Roopkund Trek Guide
The Roopkund Trek is one of India’s most mysterious and scenic high-altitude treks, famous for the Skeleton Lake located at 16,500 ft in the Garhwal Himalayas. The trek passes through oak forests, alpine meadows (Bedni Bugyal), and snow-covered ridges.
🏔 Trek Overview
RegionUttarakhand (Chamoli)
Altitude16,500 ft
Total Distance25 km
Duration7–8 Days
DifficultyModerate to Difficult
Base VillageLohajung
🗓 Best Time to Do Roopkund Trek
May – JunSnow trek, frozen lake
Sep – OctClear skies & meadows
Jul – Aug❌ Monsoon (not advised)
Nov – Apr❌ Closed
🧭 Trek Route & Camps
📍
Base CampLohajung
🏕
Key CampsDidna, Bedni Bugyal, Pathar Nachauni
⛰
Summit PointRoopkund Lake
🚶
Trail TypeForest · Meadows · Snow
🗺 Day-wise Roopkund Trek Itinerary
📅
Day 1Rishikesh → Lohajung
📅
Day 2Lohajung → Didna village
📅
Day 3Didna → Ali Bugyal
📅
Day 4Ali Bugyal → Bedni Bugyal
📅
Day 5Bedni → Pathar Nachauni
📅
Day 6Summit day → Roopkund Lake
📅
Day 7Descend & return
💪 Difficulty & Fitness
DifficultyModerate–Difficult
Daily Walk6–8 hrs
Suitable ForExperienced beginners
Not ForHeart / asthma patients
🎒 Essential Packing List
High-ankle trekking shoes
Down jacket & fleece
Thermals (top & bottom)
Trekking poles
Snow gloves & cap
Personal medicines
🛂 Permits & Safety
🪖
PermitForest permit required
🧭
GuideMandatory
📵
NetworkNo signal after Lohajung
⛑
MedicalNo facilities on trail
💰 Roopkund Trek Cost
With Trek Operator₹14,000 – ₹18,000
DIY Estimate₹8,000 – ₹10,000
IncludesFood, tents, guide
ExcludesTravel to Lohajung
🙋 Who Should Do Roopkund Trek?
✅
Adventure loversHigh-altitude challenge
✅
Snow trek seekersSpring season
❌
Absolute beginnersNo prior fitness
❌
Luxury travelersBasic camping only
🚗 How to Reach Base Camp
✈️
Nearest AirportDehradun
🚆
Nearest RailheadRishikesh
🚖
TaxiRishikesh → Lohajung