Roopkund Trek: A Mysterious Lake Amidst the Himalayas
Unravel the Mystery of the Skeleton Lake!
Kathgodam – Lohajung – Didna – Ali Bugyal – Patar Nachauni – Bhagwabasa – Roopkund – Lohajung – Kathgodam
| Per Person Cost |
| Rs. 16000/- Only |
Roopkund Trek is one of the most thrilling high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand, famous for its mysterious lake filled with human skeletons. Located at an altitude of around 15,750 ft, Roopkund offers mesmerizing views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
The trek takes you through dense oak forests, high alpine meadows (Bugyals), and snow-laden trails. The journey is both physically challenging and spiritually fulfilling.
The highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake, also known as Skeleton Lake, due to the hundreds of ancient human remains found at its edge. The scenic campsites at Ali Bugyal and Bhagwabasa make this trek one of the best in India.
Ideal for trekkers with some prior experience, Roopkund is a blend of adventure, mystery, and Himalayan grandeur.
When the ice at Roopkund melts each year around September-October, the remains of roughly 600-800 human skeletons become visible along the lake's edge — some estimated to be over 800 years old. Multiple theories have tried to explain how they got there. One suggests a group of pilgrims caught in a sudden, violent hailstorm. Another links the remains to soldiers who perished attempting a Himalayan crossing.
Genetic studies conducted in recent years have added another layer to the puzzle, revealing that the skeletons may belong to two genetically distinct groups from different time periods. No single explanation has been universally accepted, which is exactly what keeps trekkers and history enthusiasts coming back to this trail year after year.
The Roopkund trail isn't just about the destination. Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, the sprawling alpine meadows you cross early in the trek, are consistently ranked among the most beautiful grasslands in the Indian Himalayas, with unobstructed views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Kalu Vinayak, a small Ganesh temple perched near 14,000 ft, marks the point where the trail turns properly high-altitude. Bhagwabasa — your last camp before the summit push — sits in a stark, snow-covered bowl that feels like a different world after dark, when the stars come out in full force.
This is a moderate-to-difficult grade trek and not recommended as a first Himalayan trek. The trail alternates between steep ascents, loose scree, and long snow-covered stretches, especially in the final approach to Roopkund itself.
Trekkers should ideally be able to comfortably run or jog 4-5 km before attempting this trek, and should have no underlying heart or lung conditions. A few weeks of cardio and stamina-building beforehand goes a long way in making the high-altitude sections manageable.
The trek begins from Lohajung, and our package covers pickup from Kathgodam or Rishikesh. If you're coming from Delhi, the most common route is a train or bus to Kathgodam, followed by a scenic 8-9 hour drive through Almora and Gwaldam to reach Lohajung.
Those starting from Rishikesh follow the Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag route. It's advisable to withdraw cash and pick up any last-minute essentials before leaving the base town, since ATM and network access become unreliable past Lohajung.
1 | DAY 01: Kathgodam – LohajungDrive to Lohajung (8-9 hrs). Reach base camp, check in to guesthouse. Evening trek briefing and gear check. |
2 | DAY 02: Lohajung – Didna VillageTrek to Didna through village trails and forest path (6 km). Overnight in homestay or tents. |
3 | DAY 03: Didna – Ali BugyalAscend to Ali Bugyal, one of the most beautiful meadows in India (10 km trek). Overnight in tents. |
4 | DAY 04: Ali Bugyal – Patar NachauniTrek through rolling meadows and stunning views (6 km). Camp at Patar Nachauni. |
5 | DAY 05: Patar Nachauni – BhagwabasaSteep climb via Kalu Vinayak temple to Bhagwabasa (5 km). Acclimatize. Overnight in high-altitude tents. |
6 | DAY 06: Bhagwabasa – Roopkund Summit – Patar NachauniEarly morning trek to Roopkund (15,750 ft). Spend time at lake, descend back to Patar Nachauni. |
7 | DAY 07: Patar Nachauni – LohajungDescend back to Lohajung. Trek ends. Evening rest at guesthouse. |
8 | DAY 08: Lohajung – KathgodamDrive back to Kathgodam. Trip ends with incredible Roopkund memories. |
| Month | Day Temperature | Night Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| May – June | 15°C to 20°C | -2°C to 7°C | Full snow cover, clear skies |
| September – October | 10°C to 15°C | -5°C to 5°C | Melting ice, skeletons visible, crisp views |
Inclusions & Exclusions of Roopkund Trek
Trek booking will be confirmed with a 30% advance payment.
Remaining balance must be paid before the trek starts at Lohajung base camp.
The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, group strength, and guide’s decision.
In case of bad weather, landslides, snowfall, or road blockage, additional costs (if any) will be borne by the trekkers directly.
The company will not be responsible for any natural calamities, medical emergencies, or unforeseen conditions.
Trekkers are expected to carry their own backpack (unless opted for offloading service).
Any kind of misbehavior, consumption of alcohol, or drugs during the trek is strictly prohibited.
All trekkers must follow the instructions of trek leaders & local guides.
Any legal dispute will fall under Dehradun jurisdiction only.
Cancellation before 30 days of trek start date – 80% refund of total trek fee.
Cancellation between 30 to 15 days of trek start date – 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 15 days before trek start date – No refund.
If trek is cancelled by the company due to weather or government restrictions – 100% trek fee will be refunded (excluding transportation cost).
Roopkund Skeleton Lake was beyond imagination. The mystery of ancient bones at 15,750 ft was thrilling. Trek To Uttarakhand team managed everything perfectly. Read More
Ali Bugyal meadows on the way to Roopkund were stunning. The trek leader was extremely supportive throughout. Best trekking experience of my life! Read More
Challenging but absolutely worth it! The views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti from Roopkund were breathtaking. Highly recommend Trek To Uttarakhand! Read More
Bhagwabasa campsite at night was magical — stars everywhere! The guides were very experienced and safety was their top priority. Amazing trek! Read More
The Skeleton Lake of Roopkund is truly mysterious. Trek To Uttarakhand organized food, camping and transport flawlessly. Will definitely trek again! Read More
As a solo female trekker, I felt completely safe throughout the Roopkund Trek. The team was professional and supportive at every step. Truly unforgettable! Read More
Roopkund Trek is a bucket list trek and Trek To Uttarakhand made it even more special. The camping at Ali Bugyal and Bhagwabasa was world class! Read More
The mystery of Skeleton Lake combined with stunning Himalayan views made this trek truly special. Trek To Uttarakhand team was outstanding throughout! Read More
Here are the most common questions asked by trekkers about the Roopkund Trek. From best season, difficulty level, fitness requirements, altitude, accommodation to packing essentials — we've answered them all for you.
Uttarakhand specializes in trekking adventures across the Himalayas, offering customized trek packages to explore its breathtaking trails, serene lakes, sacred peaks, and rich cultural heritage with ease.
