Nestled between benevolent mountain peaks, Roopkund Lake remains in the limelight for its mystery. It was nicknamed the “Mysterious Lake” because the remains of human skeletons and horses from the Paleolithic era can be seen here.
Visit the alpine meadows offering enchanting greenery and the sacred Bedni Kund with crystal clear water. The trek goes steeply to Roopkund from Bedni Bugyal Baguabasa is located at an altitude of 4100 m above sea level, 5 km from Roopkund. The weather is unpredictable at such high altitudes, so bring raincoats.
Roopkund remains frozen almost throughout the year. On your way to Roopkund, you have the opportunity to walk through villages rich in Pahari culture.
Why Roopkund trek?
- The famous Roopkund lake remains frozen throughout the year.
- It is surrounded by glacier-strewn rocks and snow-capped mountains, giving it a mysterious aura that invites several tourists to explore the area.
- While traversing Roopkund, you can get a glimpse of the rich Pahari culture of the villages.
- You can walk through the alpine meadows and also visit the sacred Bedni Kund with its crystal clear water.
- Bhagwabasa situated at an altitude of 4,100 meters is 5 km before Roopkund • The trek to Roopkund is steep from Bedni Bugyal so prior trekking experience is required.
Roopkund Trek Food Guide
Hikers take with them food supplies that they have purchased before starting the trek. The chef can prepare a delicious cooked meal. In general, packaged foods are a viable option in these remote locations.
The mythology of Roopkund Trek
According to Hindu mythology, when Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva were heading to Kailash after destroying the demons, the goddess wanted to purify herself. Shiva then created a ‘Kund or lake with the help of his Trishul for his consort to bathe. While bathing in the lake, Parvati saw her beautiful reflection and was mesmerized by it.
While the second legend says that Raja Jasdhaval, King of Kanauj angered Goddess Nanda Devi by taking his pregnant wife along with many dancers, musicians and servants on a pilgrimage to Nanda Devi’s shrine. After Rani Balampa, the queen of Raja Jasdhaval disturbed the peace of her sacred land with her elaborate retinue, she gave birth to a child in a nearby cave (considered impure for a time). The escort followed by other unpleasant events infuriated the Goddess and she manifested her anger in the form of a violent storm. It is believed that hailstones as large as tennis balls fell on the pilgrims’ heads, leading to their sudden death.
Recommended Roopkund Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Kathgodam-Lohajung (Driving: 10 km, 10 hours)
Reach Kathgodam by Ranikhet Express. If you are in a group, then hiring a taxi to Lohajung is the best option for you. If you want to save, then you have to travel by public transport, you have to divide your trip into two parts, ie. Kathgodam to Gwaldam by bus/shared cab and then from Gwaldam to Lohajung Cheap accommodation is available in Lohajung
Day 2: Lohajung-Didna Village (Tek: 6.5 km)
Get up early and take the trail to Raun Bagad, just beyond the bus stop at Lohajung. This relatively well-marked trail descends through mixed forest and will take about two and a half hours to reach Ruan Bagad.
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Day 3: Didna Village-Ali Bugyal (Run: 10.5 km)
Start early, Didina two alternative routes lead to All Bugyal Take the trail to Tolapani where you will find a cluster of shepherds’ huts.
Day 4: All Bugyal-Patar Nachuni via Bedni Bugyal and Ghora Lautani (Tek: 7 km)
Day 4 is an easy trek so walk straight ahead for up to 3km. Soon you’ll come across a ridge with a stunning view.
Day 5: Patar Nachuni-Bhagwabasa via Kalu Vinayak (Tek: 4 km
Gear up for the snow line trek, this trek will take you closer to 14,500 feet elevation and give you freezing weather. Start the trek early as you have to reach Bhagwabas before the weather turns harsh.
Day 6:
Bhagwabasa-Roopkund- Patar Nachuni (Ride: 10 km) Start the traverse as early as 4 AM. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to get through the snow because it will be hard and your feet won’t dig in. To reach Roopkund, you have to climb 3 km uphill from Bhagwabasa, which will take 3 and a half hours to reach.
Day 7: Patar Nachuni-Lohajung via Bedni and Wan (Tek: 15 km)
Prepare to travel back to Lohajung via Wan village. This well-marked trail is easy to walk.
Day 8:
Lohajung to Kathgodam (Driving: 210 km) Bid farewell to the exciting trek and drive to Kathgodam from Lohajung village after breakfast.
