGHT HOTEL
Morning after breakfast drive to Joshimath. The entire drive toady is along the Ganga and Alaknanda river. We stop at Devprayag to visit the confluence at the beginning of the Ganges. Arrive Joshimath and transfer to hotel. Evening visit the small hill town. Dinner and overnight hotel.
DAY 02. JOSHIMATH/ AULI/TALI TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
Morning after breakfast trek to Tali . The entire trek today is Gradual climb through the forest and in open meadow . One can get the view of - Neelkanth, Kamet, Hathi parbat, Hathighori, Mukut, Dronagiri and Nanda Devi. Arrive Tali & camp in meadow. Meals and overnight camp.
DAY 03. TALI /DHAKWANI TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS.
Morning after breakfast trek to Dhakwani. Today we climb all the way to Kauri Pass. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Greater Himalayan Peaks and trek down to Dhakwani. Arrive Dhakwani & camp. Dinner and overnight camp.
DAY 04. DHAKWANI / PANA TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
Trek in rich forest of Oak , rhododendron steep climbing and steep descending
DAY 05 PANA / SEEMA KHARAK TREK 4-5 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
A 2 hour descending and 2 and ½ hour or 3 hour steep climbing in the forest of Deodar blue pines. (4-5 hours)
DAY 06. SEEMA KHARAK /GHUNI ( RAMANI) 4 -5 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
First 1 and ½ hour climbing in the forest there are some small patches of meadow on the way. Chechani vinayak (pass) view of Trishuli, around 2 hour gradual descending in the meadow
DAY 07. GHUNI / SUTOL TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
Easy but long walking In between 5-6 valleys, sutol last village in the confluence Nandakini – Roopkini
DAY 08 SUTOL / TALA KAPAR OVERNIGHT TENTS
1 hour steep climbing 1 hour descending walking with the stream 2 hour steep climbing in the forest of blue pine , Oak , rhododendron and burch (5-6 hours).
DAY 09 TALA KAPAR /BHOGUBASA OVERNIGHT TENTS
1 and ½ hour steep climbing the forest, ½ hour in the rocky path of the medow 1 hour flat walking in medow along the river roopkini , around 2 hour steep climbing to Bhagubasa . On the way view of Nanda Ghunti and trishuli, Chaukhamba , Neelkanth .
DAY 10 BHOGUBASA /ROOP KUND - Patar Nachawani- Bhagubasa to Roopkund is easy walking in the flat but in moraines ½ hour climbing with same view as last day. (4-5 hours). Kaluka Vinayak (pass) descending till to patarnachani.
DAY 11 PATAR NACHANI / BEDNI (Aali)- OVERNIGHT TENTS
The best view of Chaukhamba , Neelkanth and Nanda devi , Trishul. Whole trek is in meadow. (3-4 hour).
DAY 12. BEDNI / WAN OVERNIGHT TENTS
Steep descending 2 and ½ hour and 1 hour climbing in rich forest of rhododendron, Oak camping in small medow of wan with the view of trishuli (3-4 hours).
DAY 13. WAN / LOHAJANG PASS/MUNDOLI TREK 4-5 HRS.
Easy walking gradual decending around 3 hour and 1 and ½ hour steep climbing to Lohajang pass whole day in rich forest of conifer rhododendron etc. view of trishuli from lohajang pass. Arrive and camp .
DAY 14. MUNDOLI / RISHIKESH DRIVE 9-10 HRS. Overnight
HIGH BANK Himalayan Retreat On the Ganges
Morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh.
DAY 15 . RISHIKESH / Onward Journey .
Morning after breakfast Trip terminates.
On can stay in Rishikesh or drive to Delhi .
For Further Details and Booking write down us or call us :
Corporate Office
( A Unit of Adventure Trekking)
Nanda House Auli Road Uttarakhand - India
24 HRS contact number : + 91- 09837937948 / 09759675791 / 09412439693
Email: nandadevitrekking@gmail.com
CHAT RD : MSN : YAHOO : SKYPE : garhwalhimalaya
Visit us: www.nandadevitrek.in / www.valleyofflowerstrek.in
