Complete Guide to Roopkund Trek
Roopkund lake sits at 5,029m in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, ringed by 6,000m+ peaks and surrounded by human skeletal remains — believed to be pilgrims who died in a 9th-century hailstorm. The 8-day trek passes through some of the finest high-altitude meadows (bugyals) in the Indian Himalayas.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek grade | Difficult |
| Total distance | ~53 km (round trip from Lohajung) |
| Duration | 8 days (standard route) |
| Maximum altitude | 5,029 m (Roopkund lake) |
| Trek start | Lohajung (2,270m), Chamoli district |
| Permit | Mandatory guide; Forest Dept. permit ₹150/day |
| Best season | May–June, September–October |
| Key highlights | Bedini Bugyal, Ali Bugyal, Bagwabasa, Roopkund lake, Trishul/Nanda Ghunti views |
Best Time for Roopkund Trek
- May–June: Melting snow reveals the lake; skeletal remains visible; Trishul views spectacular; trail challenging with deep snow patches
- September–October (recommended): Post-monsoon; stable weather; Ali and Bedini bugyals lush green; clear skies; lake not fully frozen
- July–August: Monsoon; unstable trails; not recommended; risk of landslides on approach roads
- Winter (Dec–Apr): Extremely dangerous; route impassable; no operators run it
Roopkund Trek Route and 8-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Kathgodam/Rishikesh → Lohajung (200 km, 8–10 hrs)
- Day 2: Lohajung → Didna (9 km, 5 hrs, +900m)
- Day 3: Didna → Ali Bugyal (10 km, 6 hrs) — first high-altitude meadow
- Day 4: Ali Bugyal → Bedini Bugyal (6 km, 4 hrs) — most photographed campsite on trek
- Day 5: Bedini Bugyal → Pathar Nachauni (6 km, 5 hrs, +700m)
- Day 6: Pathar Nachauni → Bagwabasa → Roopkund → Bedini (12 km summit day)
- Day 7: Bedini Bugyal → Lohajung (descent, 16 km)
- Day 8: Lohajung → Kathgodam/Delhi
Roopkund Trek Cost
| Option | Cost (per person) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Guided package (standard) | ₹18,000–₹25,000 | Transport, camps, meals, guide, permit |
| Premium operator (Indiahikes, etc.) | ₹22,000–₹35,000 | Full support, medical kit, satellite phone |
| Self-guided (not recommended) | ₹8,000–₹12,000 | Local guide mandatory; own camping gear |
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Solo trekking without a guide is not permitted above Bedini Bugyal — registered guide mandatory
- Acclimatise at Lohajung (Day 1) and Didna (Day 2) before pushing to altitude — AMS risk is real above 4,000m
- Carry altitude sickness medication (Diamox) and discuss with a doctor before the trek
- The skeletal remains at Roopkund have been partially removed for museum studies — fewer visible now than a decade ago
- Choose operators with a strong safety record; the Roopkund summit day (Day 6) involves a steep climb to 5,029m
FAQ: Is Roopkund trek dangerous? Difficult but not dangerous with a proper guide and preparation. The main risks are altitude sickness (5,029m) and rapid weather changes near the summit. Choose an experienced operator, maintain acclimatisation schedule and never attempt solo.