Difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Duration
9 Days
Highest Altitude
15,750 ft
Age
15 to 55 years
Duration
9 Days
Age
15 to 55 years
Difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Highest Altitude
15,750 ft
Roopkund Trek
The Most Popular Trek of Them All
If you’re trekking in India, the Roopkund trek is a must-do! It’s got everything going for it. Deep virgin forests, gurgling brooks, breath-taking campsites, miles of undulating meadows, snow and ice and the taste of a great adventure as you climb from 8,000 ft to 16,000 ft in six days.
Roopkund, perhaps the most popular trek in India, is almost picture-perfect. The Roopkund trail climbs out of splendid dark forests suddenly bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. Out of the meadows, the trail quickly gets into terrific alpine stretches.
Climbing on snow to the Roopkund lake is a heart-pounding thrill. The beautiful Mt Trishul looms over the setting getting closer as you climb higher when at a ridge above Roopkund, only air separates the trekker from them and Trishul.
Ropkund Trek Videos
Watch these videos to plan and prepare for your trek.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1
Drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung
Drive Distance: 216 km | Duration: 9-10 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Kathgodam Railway Station
Transport will be arranged at 6 AM. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Cost of the cab – Rs 6,000 per vehicle, shared among 5-6 trekkers.
Day 2
Drive from Lohajung to Wan. Trek to Gehroli Patal
Drive Duration: 1 hour | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | | Altitude Gain: 7,600 ft to 10,000 ft
Moderate. Initial 30-45 minutes ascent to Ran Ka Dhar followed by a 20-minute descent to the river Neel Ganga. A stiff climb of 3 hours from Neel Ganga to Gehroli Patal.
Day 3
Trek from Gehroli Patal to Bedni Bugyal
Trek Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain: 10,000 ft to 11,500 ft
Easy-Moderate. Stiff climb for about 2 hours to Ali Bugyal followed by a gentle trail to Bedni Bugyal.
Day 4
Excursion to Bedni Top
Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,500 ft to 12,200 ft
Easy. Acclimatisation day with a steep climb to the Bedni top.
Day 5
Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni
Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,500 ft to 12,700 ft
Easy-Moderate. Easy climb at the beginning to a saddle followed by gradual descent to Patar Nachauni
Day 6
Trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa via Kalu Vinayak
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude Gain: 12,700 ft to 14,100 ft
Moderate. A 3 hour steep ascent to Kalu Vinayak followed by a gradually descending trail to Bhagwabhasa
Day 7
Trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and further up to Junargali. Return to Patar Nachauni via Bhagwabasa
Trek Duration: 9-10 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 14,100 ft to 12,700 ft via 16,000 ft
Difficult. Gradual ascent to Roopkund with the last 20 minutes consisting of steep switchbacks. 20-25 minutes steep climb to Junargali. Tricky descent on the switchbacks from Roopkund. Descending trail to Patar Nachuani.
Day 8
Trek from Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Drive Duration: 1 hour | Altitude Gain and Loss: 12,700 ft to 7,700 ft
Moderate-Difficult. Descending trail right through gets steep from Gaehroli Patal to Neel Ganga; the short ascending stretch from Neel Ganga to Ranka Dhar.
Day 9
Drive from Lohajung to Kathgodam
Drive Distance: 216 km | Duration: 9-10 hours | Return point for Indiahikes trekkers: Kathgodam Railway Station
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- At the base camp, your stay will be arranged in lodges
- On the trek, you will be staying 3 in a tent
- We do have a cloakroom facility at the base camp. Do not carry excess luggage other than what is required for the trek.
Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June, July and August. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.
PRO-TIPS
Onward Travel
We organize transport from Kathgodam Railway station at 6.00 AM sharp. It is a 9-10 hours drive from Kathgodam and roughly about 216 km. Transport to Lohajung costs Rs 6,000 per vehicle (shared between 5-6 trekkers) and Rs 9,500 per 10-12 seater vehicle one way.
Return Travel
You are expected back in Kathgodam by 8 pm. Transport back to Kathgodam costs Rs 6,000 per vehicle (shared between 5-6 trekkers) and Rs 9,500 per 10-12 seater vehicle one way.
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
What I Like About the Roopkund Trek
What I Like About the Roopkund Trek
Roopkund Trek Best Discovered Through Pictures
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Picture by: Mohit Dev
Near Chika Campsite
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Roopkund trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
PRO TIPS
Available Dates
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