Roopkund Trek : Mysterious Skeleton Lake

Kajal, 4 weeks ago, 6 min read, 21 Views

Overview

Table of Contents

Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Roopkund is a well-known glacier lake. More than 500 human remains have been discovered at the lake’s edge, making this lake well-known. It is situated at a height of around 4,800 meters in the Himalayas. Roopkund is situated in Garhwal’s Chamoli district. It is among the top locations in Garhwal for trekking. It is nearer highland towns like Kathgodam and Nainital.

Roopkund trek enthralls both local and foreign hikers alike with its distance of 235 kilometers from Kathgodam and 217 kilometers from Nainital. The mysterious lake Roopkund is located at the base of the Trishul mountain range. Along its shores lie human bones which probably belonged to Paleolithic people.

It is thought that these are the skeletons of the heroes who once fought here. In addition to human skeletons, the skeletal systems of horses and other animals are also present. These skeletons may date from the 12th to the 15th century, according to sources. Experts believe that blizzards, epidemics, or landslides are to blame for the large number of fatalities in this area. The rediscovered human skeletons were found in 1942 by H K Madhwal, a ranger for the Nanda Devi Game reserve.

About Roopkund Trek

Going for Roopkund trek in India is like travelling through stunning and weird places which is hard for other trekking choices. When you are nearing the lake, you will see fertile green grass land and beneath it lies a coniferous forest that extends up till the hill foothills. After that, the walk follows the Pindar River. With the gentle air blowing all about you and invigorating your senses, you may take in the natural, verdant beauty of your surrounds.

The beautiful and mesmerizing tourist destination is situated in the Himalayas, known as Roopkund. This charming place situated at the base of Trishul and Nandghungti, two highly massive mountains in Himalayas attract tourists with freakish behavior. The neighboring towns join in religious festivities during autumns that take place on Bedni Bugyals high mountain meadow. The lake is even more beautiful because of its constant coating of ice. Travelling there is delightful since mountains around the traveler from all directions. You can trek the Himalayas when you go trekking in Uttarakhand. Another option is the Nanda Rajjat Yatra.

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Best Time to visit Roopkund Trek

June, September, and October are the finest months to see the splendor of this amazing hike since the Roopkund journey reaches its pinnacle of grandeur during the pre-monsoon (summer) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Nonetheless, the weather in these two seasons is not the same.

Although during summer, it may not be as cold, but still sometimes the weather is uncertain and gusty winds blow hard. The summer season is an excellent period for observing the lake at its frozen peak alongside higher camping grounds covered by snow. The walk can be a little challenging during this time, but it primarily depends on the weather.

However, this season is probably not for you if you’re seeking for a little extra excitement and are hoping to find some human skeletons because the lake is frozen, making it impossible for the skeletons to poke through.

But autumn is a great time for you because of the mainly clear weather and easy access to the lake, where one may readily see skeletons scattered around. The autumn season brings moderately high temperatures together with generally less wind and snow-free higher camps, making the climb challenging. For those who love the endless vagrancy and wish to take in the splendor of the verdant woodlands, autumn is the ideal season.

Roopkund Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Kathgodam to Lohajung Village

Travel to Lohajung Village by car, starting in Kathgodam. This is where your journey begins.
Start your journey early in the morning as it can take ten to twelve hours by car.
Come to Lohajung for a hearty meal.
Stay the night in Lohajung.

Day 2: Lohajung to Ghairoli Patal via Wan

Set out on your walk from Lohajung in the direction of Ghairoli Patal.
You will walk through the charming village of Wan on this trail.
Proceed in the direction of Ghairoli Patal and make camp for the night.

Day 3: Ghairoli Patal to Bedni Bugyals via Ali Bugyals

Proceed with your journey from Ghairoli Patal.
You might catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Garhwal Himalayas while travelling.
Head toward Ali Bugyals recognized for its stunning pasture land.
Reach Bedni Bugyals, where you will pitch tents for the night.

Day 4: Bedni Bugyals to Patar Nachauni

Bedni Bugyals must be your starting point.
The route is then taken to Patar Nachauni.
Enjoy the stunning surroundings by setting up camp at Patar Nachauni.

Day 5: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa via Kalu Vinayak

Trek from Bhagwabasa to Patar Nachauni.
You’ll pass Kalu Vinayak on the way.
Once you reach Bhagwabasa, camp for the night in a desolate and lifeless setting.
Spend the night at Bhagwabasa.

Day 6: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund, and Junargali Top, then go back to Patar Nachauni.

Hike to the enigmatic lake, Roopkund, early in the morning.
Once you have explored Roopkund, proceed towards Junargali Top.
Head back to Patar Nachauni, where you will set up camp for the night.

Day 7: Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan

After leaving Patar Nachauni, start your descent.
Head back towards Lohajung, passing through Wan and Bedni.
Surrounded by alpine meadows and rhododendron bushes, begin your excursion with a delicious breakfast at Bedni Bugyals.
Today is the last day that you will be trekking.
Staying overnight in Lohajung.

Day 8: Lohajung Village to Kathgodam

Engage in conversation with residents in Lohajung after a filling breakfast to discover fresh information.
After leaving Lohajung Village, return by car to Kathgodam, where you can take another route or catch a train, according on your needs.
The journey is finished. Bid farewell to the wonderful journey.

Things to carry on the Roopkund Trek

As per the season, a tent, sleeping bag, mat, ice axe, crampons, and ropes

Ration: Rice, veggies, beans, oil, pre-mixed tea, pulses, biscuits, chocolates, snacks, dry fruits, glucose, multivitamins, and other dietary supplements.
Wan/Lohajung sells vegetables, and you may buy or rent kerosene, oil, stoves, and other items there as well.

Rentable hiking equipment is also available at Wan or Lohajung, including sleeping bags, tents, ice axes, crampons, ropes, and even shoes. But since they might not be high-quality, it’s best to bring your own hiking boots and sleeping bags.

How to reach Roopkund Trek

It is a very exciting experience in itself, especially because it involves travelling by road, rail and air depending on your point of origin. To assist you on this amazing trip we provide complete details on getting to Roopkund Trek by vehicle, railway and flight connections.

By Road

Private Car

By Bus

By Train

By Air

Travelling by car to the Roopkund Trek entails a breathtaking journey across Uttarakhand’s harsh landscapes. Trekkers normally travel to Lohajung, the starting site of the journey, from Kathgodam, the closest major town to the base camp.
Travelling along the winding roads of the Kumaon and Garhwal areas is a lengthy but picturesque drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung.

The most practical and adaptable option is to rent a private vehicle or a cab. By using this option, you can incorporate stops at different locations along the route into the adventure itself.

Both private and state-run buses travel this route; nevertheless, they can be time-consuming and require several changes. As services could be sporadic, it is best to check the bus schedules in advance.

The closest railway station is Kathgodam, from which you may take a train to the Roopkund Trek. From there, you can continue your journey to Lohajung by road.

Those who prefer to take a flight instead of using roadways may find Pantnagar Airport as their nearest option to Roopkund Trek which is at around 252kms from Lohajung. The airport has regular flights going to major cities including Delhi and Mumbai.

Conclusion

An exploration of the Roopkund Trek is like a new life in itself. This trek offers a unique combination of natural endowments and cultural relevance with its enigmatic Roopkund Lake and the breathtaking view of Himalayas. The journey involves passing through virgin forests, picturesque villages and pristine lands that will be forever etched in your mind. Hence, you need to be packed up, put on your shoes and set for one amazing unforgettable journey in Roopkund Trek.

Related FAQs

When is the best time to visit Roopkund trek?

If you want to travel to Himalayas then March-May and June-October are the good months for it. Throughout the year, one can see snow capped mountains.

How difficulty is the Roopkund Trek?

The Roopkund Trek is rated as having a moderate difficulty level. There are sections that are on difficult terrain with steep ascents and high altitudes. Trekkers must be reasonably fit and prepared for variable weather conditions.

How long is the Roopkund Trek?

The 53–55 KM Roopkund trip takes one week to complete. Peak elevation: 16,499 feet. Trekking in Roopkund is moderate to challenging. Most recent ATM: The last ATM is located in Lohajung, around 10 kilometers away from Bedni. It requires around 6–7 days.

Why Roopkund is known as Mystery Lake?

Due to the enigmatic nature of Roopkund Lake, it continues to be talked about through news channels. Paleolithic horse and human bone remains are found here; hence, this place is referred as “Mystery Lake”. Scholars and archaeologists have been perplexed by this lake located at an altitude exceeding 5000 meters above sea level in the Indian Himalayas for quite some time now.

Is Roopkund Trek suitable for beginners?

One of the greatest hikes for novices is this one. You should be physically fit for the moderate Roopkund trip, which will take you through beautiful forests, expansive meadows, alpine snow country, and amazing views.