Roopkund (The “Lake of Skeletons”)
- Description: Roopkund is a glacial lake in Uttarakhand, known as the “lake of skeletons.”
- Location & Altitude: It is situated at 16,500 feet (approximately 5,029 meters) at the base of Mt. Trishul in the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Dimensions: The lake is only about 130 feet wide and is covered in ice for most of the year.
- Surroundings: It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows, creating a beautiful contrast.
- Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra: The lake is a significant point on the route of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a 280-kilometer pilgrimage that takes place every 12 years.
Lohajung
- Description: Lohajung is a small village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
- Location: It is surrounded by mountains and offers a stunning view of the Trishul mountain of the Nandadevi mountain range.
- Base Camp: Lohajung is famous as the base camp for several trekking expeditions, including the Roopkund and Brahmatal treks.
Note on Trek Status: The provided text mentions that the Roopkund trek is “recently prohibited.” This is a crucial detail. In 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court banned overnight camping in the alpine meadows (Bugyals) of the state to protect their fragile ecosystem. This order made the traditional Roopkund trek itinerary, which relies on these campsites, virtually impossible to complete as a commercial trek. While the trek is not technically “banned,” commercial operators often cannot run the classic itinerary, and some have shifted to offering the shorter Ali Bedni Bugyal trek as an alternative.
Ali, Bendi Bugyal
What it is: Ali Bedni Bugyal is a pair of high-altitude meadows (known as “Bugyals” in the local language) located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.
Altitude: Ali Bedni Bugyal is situated at an altitude of 3,459 meters above sea level.
Views: The meadows offer magnificent views of prominent Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Chaukhamba, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, and Mt. Trishul.
Trekker’s Paradise: The text highlights that the area has everything a trekker could wish for, making it a popular destination for those who appreciate natural beauty and stunning vistas.
Trip Info
-
Accommodation is provided, including tents on a sharing basis and hotels.
-
All three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are included.
-
1596 ft.
-
Professional Trek Guide
-
53 Km trek
Itinerary
Description: The journey begins with a long and scenic drive from the holy city of Haridwar to Lohajung, the base camp for the trek. The drive is a full-day affair, winding through mountainous terrain and offering changing views of the landscape. Lohajung is a small village nestled in the mountains and serves as the starting point for your adventure. You will settle in and prepare for the trek that begins the following day.
Logistics: Travel by road. Overnight stay in Lohajung.
- Description: The first day of trekking starts with a descent from Lohajung. You will cross a bridge over the Neelganga River and begin a gradual climb to the remote Didna village. The trail is surrounded by beautiful Rhododendron and oak forests. Didna is a quiet, picturesque village that provides a peaceful escape before you head to higher altitudes.
- Logistics: Trekking.
Description: This day involves a significant and continuous climb. You will trek through dense forests that eventually open up into the vast, rolling meadows of Ali Bugyal. The word "bugyal" means a high-altitude pasture. Ali Bugyal is known for its breathtaking expanse of green land and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. It's a surreal experience to camp here under the open sky.
Logistics: Trekking.
Description: Today's trek is a visual feast as you traverse the stunning meadows of Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lotani. The trail is mostly gentle and rolling. Bedni Bugyal is one of the largest and most famous meadows in Uttarakhand, offering a wide, beautiful landscape with a small lake. The views of Trisul and Nanda Ghunti peaks are particularly impressive from here. You will reach Patar Nachauni for your overnight stay.
Logistics: Trekking.
Description: This day marks a significant change in the landscape as you leave the lush meadows behind and enter a more barren, high-altitude alpine zone. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged. You will climb to Kalu Vinayak, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, where you can take a short rest. From there, it's a relatively short walk to Bhagwabasa, a rocky campsite located very close to Roopkund. The cold and wind will intensify here as you are at a high altitude.
Logistics: Trekking.
- Description: This is the summit day. You will start your trek very early in the morning to take advantage of the frozen snow. The climb to Roopkund is steep and challenging. Upon reaching the lake, you will see the famous glacial lake and the mysterious human skeletons, which are said to be from a group of people who perished in a hailstorm centuries ago. After spending some time at Roopkund, you will continue your descent, passing through Bedni Bugyal for your overnight stay.
- Logistics: Trekking. A very long and demanding day.
Description: Today is a long day of descent. You will retrace your steps from Bedni Bugyal, but this time you will head towards the village of Wan. The trail is mostly downhill, passing through forests and villages. From Wan, it is a short drive or walk back to Lohajung. This marks the end of the trekking part of your journey.
Logistics: Trekking and a short drive.
Description: The final day involves a long road journey from Lohajung back to Rishikesh. The drive is a time for reflection on the challenging and rewarding trek you have just completed. The journey will bring you back to the plains, marking the end of your adventure.
Logistics: Travel by road.
