India8 days
Roopkund Trek: Skeleton Lake & Alpine Meadows — 8 Days
High-altitude trek to a 16,499-foot alpine lake with human remains, crossing meadows and forest through the Indian Himalayas.
The Roopkund trek ascends to a remote alpine lake at 16,499 feet in the Indian Himalayas, where human skeletal remains have been discovered over decades. Historical research suggests they belonged to members of an Indian tribe who died here during a severe hailstorm in the 9th century, though earlier theories attributed them to Japanese soldiers from World War II. The eight-day route begins in the town of Loharjung and traverses forested hillsides, alpine meadows, and high-altitude terrain, passing through villages and established campsites before reaching the lake itself. The trek takes in Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, both alpine meadows where grazing animals move seasonally and shepherds maintain summer settlements. The final approach climbs steeply through terrain that transitions from forest to bare alpine environment, with views across multiple Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The return descends through rhododendron and pine forest back to Loharjung.
Best time to go: May to June, September to October
Highlights
- Trekking to Ali Bugyal, an alpine meadow at 10,830 feet with views of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul peaks
- Ascent to Roopkund Lake at 16,499 feet; the site contains human skeletal remains dated to approximately the 9th century, with historical theories attributing them to a regional pilgrimage tragedy, though exact circumstances remain undocumented
- Alpine meadow camping at Ghora Lotani and Bedni Bugyal; seasonal grazing lands with active shepherd settlements during summer months
- Temple of Kalu Vinayak at high elevation offering views of Chaukhamba and Neelkanth peaks
- Optional climb to Junargalli at 16,700 feet on steep alpine terrain; requires additional acclimatization and fitness; not recommended for first-time high-altitude trekkers
- Descent through rhododendron and conifer forest to Wan village, passing through mixed forest zones at varying elevations
Day by day
1Kathgodam to Loharjung — Road TransferLoharjung · Kathgodam railway station to Loharjung
The journey begins with a drive from Kathgodam railway station to Loharjung, a hillside village at 2,130 meters. The route covers approximately 250 kilometers through scenic hilly terrain, requiring eight to nine hours of travel. On arrival at Loharjung, accommodation is arranged and the remainder of the day is spent settling in and resting before the trek begins.
2Loharjung to Didana — Forest Trek Through Cedar and OakLoharjung · Ruan Bagad · Didana village
The trek departs from near the bus stand in Loharjung, climbing through a forest of Himalayan cedar and oak trees. The first stage ascends for approximately 2.5 hours to Ruan Bagad, where the trail crosses an old bridge spanning the Neel Ganga River. An alternative route passes through the villages of Kulling and Wan, though this path steepens considerably toward Ruan Bagad. From the river crossing, the ascent to Didana village continues through challenging terrain, requiring roughly 1.5 additional hours over a distance of 5 to 6 kilometers. Didana sits at 2,550 meters. Overnight accommodation is provided at the village or nearby campsite.
3Didana to Ali Bugyal — Climb to High Alpine MeadowDidana to Ali Bugyal · Ali Bugyal
An early morning departure leads upward to Ali Bugyal, an extensive alpine meadow at 3,350 meters. Two route options are available: a steep direct climb of shorter duration, or a longer detour through Tolpani that adds approximately two hours but reduces gradient. Most trekkers aim to reach Ali Bugyal by midday to experience views across Nanda Ghunti and Trishul peaks. The total trek distance is 6 to 7 kilometers. The meadow itself supports seasonal grazing and marks a transition from forest to open alpine environment. Overnight camping takes place at Ali Bugyal.
4Ali Bugyal to Ghora Lotani — High-Altitude Acclimatization DayAli Bugyal to Ghora Lotani · Ghora Lotani · Patal Nacholi
The fourth day involves a slower start to allow for acclimatization, with departure occurring later than previous mornings. The destination is Ghora Lotani, another alpine meadow, located at a distance from the previous campsite. The route passes through Patal Nacholi, an expansive open area. The day requires a significant altitude gain, bringing noticeable changes in weather and air density. Many trekkers remain at Ghora Lotani for an additional rest day to acclimatize before continuing toward higher elevations. The campsite offers grazing space and a relatively protected location. Overnight stay at Ghora Lotani.
5Ghora Lotani to Bhagubasa — Temple and Peak ViewsBhagubasa · Temple of Kalu Vinayak
This stage ascends to Bhagubasa at 4,100 meters, a notably challenging day due to the substantial altitude gain and thin air at this elevation. The route follows a zigzag path leading to the Temple of Kalu Vinayak, constructed of irregular pebbles and stones, where many trekkers pause. From the temple, extensive views open across Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Hathi peaks. Depending on season, snow may be encountered as terrain becomes firmer. The campsite at Bhagubasa is reached after 5 to 6 kilometers of trekking. Upon arrival, emphasis is placed on acclimatization and adequate rest in preparation for the following day's summit push. Overnight accommodation is in tents.
6Bhagubasa to Roopkund Lake and Return to Bedni Bugyal — Summit DayBhagubasa · Roopkund Lake · Bedni Bugyal · Chirianag · Nanda Devi Temple · Junargalli · Bhagubasa's cave · Patal Nauchaniya · Ghora Lotani
This is the most demanding day of the trek, involving approximately 15 kilometers over 10 to 15 hours of trekking. Departure from Bhagubasa ascends toward Roopkund Lake at 4,750 meters, the highest point of the trek. The initial section climbs steeply via a ladder-like trail known as Chirianag, which leads to the lake's edge. At Roopkund Lake itself, human skeletal remains are visible across the lakebed and surrounding terrain on most clear days, a striking and sobering sight that underscores the trek's historical dimension. Beyond the lake lies the Nanda Devi Temple, positioned near the Nanda Devi Biosphere. For trekkers with energy reserves and favorable weather, an optional steep climb to Junargalli at 4,750 meters takes approximately 45 minutes. The descent follows the same route back through Bhagubasa's cave (known as the abode of the tiger), then continues down to Patal Nauchaniya and onward through Ghora Lotani to Bedni Bugyal at 3,350 meters. The combination of altitude, distance, and exposure makes this a full day of continuous hiking. Overnight camping is at Bedni Bugyal.
7Bedni Bugyal to Wan to Loharjung — Descent and ReturnBedni Bugyal to Wan to Loharjung · Wan · Wan to Loharjung · Loharjung
The trek concludes with an 18-kilometer descent through alpine meadows and forest sections of pine, rhododendron, and oak to reach the village of Wan at 2,550 meters. The surrounding hills and mountains overlook the village, and local temples provide a cultural stopping point. The descent requires approximately 5 to 6 hours of trekking. Upon reaching Wan, a 30-minute drive returns trekkers to Loharjung, where overnight accommodation is provided at the base campsite. This day marks the end of the main trekking portion.
8Loharjung to Kathgodam — Return TransferLoharjung · Loharjung to Kathgodam · Kathgodam railway station
After breakfast at Loharjung, the return drive to Kathgodam railway station takes approximately 7 to 8 hours over the same scenic route. The trek ends at Kathgodam, where onward rail or air connections are available.
Included
- Accommodation on multiple sharing Triple / Quad(Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
- Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
- Trek equipments (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
Not included
- GST @5%
- Return transportation from Kathgodham on sharing basis on a MUV at Rs. 2550/- per person
- Air/Train fare
- Anything not mentioned under the head inclusions.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary / stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, road blocks and / or any factors beyond control.
- The tariff does not include barbeque, personal expenses like telephone, laundry etc
Activities: Trekking