If
you are planning to do trekking
in India, the Roopkund trek is a must do! In Uttarakhand state of
India, Roopkund is a high altitude glacial lake. This lake is frozen for almost
whole year and is a famous trekking destination for its amazing natural beauty.
Roopkund lake is also called as the Mystery Lake because there Skeleton remains
of 100s of people which were found near the lake. This is located at the
altitude of about 16,000 feet and is renowned in whole world.
Roopkund
offers many things for a nature fanatic and set amidst one of the most scenic
backdrop. In this trek you will came across by seeing Deep virgin forests, breath-taking
campsites, gurgling brooks, snow and ice, long stretch of oak forest as well as
exotic landscape of Himalayas. The Roopkund trail climbs out of superb dark
forests and suddenly you will see the view of mesmerizing Ali Bugyal and Bedni
Bugyal.
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| Bedni Bugyal |
In
this amazing trek, you will also get a chance to look at the State flower of
Uttarakhand, Brahma Kamal (Scientifically known as Saussurea obvallata). Brahma
Kamal is founded only at the altitude of 14000 feet (4500 m). Other than Brahma
Kamal you can also see here Fan Kamal and Neel Kamal. All these amazing flowers
grow at the high altitude in the Himalayan region.
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| Brahma Kamal, State Flower of Uttarakhand |
Reasons to do Roopkund Trek
Here,
we are giving you 3 most important reasons that you must do the Roopkund Trek
in Uttarakhand. These are as following:
1.
Roopkund Trek is perfect for beginners; you can do this trek if you want to experience
the high altitude. Its altitude is about 16000 feet, which is higher than the Mt
Blanc, highest summit in Europe. Roopkund trail is amongst the trekking trails
in India which are very safe for the beginners. If you will read well about the
Roopkund Trek then there will be no need to take a guide.
2. There are various amazing views which you
see from the Roopkund trek. Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are the twin meadows in
this trek, which are the largest high altitude meadows in India. There are also
oak forests which are the densest in this part of India. These are stretch vertically
for approximately 3,000 feet. On the way to Roopkund when you reach Junargali you
will get a stunning view of the base of two Himalayan peaks, Mount Trishul (7,120
m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,310 m). Trishul is amongst the most stunning mountain
faces that you will ever see in your whole life.
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| Mount Nanda Ghunti on the Left and the Trident peaks of Trishul on the Right |
3.
The final reason t0 do Roopkund Trek is that you will surely experience a
trekking adventure which will touch the core of your heart by its absolute
intensity as well as thrill. It will give you a great dose of adventure that
you will never forget.
How to reach Roopkund Lake?
One
of the most popular base locations for Roopkund Trek is a place which is known
as “Lohajung”. This is basically a small village where you can reach by the public
transport and can be approached from the two sides of Uttarakhand, which are
Kumaon and Garhwal. We recommend reaching Lohajung from Kumaon side because it
is more convenient as well as more scenic.
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| Kumaon and Garhwal regions, Uttarakhand |
Reach from Kumaon side:
*From Delhi you can take
a train to Kathgodam, Ranikhet Express is the best train because it departs from
Delhi at night and arrives Kathgodam at morning about 4 am.
*Then you can opt for the
direct bus from Kathgodan to Lohajung which takes about 13-14 hours to reach
Lohajungs and departs at 5 am on morning from Kathgodam.
*You can also engage a
private taxi to Lohajung from Kathgodam for about 4000-4500 INR.
Reach from Garhwal side:
*Travelers
coming from the Garhwal sides take the way to start their journey climbing from
Rishikesh.
*You
can reach from Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar by train or by flight which
departs from Delhi Airport to Jollygrant Aiport, Dehradun. From airport you can
easily reach Rishikesh by auto or bus.
*After
reaching Rishikesh you can take a direct bus to Lohajung (fare- 380 INR per
seat) which departs at 5 am in the morning and takes upto 14-15 hours to reach Lohajung.
Or you can opt to hire a private taxi also at the rate of 4500 INR.
Where to stay in between?
If
you will choose public transport for reaching to Lohajung then it will be very
difficult because bus will take you there by taking 13-14 hours without some
stopping. So while coming from Kathgodam, you should stay at Gwaldam and enjoy
the wonderful view of nature and magnificent surroundings. Before reaching
Lohajung, you can also stay at Debal where you will accommodation at low budget.
If
you are going from the Rishikesh then Karanprayag and Srinagar are the two main
good options which provide upright facilities for tourists.
Roopkund Trek in different seasons
If
you are a casual trekker then you should go there from mid of May to the end of
October.
*May
to July: In the month of May and June Roopkund lake is totally snow covered so
you can have a good view of snow covered Roopkund lake.
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| Snow covered Roopkund lake |
*August
to September: It is the busiest season for trekking in Roopkund and best time
to trek here. The trekking trail is fine outlined till the lake and hence,
comfortable for the trekkers who are trekking for the first time.
*In
October the snowing season begins in this part of Himalayas. So, if you want to
witness the snowfall and snow-storming then this month is best for you to trek
Roopkund Lake.
Number of Days needs for Roopkund Trek
Route 1: (6 days, 5
nights)
Lohajung
- Didina - Ali bugyal - Bedni Bugyal - Patal Nachauni - Kalu Vinayak -
Bhagwabasa - Roopkund Lake
Route 2: (4 days, 3
nights)
Wan-Bedni
Bugyal (12 km) - Patal Nachauni (5 km) - Kalu Vinayak (3 km) - Bhagwabasa (1
km) - Roopkund Lake (4 km)
Moreover,
if you are planning to do trek in the month of May then it may take some more
days depending on the snow condition on the last leg (4km) to Roopkund Lake.
What thing you should carry on Roopkund Trek?
While
going for Roopkund you have to spend about 4 to 5 nights in the tent so you require
carrying total trekking accessories as well as food. If you are 3 to 4 people
and driving your own vehicle to Lohajung then you should take the items given
below in the list:
5
Kg Rice, 2 Kg pulse, Salt, Spices, Oil, 1 Kg Milk Powder, Sugar, Tea, Biscuits,
Noodles, Dry fruits, Snacks, multi vitamins, Glucose, Essential medicines as
well as other food supplements.
With
regards to trekking accessories, all can be rented from Lohajung or Wan. From
here, you can get tents, crampons, sleeping bags, ice axe, ropes as well as ropes
from the trek organizers at reasonable prices.
Is Roopkund Trek doable without a trek organizer?
Trekking
in Roopkund can always be doable without a trek organizer or trek organizing company.
You can easily get porters, trekking gears, mules, guides and every essential thing
at Lohajung or Wan. You can organize everything after reaching to these base
locations and hence, there is no requirement to book anything in advance.
Various Charges:
Here
we are giving you the rough or approx price of various trekking and essential accessories:
Sleeping
bag and Mat: 50 INR per night
Guide:
500 INR per day
Mule:
400 INR per day
Entry
price for Mule: 25 INR per mule per night,
Permit
charges: 60 INR per trekker
Entry
charges for support staff like Guide or Cook): 20 INR per person
Waste
Management Fee: 10 INR per associate per
day
Rent
for Fiber huts from Forest Department:
200 INR per night
Prices
for pitching in Tent: 100 per tent for
one night
*
Fiber huts: These are available at the Patal Nachauni, Bedni Bugyal, Bhagwabasa.
In this, about 3 to 4 can accommodate easily. But during the peak season you
should do advance booking of Fiber huts.
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| Tents at Roopkund Trek |
Approximate expenses:
If
you are group of 3 to 4 people then the total expenses (Lohajung – Lohajung,
Wan – Wan) would be about 6000-7000 INR including guide, mule, grocery items
and permit.
Conclusion:
The
Roopkund trek is categorized as a trek of modest difficulty. You should not
think of stepping on the Roopkund trek without any previous preparation. You should
begin by jogging each day till when you are able to jog a distance of about 5
km in half an hour and 4 times in a week. Also do about 3 sets of squats along
with the 8 squats in every set for strengthening your knees as well as thigh
muscles. You should also do stretching at the end of each work out for
preventing injuries. Therefore, make certain that you stretch every day also during
your trek, to reach the campsite with no hassles.
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| Roopkund Trek |
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