About the trek
Imagine standing at the edge of Roopkund Lake, the wind whipping through your hair as you gaze upon the skeletal remains of 500-year-old travelers. The Roopkund Trek is not for the faint-hearted. This 8-day expedition pushes you to your limits, both physically and mentally. As you ascend through the verdant meadows of Bedni Bugyal and the imposing ridgeline of Junargali, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of accomplishment. This trek is for those who crave a challenge, who seek the thrill of conquering a summit. You'll face steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and the ever-present specter of altitude sickness. But for those who persevere, the Roopkund Trek offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01The infamous Roopkund Lake, known for its mysterious human skeletons.
- 02The dramatic ascent through the Junargali ridgeline.
- 03The vast, verdant meadows of Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal.
- 04The remote, untouched beauty of the Chamoli region.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosDay by Day
The Route
Route & Itinerary
Lohajung
🚩 Starting Point
Trek head village.
Didna
Waypoint 1
Traditional Garhwali village.
Ali Bugyal
Waypoint 2
Asia's finest high-altitude meadow.
Bedni Bugyal
Waypoint 3
Another stunning glacial plateau.
Ghora Lotani
Waypoint 4
The treeline ends here.
Bhagwabasa
Waypoint 5
High camp below the lake.
Roopkund Lake
🏁 End Point
The mystery glacial skeleton lake.
Altitude
Elevation Profile
Lohajung
2,350m
Didna
2,400m
Ali Bugyal
3,600m
Bedni Bugyal
3,354m
Ghora Lotani
4,200m
Bhagwabasa
4,400m
Roopkund Lake
5,029m
Start
2,350m
Peak
5,029m
Total Gain
+2,679m
When to Go
Monthly Climate Guide
Best months to trek: May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Avoid Jul, Aug — heavy rainfall makes trails risky.
May
BESTBest Season
12–25°C
Jun
NOWMonsoon Onset
12–22°C
Sep
BESTPost-Monsoon
10–20°C
Oct
BESTBest Season
5–18°C
Getting There
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Pantnagar Airport, Uttarakhand, 200 km
Nearest Railway
Kota Railway Station, 250 km
Flight to Pantnagar, then 5-hour drive, ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Train to Kota, then 6-hour drive, ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
Direct bus or car, 8-10 hours, ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Flight to Pantnagar, then 5-hour drive, ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
Train to Kota, then 6-hour drive, ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Direct bus or car, 24-30 hours, ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
Flight to Pantnagar, then 5-hour drive, ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Train to Kota, then 6-hour drive, ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Direct bus or car, 36-40 hours, ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Last Mile to Base Camp
Shared jeep or local bus from Lohajung to base camp
Pro tip: Carry extra cash as ATMs are scarce and unreliable in the region.
Costs
Budget Breakdown
Trek costs ₹15,000–₹35,000 depending on your style and whether you hire a guide
Mid-Range Trek
Guide + porter, comfortable guesthouses
per day
₹3,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Prices are estimates for 2025–26. Costs vary by season and group size.
Preparation
Pack & Stay Safe
What to Pack
gear
- High-ankle waterproof trekking boots
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag -10°C
- Gaiters
- 55L backpack
clothing
- Heavy down jacket
- Thermal inner layers x2
- Fleece mid-layer
- Waterproof hardshell
- Warm balaclava
- Insulated gloves
essentials
- Altitude sickness medicine (Diamox)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Water purification tablets
- Energy bars
- First aid kit
Safety Tips
- 1The lake is snowbound April-May and October — best windows are June and September
- 2The final ascent involves steep scree and snow — trekking poles are essential
- 3Do not touch or disturb the skeletal remains — it is a protected archaeological site
Permit & Entry Info
Forest Department permit: ₹150/person for Indian nationals at Lohajung. Group must be registered with an authorized operator.
Emergency Contacts
Chamoli District Hospital
Police Station Ghat
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Roopkund Trek is classified as difficult due to its high altitude, steep climbs, and challenging terrain. Expect daily distances of 6-10 km with significant altitude gain.
The best months for the Roopkund Trek are May, June, September, and October. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and minimal risk of landslides.
The cost of the Roopkund Trek ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 depending on your style, transport, accommodation, food, permits, and whether you hire a guide.
Yes, a permit is required for the Roopkund Trek. It can be obtained from the District Magistrate's office in Chamoli or online. The cost is approximately ₹500.
No, the Roopkund Trek is not suitable for beginners due to its difficulty, high altitude, and technical challenges. It is recommended for experienced trekkers.
The maximum altitude of the Roopkund Trek is 5029m. Altitude sickness is a risk, so it's important to acclimatize properly and be aware of the symptoms.
Essential items include a warm sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing, a hydration system, a first aid kit, and a headlamp.
The nearest city is Joshimath. From there, you can take a shared jeep or local bus to Lohajung, the trek's starting point, which is about 30 km away.
The total distance of the Roopkund Trek is approximately 50 km, with daily distances ranging from 6-10 km.
While it's possible to do the Roopkund Trek without a guide, it's highly recommended to hire one for safety, navigation, and local knowledge.
During the best trekking months (May, June, September, October), daytime temperatures range from 10-20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 0-5°C.
Mobile network is limited and unreliable at the base camp. There are no ATMs, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for the trek.
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