Roopkund, a lake at 16000 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttaranchal, frozen for most of the year is a prime trekking destination for its natural and astounding beauty. The trail to Roopkund passes through some of the spectacular and exotic landscape of Himalayas with long stretch of oak forest, alpine meadows, green pastures and snow fields. Roopkund offers everything for a nature enthusiast and set amidst one of the most picturesque backdrop. View of Trisul (7120 meters) and Nandaghunti (6310 meters) are truly mesmerizing from Roopkund trail. Roopkund is often called Mystery Lake because Skeleton remains of hundred of people were found around the lake.
Roopkund Lake in October
The idea behind this article is to address most of the typical questions from the trekkers to Roopkund Lake. I drafted it in a questionnaire format to make it lucid. However this article is in its initial state and will mature as more queries from the fellow trekkers will join this space. I’ll really appreciate your effort for reviewing this content and helping me creating a comprehensive guide book for Roopkund trek….. Constructive Criticism is most welcome..
Skeletons at Roopkund Lake
Mystery of Roopkund's Skeletons: The origin of the Roopkund skeletons has been debated for years but the recent investigation concludes that many centuries (1200 years) ago, a group of pilgrims died due to horrendous hail storming.
How to reach Roopkund Lake:
Lohajung and Wan are the two most popular base locations for Roopkund Trek. Both of these villages are connected via tar road and mostly accessible through-out the year (Except few months of snowing winters). Village of Wan is just 25 km away from Lohajung and theoretically the last village connected with road in this direction and there is no public transport between Lohajung to Wan. Road between Wan to Lohajung is in very bad shape due to rocks, landslides, mud and flash floods so it’s not recommended to drive a vehicle with low ground clearance.
Lohajung however is accessible via public transport and can be approached from two different sides (Garhwal and Kumaon) of Uttaranchal. Kumaon side is more scenic, convenient and better connected hence recommended. The common way to reach Lohajung from Kumaon side is -
* Take a train to Kathgodam. There is couple of overnight trains from Delhi and few trains from other major cities of India.
* Either hire a private taxi to Lohajung from Kathgodam (4000-4500 INR) or take public transport. There is a direct bus to Lohajung from Kathgodam (around 5:00 AM in the morning) which takes 13-14 hours.
* From Kathgodam, there are shared jeeps to Gwaldam (Via Almora) and takes around 6 hours. Then you have to take another shared jeep to Tharali from Gwaldam which is some 1 hour journey. Tharali lies on the bank of Pindar River and shared jeeps to Lohajung (Via Debal) are available during day time. Journey from Tharali to Lohajung generally takes 2 hours due to pathetic road condition.
Click here to see the driving direction/Route from Kathgodam
Travelers coming from Garhwal sides take the route start their journey uphill from Rishikesh-:
* Take a train to Haridwar which is well connected from most of the major cities of India. There are handfuls of trains to Haridwar from Delhi (takes around 5-6 hours).
* Rishikesh is just 20 km away from Haridwar and very well connected with all kinds of transport. You can always find a bus, shared auto to Rishikesh from Haridwar.
* One can take a direct bus to Lohajung from Rishikesh which departs around 5:00 AM in the morning and takes 14 hours. It’s a smaller bus with low roof so travelers had been reporting having hard time. It’s also painfully slow with countless pit stop in between. The fare of this bus is 380 INR per seat. Better to take a private taxi (4500 INR) or a series of connecting shared jeeps.
* Frequent busses and shared jeeps are available between Rishikesh to Badrinath/Joshimath. Hop into any of these busses/shared jeeps and get down at Karanprayag (Via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag) which is some 175 km from Rishikesh and will take around 6 hours.
* After reaching Karnaprayag, you need to search for a shared jeep/bus to Tharali those are sparsely available. If lucky, you can also get a direct bus to Debal or Lohajung from Karanprayag. Karanprayag to Tharali takes around 2 hours.
* Shared Jeeps from Tharali to Lohajung are available but only during day time.
Click here to see the driving direction/route from Rishikesh
**** Traffic is very thin (Sparse connectivity) between Karanprayag-Tharali, Gwaldam-Tharali & Tharali-Lohajung routes*****
Bedni Bugyal
Where to stay in between:
If you are relying on public transport then it’s very difficult to reach Lohajung on the same day unless you are lucky to get a direct transport. In such scenario, there is hand-ful of picturesque towns en route those you would like to stay overnight. Gwaldam (while coming from Kathgodam) is worth spending an evening and relishing the empty quietude of the majestic surroundings.
Debal is another gorgeous village before Lohajung where you can get budget accommodation.
While coming from Rishikesh side, Karanprayag and Srinagar are the two good options offering decent tourist facilities.
Snow Field near Bhagwabasa
Roopkund Trek in different seasons:
For Casual trekkers, Forest Department issues permissions for Roopkund Lake from May mid to October end. Trail to Roopkund exhibits thousands different facades as months switches over yet brings exotic delights to its guest irrespective to the month you visit it.
* May to July: Last leg (4-5 km) to Roopkund lake is completely snow covered in the month of May and June. Team will require a comprehensive trekking gear along with an experienced guide. It had always been challenging for the first couple of teams to outline the trail, cutting the snow and negotiate the snowing at the end of the summer. If you are seeking independent and budget trekking (Doing Roopkund on your own) then May-June is not the right time. Cutting snow and outlining the trail is a difficult job and requires an expert assistance.
For Budget/Independent/Casual Trekkers: Let the snow melt and Let others remove the snow and outline the trail. Plan your trek after June and follow their foot prints.
July is peak monsoon season so heavy down pour may result land sliding and flash flooding on the road to Lohajung. Check the road status before you begin your journey.
* August-September: It’s certainly the best time to trek Roopkund (Or for that matter, any other part of Himalayas) but sadly the busiest season as well. Grazing ground and pastures around Bedni transforms into flowering meadows and spread thousands splendid odors and colors. The trail is well outlined till the lake and comfortably trekable even for first timers.
Weather is pleasant and salubrious and trekkers enjoy playing cricket and basketball in the green pastures of Bedni Bugyal.
The downside is: you will have to pitch your tents with hundred other trekkers… Won’t get that feeling of secludedness.
* October: October is the beginning of the snowing season in this part of Himalayas. The long stretch of green pastures transforms into colorful lichens and sedges. Temperature becomes a major challenge for trekkers in this time of the year. October is certainly not the right time to pitch in your own tents. You will completely rely on the fabric huts from forest department. You may not require ice axe because its soft snow but good quality of shoes and preparedness for snow is required. For those who want to witness snowfall or snow-storming, October is the best time to trek Roopkund.
“Nights will be sleepless”
Closer view of Trishul (Right) and Nandghungti (Left)
Number of Days requires for Roopkund Trek:
It largely depends on the season when you are trekking and also depend on your starting point.
Route 1 (4 days, 3 nights): Wan-Bedni Bugyal (12 km)- Patal Nachauni (5 km)- Kalu Vinayak (3 km)- Bhagwabasa (1 km)- Roopkund Lake (4 km).
For the first night, you will be staying in Bedni Bugyal and next overnight stay option can be Patal Nachauni or Bhagwabasa depending upon availability of green huts, weather, endurance level. After doing Roopkund, next night can be spent at Patal Nachauni or Bedni Bugyal and then you can descend down to Wan next morning.
Route 2 (6 days, 5 nights): Lohajung – Didina – Ali bugyal – Bedni Bugyal - Patal Nachauni - Kalu Vinayak - Bhagwabasa - Roopkund Lake.
On this route, you will be spending first night at Didina and then follow the schedule mentioned for Route one. If you are descending down to Lohajung then this route will add 2 extra days and nights.
* If you are planning Roopkund in May then it may take more days depending upon snow condition on the last leg to Roopkund.
Icicles near Patal Nachauni
Difficulty level of Roopkund Trek:
Difficulty level varies with each month and individual’s endurance level. Roopkund is a technical trek if you are trying it in May and June. During May, Roopkund can only be accomplished with the assistance of experienced guides those can roped up the team and use ice axe for cutting the snow. Preparedness for snow is must for trekkers. June and July are relatively easy as snow melts and clears the trail.
August and September are the most appropriate months for those who want to do Roopkund without a guide and not up for severe cold. Roopkund becomes an easy trek during these months and thin air remains the only challenge for trekkers.
October: Snowing starts in the beginning of October and Weather becomes hostile. Preparedness for snow, cold and an experienced guide is required. Due to subzero temperature, October is certainly not the right time to pitch in your own tents in the snow fields around Bhagwabasa.
Herd of blue sheep in the snow field
Things to carry on Roopkund Trek:
While doing Roopkund you have to spend 4-5 nights in the tent or hut so you need to carry complete trekking accessories and food. If you are driving your own vehicle to Lohajung/Wan then here goes the list (for a group of 3-4) from your grocery store-:
5 Kg Rice, 1 Kg Salt, 1 Kg Milk Powder, Tea, 1 Kg Sugar, 2 Kg pulse, Oil, Spices, Maggy, Biscuits, Snacks, Chocolates, Dry fruits, Glucose, multi vitamins and other food supplements.
* Vegetables, kerosene oil, stove etc can be purchased (or rented) from Wan or Lohajung.
With regards to trekking accessories, everything can be rented from Wan or Lohajung. You can get sleeping bags, tents, ice axe, crampons, ropes and even shoes from the trek organizers at Lohajung/Wan.
Clouds enveloping Trisul Peak
Is trekking gear available on rent:
YES, Trekking accessories can be rented from Lohajung and Wan. I will still recommend bringing your own trekking shoes and sleeping bags.
Typical Itineraries for Roopkund Trek:
Itinerary first: Wan-Bedni Bugyal - Patal Nachauni- Kalu Vinayak- Bhagwabasa (1 km)- Roopkund Lake.
Itinerary second: Lohajung – Didina – Ali bugyal – Bedni Bugyal - Patal Nachauni - Kalu Vinayak - Bhagwabasa - Roopkund Lake.
Many trekkers do it in circle such as: Lohajung – Didina – Ali bugyal – Bedni Bugyal - Patal Nachauni - Kalu Vinayak - Bhagwabasa - Roopkund Lake > Return to Bedni and then to Wan.
Periphery of Roopkund Lake
Various Charges:
Sleeping bag + Mat – 50 INR per night,
Mule-400 INR per day,
Guide- 500 INR per day,
Permit charges- 60 INR per trekker,
Entry charges for support staff (Porter, Guide, Cook etc)- 20 INR per person,
Entry charges for Mule- 25 INR per mule per night,
Waste Management Fee- 10 INR per member per day,
Charges for pitching in Tent- 100 per tent per night,
Rent for Fiber huts from Forest Department- 200 INR per night
* Fiber huts (Green huts) are available at Bedni Bugyal, Patal Nachauni and Bhagwabasa. Fiber huts can easily accommodate a group of 5-6 people.
* During peak season, advance booking for Fiber huts is needed
Green Huts at Bhagwabasa
Accommodation and food during trek:
you need to carry your own ration and eatables. There is a basic lodge at Wan (200 INR per night) and handful of accommodation options in Lohajung. During your trekking days, you will either be pitching your tents or staying in Fiber huts (200 INR per night). Restaurants are available at Wan and Lohajung.
Is Roopkund Trek doable without a trek organizer:
Roopkund is always do-able without a trek organizer. You can get guides, porters, mules, trekking gears, ration and every other essential at Wan or Lohajung. There is no need to book anything in advance. One can arrange everything after arriving to these base locations and get a better quotation.
*Above tip is real money saver.
Green Hut at Patal Nachauni
Do we need a guide for Roopkund Trek:
YES, It’s recommended to have a guide if you are trekking in the month of June or in October. Guide also does the cooking for the group so it’s better to hire a Guide who can do both jobs. For experienced trekkers, I don’t think there is any need to hire a guide if you are trekking Roopkund in August-September.
Do we need a cook: In most of the cases, your guide will also do the cooking for your group.
Approximate expenses: For a group of 3-4, Total expenses (from Wan to Wan) would be nearly 6000-7000 INR including ration, guide, mule and permit. 
The Transporters
Porter or Mule?- If you are planning Roopkund only then Mule is a better choice. Hiring mule is cheaper than a porter and a mule can easily carry the weight which requires at least 3 porters. Mule is a great help carrying a team member if he/she becomes unwell. However for trekking beyond Roopkund, you will need porters because Mules can’t go beyond Bhagwabasa.


Hi, We were thinking of
Hi,
We were thinking of travelling from delhi to lohajung direct.
Can I get some information on the bus cost?
We were thinking of going without a guide. Done camping in NCC. What would you suggest?
I think bus cost is included
I think bus cost is included in the article. It is nominal. Yes, you can go without a guide.
I don't have idea about the
I don't have idea about the bud cost but yes you can go on this trek without a guide. But ensure that you know the route and you have sufficient food items and other important items with yout while you are on this trek. This trek is really breathtaking. All the best to you Buddy.
Thanks for adding your useful
Thanks for adding your useful inputs.
hi vishnu, this was really a
hi vishnu,
this was really a very appreciable info of the trek, i visited some travel agencies websites and found the cost to be around rs 8000 per person, while your estimate was very less, we are planning to go for trek in october , we are a group of 6 people with zero trekking experience . we are college students so budget is our main concern .is october is a good time for trekking , since we are novice . moreover can you please give me your contaact details or fb id so i can take all the information ?
Hey brother, We are a group
Hey brother,
We are a group of 2 and are planning to trek Roopkund this October.We can join and hire the same guide or cook etc.It will be helpful for all of us.We will start the journey from Delhi on 7th night and will try to come back to Delhi on 13th morning.Please reply with your email id or fb link so that we can be in touch.
I hope you guys are able to
I hope you guys are able to connect with each other. Have an awesome trek.
divyanshmishra2096@gmail.com
divyanshmishra2096@gmail.com
Yes. October is the best time
Yes. October is the best time for trekking to Roopkund. Unfortunately I don't have any contact number for Roopkund. I once had it and then lost it in between phones. expenses are from few years back so it might be little higher this year.
+- Vishnu
i am 63 years of age and
i am 63 years of age and planning to go bedni bugyal.alone. i normally do small treks what they call like tea shop trek without camping gears and guides. i want your help on where should i book for green tent at bedni bugyal. planing only for bugyal not beyond . in june 3rd week. will it be crowded? i hve been to pindari. tungnath madhmaheswar hemkund kedarnath etc..
I admire your determination
I admire your determination Sir. I think Bedni Bugyal should not be a problem to visit alone. Green tent at Bedni are from Forest department so if you have any connection then it should be easy to book. If you have been to Pindari etc then Bedni Bugyal is not a problem. Generally Green tents are not crowded. most of the tourists come there from trekking agencies who have their own camps.
Hi Vishnu Would hiring a
Hi Vishnu
Would hiring a guide serve the purpose for a late may trip. Also how much would the services of a guide cost?
Thanks
Kanav
You will definitely need a
You will definitely need a Guide and porter for this trek. Guide cost is given in the blogpost. i think now its nearly 1000 INR per day.
+- Vishnu
Dear Vishnu, Thank you for
Dear Vishnu,
Thank you for the blog it really helps many. I was really confused here with many of your suggestion. I am actually planning a trekking trip and one of my friend suggested to go for roopkund. She did couple of years back and went very well. Since I dont have any trekking experience I thought of trying this. I live in a coastal area so thought this will totally a different experience - The Himalayas and snow....
Along with one of my friend, I am planning to do the trip on coming May - 2016. I knew that the season starts from May and ends in June...Very excited about this trip so planning to this early as possible so selected the month May...friend recommoneded one of the agency who have good experience in this industry I trust and planning to go with the same... From your thread I understood that its even possible withour agencies...but as a debut I feel little discomfort for getting the help in my own way...So let me :)next time I will try independetly....
Coming to the point, My main intention is to experience the scenery which Includes the snow tails, greener areas, mountain flowers...foggy mountain, blue color lake...etc I just dreamed all these by looking the pictures I have seen in different blogs. After reading your blog and taking your suggestion I am confused that it might difficult for me to travel and fullfill my scenic view in the month of May...So I am slowly postponding my trip to June first week Jun 2016.... Is this ok ?
I dont want to get trouble in high snow also I would like to see more scenic beauty of this trip which need everything from blue lake water, snow roads, foggy mountains, greenery flowers....in my route somewhere.....At the same time I wish to go as early as possible...So please tell Should I go May last week ? or June 1st Week ?? I prefer to go May last week, however if you say postpond to June I will obey that as well....
You might receive many questions later
This is my first question to you... I read all the thread, just want to get updated with the latest texts...
Please advice....
thanks.
Unni
Hi Unni, May and June are not
Hi Unni,
May and June are not the best season for enjoying lush green meadows. Particularly in May, you would find lots of snow and you need an experienced trekking agency for outling the trail. June is still better considering trekking route clearance and all. however May and June are the best time for enjoying snow trail. you will get amazing view of snow capped mountains as well.
If May and June are the 2 options then pick June.
+- Vishnu
Hey Unni me and one of my
Hey Unni me and one of my friend also planned to visit there on may last or june starting shall we make a group reply must.. 9873755904
Well me and friend z also
Well me and friend z also planning to do it in the mid or end of may. We can join in together.
Good luck with group
Good luck with group formation..
I would not suggest you to
I would not suggest you to take the trek in May as its the beginning of the season and trail is not well outlined. you need an experienced guide you can cut the snow and make trail. June is better option. Postpone it till Mid-June.
As told earlier, Trekking in Spring and early summers is not very colorful. its mostly snow as you reach climb higher. Autumn is the best season if you want to capture colors. Nevertheles it has its own charm.
+- Vishnu
Hi Vishnu Great Blog Hats
Hi Vishnu
Great Blog
Hats off !
Im planning the trip from 17-21st Sep and wanted to know if its fine during this time to do the trip. I would be going with one more friend of mine from Delhi and Back.
I think from Delhi taking Wan route would be a great option. In terms of planning, can i use guides when i reach Wan? How to plan food, accomodation ? Requst you to pls guide on the same.
Cheers !
Pushpendra
Yes. i would suggest to get a
Yes. i would suggest to get a Guide and portar. you can buy stuff from Wan itself. your guide and portar should be able to help you with logistics.
Hi Vishnu, excellent page,
Hi Vishnu,
excellent page, very good work, thanks!
I am planning to do the trip in early August this year. I know this is the Monsoon period, but September is not possible for me, unfortunatelly. While many people advise strongly against July and August, you seem not to do so. Do you think the trip will be possible at that time?
It will be my first trekking experience in the Indian Himalaya, although I have climbed a number of mountains mainly in Europe and I am in good fitness. I have very good rainproof gears and I know I will need them. I have the impression that Roopkund will be difficult for the height and for the lenght of the journey, and also for the weather conditions, but not for the technical difficulty of the trail - most of it seems possible even with mules.
Do you have a suggestion for a good wheather forecast and how to check for the road conditions a few days before going? I will be travelling from the Rishikesh side and I plan to spend at least two days there before leaving. Can you recommend a good place to check for the transport and weather once I am there or will I have to go to Tharali to find out about it? Or is there good website or somebody I could call or write in Lohajung to inquire?
What about guest houses in Lohagung, Wan, or other the villages and Pratap’s Dhaba in Bedini, will they be working in August? What about the fiber huts on the way?
Anybody reading this and thinking about doing the trip too please write - eventually we could team up.
Best regards
B.
In India, weather forecast is
In India, weather forecast is not very reliable. August is monsoon time so you should prepare for lots of rain. Landslides are also common. if you are planning late in August then its fine. August is not the best time for trekking but still people manage it.
From Rishikesh, you can easily figure our transport towards Tharali. you should get a bus to Karnprayag and then shared Sumo. you can ask people around or with taxi guys about weather however no one will have much idea about weather in the higher ranges.
There are basic guest houses in Lohajung and Wan. they will also prepare meal for you. its like homestays. Yes, those would be open in August.
Fiber huts are available on the trail at Bedni Bugyal, Patal nachni and beyond.
Regards
Vishnu Kumar
Rain is not a primary
Rain is not a primary challenge. its landslides which blocks the road sometimes. once you are in Lohajung then Roopkund should not be a problem. it would not rain much in higher ranges. its highly unlikely to see rain at Bednibugyal and beyond. Guide should not have any issue. they need work so they will be ready to take you.
Forecase seems reliable but its better to wait till August beginning. if there is no floods etc then its Green flag.
Road to Joshimath remains
Road to Joshimath remains open through-out. its strategically very important for India so Army keeps it clear. Rishikesh to Joshimath is one of the best roads you can find in Uttaranchal. Till Karnprayag, road remains open even in case of small landslides. you may witness small blockage but will pass through i believe.
Karnprayag to Tharali and Loharjung does not have much vehicular movement. there are water streams in some of the sections but more or less passable. It is very difficult to say whether it is prone of landslide or not.
Valley of Flowers and Hemkund shahib are good alternatives if Roopkund does not materialize however i do not feel any problem doing Roopkund in August.
About public transport, Get early morning Sumo from Rishikesh to Karnprayag. There would be plenty of those. you can also take a a bus but buses are slower. Once you are in Karnprayag, take sumo to Tharali and beyond. In evening sumos are less but i guess you would find one. If you realize that road is blocked or weather is really bad in Loharjung then from take bus to Joshimath from Karnprayag and visit Valley of flowers.
Do not worry much. All will go fine. Its the mysterious beauty of Himalaya.
+- Vishnu
Thanks again. I will catch a
Thanks again. I will catch a early morning Sumo then. Do you have an idea of the typical price for one seat in a shared sumo?
I will try to do the entire journey to Lohajung in one day, but if the trip is too long, I guess there will be a guesthouse to sleep in Karnprayag or Tharali. Will see... I will report on my weather experience once I am back.
Best regards
I do not know the price of
I do not know the price of per seat in Sumo. Generally its like 1.5 INR per km. Yes, there are guest houses in Karnprayag and Tharali.
I am extremely happy to hear
I am extremely happy to hear about your trip. Thanks for sharing the trip report and sharing those contact numbers. these will be very useful.
+- Vishnu
We are planning to do it betw
We are planning to do it between 18th to 25th october. Is it a good time? Can wr reach to rupkund? How will be visibility or temperature at this time?
It is not bad time. However
It is not bad time. However it is end of season and you may witness snow-fall on the way to roopkund but Lake is very much accessible till month end. Temperature will drop drastically in the evening.
+- Vishnu
H Vishnu, I salute your
H Vishnu,
I salute your patience and dedication to revert on no. of questions of commuters travelling to high altitude trek. HatsOff my friend...!!!
Am solo goin with trek agency on 20-Sept-2015 (Post Monsoon) from Katgodam. I read 95% of this blog but no one came with clothing questions. Few doubts I would lilke to raise & they are;
1. Temperature during September season.
2. Amul Thermal Full sleeve T-shirt and thermal Pant.
3. Cotton Winsheater (Fleece)
4. Rain sheater (Can sustain little rain).
5. Quechua Forclays 50 Ankle shoe. (Am using in day to day wear so little grip is off, do I need to buy new? If Yes, then wuld like to go cheaper one. Pls share the location to buy.
I hve completed Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara pilgrimage trek 3-4years back by walk. but last 6kms i catched-up only 1.5kms. My body weight is 85kgs. Am started with cardio exercises & stretching.
would love to hear from you my friend...
regards,
Ritesh Desai
Hello sir. We r a gp of 3 n
Hello sir. We r a gp of 3 n we want to go for roopkund trekkin,although we haven't done any trekking before.we want to do this trekking from 7th of june.our greatest concern is we hv an epilepsy patient wid us.so will it b suitable for her . N moreover ours is a all girls tour,so will it b safe.
Plz do reply. Thanx sir
With regards to safety of
With regards to safety of women, there is no problem with Roopkund trail. You can hire a guide from base village. Guide will help you through out the journey however i can not comment whether its advisable for an epilepsy patient. If you have not done trekking in the past then Roopkund should be considered as moderately difficult trek. I do not recommend it for very beginners. Please let me know if you have any other question.
Hi Vishnu, Hope you are doing
Hi Vishnu,
Hope you are doing well. I could see you have answered various queries and have helped them by all means. Few queries related to our Roopkund trek.
1. Our group size: 16~18
2. Duration: 6 days
3. Period: 15 to 25th May
4. Route: Lohajung > Bedni Bugyal > Kalu Vinayak > Baghuwasa > Roopkund > Paatarnachuni > Gairolipatal > Lohajung
5. Queries:
a. With all the blogs I could see that the last 5~6 km stretch would be snow covered. Is it manageable for the normal tropical/jungle trekker?
b. We have 2 kids of age 7 & 10 respectively who has done some Sahayardri treks. Looking at the route & period of the year, is it possible for them to do this trek?
c. Looking at the recent earthquake strikes in Nepal and nearby regions, how safe it would be to go to Roopkund?
d. In case of medical emergency, how easy it would be to return back to base or get some help on the route?
e. Any specific suggestion you have with respect to above timings and route assuming we have guide with us?
Thanks & Regards,
Vijay
Hi I want to know that we are
Hi
I want to know that we are group of 5-6 people and want to trek to roopkund lake. Though we have done little bit of treking but not tough ones.
I want to know is there a time when we have the probability of seeing the skeletons while going through the snowy path.
Regards
Ahzam
Skeletons are only at the
Skeletons are only at the periphery of the lake. you will not see skeletons on the way to Roopkund. btw,
why do you want to see skeleton on trekking trail ?. Are you planning Roopkund just for seeing skeletons ?
+- Vishnu
Hey Vishnu this has been a
Hey Vishnu this has been a very useful post..we have a group of 6 people and wish to do roopkund on between 28 th Oct to 2 nd nov .. Will that be a good idea.. And is the cost changes or increases during this time??
Figures posted in the blog
Figures posted in the blog are from 2012 so i feel things would have changed a lot.
Hi Vishnu I am plannign to
Hi Vishnu
I am plannign to do this trek in last week of May, My query is, if i reach Wan or Lohajung by evening, can i get the permit same day ? And then start treking early mornign the next day ?
Second,
On my return from Roopkund, which is the better place for me to get Taxi, Wan or Lohajung ?
Third,
In worst case scenario, if we are not allowed for varous reason(climate etc..) is there any alternative trek near by (say with in 5 - 6 hours in taxi ? Any suggestions ?
Thanks and Regards
Vish
Permits are not issued from
Permits are not issued from Wan or Loharjung. Permits are issued from Bednibugyal. There is generally no problem getting the permit.
Loharjung is a better place to get a taxi.
Roopkund during May is bit challenging due to Snow. You may not be able to reach till the Lake. I will suggest to postpone it till June.
Other alternative treks for May can be Tungnath, Har ki doon etc.
Regards
Vishnu Kumar
Hi Vishnu, We are 5 members
Hi Vishnu,
We are 5 members from kolkata, already decided to go Junargali pass via Roopkund on this 12th Nov,2014. We wanted to know is it there are any problem to take permit in Nov??? And also earlier you have already explained that there are no need of crampon, I wanted to know once again in the month of Nov there are any requirment of ice axe, koflach shoe, rope or crampon??? And is it do able in 7 days upto Junargali...??? And last of all how many days extra require for Ronti Saddle??? If it is 2 or 3 then we will also try it, if our team member will be fit physically after Junargali...
Thanks in advance...
Month of November will be
Month of November will be very challenging for the trail you are planning. I am not sure if you can even make till Roopkund. There will be lot of snow and you might not get permit to trek at ths time.
For doing it in November, you will need a very experienced guide, trekking accessories to deal with cold and snow. Everything like crampon, ice axe etc.
Not possible in my opinion.
+- Vishnu
Yes, it will i believe... Do
Yes, it will i believe... Do not wear a brand new shoe on the trek so i will recommend you to try it for couple of weeks before the trek..
Hi Vishnu, Thanks a lot ! The
Hi Vishnu,
Thanks a lot ! The blog is really helpful.
Just a question. I shall be trekking the final lap ( Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and then till Junargali)on 6th October. Will there be snow expected on the trail at that time. I have a Quechua forclaz 500 shoe. Do I need crampon as well ?
Thanks again for this informative blog.
Regards,
Pritam
Its unlikely to get snow in
Its unlikely to get snow in October beginning but everything is expected at this altitude so get yourself prepare for snow... Quenchua 500 is a nice shoe for this trek.. There is no need of Crampon...
Hi Vishnu, Thank you for
Hi Vishnu,
Thank you for telling these things.
Hoping to have a good trekking experience.
Will update you with numb ers over there after my trek is completed so as to help other members.
Regards,
Anirban
Hi Vishnu, We
Hi Vishnu,
We decited to trek on Roopkund at oct-2014 , but I have no idea about transtopation. Please inform me what will be the cost Kathgodam to Kathgodam. We are 4 in member. We have own tents , own ration .How much will be Untelsils , guide, 2 mules ,permission and transport cost ?
Please inform me what will be the total budget? Please reply me as soon as possible.
We 2 (41y & 69y) have planned
We 2 (41y & 69y) have planned to go to roopkund-homkund-ronti saddle and upto ghat via bhujani tatra. reaching kathgodam on 29/10/14 in the afternoon. Do you have any idea if we get any bus/jeep to gwaldam/lohajung from there? Or the rate of hired car? any idea of porter/guide rates for the trip?
--thanks.
Hi Sanjoy...yes, you will get
Hi Sanjoy...yes, you will get sumos and buses to Gwaldam and then onwards to Lohajung from Kathgodam... Porter and Guide rates are given above however these are 3-4 years back...
Hi Arpita.. Various charges
Hi Arpita.. Various charges listed above are from the year 2012....you can expect slight hike in all of those figures..
From Kathgodam (Haldwani), you can take the bus to Lohajung or take shared taxis to Gwaldam and then enroute to Dewal and Lohajung... If you are using public transport then you might have to break you journey in between (probably at Gwaldam)..i think fare using public transport should cost 1.5 INR per km per person... approximatley 2000 INR for four person..
I already mentioned charges of Guide, porter, mule, permits etc...
Total cost from Kathgodam to Kathgodam should be around 17000-18000 INR for the group of 4...
* This figure is just a wild guess and a lot depends on the style of your travel..
Cheers
Vishnu Kumar
Post new comment