Buran Ghati Trek: An Exceptional Alternative to Roopkund Lake Trek
The High Court of Uttrakhand prohibited Roopkund and banned camping in its meadows in 2018; therefore, we must now seek a suitable alternative to Roopkund.
Buran Ghati Trek is a destination that may require some clarification as its hidden treasures have yet to be widely known. During my trek there, I was struck by the exceptional beauty of the landscape, surpassing that of other Himalayan treks. The scenery of Buran Ghati, with its picturesque pine trees and lush grasslands, is like something from a storybook. Beyond its beauty, the trek offers an exhilarating adventure, especially when climbing and descending the Buran Pass. This mix of stunning scenery and thrilling experiences makes Buran Ghati a fantastic alternative to Roopkund, with a difficulty level that is almost on par with the latter.
The trek starts at Lohajung for Roopkund and at Janglik for Buran Ghati. Janglik is considered more beautiful than Lohajung’s untouched, picturesque village setting. The homes in Janglik are charmingly crafted, typically featuring wooden structures with stone roofs. The village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and scenic farms, with pine trees casting a canopy over the village. Upon reaching Janglik, you genuinely sense being immersed in the mountain environment. In contrast, Lohajung has been affected by commercial trekking, resulting in a more urbanized appearance, though it still offers splendid views of Mt Nanda Ghunti and the Didina Valley.
Day-by-Day Comparison between Buran Ghati & Roopkund Trek
Day 1 Comparison
Buran Ghati – is a fantastic trek that starts from picturesque farms and leads into stunning pine forests after about an hour. The trail through the pine trees is enchanting, with beautiful clearings along the way. It then opens into vast grasslands, eventually reaching the breathtaking Dayara meadows. The meadows are incredibly scenic, reminiscent of childhood postcards. A unique part of the trek is the ‘wow’ point, where trekkers are first greeted with a stunning view of Dayara. It’s a sight that never fails to leave trekkers in awe, stopping them in their tracks with wonder in their eyes due to the sheer beauty of the surroundings.
Roopkund – The initial part of the Roopkund trek leads through stunning oak and rhododendron forests, where the interplay of colours, light, and shadows is captivating. The dense and beautiful oak forests continue until you reach the first camp at Gheroli Patal. Before Buran Ghati became my top choice, Roopkund used to be my preferred trek for its enchanting oak forests on the first Day.
Janglik Village Photos by Gourab Nandy
Day 2 Comparison
On the second Day of the Roopkund trek, the scenery takes a stunning turn as trekkers make their way through a lush oak forest, with the sunlight filtering through the trees like a cinematic backdrop. The journey continues to the breathtaking Ali Bugyal, a high-altitude meadow renowned for its unparalleled beauty. Walking barefoot through the meadow is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe. The trek culminates at Bedni Bugyal, which many consider to be even more picturesque than Ali Bugyal. The sunset at Bedni Bugyal is a genuinely magical moment that evokes strong emotions in trekkers. The Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are so captivating that we have created a separate trek, The Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek, to allow trekkers to experience their beauty since the Roopkund Trek was closed fully.
The Buran Ghati trek begins on Day Two from the beautiful Dayara meadows. The trail winds through the mountains, passing by pine and silver birch forests and crystal-clear mountain streams. The sight of the springs flowing down from the grassy slopes is breathtaking. Walking above the valley with pine trees lining the path, trekkers are treated to views of snow-capped peaks. After about 5 hours, camp is set up at Litham, where two valleys meet, offering spectacular views on both sides. This unique setting makes Buran Ghati a compelling alternative to the popular Roopkund trek.
Day 3 Comparison
An additional day is scheduled for acclimatization during the Buran Ghati trek, specifically to explore Chandranahan Lake on the third Day. This side trek from Litham offers another thrilling adventure, but I will discuss it later. Therefore, I will proceed to day 4 of the Buran Ghati trek.
The third Day of the Roopkund trek is a visual delight, offering a scenic journey along the entire length of Bedni Bugyal – a heavenly terrain for trekkers. Where else can you experience the thrill of exploring such picturesque meadows? As you continue, the trail takes you to the other side of the mountain, leading to Patar Nachauni, the final stretch of lush grasslands. With the majestic Mt Nanda Ghunti and Trishul as your constant companions, the trek is a feast for the eyes and a mentally stimulating adventure. While the beauty of the trek is captivating, Buran offers its exciting moments.
On 4th Day Comparison
Buran Ghati: I would give a higher rating on the fourth Day of the Buran Ghati trek. During the fourth Day of this trek, we traversed the Litham Valley, coming remarkably close to the Dhauladhar range. The range appears like a formidable barrier ahead of us, offering a thrilling sight of the towering snow-covered peaks. Our guides eagerly highlight the impressive Gunas pass, a sibling pass to Buran Ghati. As you embark on this trek early in the season, you will encounter your first snow patches, adding to the excitement. The grassy terrain gradually gives way to a glimpse of Buran Ghati around a bend, capturing your attention as you mentally plan your ascent to the pass. Upon reaching Dunda, you get the snow line, immersing yourself in a complete alpine environment with snow patches. Setting up camp on the snow becomes a delightful experience for any trekker.
On the fourth Day of the Roopkund trek, trekkers experience a thrilling adventure as they go from Patar Nachauni to the shrine at Kalu Vinayak. The vertical climb appears impossible, but the breathtaking view from the top is well worth the effort. As they reach Kalu Vinayak, trekkers catch their first glimpse of the Roopkund flank, and the change in scenery is theatrical. The icy terrain of Bhagwabasa, with the Roopkund flank looming in the distance and Mt Trishul towering above, creates a picturesque setting. Trekkers eagerly anticipate their first glimpse of Roopkund, the mysterious lake that is their ultimate destination. When they realize that it is nestled high above the mountain flank, they can’t help but feel a rush of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of the adventure that lies ahead.
Climax Day Comparison - The Summit Day
The eagerly anticipated Day has finally arrived, the Day we’ll embark on the gruelling Buran Ghati and Roopkund treks. Both adventures promise to be exhilarating, and I rate them equally, but if pressed, I’d give a slight edge to Buran Ghati. Allow me to explain why.
During the challenging Roopkund trek, hikers only glimpse the Roopkund lake once they are near the end of the climb. The journey involves traversing a mostly snow-covered mountain slope for a few hours before reaching a point directly beneath Roopkund. From there, a final push is required, including navigating switchbacks and a steep ascent that leads to the Roopkund crater. The stunning view of Roopkund takes the hikers by surprise, as the lake is much larger than they had anticipated. The surroundings appear surreal, with cliffs looming over the far end of Roopkund, casting a shadow over the water. The profound silence in the area almost allows one to hear one’s voice echoing. Reaching Roopkund is a remarkable accomplishment, provoking solid emotions in trekkers who often find themselves overwhelmed with joy and relief, sometimes leading to tears.
As you reach the summit of Buran Ghati, you’re suddenly faced with a daunting challenge: a nearly vertical snow wall that seems to stretch on forever. Your heart races as you gaze down at the steep descent, but your trek leader quickly alleviates your fears by tossing down the rappelling ropes. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience with the highest rappelling spot on earth. The descent may be brief, but it’s an unforgettable 50 meters. Once you’ve rappelled down, the fun is far from over. Your trek leader gives you a playful push, sending you sliding down the snowy terrain with unbridled joy. You can’t help but feel like a giddy child as you hurtle down the snow patches, squealing with delight. The Day is filled with five thrilling slides, each more exhilarating than the last. As you make your way down the grassy trails of the picturesque Baruva Valley, you can’t help but feel a sense of bouncy enthusiasm with every step. It’s an adventure that will leave you beaming with excitement!
Conclusion: While Roopkund is an incredible trek, other options offer similar experiences and may even surpass it in certain aspects. Buran Ghati, for instance, is a fantastic alternative trek that can provide a comparable experience to Roopkund, with fewer crowds and more unique features. Considering the large number of people on the Roopkund slope, it’s worth exploring Buran Ghati as a viable alternative.