Uttarakhand
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
15696 ft
Trekking
53 km
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
15696 ft
Trekking km
53 km
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Roopkund is a famous glacial lake in the state of Uttarakhand in India. This lake is famous due to more than five hundred skeletons of humans that are found at the edge of the lake. It is located in the Himalayas and rests at an altitude of nearly 4,800 meters. Roopkund is located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal. It is closer to hill stations like Nainital and Kathgodam. At a distance of 217 km from Nainital and 235 km from Kathgodam, Roopkund is one of the major adventure attractions for people in the country and those traveling from abroad. Roopkund, which is located in the lap of Trishul massif is also known as the ‘mystery lake’. You can find human skeletons at the bank of the lake, which are believed to belong to the Palaeolithic age.
These are believed to be the skeletons of the heroes who had fought here in earlier times. Along with the skeletons of humans, you can also find the skeletal structure of horses and other animals. There are reports that these skeletons belong to the 12th century to the 15th century. It is believed by specialists that the death of many people in this region was a result of landslides, blizzards, or an epidemic. The human skeletons were re-discovered in 1942 by H K Madhwal, who was a Nanda Devi Game reserve ranger.
Later in 2004, a team of Indian scientists along with some Europeans visited the area to gain more information about the nature of the skeletons.
The Roopkund Trek is a journey of adventure and discovery that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. The trek is named after the mysterious Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 15, 696 feet. The trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture, as it takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and traditional Himalayan villages. The highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also known for its mysterious skeletons, which are believed to be the remains of ancient travelers who perished in a hailstorm. The Roopkund Trek is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas.
Roopkund Trek is a 53 km trek.
Roopkund Trek takes 8 days to complete the trek.
The best time to do the Roopkund Trek is during summer (mid-Apr to Jun) and autumn (Sep to mid-Nov).
The maximum altitude reached during the Roopkund Trek is 15,696 ft.
Roopkund Trek is a moderate - difficult grade trek.
The highlights of the Roopkund Trek include the Roopkund Lake, grand views of Chaukhambha Range, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, and Neelkanth Peak, camping in picturesque campsites.
During the Roopkund Trek, you will stay in a guest house in the base camp, and on the slopes you will be staying in tents (twin-sharing).
Yes, it is safe to do Roopkund Trek with an expert organization. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines issued by the Trek Leaders and guide while trekking in the mountains.
Here's a list of essential items to pack for the Roopkund Trek:
Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes with a sturdy sole and ankle support is essential for the trek.
Backpack: A backpack with a capacity of 40-50 litres is suitable for carrying your essentials, including clothing, food, and water.
Warm clothing: The temperature at high altitudes can drop significantly, so it's important to carry warm clothing, including thermal layers, fleece jackets, and a down jacket.
Rain gear: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's important to carry a rain jacket and pants to stay dry.
Trekking pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants that are comfortable to walk in are ideal for the trek.
Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries is necessary for navigating through dark trails and campsites.
Water bottle: A reusable water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre is necessary to stay hydrated during the trek.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun's UV rays can be strong at high altitudes, so it's important to carry sunglasses and sunscreen with a high SPF.
Basic first aid kit: A basic first aid kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers can come in handy in case of injuries.
Personal hygiene kit: Toiletries like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues can help you maintain personal hygiene during the trek.
Yes, it is recommended to have prior trekking experience before attempting the Roopkund Trek as it is considered a moderately difficult trek. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, and the altitude can also be a challenge. It is important to have good physical fitness and stamina to complete the trek comfortably. Prior trekking experience can help you to be better prepared for the challenges of the trek, such as acclimatization, managing your energy levels, and dealing with the rugged terrain. However, if you are in good physical condition and have a positive attitude, with proper guidance and preparation, you can still attempt the Roopkund Trek even if you are a beginner.
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a professional expert for the Roopkund Trek, especially if you are a beginner or have limited trekking experience. A professional can provide you with valuable assistance, including knowledge of the local terrain, weather conditions, and the culture of the region. They can also help you with navigation and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
Loading media...
Hear Trekkers Share Their Roopkund Trek
Summer Treks (April, May, June)
1. Less colder.
2. More windy.
3. Weather is unpredictable.
4. Cant see human skeleton.
5. Roopkund is in frozen condition.
6. Higher camps covered with snow.
7. Natural source of drinking water are easily available.
8. Best for those who want to see snow and want to do a difficult level of trek.
Autumn Treks (September, October, November)
1. Less windy.
2. More colder.
3. Mostly clear weather.
4. Can see human skeleton.
5. No snow at any camp site.
6. Roopkund lake is properly visible.
7. Natural source of drinking water are limited.
8. Best for those who want to see greenery and want to do moderate level of trek.
First, you can arrive at Delhi, Dehradun airport or Chandigarh. The journey from these locations to Rishikesh is explained below.
1. Take overnight train/bus to Rishikesh.
2. Take overnight train/bus to Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh (25km | 35 min drive with normal traffic).
3. Take overnight train/bus to Dehradun and drive to Rishikesh (50km | 1hr 20min drive with normal traffic).
( We always recommend going for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am. )
4. Board a flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) (21 km, 30 min). If you're arriving by air, then come one day in advance.
Note - In July and August month always have a buffer day in your Itinerary due to the Monsoon.
( If you prefer to travel independently to Base camp and don't want to take TTH's pick-up service, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab from Rishikesh. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
Force Majeure
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas at least 30 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
A trekker often visits the Himalayas in the search of catching a glimpse of some giant peaks, exploring the lush green valleys, and sometimes reconnecting with their true selves while being surrounded by the mountains. In quest to gain such an experience, many trekkers seek a trek that offers it all. From being transformative to unforgettable, it should have it all.
We often describe the Himalayas as an epitome of unmatched beauty, but we keep forgetting where that true unmatched beauty truly lies. That magical beauty is not present just in their landscapes, but it also lies in that ever-changing surrounding that we experience on the journey that the mountains offer us.
There is no denying the fact that the Himalayas are home to countless unexplored places that are beautiful beyond our imagination.
There are, and there will be, countless journeys that you will go on throughout your lifetime, but only a few of them are going to stay close to your heart, and one of them will be the ‘Gaumukh Tapovan Trek’. A journey that will not only challenge your body, but it will also touch your soul. This 8-day journey will take you to the Garhwal region of Uttarkashi, where you will experience both adventure and spirituality in the mountains and gain a sense of peace in solitude.
Just like some heartwarming movies you keep rewatching, there are places you hope to visit every once in a while. Those places have their own magic that can’t be expressed in words but can only be felt while being there. So, to give you a similar kind of experience, we have a place to recommend for you all.
Walking on the rugged, unknown terrain of the mountains is one of those few experiences that makes you feel very different yet calming inside. But to achieve that feeling, not only do you have to plan a trip to the mountain, you are also supposed to carry gear and other things that are important for trekking.
Standing at the base of any mountain, while staring at the peak of that mountain. A lot is felt by a trekker, from feeling stunned, admiration, to a quick rush of adrenaline, to scared, and then self-doubting yourself, asking - Can I really do this? When a trekker starts climbing a mountain, it’s not just always about claiming the peak. Often, trekking is more about learning and getting to know the mountains. After getting familiar with the mountains, you start understanding the challenges the mountains carry within themselves, and then you start ascending accordingly.
In general, trekking in the mountains is always categorised as either climbing or walking on the mountain trails. But what a lot of people don’t realise is that with each different grade of expedition, the techniques of climbing and walking on the mountains also change. The thing is that to climb some high grade of mountains, more than basic skills and techniques of climbing are required to learn. In fact, the ‘technical climbing’? It is not just for high-grade level mountain expeditions; this kind of technical knowledge is quite useful even in the easy graded expedition to ensure the safety of the trekker throughout their trek.
Planning a trip is not an easy task, and when it comes to the mountains, a lot of factors need to be considered from a trekker's perspective. And when you are surrounded by all the hustle and bustle of life, planning a trip seems like too much work, right? Well, that’s exactly where trekking companies come into the picture. From booking to planning and ensuring that you receive a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience, they make sure to make all these things happen.
There is one question that every trek leader asks their trekkers when they first meet them: Do they really understand the importance of trekking shoes for their trek? And usually, trekkers answer that they protect their feet, which is true. But do trekking shoes really help your feet in just “protection” and nothing else? Well, that is exactly what our trek leader (name) is going to enlighten us all about. First and foremost, it's essential to understand that trekking shoes are the foundation of a good trekking experience. If you are not carrying good quality shoes, then no matter how confident, strong, or motivated you are. You are bound to slip or slow down while walking on your trek. And as someone who has spent years climbing up and down the Himalayan trail several times. There is one thing that he said with complete certainty: The right trekking shoes can make or break your trek.
Enter your weight and height to check if you’re fit for the trek.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
