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High Altitude Trek – Mystery Skeleton Lake
Roopkund Trek is one of India's most mysterious high-altitude treks, located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The trek takes you to the famous skeleton lake at 16,000 ft, where hundreds of ancient human skeletons are visible at the lake's edge when snow melts. The trail passes through lush forests, alpine meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal, and the challenging Junargali pass, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, and Mt. Chaukhamba.
Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake situated at nearly 4,800 meters in the Himalayas. Known as the “Mystery Lake”, it gained fame due to the discovery of hundreds of human skeletons found around its frozen edges. These remains, first reported in 1942 by ranger H.K. Madhwal, are believed to date back to around 850 AD, as revealed by radiocarbon studies at Oxford University.
Researchers suggest that the people may have perished during a sudden and deadly hailstorm, with hailstones reportedly the size of cricket balls. The cold climate preserved the skeletons remarkably well, leaving them visible even today. Some studies show that the remains belong to groups from different ethnic backgrounds, possibly pilgrims or travellers heading toward the Nanda Devi shrine. Trekking to Roopkund is one of Uttarakhand’s most thrilling adventures.
Your journey begins with a long but scenic drive from Dehradun to Wan Village. The route takes you through the spiritual town of Rishikesh, the bustling hub of Karnaprayag, and the serene landscapes of Lohajung.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers, dense forests, and charming Himalayan villages. As you climb higher towards Wan, the air turns crisp and refreshing.
On arrival at Wan Village (8,200 ft), check into a guesthouse or campsite. After the long drive, relax, enjoy a hearty dinner, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Stay: Guesthouse/Campsite in Wan Village
After breakfast, begin your trek from Wan Village towards Geruli Patal. The trail is about 7 km long and takes 5–6 hours to complete. The route starts with a gentle climb and soon enters dense oak and rhododendron forests.
On the way, you will also cross the sacred Latu Devta Temple and the Neel Ganga River, which adds a cultural and spiritual touch to the journey. As you gain altitude, the surroundings open up to occasional clearings, offering glimpses of snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
Stay: Camping at Geruli Patal
Today’s trek takes you from Geruli Patal to Patar Nachauni, a gradual but steady ascent that covers around 6 km in approximately 5 hours. The trail passes through open meadows and lush alpine pastures, offering mesmerizing views of the high Himalayan ranges.
As you walk, the dense forests begin to thin out, making way for vast landscapes with fresh mountain air. The higher altitude begins to reveal the grandeur of the surrounding peaks, including glimpses of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Stay: Camping at Patar Nachauni
After breakfast, begin your trek towards Bhagwabasa. The most challenging part of this section is the steep climb up to Kalu Vinayak Temple, a revered shrine set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains. This stretch is demanding but equally rewarding, as the views of the snow-capped peaks become increasingly stunning with every step.
After paying respects at Kalu Vinayak, the trail eases into a gradual ascent leading to Bhagwabasa. The terrain becomes more rugged and barren, with patches of snow depending on the season.
Stay: Camping at Bhagwabasa
This is the most awaited and challenging day of the trek! Start early in the morning from Bhagwabasa and make your way towards the mystical Roopkund Lake, located at 15,800 ft. The trail is steep and often covered with snow, especially in the higher reaches. The climb is demanding but offers breathtaking views of majestic Himalayan peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba.
On reaching Roopkund, marvel at the high-altitude glacial lake, famously known for the human skeletal remains found along its edges, giving it the name “Mystery Lake.” Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere, taking in the panoramic beauty of the surrounding mountains.
After exploring, begin your descent back to Bhagwabasa and further down to Patar Nachauni. The day covers around 11 km in total and takes about 9 hours.
Stay: Camping at Patar Nachauni
After breakfast, begin your long descent from Patar Nachauni back to Wan Village. The trek covers about 13 km and takes approximately 7–8 hours. The trail retraces through meadows, alpine pastures, and dense forests filled with oak and rhododendron, offering a refreshing contrast to the higher, barren landscapes of the previous days.
Along the way, you will cross streams and clearings, with beautiful views of the valleys below. By afternoon or evening, you will arrive at Wan Village.
Stay: Guesthouse/Campsite in Wan Village
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Wan Village and start your return journey to Dehradun. The drive covers around 315 km and takes approximately 10–11 hours. The route passes through Lohajung, Karnaprayag, and Rishikesh, offering stunning views of river valleys, terraced fields, and picturesque Himalayan settlements.
By evening, you will reach Dehradun, where the trek concludes.
End of Trek. Return with cherished memories of the mystical Roopkund Lake and the majestic Himalayas!
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Dream Of Himalayas account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Participants can be replaced through the Dream Of Himalayas dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email info@dreamofhimalayas.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.
Explore stunning photos of the mystical skeleton lake, snow-covered trails, Himalayan peaks, and alpine meadows from the Roopkund Trek.
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