Roopkund Trek Tour 6Nights/7Days
Roopkund Trek Tour 6Nights/7Days
No. of days
8
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
Request free consultation
Our travel planning team will contact you to provide personalized guidance. Submission confirms your acceptance of our privacy policy.
Overview
The Roopkund Trek is one of the most fascinating and adventurous treks in the Indian Himalayas, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This trek is famous for the mysterious Roopkund Lake, also known as the “Skeleton Lake.” The lake is located at a high altitude of about 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. What makes this lake unique and intriguing is the presence of hundreds of ancient human skeletons lying at its edge. Scientists believe these skeletons date back to the 9th to 12th centuries, and local legends say these people were caught in a deadly hailstorm while on a pilgrimage.
The journey to Roopkund is about 53 kilometers long and takes 6 to 8 days to complete. It starts from the base town of Kathgodam or Nainital and then involves a scenic road drive to a small remote village called Wan, which is the starting point of the trek.
The trek route passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, quiet mountain villages, and vibrant alpine meadows such as Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal. These meadows are some of the largest high-altitude grasslands in Asia and offer mesmerizing views of wildflowers and majestic Himalayan peaks.
Along the way, trekkers visit the Kalu Vinayak Temple, a spiritual spot nestled high in the mountains. The trail gradually ascends, offering breathtaking views and a mix of terrains—from easy forest paths to challenging rocky climbs, especially near the summit at Roopkund Lake.
The weather during the trek can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures especially at higher altitudes. The best time to undertake the Roopkund trek is from May to October when the weather is relatively clear and the trail is accessible.
Overall, the Roopkund Trek is perfect for adventure lovers who want to combine a challenging hike with stunning natural beauty, cultural experiences in remote mountain villages, and the thrill of exploring a historic and mysterious location high in the Himalayas. Trekkers need to be moderately fit and prepared for high-altitude trekking conditions.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the mysterious Roopkund Lake with visible ancient skeletons.
- Trek through vast alpine meadows like Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal.
- Witness majestic Himalayan peaks including Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
- Visit the spiritual Kalu Vinayak Temple perched on the trail.
- Experience local Himalayan village life in Wan and Geruli Patal.
- Enjoy camping amid stunning mountain landscapes
Image Galllery
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam to Wan Village (8,000 ft)
We start our journey early from Kathgodam, embarking on a scenic 10-12 hour drive through the beautiful Kumaon region. As we wind through valleys and small towns, we soak in the Himalayan views that hint at the adventure ahead.
By evening, we reach Wan village, where we settle into a guesthouse or set up camp, preparing ourselves for the trek that begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Wan Village to Geruli Patal (10,500 ft)
Today we begin trekking with a gentle 6 km walk through dense oak and rhododendron forests. The fresh mountain air and rustling leaves accompany us as we steadily ascend. Along the trail, we enjoy glimpses of mountain streams and vibrant flora until we reach the peaceful camping spot at Geruli Patal, where we rest under the stars.
Day 3: Geruli Patal to Patar Nachauni (12,700 ft)
This morning we trek 6 km across the breathtaking Bedni Bugyal meadow, one of the largest alpine meadows in Asia. Surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and colorful wildflowers, we feel a deep connection with nature. We reach Patar Nachauni by evening, where we set up our tents and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Day 4: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa (14,100 ft) via Kalu Vinayak
We start with a steady climb to the spiritual Kalu Vinayak Temple, nestled high in the mountains. Pausing here, we take in the serene atmosphere and panoramic views. After soaking in the tranquility, we continue our trek to Bhagwabasa, our high-altitude campsite. As we settle in, the spectacular mountain views remind us of the journey’s purpose.
Day 5: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Summit (16,000 ft) and back to Patar Nachauni
This is our most challenging day as we make an early start to ascend the rugged trail leading to the famous Roopkund Lake. Upon reaching the summit, we are captivated by the stunning landscape, including the eerie yet fascinating Skeleton Lake surrounded by towering snow-clad peaks like Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. After spending time exploring, we descend back to Patar Nachauni, tired but deeply satisfied.
Day 6: Patar Nachauni to Wan Village
We trek down 12 km today, retracing our steps through Bedni Bugyal and along the clear Neel Ganga River. The downhill walk is refreshing, allowing us to enjoy the rich greenery and river sights once more. By late afternoon, we arrive back in Wan village where we rest and share stories of the journey.
Day 7: Wan Village to Kathgodam
We complete our adventure with a long drive back to Kathgodam, taking in the final majestic views of the Himalayas. This marks the end of our memorable Roopkund trek, leaving us with lasting memories of the mountains, culture, and camaraderie we’ve experienced.
No. of days
8
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
Overview
The Roopkund Trek is one of the most fascinating and adventurous treks in the Indian Himalayas, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This trek is famous for the mysterious Roopkund Lake, also known as the “Skeleton Lake.” The lake is located at a high altitude of about 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. What makes this lake unique and intriguing is the presence of hundreds of ancient human skeletons lying at its edge. Scientists believe these skeletons date back to the 9th to 12th centuries, and local legends say these people were caught in a deadly hailstorm while on a pilgrimage.
The journey to Roopkund is about 53 kilometers long and takes 6 to 8 days to complete. It starts from the base town of Kathgodam or Nainital and then involves a scenic road drive to a small remote village called Wan, which is the starting point of the trek.
The trek route passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, quiet mountain villages, and vibrant alpine meadows such as Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal. These meadows are some of the largest high-altitude grasslands in Asia and offer mesmerizing views of wildflowers and majestic Himalayan peaks.
Along the way, trekkers visit the Kalu Vinayak Temple, a spiritual spot nestled high in the mountains. The trail gradually ascends, offering breathtaking views and a mix of terrains—from easy forest paths to challenging rocky climbs, especially near the summit at Roopkund Lake.
The weather during the trek can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures especially at higher altitudes. The best time to undertake the Roopkund trek is from May to October when the weather is relatively clear and the trail is accessible.
Overall, the Roopkund Trek is perfect for adventure lovers who want to combine a challenging hike with stunning natural beauty, cultural experiences in remote mountain villages, and the thrill of exploring a historic and mysterious location high in the Himalayas. Trekkers need to be moderately fit and prepared for high-altitude trekking conditions.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the mysterious Roopkund Lake with visible ancient skeletons.
- Trek through vast alpine meadows like Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal.
- Witness majestic Himalayan peaks including Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
- Visit the spiritual Kalu Vinayak Temple perched on the trail.
- Experience local Himalayan village life in Wan and Geruli Patal.
- Enjoy camping amid stunning mountain landscapes
Image Galllery
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam to Wan Village (8,000 ft)
We start our journey early from Kathgodam, embarking on a scenic 10-12 hour drive through the beautiful Kumaon region. As we wind through valleys and small towns, we soak in the Himalayan views that hint at the adventure ahead.
By evening, we reach Wan village, where we settle into a guesthouse or set up camp, preparing ourselves for the trek that begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Wan Village to Geruli Patal (10,500 ft)
Today we begin trekking with a gentle 6 km walk through dense oak and rhododendron forests. The fresh mountain air and rustling leaves accompany us as we steadily ascend. Along the trail, we enjoy glimpses of mountain streams and vibrant flora until we reach the peaceful camping spot at Geruli Patal, where we rest under the stars.
Day 3: Geruli Patal to Patar Nachauni (12,700 ft)
This morning we trek 6 km across the breathtaking Bedni Bugyal meadow, one of the largest alpine meadows in Asia. Surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and colorful wildflowers, we feel a deep connection with nature. We reach Patar Nachauni by evening, where we set up our tents and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Day 4: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa (14,100 ft) via Kalu Vinayak
We start with a steady climb to the spiritual Kalu Vinayak Temple, nestled high in the mountains. Pausing here, we take in the serene atmosphere and panoramic views. After soaking in the tranquility, we continue our trek to Bhagwabasa, our high-altitude campsite. As we settle in, the spectacular mountain views remind us of the journey’s purpose.
Day 5: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Summit (16,000 ft) and back to Patar Nachauni
This is our most challenging day as we make an early start to ascend the rugged trail leading to the famous Roopkund Lake. Upon reaching the summit, we are captivated by the stunning landscape, including the eerie yet fascinating Skeleton Lake surrounded by towering snow-clad peaks like Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. After spending time exploring, we descend back to Patar Nachauni, tired but deeply satisfied.
Day 6: Patar Nachauni to Wan Village
We trek down 12 km today, retracing our steps through Bedni Bugyal and along the clear Neel Ganga River. The downhill walk is refreshing, allowing us to enjoy the rich greenery and river sights once more. By late afternoon, we arrive back in Wan village where we rest and share stories of the journey.
Day 7: Wan Village to Kathgodam
We complete our adventure with a long drive back to Kathgodam, taking in the final majestic views of the Himalayas. This marks the end of our memorable Roopkund trek, leaving us with lasting memories of the mountains, culture, and camaraderie we’ve experienced.
