Roopkund Trek

One of my favorite treks I have run this trail since 2000. Apart from operating the Roopkund trail I have also pursued several climbing objectives in this area which include the fabled trident peak Trishul (7122m) in 1998 and Ronti (6078m) in 2000. At a height of 5229m, Roopkund is usually referred to as the Mystery Lake because of the unusual finding of remains of humans and horses around it. The route to Roopkund passes through delightful alpine pastures and snowfields and offers magnificent views of peaks such as Trishul, Ronti, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba among others. It is also the same route that’s taken in the famous Raj Jat Yatra that’s held once in 12 years.

Trip Details:

Total No. of days: 8 days

Trip Type: High Altitude Trekking

Trip gradient: Moderately Challenging

Reporting Date: 1st June 2012

Trip Begins: Loharjung

End Date: 8th June 2012

Trip Ends: Loharjung

Reaching Loharjung:

From Old Delhi station, take the Ranikhet Express that leaves at 10.40 in the night. It reaches Kathgodam that is nearest railhead at 6 am.

Above14000ft can arrange a shared SUV for  pick up from the Kathgodam railway station. The route to Lohajung is via Almora – Gwaldam – Tharali – Debal – Mundoli – Lohajung (Many drivers may not know this).

If you are unable to get a ticket on the Ranikhet express, take a bus from Anand Vihar ISBT to either Haldwani or Kathgodam. You can negotiate a Sumo to Lohajung for around Rs 5,000.

Trip Cost: Rs 9,000 per person

Day 1: 1st June 2012

Arrive at Kathgudam at 6am in the morning from Delhi and depart to Loharjung (2134m) by road. Have breakfast en route and lunch at the temple town of Gwaldam. Arrive at Loharjung by evening and check into camp 14000ft for dinner.

 Day 2: 2nd June 2012

Trek from Loharjung to Wan (2439m) – 13 km

Duration – 4 hours

Start the trek to Wan after breakfast and arrive at the campsite by lunch-time.

 Day 3: 3rd June 2012

 Trek from Wan to Bedni Bugyal (3354m) – 12 km

Duration – 6 hours

The trek to Bedni Bugyal will take you past the beautiful Auli Bugyal and views of the 6000ers around. With packed lunch and leisurely pace, the trek concludes at Bedni Bugyal late in the afternoon.

 Day 4: 4th June 2012 

Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Baggubasa (3800m) – 9 km

Duration – 4 hours

The trail starts climbing soon after Bedni Bugyal and goes past more stark vistas. The hot lunch at Baggubasa is a welcome relief after the trek. If the weather is good and everyone is feeling good and strong then we might make an early attempt today.

Day 5: 5th June 2012

Trek Baggubasa to Roopkund and back to Baggubasa – 5 km

Duration – 6 hours

The climb continues to the lake at Roopkund. While the route to Roopkund will take most of the time, the return is a fairly easy descent.

 Day 6: 6th June 2012

Trek from Baggubasa to Bedni Bugyal – 9 km

Duration – 3-4 hours

Return to the pasture at Bedni Bugyal on the same trail that was taken on the way up. The reason we have a short day planned is because incase we do not make it to Roopkung on day 4 or 5 we will have time for a third attempt as well on Day 6 and still get back to Bedni.

Day 7: 7th June 2012

Trek from Bedani Bugyal to Loharjungl – 14 km

Duration – 7 hours

We retrace the same trail back to Loharjung.

 Day 8: 8th June 2012

Depart from Loharjung to Katgudam after breakfast

Cost Includes:

1. Camping Tents, Kitchen tents, Sleeping bags (Holofill) and Carry mats.
2. Nutritious, high calorie vegetarian food will be served.
3. Guide, cook and camp helpers.
4. Horses with horsemen to carry loads on  the route.
5. Three persons will be accommodated in one tent.

Cost Excludes:

1. Any expenses of personal nature like phone call etc
2. Any transport and hotel accommodations.