Roopkund Trek

If you are trekking in India, the Roopkund trek is a must! 

Roopkund Trek is one of the most popular treks in India. Roopkund, locally known as the Secret Lake, is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Roopkund lies in the lap of the Trishul massif and is famous for the hundreds of human skeletons found on the edge of the lake. Roopkund (lake) is situated at an altitude of about 15,700 feet. It is surrounded by glacier-strewn rocks and snow-capped mountains, making it a good tourist destination. The route leading to Roopkund passes through the twin Bugyals Ali & Bedni. All along the Roopkund trail, you will get stunning views of peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The beautiful camps of the Roopkund trek are a sight to behold. Roopkund is recommended for experienced hikers as it is moderately difficult.

Roopkund, perhaps the most popular trek in India, is almost here picture – perfect. The Roopkund trail climbs out of splendour and dark forests suddenly invade Ali and Bedni Bugyal, probably the most beautiful alpine meadows in India. Outside the meadows, the trail quickly reaches the magnificent alpine stretching.

The snow climb to Roopkund lake is heartbreaking and exciting. The beautiful Trishul mountain towers over the environment closer as you climb higher, when you are on the ridge above Roopkund, only air separates the tourist from them and Trishul.

Throughout the trek, you will be fed by the magnificent view of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. Except for these two, you see the imposing Chaukhamba range, Neelkanthpeak, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome and several other tall buildings at Roopkund trek.

The trail from Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal is covered with soft green pastures. Camping at Bedni Bugyal is another major highlight of the Roopkund Lake trek. Another attraction of this trek in the Garhwal Himalayas is the evening reflection of sunlight on the peak of Trishul mountain.

From Bedni Bugyal, one should head towards the Ghora Lotani meadows, where the surroundings are painted in shades of olives and browns spread in all directions over the black terrain. Tourists can witness abundant snow on reaching Bhagwabas. Next, tourists have to head towards Roopkund from Bhagwabasa, which is a 5 km climb. There are a number of switchbacks and steep climbs on the snowy route, but the section is not long and the hard snow is useful for trekking without fear of danger.

The Roopkund Mystery: “Lake of Skeletons”
Local folklore has it that in the Middle Ages, King Jasdhawal Kanauj wanted to celebrate the birth of an heir with a commitment to a pilgrimage to the Nanda Devi range in Garhwal Himalayas. However, he did not respect the rules of the pilgrimage boisterous singing and dancing. He earned the escort the wrath of the local deity, Latu. They were caught in a terrible storm and were thrown into the Roopkund lake!