Mystery Lake – Roopkund trek

Besides its rivers, rivulets and streams, Garhwal is famous for its high altitude lakes, which hold up a mirror to the awesome peaks that surround them. Not one of the most beautiful, but certainly the most fascinating lake in Garhwal Himalayas is “Roopkund”, the mystery lake. At an altitude of 4777 meters, this glacial lake is about 50 meters in diameter. It is so named, because of its banks lies the remains of human skeleton of scores of men who perished many centuries ago. Many mythological accounts and stories are heard about the remains, they range from Tibetan traders to refugees to Tughlaks army, who were on a mission to Tibet, under General Zorawar Singh.
Homekund is yet another lake, situated at a distance of 8 kms beyond Roopkund. Homkund is the final destination of Nanda Jat Yatra, commences after every 12 years. Along the route, one can witness the excellent close views of Nanda Ghunti (6309 meters), Trishul (7142 metres), Chaukhamba (7138 meters) and other important peaks.
Apart from lakes and peaks, the trek passes through one of the best ‘Bugyals’ the alpine meadow of the area, i.e. Bedni have long been related to myths and mysteries. Even today, the local people witness the presence of fairies. According to a popular belief the Vedas were written in sylvan haunts of Bedni. Regularly visited and worshipped temple of Goddess Nanda Devi is situated amidst the meadow.

A Eight days trip which involves trek to one of the high altitude Himalayan lakes and spiritual journey to one of the four most sacred place and source of second most important river of Northern India.

Best Time to go to Roopkund trek : June to October

Some time in 1905 Dr. Tom Longstaff, the famous mountaineer, happened to reach Roop Kund (lake) in the course of his search for the Nanda Devi base. He stood dumbfounded by what he saw near the small oval lake 76m * 46m. Hundreds of human skeletons by strewn beside the lake. Many stories have been fabricated and many theories advanced to explain those skeletons. However, the mystery has remained unsolved to this day.

Route to RoopKund
Situated at an altitude of 5029 mts, the lake lies in the lap of Mt. Tribhuj. The starting point of this trek is Lohajung Pass (30*01’N, 79*34’E), easily approached from Rishikesh-Karna Prayag or Nainital. The Rishikesh route is more commonly used . From Nainital this road goes to Almora, Baijnath and then to Gwaldam – Debal to Lohajung pass.

Day 1 : Rishikesh – Lohajung (2590 mts) –
Early morning after breakfast drive 240 km. to Lohajung which is a newly developing village market. Enroute witness the famous and Sacred ‘Prayag’, Confluence of the mighty rivers namely. Deoprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnprayag, From Karna Prayag the road follows the Pindar River south-east for 33 km to reach Tharali from where we cover the remaining 15 km to Lohajung. Meals and overnight in camp.

Day 2 : Lohajung – Didana Village: (2677 mts) 4 – 5 hrs.
Grade : First Part descending up to Raun Bagad bridge over Neel Ganga, moderate difficult climb up to the camp site at Didana Village.
Lohajung a small village market legend where says Goddess Nanda defeated Demon Lohasur after which this place is known as Lohajung. Formerly known as Lohajung Pass. Morning after Breakfast trek down to Raun Bagad Bridge where we cross the Neelganga Stream and then a moderate climb takes you to Village Didana. Packed lunch enroute. Meals and overnight in camp.

Day 3 : Didana Village – Bedini Bugyal: (3354m) 6-7 hrs
Grade : Bit difficult climb up to Tolkan and then from here the gentle climb to the camp site at Bedini Bugyal.
Start early from Didna. Before the weather closes in the afternoon you have to leave most of the climb behind you. Otherwise you will miss the best views of Ali Bugyal and surroundings with Trishul Peaks (7120 mts). The trail to Ali Bugyal via Tolpani is a steady climb through some of the dense oak and rhododendron forest. From Tolkan get ready for the gentle climb to reach Bedini Bugyal through the beautiful and carpeted Ali bugyal. Overnight stay and meals in tents.

 Day 4 : Bedini Bugyal – Bhaggubasa : (4677m) 9 km 5-6 hrs
The trek begins with a 3 km climb to the ridge Bistola. Then a gentle walk up to Ghoda Loutani from where steep ascending up to Kalu Vinaik Dhar via Patar Nachouni. This is the most strenuous part. The climb to Kalu Vinaik is a steep zig-zag up to the small rock temple is located where a black idol of Ganesh ji is worshipped by the shepheards and trekkers.
In Bhaggubasa an improvised stone shelter and camping site provides a spectacular view of the majestic Trishul and on the other side deep silent valleys covered with clouds. In May and early June this place is covered with snow. Overnight stay and meals in tents.

 Day 5 : Bhaggubasa – Roopkund – Bhaggubasa : (5029 mts) 10 km
It is an arduous trek of 5 km to Roop Kund. Better to climb early up to Roopkund while the snow is still hard. In the morning as the sun goes high the snow becomes softer and your feet start sinking in. There’s plenty of snow even in the middle of summer. If the snow is not too deep, the skeletons and remains of human beings and horses can be seen surrounded by glaciers and high peaks, the lake presents a magnificent sight. Explore the area and start walking back to Bhaggubasa. Overnight stay and meals in tents.

 Day 6 : Bhaggubasa – Wan Village : (2439m) 19 km
From Bhaggubasa first we take the same way back up to Bedini Bugyal. Pass the Bedni camp site and you get to the tree line and sharp descent that signals the end of the meadows. Run down into the oak and Rhododendron forest you get to Gairoli Patal. The trail goes steep descent to the down stream called Neel Ganga. crosses a log bridge and the trail starts gentle ascending and after covering some distance it arrives at a huge hump known as Ranakdhar where on the occasion of NANDA RAJ JAAT, a festival observed every 12 years. From Ranakdhar it is a gentle walk to wan village where a famous temple of LATU DEVTA the brother of Ma Nanda is situated. Meals and overnight stay in camp.

Day 7 : Wan Village – Rudra Prayag : (700m) 120 km
Early Morning follow the trail to the lower Wan village where one can encounter the centuries old Cyprus trees. A short walk takes you touch the road known as Kasar Bagad. From Kasar Bagad we ride on our vehicle and head to Rudra Prayag. This 90 km Drive takes 5 to 6 hours. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 8 : Rudra Prayag- Rishikesh : 140 km. Drive 5-6 houts.
Morning after breakfast drive back to Rishikesh. Hot lunch enroute.
Tour terminates up on arrival at Rishikesh.
One can take the fast train Shatabdi Express from Haridwar for Delhi departing 06:13 PM reaching Delhi 10:30 PM
or Take a 50 minutes flight from Dehradun Airport ( 20 minutes’ drive from Rishikesh.