Important Note: The Roopkund trek isn’t permitted for any longer. Here are some alternatives. Click on the trek name for more details.
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek A journey to the largest meadows in India
Buran Ghati We think this is the most suitable alternative to Roopkund.
Har Ki Dun A less strenuous trek that is best completed between the months of October and November
Rupin Pass A longer and more strenuous trek try it in October, if you’re in good shape.
Roopkund located in the state of Uttarakhand in India is a renowned glacial lake. The lake is famous due to more than 5 hundred human skeletons located at the edges of the lake. It is situated within the Himalayas and is situated at an altitude of 4,800 metres. Roopkund is situated inside the Chamoli district of Garhwal. It is among the top places to go trekking within Garhwal. It is close to hills like Nainital in India and Kathgodam. It is located 217 kilometers away from Nainital and 235 kilometers far from Kathgodam, Roopkund is one of the top adventure spots for those living in the country as well as those who travel from overseas. Roopkund is located within the midst of Trishul massif, is also referred to as the “mystery Lake”. Human skeletons are found on the banks of the lake. It is believed that they are part of that of the Palaeolithic age.
They could be remains of heroes who fought in this area in early days. Alongside the skeletons belonging to humans, you will also discover the skeletal structures of animals, including horses. There is evidence that suggests these skeletons date back to the 12th century until around the year 1515. Experts believe that the deaths of many people living in the area was a result of landslides or blizzards, or an outbreak. Human bones were found during 1942 through H K Madhwal, who was a Nanda Devi Game reserve ranger.
In 2004 a group of Indian scientists and Europeans went to the area to learn more regarding the nature of skulls. Through extensive research and discoveries they came across the skulls of humans, bone and jewelry. The DNA from the skeletons was collected, and it was discovered that the people were from diverse classes, and displayed diverse morphological characteristics and features. There was a group made up of tall people and people who were short that are believed to have a close relationship to one and each other. Although the precise number of skeletons found cannot be established, an estimated total of about 500 hundred skeletons was found. It is thought that a similar amount of skeletons died due to the natural surroundings.
It is believed that the Radiocarbon analysis of the bones found at Oxford University Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit. Oxford University Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit establishes the age of these skulls to be between the 850th century AD. Further research has been conducted in various regions of the nation and around all over the world. A majority of scientists agree with belief that people were not killed by an epidemic, but rather due to abrupt hailstorms. The hailstorms are said to be what is the diameter of a cricket ball and given the lack of protection in the open spaces of the Himalayas it is possible that people would be impacted by its devastating and immediate effect. It is thought to be one of the most significant causes of the demise of the people who lived in this region.
The cold and icy conditions can be said to be the main reason behind the survival of the bones for such a lengthy period of time. The favorable weather conditions prevented the skeletons from rotting away and turn into soil. Due to the landslides that were prevalent in the area, numerous bodies fell into lakes and remained there for an extended period. The bodies that dropped into the lake had a longer shelf-life opposed to those that remain out in the open. But it’s not known if the population lived in the area or if they were traveling towards a location. Evidence from the past for any trade route to Tibet hasn’t been proven. This makes it difficult to discern the actual motive of the people who were the victims of this natural catastrophe. There is a chance that the people could be headed to Nanda Devi, the Nanda Devi pilgrimage where Nanda Devi Raj Jat celebrations occur once in 12 years.
Lohajung is the start trekking location for Roopkund. The Roopkund trek is also known as Skeleton Trek due to the presence of various skeletons within surrounding the lake. This lake has a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and rock-strewn glaciers.
Travelling through India and selecting the Roopkund journey is an adventurous adventure that passes through many gorgeous and exotic places. When you walk towards the lake, will see lush green grassy fields and conifer trees that extend to the valley of hills. After that, the hike makes its route across the river, which is named Pindar. You will be able to take in the lush and natural beauty of the surrounding and the gentle breeze that is blowing throughout the area, providing a an uplifting effect on your senses.
Roopkund is a stunning charming, stunning and beautiful tourist spot within the Himalayas. It is situated at the base of two Himalayan mountains, Trishul and Nandghungti, it draws people with an adventurous nature. There are festivals of religious significance that are held in autumn. They take place in the alpine meadows in Bedni Bugyal, in which villages from the surrounding area take part. The lake is surrounded by snow all year round and makes it look beautiful. It’s a great travel destination since it is completely surrounded by mountains on every direction. The trek in Uttarakhand is also a great possibility to hike the Himalayas. You could also take an excursion on the Nanda Rajjat Yatra.
There are a variety of routes to take to trek to Roopkund. The most popular routes used by travelers and adventurers is via Lohajung all the way to where it is possible to travel by road. trekking starts after the point at which you can begin trekking. There are also plains, or flat areas, where you can camp at night. If it’s not fog-like, you will be able to observe Bedni Bugyal as well as Trishul. While traveling to Roopkund it is possible to discover a lot of pastures for sheep, horses, and mules. There are a handful of temples and lakes along your route. There are numerous waterfalls in the slopes of mountains that surround them. However, it is remembered that the weather can be harsh throughout the year and that travelers should be prepared and fully ready for the weather.
This section provides a comprehensive, simple explanation of the Roopkund Trek, including general day-to-day routing, elevation gain, etc. The basic itinerary is designed to give an overview of the trek; all-inclusive itinerary allows for a more in-depth understanding of the various distances between campsites, the nature/type of terrain that trekkers will be traversing, and the locations of the campsite relative to one another.
In addition to the above, the trek map indicates the specific route of the trekking path, village locations, forest locations, and campsite locations within the trek area enabling trekkers to imagine their trek through snow-covered coniferous forests and alpine meadows. The elevation chart clearly indicates the total elevation gained and lost each day of the trek ensuring that trekkers can prepare adequately before arriving at the basecamp, acclimatize safely to altitude, and have a positive experience on their overall trek.
Expert Advice: Prepare for a long 10-hour drive on a serpentine road; the longer, safer route through Tharali is highly recommended over the damaged direct highway.
Water Source: Refill your water bottle at the Ruan Bagad bridge on the Neel Ganga river before beginning the steep 2-hour climb to Didna Village.
Water Source: Tolpani is your absolute last stop for drinking water, so ensure you carry enough water and ORS for the remainder of the steep climb.
Expert Advice: Pay close attention to your body as you ascend today; this is the area where the majority of trekkers suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Expert Advice: The 1.5 km steep ascent to Kalu Vinayak Temple is extremely uneven and zig-zagged; walk with care and a slow pace to prevent injury and manage the thin air.
Expert Advice: Start your summit push by 4:45 AM and remember that the steep descent back down is twice as difficult as the climb, demanding intense focus to avoid slipping.
Expert Advice: Avoid the temptation to take shortcuts on this long descent; the terrain is rough, and you must carefully take each step, especially on the steep downhills to Neel Ganga.
Expert Advice: Ensure you carry tablets and mints to help prevent motion sickness during the winding 10-hour drive back to the Kathgodam railway station.
Altitude 7,662 ft.
Stay in the guesthouse.
Drive 210 km (10 hrs drive).
The local market and network are accessible.
Time of pickup is 06:00 am at the parking area of Kathgodham train station.
Route:- Kathgodam – Bheem Tal – Almora – Kausani – Gwaldam – Dewal – Lohajung.
The journey should not last more than 10 hours that includes the possibility of two or three breaks. The serpentine road runs across the area of Kumaon and traverses deep valleys in the Shivalik the mountain ranges. The road takes you to Gwaldam located in the administration district Garhwal. The road passes through coniferous forests and unrelenting curves. Although the road is direct highway that runs from Gwaldam to Deval which is the ultimate point of travel, it isn’t recommended due to the damage that has occurred in several places as a result of the constant rains. Through Nandkesri the distance traveled is less, about 11kms, but it’s preferable to take an extended, yet safer route through Tharali approximately 36kms. The trip will take you to Deval which is a village that has all the necessary provisions for buying the food items and kerosene needed to complete the trip. The final stretch of the ride will take you between Deval up to Lohajung. The curvy and long road climbs in elevation. It is exciting to drive on that even the slightest rumble of approaching vehicles and trucks can cause goosebumps. It’s generally cloudy and rainy most of the year and temperatures are extremely cold. The night is spent in a hotel or lodges.
The Roopkund Trek features great sights along the trail such as snow-covered forests, beautiful summit views, campsite life, and experiences while trekking. By using real photos and videos along with these images, you will have the ability to find out what your trek and terrain will look like, and give yourself an idea of what sorts of trekking await you before leaving for your Roopkund Trek.
It is Kathgodam station is among the major stations within the district, and was a station that existed for a long time. It is connected to a variety of places, which are Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Train tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam via train will cost you around the price of Rs. 150 for a sleeper second class ticket, and the price is Rs. 400 for the third sleeper ticket. It is crucial to reserve the tickets at minimum one month ahead because this type of ticket is always highly sought-after.
By Train :-
From Delhi go to The Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40pm and arrive Kathgodam at 5:55am (Overnight journey) and it’s the Uttar sampark kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:45pm. Arrival Kathgodam at 10:40 pm (6 hrs.40min.Journey)
From Dehardun Take from Dehardun the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun by 10:30 pm, arriving Kathgodam at 7:10 midnight (8hrs.journey)
By Bus :-
Trekking with us for the Roopkund Trek is entirely safe because we have a team of trek leaders qualified in Wilderness first-aid and complete information about the high-altitude glitches. During the trek, we carry a full first-aid kit that contains all the essential medicines. Before trekking with us, you must ensure that you are medically fit for the trek; for us, your medical fitness is more important than anything else.
Right from our establishment, we at Trekup India have been continuously introducing new safety practices into Indian trekking to ensure the safety of voyagers. Trekup India introduced microspikes and made emergency bottled oxygen mandatory for all treks. Our trek leaders take your daily Pulse oximeter reading. We at Trekup India introduced the radio walkie-talkie as a safety communication device.
We have noticed that most trek-organizing organizations do not follow these systems, but with time, they are following us; several competing companies are adopting these practices and organizing great, safe treks.
We ensure complete technical safety in the mountain. Our company has a vast team of more than 100 guides and trek leaders who serve on Himalayan treks. One of the best things about our team is that all the members are trained professionally by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian Mountaineering Foundation Delhi, and Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
To ensure a perfect Trek, we have introduced some new safety checks to ensure excellent safety for our trekkers.
At Trekup India, you will find a team with local knowledge and fluency in English and Hindi. This helps ensure that you have a fantastic trek. Not only this, but we also pay attention to your health and safety because this is something we cannot ignore. All the team leaders involved in trekking have already undergone several professional courses in first aid, portable altitude chamber training, CPR, environmental awareness training, and advanced wilderness emergency medicine.
We also carry a complete first aid medical kit on every trek and trip we organize. Apart from the medical kit, we take a portable altitude chamber (if needed) and medical oxygen for all high-altitude treks. Our company has significant expertise in organizing all sorts of group adventure holidays for family groups, school and college groups, and friend groups. We have many travel options that suit different fitness levels and travelling styles.
Regardless of the group size, we value each and every member of our trekking groups. Our commitment to personal attention ensures that your needs and safety are always our top priority.
Trekup India has been a stalwart in the Adventure Tourism industry for 30 years. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing top-notch treks, voyages, trekking programs, and high-altitude expeditions. Our extensive experience is a testament to our commitment to your adventure and safety.
We organize treks in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Sikkim, and Himachal while being part of the trekking community; we feature more than 75 documented Himalayan treks. In addition to other outdoor activities, our company also organizes trips for schools, colleges, and families.
Therefore, we maintain the quality of services offered to our valuable customers.
| Item | Characteristic Feature | Pro-tip |
|---|---|---|
Waterproof, Ankle-Height Trekking Boots | These are high quality boots with stiff rubber soles that prevent water entry. | Must be fully broken in. Good with a deep aggressive grip to avoid injury in toe or fingers. |
Trekking Poles (Pair) | Provide 2 additional points of contact for stability on snow / ice and reduce impact on knees while descending. | Use them together to distribute the weight of your pack, this can reduce stress on your knees and ankles. |
Waterproof Gloves (2 pair) | Protects against cold injury. Having two pairs that allows warmth while protecting your hands. | Keep the shell of gloves dry for a waterproof layer for handling snow and keep the inner liner for warmth. |
Gaiters (required) | Create a seal between your boots and trousers to prevent snow from entering your boots / sock. | Put your gaiters on as soon as you reach the snowline; avoiding snow wetting your socks / boots minimizes risk for cold injury. |
High-Grade SPF Sunscreen and Lip Balm | Protects against severe sun / wind burn. It is important for exposed skin at high altitude due to reflection from snow. | Reapply sunscreen to face, neck, and ears every 2 hours spent on the snow. |
Sunglasses (Category 4) | Highest level of protection required to protect against temporary blindness (photokeratitis) | Do not remove sunglasses when you are on the snow because snow can reflect 80% of UV light back into your eyes. |
| Category | Item | Specification & Reason |
|---|---|---|
Headwear | Warm Beanie / Balaclava | Must be thick wool or fleece; cover the ears completely. Important in retaining body heat, as a large percentage of body heat is lost from the head. |
Wide-Brim Sun Hat or Buff | Light material (hat) or synthetic tube (buff). Protects face, neck, and scalp from high-altitude UV radiation from the sun. | |
Upper Body | Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts (2) | Choose Synthetic (polyester) or thin Merino wool; short or long sleeve because cotton actively makes you cold and uncomfortable when you sweat. |
Thermal Base Layer (1) | Mid-weight Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve top. Provides immediate insulation; it will lock in body heat as the starting point of your heat-trapping system. | |
Fleece Jacket (1) | Mid-to-heavy weight (200-300 GSM) fleece or softshell jacket full of insulation. This layer provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio It can be worn alone or under your shell. | |
Insulated Puffed Jacket (1) | Down or synthetic insulation; rated for 0∘C and below. Your main source of heat protection for cold night camping, evening, and the summit push when below freezing conditions are anticipated. | |
Waterproof & Windproof Jacket (1) | Shell material (e.g. Gore-Tex equivalent) with taped seams. Your outer barrier (shell layer) keeps the rain, snow and penetrating wind out from the mountains. | |
Lower Body | Quick-Dry Trekking Pants (2) | Synthetic, lightweight, and preferably stretchable or convertible. Durable for comfortable walking, fast drying after getting wet from rain or snow. |
Thermal Base Layer (1) | Mid-weight thermal bottoms (wool or synthetic). Vital layer of insulation under your trekking pants in cold walking conditions at camp. | |
Waterproof Rain Pants (1) | Lightweight, packable shell pants. These will protect your trekking pants and base layers from getting wet when it's snowing or raining heavily. | |
For Feets | Create a seal between your boots and trousers to prevent snow from entering your boots / sock. | Put your gaiters on as soon as you reach the snowline; avoiding snow wetting your socks / boots minimizes risk for cold injury. |
Trekking Socks (4-5 pairs) | Wool or some kind of synthetic blend (not cotton). 1-2 pairs should be extraordinarily thick for nights. These will manage moisture in your foot to reduce blisters and provide warmth at night sleeping in a bag or in boots! | |
Camp Shoes | Lightweight sneakers, sandals, or slippers. You'll want these to dry out your trekking boots and let your feet rest when at the campsite. |
| Category | Item | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
Backpacks | Main Rucksack (50-60 L) | For Porter. Good frame of posture and hip belt required. |
Daypack (20-30 L) | Daily carry. Must have water, layers, snacks, camera, and gloves in your daily essentials. | |
Sleeping bag & liner | Sleeping Bag (Rated to −10∘C / 14∘F) | Confirm if Trekup India provides a sleeping bag; if you're renting your bag, make sure it is a reputable outfit. |
Sleeping Bag Liner | A liner adds additional warmth and keeps your bag clean. | |
Hydration | Insulated Water Bottles (2x 1L) | CRUCIAL: No hydration bladders (the tube will freeze). Insulated bottles will keep your water from freezing. |
Hydration Tablets/ORS | Make sure you have enough hydration tablets and/or Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) which are important for replacing electrolytes lost at high altitude. | |
Safety & Navigation | Headlamp with extra batteries | Essential for crossing the pass started early in the morning. |
Basic First-aid kit | With plasters (Compeed!), Band-Aids, antiseptic, pain medication, and then any of your personal medications you might need. | |
Personal | Personal toiletries | Toothbrush, tooth paste, biodegradable soap, toilet paper (pack out!), and hand sanitizer. |
Quick Dry Towel | Material should be water absorbent with light in weight and small in size. | |
Power bank | There will be no place to charge devices on the trek. |
The concept of pricing is the key part of your trekking journey. It defines the value and experience you receive for the price you pay for your trek. For a structured high altitude trek, like Roopkund Trek operated by Trekup India provides transparency with the cost & amenities provided to our trekker. Inclusions provide clarity in respect to operator's responsibility; essentially every necessary service, logistical support, group equipment, and permit to have a safe and fully supported trek from start to finish while exclusions provide clarity in respect to individual's responsibility, for all expenses related to personal choice (like a porter), necessary contingency items (like insurance), or mandated fees examined outside the package price (like GST).
Total Trek Cost: ₹ 16,450 / person + 5% GST (Mandatory)
A structured 8–12 week training plan designed to build stamina, strength, and endurance for a safe and successful trek.
Exercises focused on improving stamina, heart health, and endurance to prepare your body for long trekking days.
Exercises aimed at building leg, core, and upper-body strength to handle steep climbs, descents, and carrying a backpack during the trek.
Techniques to improve lung capacity, oxygen intake, and breath control for better performance at high altitudes.
Practices to enhance mental focus, calmness, and resilience, helping you stay relaxed and positive throughout the trek.
A structured, week-by-week workout routine designed to gradually improve fitness, strength, and endurance in preparation for the trek.
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 1 Target | Week 2 Target | Week 3 Target | Week 4 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Sustained hiking or walking with a good grip of boots. | 90 minutes | 100 minutes | 110 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Moderate Cardio | Walking, light jogging and cycling by maintaining steady pace where walking is possible | 30 minutes | 35 minutes | 40 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Intensity | Stairs, treadmill on incline or hill repeat | 20 minutes | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 5 Target | Week 6 Target | Week 7 Target | Week 8 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Start carrying ¼ target pack weight | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | 4 hours |
| Moderate Cardio | Performing exercise at higher speed than before | 50 minutes | 55 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Intensity | Increase the intensity of your repeats or steepness of incline | 40 minutes | 45 minutes | 50 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 9 Target | Week 10 Target | Week 11 Target | Week 12 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Carry ½ target pack weight. Target daily trek duration | 4.5 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours | 5 hours |
| Long Endurance | Back to back sessions. This session is done on day 2 of fatigue. | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| Intensity | Maintain intensity but reduce volume slightly to allow recovery | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 40 minutes | Rest or 20 minutes light walk |
Planning and organizing all essential gear in advance to ensure comfort, safety, and readiness throughout the trek.
The body’s gradual adaptation to altitude, terrain, and physical exertion to maintain health and performance during the trek.
Operations Manager
We have cretaed every trek guide from real ground operation experiences, not just from internet research.
Presonally I, our trek leaders, local guides & most importanly our experienced trekkers have done and explored these treks in different - different seasons and weather conditions. We have documented everything in detailed like trekking routes, trail condition, campsite locations, water sources, best time to do these treks, weather patterns and most importantly risky section, safety exicts.
Beyond ground data, we timely refine this information using -
We do not just aim to inform, you will find all informations & insights here which will help you to prepare for the trek, visualise the trek, and confidently complete the trek.
Now days peoples are not aware of trekking much - like most important saftey and accute mountain sickness (AMS) on treks, as we say trekking in Himalayas is not just travel like tourist destinations. it's an adventure activity that demands awareness, preparation, and respect for local culture & nature.
We created this guide to solve trekkers real problem - like most of the online information present is either outdated and not updated timely or written without firsthand trekking experience.
This page exists to -
Whether you are choosing your first trek or preparing for your next adventure, this guide is designed to feel you like advice from someone who has already been there and advicing you.
