Ropkund Trek

If you’re trekking in India, the Roopkund trek is a must-do! It’s got everything going for it. Deep virgin forests, gurgling brooks, breath-taking campsites, miles of undulating meadows, snow and ice and the taste of a great adventure as you climb from 8,000 ft to 16,000 ft in six days.

Roopkund, perhaps the most popular trek in India, is almost picture-perfect. The Roopkund trail climbs out of splendid dark forests suddenly bursting into Ali and Bedni Bugyal, arguably India’s most beautiful high altitude meadows. Out of the meadows, the trail quickly gets into terrific alpine stretches.

Climbing on snow to the Roopkund lake is a heart-pounding thrill. The beautiful Mt Trishul looms over the setting getting closer as you climb higher when at a ridge above Roopkund, only air separates the trekker from them and Trishul.

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Reach the base camp, Lohajung

Duration: 9-10 hours

Altitude: 7,700 ft

Driving Distance: 216 km

Highlights: Drive through the hilly villages of Bhimtal, Gwaldam. After a glimpse at Tharali, the sight of Mt Nanda Ghunti welcomes you to Lohajung. A village with wonderful views of Didina valley, Lohajung is a nerve centre of 12-15 villages.

Day 2: Drive from Lohajung to Wan. Trek to Gehroli Patal

Duration: 4-5 hours

Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,300 ft (7,700 ft to 10,000 ft)

Difficulty: Moderate. Initial 30-45 minutes ascent to Ran Ka Dhar followed by a 20-minute descent to the river Neel Ganga. A stiff climb of 3 hours from Neel Ganga to Gehroli Patal.

Day 3: Trek from Gehroli Patal to Bedni Bugyal

Duration: 3 hours

Altitude Gain: ⇗ 1,500 ft (10,000 ft to 11,500 ft)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Stiff climb for about 2 hours to Ali Bugyal followed by a gentle trail to Bedni Bugyal.

Excursion to Bedni Top

Duration: 4 hours

Altitude Gain: ⇗ 700 ft (11,500 ft to 12,200 ft)

Difficulty: Easy. Acclimatisation day with a steep climb to the Bedni top.

Day 5: Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni

Duration: 4 hours

Altitude Gain: 11,500 ft to 12,700 ft

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Easy climb at the beginning to a saddle followed by a gradual descent to Patar Nachauni

Day 6: Trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa

Duration: 5-6 hours

Altitude Gain: ⇗ 1,400 ft (12,700 ft to 14,100 ft)

Difficulty: Moderate. A 3-hour steep ascent to Kalu Vinayak followed by a gradually descending trail to Bhagwabhasa

Highlights: The thrilling pass crossing at more than 16,000 ft.

Day 7: Trek from Bhagwabasa to Roopkund. Return to Patar Nachauni via Bhagwabasa

Duration: 9-10 hours

Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 1,900 ft ⇘ 3,300 ft (14,100 ft to 12,700 ft via 16,000 ft)

Difficulty: Difficult. Gradual ascent to Roopkund with the last 20 minutes consisting of steep switch backs. 20-25 minutes steep climb to Junargali. Tricky descent on the switchbacks from Roopkund. Descending trail to Patar Nachuani.

Day 8: Trek from Patar Nachauni to Lohajung via Bedni and Wan

Duration: 7-8 hours

Altitude Loss: ⇘ 5,000 ft (12,700 ft to 7,700 ft)

Difficulty: 232 km