via Ali & Bedni Bugyal — the mystery lake at 16,499 ft
Roopkund is a small glacial lake wedged into a scree bowl beneath the Trishul massif, known for the human skeletal remains that surface each year as its ice melts. The route in from Lohajung is as much the destination as the lake itself — it climbs through oak and rhododendron forest into Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, two of the largest high-altitude meadows in Asia, before narrowing into a stark, wind-scoured approach above the treeline.
This is a camping trek, self-contained from Lohajung: tents, a trek kitchen, forest-department permits, and a certified trek leader travel with the group for the full seven nights on trail. Most days end with wide, unobstructed views of Trishul (7,120 m), Nanda Ghunti, and the Bedni ridgeline.
Best attempted in the late-May to mid-June window, when the meadows are snow-free and Roopkund itself is often still rimmed with ice, or in September, after the monsoon clears.
Terraced fields and stone houses on the first trekking day out of Lohajung.
Rolling alpine meadows with uninterrupted 360° views of the Trishul massif.
The last reliable water source and treeline point before the climb steepens.
Exposed high camp beneath the ridge, staging point for the summit push.
The skeleton lake itself, a small tarn ringed by loose scree at 16,499 ft.
Optional extension above the lake for a close view of Trishul’s south face.
Distance and elevation for each day are read directly off the line below — it plots the same profile you’ll actually walk, from Lohajung’s forest floor up to Junargali’s scree and back down.
Altitude profile, Lohajung (7,700 ft) → Junargali (16,900 ft) → Kathgodam. Not to horizontal scale.
Early morning departure from Rishikesh for Lohajung, the base camp of the Roopkund Trek. The drive takes you through the beautiful mountain roads of Uttarakhand, passing through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and other Himalayan towns.
Reach Lohajung by evening, check into the accommodation and meet the trek team. A trek briefing and equipment check will be conducted before dinner.
Overnight: Lohajung
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, begin the trek from Lohajung towards Didna Village. The trail passes through dense oak and pine forests with occasional views of the surrounding mountains.
Didna is a traditional Himalayan village surrounded by terraced fields and forested slopes. Spend the evening relaxing and experiencing the peaceful village atmosphere.
Overnight: Didna Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Today’s trail gradually climbs through forest before opening into the spectacular alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal.
As you leave the forest behind, the landscape changes completely. Vast green meadows and panoramic Himalayan views make this one of the most memorable sections of the trek.
Overnight: Ali Bugyal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner
Start the day walking across the beautiful meadows of Ali Bugyal towards Bedni Bugyal. On a clear day, the views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are spectacular.
Continue towards Patar Nachauni, gradually entering higher and more exposed terrain. Prepare for the high-altitude section of the trek that begins from here.
Overnight: Patar Nachauni
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner
This is the most challenging and important day of the trek.
Start early from Patar Nachauni and climb towards Kalu Vinayak. From here, the landscape becomes increasingly rocky and alpine as you continue towards Bhagwabasa.
After a short rest, proceed towards the Roopkund area. Depending on weather, snow, trail conditions and local regulations, the trek may continue towards Junargali.
After spending time at the highest accessible point, descend back towards Bhagwabasa.
Overnight: Bhagwabasa / designated camp
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
Important: Access to Roopkund/Junargali can depend on weather, trail conditions and applicable local regulations. The trek leader’s decision will always prioritise safety.
After breakfast, begin the long descent from Bhagwabasa. Retrace the trail towards Patar Nachauni and continue towards the lower meadows.
As you lose altitude, the landscape gradually changes from rocky high-altitude terrain to lush forests of oak and rhododendron.
Reach Ghairoli Patal by afternoon/evening and rest after the long day.
Overnight: Ghairoli Patal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner
After breakfast, descend through the forest towards Wan Village.
Wan is one of the major villages on this trekking route. From Wan, board the vehicle and drive back to Lohajung.
Enjoy a hot meal, rest and celebrate the completion of the trek with the team.
Overnight: Lohajung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Snacks, Dinner
After breakfast, start the drive back to Rishikesh.
The journey follows the mountain roads through the Garhwal Himalayas. Arrival in Rishikesh is expected by evening, depending on road and traffic conditions.
Trip Ends: Rishikesh
Meals: Breakfast
Backpack offloading, personal accident insurance, and solo-tent upgrades are available as paid add-ons at booking.
Choose a fixed departure date from the table above, or request a custom date for a private group.
A booking advance secures your slot; the remaining balance is due 21 days before departure.
Government ID and a self-declared medical/fitness form are required for every trekker before the trek leader confirms your slot.
A short call with the trek leader covers packing, acclimatisation, and last-mile logistics roughly a week out.
Meet the group at the designated Kathgodam point on the departure morning for the drive to Lohajung.
The Roopkund Trek is a challenging high-altitude Himalayan adventure that requires proper fitness, preparation and awareness of mountain conditions. Before booking your Roopkund Trek 2026, we request every participant to carefully understand the trek’s safety guidelines and responsibilities.
Our Terms & Conditions cover altitude-related risks, weather changes, medical emergencies, trek leader decisions, fitness requirements and evacuation situations. They also include important guidelines regarding participant conduct, travel documents, personal belongings and environmental responsibility.
Please read the complete Terms & Conditions to understand your responsibilities and help ensure a safe, responsible and memorable Roopkund Lake Trek experience.
The published itinerary is indicative. Weather, snow conditions, landslides, or local authority direction may require the trek leader to alter the route, camp locations, or turn the group back before Roopkund — trekker safety takes precedence over reaching any specific point.
Prices are per person on twin/triple-sharing and are subject to change for new bookings; confirmed bookings are honoured at the price paid. Trekkers under 12 or over 65 should contact the operator before booking, as this itinerary is not typically suited to that age range.
By booking, trekkers confirm the accuracy of the medical declaration submitted and accept that the trek leader’s on-ground decisions regarding pace, route, and evacuation are final.
Patchy BSNL signal exists in Lohajung and occasionally at Didna. There is no reliable network from Ali Bugyal onward; the trek leader carries a satellite phone for emergencies.
In the May–June window there is usually residual snow and often ice on the lake; by September most snow has melted, though the scree approach remains regardless of season.
Yes — most batches are a mix of solo trekkers and small groups, and tent-sharing is arranged among trekkers of the same gender.
Yes. Tents are shared among trekkers of the same gender, a female support staff member is assigned where group composition requires it, and the trek leader is reachable throughout.
A support guide escorts any trekker back to Bhagwabasa if they’re unable to continue past a certain point — the group does not turn back for one person, but no one descends alone.