Overview
The Roopkund Trek is a high-altitude trek in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also one of the most sought-after trails in the Garhwal Himalayas. The route reaches a maximum height of 15,591 ft (4,752 m) at the glacial lake. Roopkund is better known as the Skeleton Lake, as hundreds of human skeletons still lie exposed along its rim each time the snow recedes.
The Roopkund Trek covers a total distance of about 53 kilometres and takes 7 to 8 days to complete. It begins from Lohajung, a small village at 7,600 ft. From here, the trail climbs through Banj oak and rhododendron forest to Didna village. Then it opens into the twin meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal, leaving the grass behind for the scree, moraine and old snow above Kalu Vinayak and Bhagwabasa. From the upper camps you get a full-face view of Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) and Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6,310 m). Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi appear on the horizon when skies are clear.
This moderate to difficult trek is best suited for experienced hikers or physically fit beginners willing to test their endurance. And the best time to do the Roopkund Trek depends on whether you want to experience snowy trails (May to June) or prefer clearer skies post-monsoon autumn (September to October).
So, keep scrolling for the day-wise itinerary, the best time to visit, the difficulty analysis, preparation tips, and how to reach the base camp of the Roopkund Trek.
Roopkund Trek Itinerary
Drive Distance: 313 km; 10-11 hours
Altitude Gain: 340 m/ 1,120 ft at Rishikesh to 2,300 m/ 7,600 ft at Lohajung
Highlights: The three Prayags on the Alaknanda, first view of Nanda Ghunti from Lohajung.
We leave Rishikesh early, around 5:30 am. The route follows the Alaknanda past Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi joins it to become the Ganga, then Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag, before turning off towards Tharali, Deval and Mundoli. Carry motion-sickness tablets if winding roads bother you, and withdraw cash at Rishikesh, as there is no ATM at Lohajung.
Lohajung is situated between the Wan and Mundoli valleys. It is small, with a handful of shops, a few homestays and a mobile network. On a clear evening, you can see Nanda Ghunti to the north. Once you arrive, you will get a short briefing after dinner.
Trek Distance & Time: 6 km; 3 to 4 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,300 m/ 7,600 ft at Lohajung to 2,445 m/ 8,022 ft at Didna
Highlights: Kuling village, Neel Ganga crossing at Raun Bagad, terraced fields of Didna
From Lohajung, we drive the tarred road toward Kuling on level ground. Our trek starts from Kuling. Here, the trail turns right and drops through the village. You will first follow a narrow concrete lane between houses and farming plots, then, after roughly 2 km, the path drops to a small stream and further to the bed of the Neel Ganga. This is the lowest point of the whole trek, so fill your bottles here and rest before the climb.
Across the cemented bridge, the trail climbs the ridge on the right. The ascent is moderately steep and takes about 2 hours through sub-alpine forest. Didna is located at the top, its houses scattered across terraced fields on the mountain.
Kuling and Didna are home to the same families, who move up to Didna for summer and monsoon and back down to Kuling for winter. We usually arrive by lunch and stay in a homestay, which gives you the afternoon to rest and sleep at night.
Trek Distance: 12 km; 6-7 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,445 m/ 8,022 ft at Didna to 3,549 m/ 11,644 ft at Ali Bedni Bugyal
Highlights: Tolpani shepherd settlement, Ali Bugyal, Bedni Kund and its temple
Start early after having your breakfast. The trail leaves the village and soon splits. The right fork is longer but gentler and passes Tolpani, a temporary shepherd settlement. The left fork is shorter and climbs without a break. Both lead to Ali Bugyal, and your trek leader will pick one based on the group’s pace.
The treeline recedes around 3,300 m, giving way to a vast expanse of grasslands. Ali Bugyal opens in front of you with grazing horses and cattle. On a clear day, you can see Trishul and Mrigthuni ahead. We cross Ali Bugyal, climb a short face, and continue for about an hour to reach Bedni Bugyal, our camp for the night.
In the afternoon, walk out to Bedni Kund and the small temple within its boundary. At Bedni, you can see Trishul and Nanda Ghunti on one side, with Neelkanth and Chaukhamba across the Garhwal skyline on the other.
Trek distance & Time: 5-6 km; 3 hours
Altitude Gain: 3,549 m/ 11,644 ft at Bedni Bugyal to 3,972 m/ 13,031 ft at Patar Nachauni
Highlights: Ghora Lotani, close views of the Mrigthuni range, first night above 12,000 ft
The distance for today’s trek is short. Camping at Patar Nachauni gives your body a night to adjust before the climb to Bhagwabasa. Use the spare afternoon to rest properly.
Begin by walking across the meadow and climbing for about half an hour to join the trail coming up from Ali Bugyal. After that, the path runs almost level to Ghora Lotani, which means “where the horses turn back”. The place got its name because once a pack of horses, while a king was proceeding on the old Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrim route, went no further from this point due to the difficult gradient and terrain.
The trail splits here, and you will take the right fork. An hour of level walking brings you to Patar Nachauni. The name comes from a legend about a king whose dancers performed here and angered the goddess, who buried them in the ground.
You will finally approach the green fibre huts belonging to the Forest Department on the left of the trail. The camping ground lies about 200 ft below on the meadow. On a clear day, the Mrigthuni range from this campsite is one of the finest views on the route. Tell your trek leader tonight if you feel a headache or lose your appetite.
Trek distance & Time: 4-5 km; 4-5 hours
Altitude Gain: 3,972 m/ 13,031 ft at Patar Nachauni to 4,274 m/ 14,022 ft at Bhagwabasa
Highlights: Kalu Vinayak temple, first sighting of Roopkund, the trail goes from grass to rock.
On the fifth day, continue your trek if you are not seeing any symptoms of altitude sickness. We will start early after a warm meal. The first 2 km gain height gradually along the ridge. Then the ridge turns right, and the gradient rises, gaining approx. 1,500 ft in the next 1.5 km over loose gravel. Climb this slowly. There is no hurry, and pushing hard here is the most common cause of a headache.
At the top, you will come across a small stone temple with a black Ganesha idol and bells tied around it. This gives the place its name, Kalu for black, Vinayak for Ganesha, that is Kalu Vinayak. From here the view widens, and you get your first sight of the depression that holds Roopkund, with Trishul standing to the right and Nanda Ghunti to the left.
The trail descends gently over rocky terrain for another kilometre to Bhagwabasa. You will pass a small cave on the path, said in local legend to be the resting place of the tiger that Goddess Nanda Devi rides. This is where the name comes from (bagh for tiger, basa for home).
The campsite is also known as Hunia Thar. At about 14,000 ft, the ground is bare rock with snow peaks directly in front. The area is known for sudden snowfall even in early June or October. Eat early and sleep early.
Dive distance & Time: 160 km, 5-6 hrs
We will start our Summit day before sunrise, between 3 and 4 am, with headlamps and a packed breakfast. The early start lets you cross while the snow is still firm. The first hour is an easy walk over a stony path.
Then you reach Chhiria Nag, a long flight of serpentine steps, and the last hour is steep, narrow, and loose underfoot. In May and early June, this section is under snow, and you will need microspikes and crampons here.
The lake is small and shallow, ringed by scree, with a little Nanda Devi shrine on its edge where trekkers offer a short puja. The skeletal remains date back around 1,200 years, and semi-decomposed torsos still lie on the permafrost side of the lake. Do not touch or move anything.
Return by the same trail. The descent over the steep section needs more care than the climb did. From Bhagwabasa, the ground levels out to Kalu Vinayak. You must carry on down to Patar Nachauni, where the thicker air makes for a better night’s sleep.
Dive distance & Time: 160 km, 5-6 hrs
The last day is long but mostly downhill. We cross Bedni once more, then drop off the meadow into the forest towards Gairoli Patal. This is a clearing with a green forest hut and a view of Trishul through the trees. Below it, the trail descends steeply through oak and rhododendron to the bridge over the Neel Ganga.
A short climb brings you to Ranka Dhar, with Wan and Lohajung below. Further, it is downhill into Wan village. Here you pass a stand of cypress trees said to be several centuries old and the Latu Devta temple, where pilgrims ring the bell before heading to the meadows. Your vehicle waits at Wan for the drive back to Lohajung.
Dive distance & Time: 313 km; 10-11 hours
After early morning breakfast, we will leave for Rishikesh following the same route.
Roopkund Trek Package
Price Inclusion
Stay: Accommodation is included for all days of the trek. Tents will be provided on a triple-sharing basis. Single and double sharing available at extra cost.
Meals: All meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 to Day 8 breakfast.
Trek Equipment: All essential trek equipment is included, such as sleeping bags, kitchen and dining tents, utensils, mattresses, personal tents, toilet tents, and crampons (if needed).
Forest Entry and Permits: All required fuel charges, tolls, forest entry fees, and permits are covered.
Trek Staff: A qualified, professional team, including a mountaineering-certified trek leader, guide, cook, and support staff, will accompany you.
Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers are provided for safety.
Trek Certificate & HDT Badges: Receive a trek certificate and HDT badges to celebrate your adventure.
Price Exclusion
Meals during Transfer: Meals are not included while traveling to and from the trek starting points.
Emergency Evacuations: Any charges related to emergency evacuation are not included
Personal Expenses: Any meals or accommodations outside of the provided itinerary or additional services not listed in the inclusions.
Personal Luggage Carrying: Charges for mules or porters to offload personal luggage are not included in the package.
Transport: Transportation from Dehradun is extra at a cost.
5% GST
Check the booking procedure, including details on booking deposits, payment terms, and the cancellation policy.
Best Time to do the Roopkund Trek
The Roopkund trail is open in two windows, late May to June, and September to October. For most trekkers, the preferred window depends on how much snow they want to experience on the final leg to the summit. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect during different seasons:
Summer (May to June)
You will find snow on the upper sections till the first week of June, which is exactly why many trekkers pick this window. The meadows turn green and wildflowers spread across Ali and Bedni. Days stay pleasant at 10°C to 18°C, while nights at Patar Nachauni and Bhagwabasa plummet to the freezing point. Expect a proper snow climb to the lake.
Monsoon (Late June to August)
Monsoon turns the lower trail slippery, brings leeches up to Didna, and hides the peaks for days. The Neel Ganga swells, and landslides can block the road to Lohajung. We do not run Roopkund in these months.
Autumn (September to October)
Once the monsoon clears, the skies over Garhwal become clear for getting unobstructed views. This is the best season for scenic views and for photography, with almost no fresh snow on the lower trail. Day temperatures run 8°C to 15°C, and nights at the higher camps drop to around -5°C.
Winter (November to April)
During winter, Roopkund becomes snowbound and inaccessible. The upper camps get under deep snow, and the lake stays frozen. The route above Patar Nachauni cannot be safely traversed.
Difficulty Level of the Roopkund Trek
Roopkund is graded moderate to difficult. It suits experienced trekkers and well-prepared beginners who have trained for it.
You gain about 8,000 ft from Lohajung to the lake in 5 walking days, and almost every day includes a stiff ascent. Day 3 to Ali Bugyal climbs over 3,600 ft. The 2 km zigzag to Kalu Vinayak on Day 5 is the steepest on the route. Summit day runs 10 to 12 hours with a 1,650 ft snow climb at the start and a 2,560 ft descent at the end.
This trek lets you experience different types of Himalayan terrain. The forest trail is mostly a well-marked path to the meadows. Further, you cross loose scree and landslide-scarred slopes above Patar Nachauni. After that, you tackle the loose rock, boulder fields, hard snow, and close switchbacks below the lake.
When it comes to altitude, you camp at 14,022 ft at Bhagwabasa, higher than most popular Indian treks reach at all. Summit day goes to 15,591 ft and back down to 13,031 ft in 11 to 13 hours. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness can appear from Patar Nachauni onwards, and evacuation from the upper camps is slow.
Preparation for Roopkund Trek
The wrong shoes, no proper training, or no idea what a night above 14,000 ft feels like may turn your Roopkund trek experience into a bad one. To make sure it goes smoothly, you need at least 6 weeks of focused preparation:
- Include cardio training into your daily routine over 6 to 8 weeks: Brisk walking or jogging four days a week, working up to 5 km in 35 minutes.
- Train on inclines: Stairs, a hill near home, or a treadmill on an incline.
- Strengthen legs and core: Squats, lunges, step-ups and planks.
- Break in your boots: High-ankle and waterproof trekking shoes worn on at least three or four long walks.
- Layer properly: Thermals, a fleece, a down or synthetic jacket, and a waterproof shell. Nights at Bhagwabasa are below freezing even in June.
- Get a medical check-up: Very important if you are over 45 or have blood pressure, diabetes or a heart condition, and carry a doctor’s certificate.
Things to Carry
- Sleeping Bag
- Common Tent
- Mattress
- Dining Tent
- Camping Stool
- Walkie Talkie (For Team)
- Utensils
1. Clothing
- Base Layer (Thermals): 1–2 sets (Top & Bottom)
- T-shirt: 1 Quick-dry trekking T-shirt (+1 extra)
- Mid Layer: 1 Fleece Jacket + 1 Sweater
- Outer Layer: 1 Down Jacket (Heavy)
- Waterproof Shell: 1 Windproof and waterproof shell jacket
- Rain Gear: 1 Poncho or Raincoat
- Trekking Pants: 1 Insulated, quick-drying trek pant + 1 trouser (for camp)
- Warm Socks: 2 pair
- Woolen socks (for trekking) + 1 pair (for night)
- Gloves: 1 Waterproof & insulated gloves + 1 pair liners
- Headwear: 1 Warm Hat + 1 Scarf/Balaclava
- Sun Hat: 1
- Gaiters: 1 pair (Must-have) Microspikes: 1 pair (Must-have)
2. Footwear
- Trekking Boots: 1 pair (Sturdy, high-ankle, waterproof)
- Camp Shoes: 1 pair (Sandals/Slippers)
3. Backpack & Trekking Gear
- Rucksack: 1 (40–50 liters, with a waterproof cover)
- Daypack: 1 (For day-hike)
- Trekking Poles/Sticks: 1 pair
- Headlamp: 1–2 head torches (with extra batteries)
4. Health & Hygiene
- First-Aid Kit: 1 (Personal medications, painkillers, etc.)
- Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, mouthwash, wet wipes
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen
- Lip Balm: 1
- Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates (Must include)
5. Accessories
- Bottle/Bladder: 1
- Reusable Thermos: 1 (For hot beverages)
- Sunglasses: 1 (UV-protected and polarized)
- Camera (optional): 1
- Power Bank (optional): 1
How to Reach Lohajung
Lohajung is a small village in Chamoli district. One can reach here either via Kathgodam or Rishikesh. Here’s how to reach this base camp of the Roopkund trek from your city:
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the nearest airport, about 15.6 km from Rishikesh and 294 km from Lohajung. Daily flights connect it with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other metros. If Dehradun fares are high, fly to Delhi and take an overnight bus to Rishikesh.
By Rail
Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railhead, about 221 km from Lohajung. It is well connected to Delhi and other major cities. Rishikesh railway station (277 km) and Haridwar station (300 km) are alternatives if you are coming via the Garhwal route instead. Plan to arrive on Day 0 so you have a night’s rest before the 9 to 11-hour drive.
By Road
Rishikesh is about 263 km from Delhi, a 4 to 5-hour drive. Buses leave Kashmere Gate ISBT round the clock. If you would rather travel to Lohajung on your own, an early-morning UTC bus runs from Rishikesh to Lohajung. Also, you can take a bus to Karnaprayag and then shared jeeps to Deval and Lohajung. From the Kumaon side, Kathgodam (225 km) connects via Almora and Gwaldam to Deval.
The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From these stations, one can take a taxi or board a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath. The road journey from Rishikesh to Chopta takes around 8 to 9 hours. Regular buses are available to Rudraprayag and limited services to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, which is about 30 kilometers from Chopta, shared jeeps or private taxis can take you to the base.
If you’re planning to travel by car, it’s better to leave early in the morning and aim to reach Chopta by the afternoon. Ukhimath is the last town with ATM facilities and petrol pumps, so it’s a good place to stop and refuel or withdraw cash. Roads beyond Rudraprayag are narrow but manageable. It is wise to carry enough fuel, cash, and warm clothes.
From Rishikesh take a bus to Karanprayag and from there change buses for Tharali. Tharali is connected to Loahjung and local taxis are available. Alternatively, you can also reach Lohajung via Haldwani. From Haldwani, take a bus to Tharali and from Tharali take a taxi to Lohajung.
Special Casual Leave for Trek
Himalayan Dream Treks (HDT) is registered tour operator with the IMF, and we can cater to the needs of SCL for Government Employees. According to the rule, the government of India provides its employees with a prospect where they’re allowed to apply for a 30-day special casual leave in a calendar year to do trekking, hiking, or whatever adventure pleases them.
Mail us at info@himalayandreamtreks.in, if you want to avail SCL.
Nearby Attraction to Visit after the Trek
Once you’re done with the Roopkund Trek, you can check out these nearby places for additional exploration:
- Ali Bedni Bugyal
- Monal Top
- Brahmatal
- Gwaldham
- Latu Devta Temple
Safety and Responsible Trekking on Roopkund
The Supreme Court has lifted the 8-year ban on overnight camping in Uttarakhand’s bugyals on 20 July 2026, which reopened Ali and Bedni to camping. The remaining High Court directions on structures, waste and grazing still apply, and Himalayan Dream Treks operates within them:
- A mountaineering-certified trek leader and local guides from Wan and Lohajung walk with every group, with enough staff for one-on-one attention on summit day.
- Oxygen cylinders, a high-altitude first aid kit, a pulse oximeter and a stretcher accompany the team. Oxygen saturation and pulse are checked at Patar Nachauni and Bhagwabasa.
- Microspikes, gaiters and rope are provided on the Bhagwabasa to Roopkund section whenever snow demands it.
- Summit-day turnaround times are fixed. If the weather closes in or a trekker is unwell, we descend, without exception.
- Carry a valid government ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID) for forest and trek permits.
- Campsites are pitched on established ground at the meadow edges, never on fresh grass, and struck each morning.
- All waste, including food scraps and sanitary waste, comes back to Lohajung with us.
- No bonfires on the bugyals, no loud music, no single-use plastic. Carry a reusable bottle.
- The skeletal remains at the lake are not to be touched, moved or collected. The site is both protected and sacred.
- Respect the shrines at Bedni Kund, Kalu Vinayak and Roopkund, and the livestock of the shepherds who share these meadows.
- Alcohol and smoking are not permitted at any point on the trek.
Read our guides on trekking safety and Leave No Trace for more.
Leave a Comment