Roopkund, also known as Skeleton Lake, is a high-altitude glacial lake in Uttarakhand, India, located at 4,850 meters above sea level. Famous for human skeletons found at its bottom dating back to the 9th century AD, it’s a popular trekking destination known for its stunning scenery. Treks typically start from Lohajung or Wan village, taking about 6-7 days to complete. Best visited from May to June and September to October.
Roop Kund
Trek Details
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Max Altitude
4850 m
Trek Length
48 KM
Difficulty
HardBest Season
May To June And Sep To Oct
Start Point
Wan Village
End Point
Wan Village And Kanol Village
Nearest Railway
Kathgodam
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant
Overview
Your Adventure at a Glance
About the Trek
Mythology, Best Time & More More
Significance
Mythology and Cultural
Roopkund is not only a trekking destination but also holds cultural significance as a pilgrimage site for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a sacred journey that takes place once every twelve years. During this pilgrimage, devotees carry the symbolic palanquin of the goddess Nanda Devi through rugged terrain, culminating in a ritual at Roopkund to seek blessings and protection for their communities. This tradition reflects the deep spiritual connection between the local communities and the mountains, adding a unique layer of cultural significance to the Roopkund trek.
Month
Best Time
The best time to trek to Roopkund is during the summer months of May to June and September to October, when weather conditions are favorable and the trekking route is accessible.
Day-by-Day Plan
Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Dehradun to Wan Village
Starting Point: The adventure begins in Dehradun, a gateway to the Himalayas, bustling with vibrant markets and lush landscapes. The journey from Dehradun to Wan Village introduces travelers to the diverse terrains of Uttarakhand.
Wan Village: Nestled in the Chamoli district, Wan Village is the last road head for the Roopkund trek. It's a quaint settlement that offers a glimpse into the local way of life and the starting point for the trek into the wilderness.
Day 2
Wan Village to Ghairoli Patal
Through the Woods: Departing from Wan Village, the trail meanders through dense forests, offering serene views and a tranquil ambiance. This leg of the trek is a moderate climb, introducing trekkers to the natural beauty of the region.
Camp at Ghairoli Patal: Ghairoli Patal is a scenic camping site, surrounded by lush meadows and towering trees. It provides an idyllic setting for the night, allowing trekkers to rest amidst nature's tranquility.
Day 3
Ghairoli Patal to Pathar Nachuni to Bhagwabasa
Pathar Nachuni: The journey continues from Ghairoli Patal to Pathar Nachuni, a challenging stretch with steep ascents. Pathar Nachuni offers stunning landscapes and is a crucial milestone on the way to Bhagwabasa.
Arrival at Bhagwabasa: Bhagwabasa, situated close to Roopkund, is known for its harsh climate and rocky terrain. It serves as the final campsite before the ascent to Roopkund, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 4
Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and Return to Pathar Nachuni
Roopkund Lake: The trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake is the highlight of the journey. Roopkund, known as the Mystery Lake, is famed for the skeletal remains found in its waters. The trek offers challenging climbs, glacier crossings, and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Return to Pathar Nachuni: After reaching Roopkund, trekkers return to Pathar Nachuni. This return journey allows for reflection on the surreal experience of Roopkund amidst the majestic landscape.
Day 5
Pathar Nachuni to Wan Village
Trek Back: The descent from Pathar Nachuni to Wan Village retraces the path through the changing landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas. This leg of the journey is a chance to relive the memories of the ascent, with the beauty of the region accompanying the trekkers back to civilization.
Day 6
Wan Village to Dehradun
Return to Dehradun: The final day marks the return from Wan Village to Dehradun. This drive back through the Uttarakhand countryside offers time to ponder the experiences of the trek, from the mystical allure of Roopkund to the serene beauty of the Himalayan forests and meadows.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSION
- Accommodation: Stay in tents/guesthouses on twin/triple sharing; base in guesthouse.
- Meals: Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals provided.
- Day-wise Meals: Meal plan varies by day.
- Day 1: Dinner + breakfast next morning.
- Trek Days: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included.
- Final Day: Dinner + breakfast before departure.
- Non-veg meals are not served.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, kitchen setup, mattresses, crampons (if needed).
- Transportation: Included if opted during booking.
- First Aid: Basic medical kits available.
- Permits: Forest entry fees and permits included.
- Guides: Led by trained and experienced trek leaders.
EXCLUSION
- All kinds of personal expenditures are excluded.
- Anything that we have not mentioned above.
- The trek cost is not inclusive of meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Getting There
How To Reach
Location
Trek Route Map
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
| Policy | Upto 30 days | 29–21 days | 21–15 days | 14–0 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Shifting | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Refund | 100% | 50% | 0% | 0% |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. In case of bad weather or force majeure, the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.
Preparation
What To Pack
Clothing & Footwear
- High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Thermal base layer — top & bottom (2 sets)
- Down jacket (600+ fill power)
- Windproof & waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking pants (quick-dry, 2–3 pairs)
- Woolen gloves + waterproof outer gloves
- Warm balaclava & beanie hat
- Woolen socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters for snow and scree
Gear & Essentials
- 35–45L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (collapsible, 2 poles)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ & lip balm with SPF
- UV-protection polarised sunglasses
- Personal first aid & altitude medication (Diamox)
- Water bottles (2L) or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets
- Valid government photo ID (mandatory for permits)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roopkund trek difficult ?
Yes, the Roopkund trek is considered moderately difficult to challenging due to steep ascents, rocky paths, and high altitude. How many days in Roopkund Trek ? It is a 6 Days and 5 Nights Trek starting from Wan village to Wan village and Wan village.
How long is Roopkund Trek ?
The Roopkund trek typically spans around 6 to 7 days, depending on the specific route taken and the pace of the trekking group.
Why is Roopkund famous ?
Roopkund is famous for its mysterious skeletons, stunning natural beauty, challenging trekking routes, and cultural significance.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
Is there mobile signals available on treks?
If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.
How do you manage toilets?
We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.
Do I need to carry trek equipment?
For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.
Can we consume Alcohol during the trek?
It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.
How do I prepare for the trek?
Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.
What kind of shoes will I need? Does a sport shoe work?
If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do.