This trek is currently banned by the local authority. We recommend the Rupin Pass Trek and Buran Ghati Trek as alternatives.

Location
Uttarakhand

Duration
8 days

Max Altitude
15696 ft

Trekking km
53 km

Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Roopkund Trek Overview
ā° Trek Name : Roopkund Trek
ā± Days : 8
š„¾ Adventure : Trekking
š Base Camp : Lohajung
š Season : Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter
š Months : April | May | June | September
š Country : India
š Altitude : 15696 FT
š Grade : Moderate to Difficult
š Trail Type : Circle trail | Camping in various locations, starting and ending at the same point.
š½ Food : Meals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
š Location : Uttarakhand
š Distance : 53 km
š Rail Head : Kathgodam
šØ Stay : Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse
ā Airport : -
Why is Roopkund a Must-Do Trek?
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, RoopkundĀ 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 āmystery lakeā. 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 theĀ skeletons.Ā
Eligibility for Roopkund Trek
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Age Requirement:
- Minimum 14 years
- First-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred. Good fitness is a must.
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Fitness Criteria:
- The trekker should have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance by jogging in 30 minutes without stress or 10 km of distance in 70 minutes without stress
- If the trekker prefers cycling he/she should be able to cycle 18 km of distance in 50 minutes.
- Preparation Chart view download
- If the trekker wants to carry a backpack then he/she should be able to carry a 10ā12 kg backpack. If opt Off-load option then the trekker should be able to carry 3ā5 kg backpack.
- If a trekker's BMI is more or less than the normal range (18ā27), please consult our Trek Coordinator before booking.
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 100 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 ā 85, SYSTOLIC 100 ā 130 mm Hg).
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
How to reach āRoopkund Trek Maps
Pick-Up Information
- It is essential for everyone to arrive at Rishikesh (06:00 am)
- Pick-up Location - Back Stayz Laxman Jhula Near SBI Bank Tapovan
- Once you have reached Rishikesh, TTH will manage the rest of your travel arrangements, if you have opted for TTH's pick-up service, you can select this option during the booking process by adding it as an add-on.
Options to Reach Rishikesh
First, you can arrive at Delhi, Dehradun airport or Chandigarh. The journey from these locations to Rishikesh is explained below.
- Take overnight train/bus to Rishikesh.
- Take overnight train/bus to Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh (25km | 35 min drive with normal traffic).
- 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. )
- 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.
Drop-Off Information
- The designated drop-off point is Tapovan, Rishikesh.
- Reach in Rishikesh by 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
- Please consider planning your subsequent travel arrangements after 10:00 pm.
Note - In July and August month always have a buffer day in your Itinerary due to the Monsoon.
- It's highly advisable to keep a buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is not used, it can be used to explore Rishikesh.
- ( If you prefer to travel independently to Base camp and donāt 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. )
- TTH offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for further assistance.
Roopkund Trek Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
TheĀ Roopkund TrekĀ 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. TheĀ Roopkund TrekĀ is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas.
Roopkund Trek is aĀ 53 kmĀ trek.
Roopkund Trek takesĀ 8 daysĀ to complete the trek.
The best time to do the Roopkund Trek is during summerĀ (mid-Apr to Jun)Ā and autumnĀ (Sep to mid-Nov).
The maximum altitude reached during the Roopkund Trek isĀ 15,696 ft
During theĀ 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 recommended to have prior trekking experience before attempting theĀ Roopkund TrekĀ 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 theĀ Roopkund TrekĀ even if you are a beginner.
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