Roopkund - Mysterious Skeleton Lake

Roopkund is situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. famous due to more than five hundred human skeletons found at the edge of a lake. Radiocarbon dating of the bones at Oxford University Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit determined the time period to be AD 850 ±30 years. The location is uninhabited and is located in Himalaya at an altitude of about 5,029 metres (16,499 feet).

The road head for Roopkund is Loharjung 155km from Almora, 217km from Nainital and 235km from Kathgodam. Roopkund situated at a height of 5029m in the lap of Trishuli massif. This area is usually called is the ‘mystery lake’, since human skeletons and remains of horses from the Paleolithic age were found here.

The lake is surrounded by rock-strewn glacier and snow clad peaks. The starting point of the trek is Loharjung, easily approached by motor from Almora. Roopkund can also be reached by Ghat, connected by a motorable road with Nanda Prayag situated on the main highway of Badrinath. The trek of Roopkund passes through lush green grassy land and conifer forest covering the slope of the mountain. The trek winds its way along the Pindar River. To round off this trek, one can approach Homekund via Shail Saundra’s glacier and then move towards Ghat. Bedni Bugyal and Bhagwabasa are the most beautiful places on this trek. One finds the rare flower - “Bramhakamal” near Bhagwabasa. The best time to visit of come here is last the week of August to end of the October. It takes 8 days to complete the Roopkund trek, though it is 40 kms from the road head owing to the high altitude.

• Famous Temples at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Confluences, Crystal Clear High Altitude Lake, Snow clapped Himalayan Peaks and many more.
• High altitude trek with cavernous gorges, spacious views, vibrant colors. Dazzling variation in scenery
• Murmuring Waterfalls, lush green meadows of Bedni & Mountain Goats.
• Rare glimpses of an ancient culture of remote area local people.
• Sweeping views to Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti Peak. Possible sightings of some wildlife,
• Nights in Hotel, Guest House and Tents.

You may also be interested in :

• Lord Curzon Trail Kuari Pass Trek
• In The Shadow of Nanda Devi
• The Sources of Holy Ganges Trek
• Khatling Glacier Trek
• Chopta Chandrasila Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 10 Days.
Altitude : 4463 mts /14638 ft
Grade : Moderate to Challenging
Season : May - June & Sept - Oct

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport meet our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi – Haridwar – Srinagar (125 kms/4-5 hrs)

In the morning catch an AC Train from New Delhi station at 06:55 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:25 hrs and then drive towards Srinagar. On arrival check in to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 03 : Srinagar – Karnprayag – Wan (2200 mts /7200 ft) (170 kms/6-7 hrs)

The day starts with a beautiful drive along the river Ganges. En route visit the famous Prayags (confluences) of historic as well as religious importance. Devprayag is highly revered as it is the place where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda converge to form the holy Ganges. Continue to drive further via Rudraprayag and Karanprayag to reach Wan by evening. Dinner and overnight stay in tents/tourist rest house.

Day 04 : Wan – Bedni Bugyal (3350 mts/11000 ft) (10 Km/ 4-5 hrs)

The day starts with the beautiful walk through the village of Wan. The school kids, farmers ploughing their fields, women with their cattles is common sight while passing through the village to the ridge of Rankiyadhar. From here the frontiers of the village ceases and the trail descends to the banks of the river Neelganga. After the river crossing it’s a steep climb through the dense forest of Rhododendron and Oak to Gairoli Patal. The trail continues to climb to the ridge top called Dolia Dhar which is marked with a temple. From here there is a bifurcation to the high altitude Ali meadows. After this, the trail traverses on the left and slightly climbs to the meadows at Bedni, probably one of the best camping sites in the Garhwal Himalayas. Overnight stay in tents.

Bedni Bugyal is a charming green meadow adorned with flowers in a spell binding varieties, in full bloom. There is a small lake called Bedni Kund situated in the midst of the meadows, where Tarpans are offered by the devotees. Situated nearby is a small temple where the devotees pay their obeisance, during their halt at Bedni Bugyal. The peaks of Nanda Ghunti, Trishul are a real treat for the eyes.

Day 05 : Bedni Bugyal

Rest day for acclimatization/exploration. Overnight in tents.

Day 06 : Bedni Bugyal – Bagubassa (4100 mts/13450 ft) (8 km/ 4-5 hrs)

The trail from Bedni continues to climb gradually on the left of the valley to the ridge at the end of the meadow. The peak of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul are a highlight for this hike. From here the trail moves on to the right side of the valley and becomes almost flat until it reaches Patar Nachaniya. From here the trail ascends steeply to reach the top of the ridge marked with the Temple of Ganesha. A Kilometer’s walk takes us to Bagubassa. The campsite at Bagubassa is marked with rocky makeshift structures.

Bagua means flowery park and Basa means place. And rightly the place was full of variety of flowers including the rare Bhram Kamal, a special godly lotus found at only and between the altitudes of 14000 - 15000 ft. Overnight in the tents.

Day 07 : Bagubassa - Roopkund (4450 mts/14600 ft) – Bedni Bugyal (7-8 hrs)

The trail from Bagubassa is prominent as it gradually passes through delightful alpine pasture lands offering magnificent views of the Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Badrinath peaks. On the later part the trail becomes steep until you reach the lake. When there is no snow one can see human skeletons remains with flesh still attached to it. These remains have been preserved in the alpine condition for centuries. It is believed that these are the remains of about 300 persons who died about 500 -600 years ago. Later start retracing your steps towards Bedni Bugyal. Overnight in the tents.

Day 08 : Bedni Bugyal - Wan (10 km/ 3-4 hrs)

The trek from Bedni to Wan is very relaxing, as it is down hill most of the way ; thus giving an opportunity to enjoy the forest trail. This easy descent will take 3-4 hrs. Overnight in the tents.

Day 09 : Wan - Rishikesh (270 km/ 10 hrs approximately)

After an early breakfast drive to Rishikesh. Lunch enroute. Arrival at Rishikesh by evening. Upon arrival check into hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10 : Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi

Early in the morning transfer to Haridwar railway station and from here catch an AC train for Delhi at 06:30 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 11:50 hrs and then transfer to international airport to catch onward flight.

Trip & Services Ends Here

Cost Includes :

• Train Ticket : AC train Ticket from Delhi – Haridwar & back
• All road transfers by a Tata Sumo/Tavera from and back to Haridwar
• Accommodation in a hotel at Rishikesh on twin sharing basis with breakfast. While on trek Dome/Alpine tents will be provided.
• Meals : At Rishikesh only breakfast will be serving. While on trek all meals will be provided. Meals will be freshly prepared by mix of Indian, Chinese and Continental
• Camping equipment like tents, mattresses, camping stools, kitchen tent, table etc
• Professional and experienced local trekking guide
• Cook, porters and mules
• Trekking permit charges
• Fuel & toll tax extra
• Driver allowance

Cost does not includes :

• Enroute meal
• Any meals / services not mentioned above
• Liquor, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc
• Any expenses rising due to bad weather, landslides, etc.
• Travel insurance

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Trekking Equipment List:

• Trekking boots - well broken in and waterproofed
• Down jacket or equivalent with hood
• One heavy wool shirt or sweater
• Two cotton shirts
• One pair cotton trousers or shorts
• One pair woolen trousers
• One pair shorts or calf-length skirt for women
• Three pairs of regular underwear
• Long underwear - thermal or wool
• Wind- and rain-gear with hood
• Sun hat with brim
• Woolen hat or balaclava
• Woolen gloves
• Woolen socks to wear with boots
• Cotton socks
• Personal first-aid kit including medication for common ailments
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sunglasses or snow goggles (an extra pair is recommended)
• Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed, with at least one liter capacity
• Pocket knife
• Note book with pens and pencils
• Plastic bags - small size for books, film etc., larger bags for clothes, sleeping bags
• Well fitting strong shoes with a couple of woolen socks. The shoes should be used before treks to avoid blisters.
• First aid set for minor accidents and sickness.
• A raincoat is necessary to meet uncertainties of weather.
• Chocolates, lozenges, candies, glucose and dry fruits provide extra pep and energy.
• It is advisable not to exhaust energy by walking fast, as otherwise the trek will be not enjoyable.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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