Adventurous Himalayan Trek To Roopkund Glacial Lake, Uttarakhand
Roopkund, in the state of Uttarakhand in India, is a famous glacial lake. This lake is famous due to more than five hundred skeletons of humans that are found at the edge of the lake. Roopkund is must to do trek blessed with deep virgin forests, gurgling brooks, breath-taking campsites and the beckoning meadows.
Roopkund is a picturesque, beautiful and attractive tourist destination in the Garhwal Himalayas. Located at the base of two Himalayan peaks, Trishul and Nandghungti. Roopkund is located at an altitude of 15755 ft in the Chamoli district of Garhwal. It is closer to hill stations like Nainital and Kathgodam. Roopkund is also known as the ‘mystery lake’.
Most attractive part of Roopkund Trek is human skeletons at the bank of the lake and it is believed that they belong to the Palaeolithic age. On day 1, start from Kathgodham railway station towards Lohajung at an altitude of 7662 ft. Route is Kathgodam - Bheem Tal - Almora - Kausani - Gwaldam - Dewal - Lohajung.
Trek starts from Lohajung on day 2 and follow a steady uphill trek to Didna Village to Kulling village. Then cross Neel Ganga river through cemented bridge. Then trail take a stiff slope towards Didna village.
Passing Bedni River
Day 3 involves Dina to Ali Bugyal, trekking through the beautiful village of Ali Bugyal, which located at an altitude of 11000 ft. It is one of the highest inhabited locations of the country. Ali Bugyal is on top of the mountain and is clearly visible from the backdrop of Didna. Oak, Birch, and Rhododendron trees are the only trees that grow in these areas.
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Stunning view of valley from Ali Bugyal.
En-route Ali Bugyal
Next day trek starts from Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal. After a rest at Bedni Bugyal, reach to Ghora Lotani. Ghora Lotani is good spot for acclimatization. Then start a gradual ascent from Ghora Lotani to Patar Nachauni. Patar Nachauni is a beautiful campsite. This route easier as compare to next route.
You can enjoy the natural and lush green beauty of the surroundings with the pleasant breeze that blows all around you, giving a soothing effect to your senses.
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Majestic campsite at Patar Nachauni
Day 5 trekking will approximately cover 10 kms and that too on a steep slope towards Bagubasa, which is located at 14,500 ft.
This path will also take you across Kalyuvinayak temple. The path leading to this temple is very uneven and zig-zag in shape.So be cautious on this route. This traditionally designed temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is carved out of stones with ultimate precision & perfection. From temple one can view Roopkund with Trishul & Nandagunti Peaks.
This route is challenging with high altitudes, zigzag passes and icy cold winds. Most of the the trek is through moraine which required good endurance.
Splendid Bhagwabasa (4,100m) campsite in a desolate and barren landscape with majestic snowy peaks around.
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Snowfall at campsite is a awesome experience.
Sleeping bags in tents is one of the great experience.
Day 6 is the most fascinating day of trek, takes you from Bhagwabasato the mysterious Roopkund Lake. Most of the trek is path is covered with snow. Route is not easy. Walk slowly and steady, as the altitude increases, the air gets thinner, and the quantity of oxygen also decreases, this might lead to headache and acute stomach pain.
Trek to Junargali pass which stands 16700 feet from sea level, the highest point on this trail.
Nand Devi Temple at high altitude.
Towards final destination - Roopkund Glacial Lake
Majestic Roopkund Glacial Lake
The Roopkund Glacial Lake of skeletons is one of the most mysterious places in the world. The lake is covered with ice all the time and it adds to its beauty. After reaching here, one can feel heavenly bliss.
With a depth of about two metres, Roopokund is widely known for the hundreds of ancient human skeletons found at the edge of the lake. These skeletons are distinctly visible when the snow melts. Research determines the age of the skeletons to be somewhere around 850 AD. This view in itself is breath taking and people go crazy after seeing this.