Roopkund Trek

Trek distance: 6.5 km, with a mix of descent and steep ascentAltitude gain: From 7,662 ft at Lohajung to 8,045 ft at Didna VillageStay: Homestay in Didna on a twin-sharing basisLocal market: Not available in Didna; basic supplies onlyNetwork availability: Mobile signal is available in the areaBegin the trek by descending from Lohajung to the serene Neel Ganga RiverRefill water bottles at the Ruan Bagad bridge before starting the climbTrek features a steep ascent through lush green forests and remote hamletsEnjoy the first immersive experience of Himalayan trekking with changing terrain and dense foliageDidna is a peaceful traditional village surrounded by terraced fields and mountain viewsReach by afternoon and settle into a cosy homestay with warm hospitality and local food

Trek distance: 10.5 km, with a steady altitude gainAltitude gain: From 8,045 ft at Didna to 11,320 ft at Ali BugyalStay: Overnight camping at Ali Bugyal on a twin-sharing basisTerrain: Dense oak and rhododendron forests opening into vast alpine meadowsBegin trek through thick rhododendron and oak forests filled with birdlife and occasional clearingsAs you ascend, the dense forest gradually gives way to the open, rolling meadows of Ali BugyalAli Bugyal is one of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in India, offering panoramic mountain viewsCatch stunning glimpses of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Ghunti and TrishulThe weather can shift quickly—carry a windproof jacket and stay well-hydrated throughout the climbThe silence and vastness of the meadow provide a serene environment for rest and explorationThe campsite is set in the heart of Ali Bugyal with open skies and starlit nights

Trek distance: 7 km, with gradual ascent and open meadow walkingAltitude gain: From 11,320 ft at Ali Bugyal to 12,818 ft at Patar NachauniStay: Campsite at Patar Nachauni on a twin-sharing basisAcclimatisation stop: Brief rest at Ghora Lotani to adjust to the altitudeStart your day with a gentle walk through the expansive Ali Bugyal meadowsTrek offers unobstructed views of towering peaks like Trishul and Nanda GhuntiPass through Bedni Bugyal, another picturesque alpine meadow, rich in Himalayan floraVisit Bedni Kund, a serene sacred lake with mythological significance and a reflection of nearby peaksThe trail is scenic and less physically demanding, ideal for acclimatisationContinue the trek through undulating meadows to reach Patar NachauniEnjoy the peaceful ambience and panoramic views at your campsite

Trek distance: 4 km with a steep, high-altitude ascentAltitude gain: From 12,818 ft at Patar Nachauni to 14,117 ft at BhagwabasaStay: Campsite at Bhagwabasa on a twin-sharing basisKey stop: Kalu Vinayak Temple, a revered stone shrine located en routeStart early for a short but demanding trek through rugged terrain and thin airThe climb to Kalu Vinayak is steep and requires frequent breaks for acclimatisationVisit the black stone Kalu Vinayak Temple, an important spiritual and resting pointFrom here, the trail descends slightly before the final stretch to BhagwabasaDepending on the season, expect rocky trails or snow-covered paths—trekking poles recommendedReach Bhagwabasa by lunchtime and rest to acclimate to the high altitudeThe area is surrounded by barren, dramatic landscapes with a stark Himalayan beautyPrepare gear for the next day’s summit attempt to Roopkund or further, depending on trek plans

Trek distance: 10 km (round trip), combining steep ascent and long descentAltitude range: Ascent from 14,117 ft (Bhagwabasa) to 15,755 ft (Roopkund), then descend to 11,500 ft (Bedni Bugyal)Stay: Campsite at Bedni Bugyal on a twin-sharing basisBegin trek before dawn to make the most of stable early morning weather conditionsAscend steeply over rocky and possibly snow-laden terrain to reach Roopkund, the mystical high-altitude glacial lakeRoopkund is famously known for ancient human skeletons found near its shores—an archaeological enigmaSurrounded by awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks like Trishul and Nanda GhuntiSpend some time at the lake soaking in the stark, dramatic beauty of the icy bowlAfter exploring, descend carefully back to Bhagwabasa, then continue further down to Bedni BugyalExpect a long, tiring day—hydration, sun protection, and proper pacing are keyReach Bedni Bugyal by evening and relax at your familiar meadow campsite

Trek distance: 15 km, mostly downhill through forests and meadowsAltitude descent: From approx. 11,500 ft (Bedni Bugyal) to 7,662 ft (Lohajung)Stay: Guesthouse accommodation in Lohajung on a twin-sharing basisStart your final trek day with a gentle descent through the grassy stretches of Bedni BugyalPass back through oak and rhododendron forests, with excellent chances for birdwatching and nature photographyCross the serene Neel Ganga River once again, retracing part of your initial routeThe downhill path is long but scenic, winding through familiar villages and quiet forest trailsReach Lohajung by late afternoon, marking the end of your incredible Roopkund trekRelax and unwind at the guesthouse with a warm meal and views of the trails you conquered

Drive distance: 210 km through scenic Kumaon landscapesTotal duration: Approximately 10 hours by roadExpected arrival in Kathgodam: Around 6:00 pmMode of journey: By taxi or pre-arranged vehicleRetrace your route through Dewal, Gwaldam, Kausani, Almora, and BheemtalEnjoy one last day of breathtaking Himalayan vistas, terraced valleys, and forested hillsIdeal time to reflect on your journey and capture final glimpses of the mountainsConclude your Roopkund adventure at Kathgodam, carrying home incredible stories and lifelong memories