Planning the Roopkund Trek is unlike preparing for any ordinary hike. With its mysterious Skeleton Lake, alpine meadows, dramatic ridges, and snow-covered trails, it is one of India’s most thrilling high-altitude adventures. This comprehensive Roopkund Trek Guide covers everything you must know—difficulty, preparation, route details, costs, safety tips, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or stepping into high-altitude trekking for the first time, this guide will help you prepare smartly and trek safely. What Makes the Roopkund Lake Trek So Famous? The Roopkund Lake Trek is one of India’s most intriguing and adventurous high-altitude trails. What sets it apart is its perfect mix of mystery, natural beauty, mythology, and adrenaline—elements that few Himalayan treks offer together. The Mystery of “Skeleton Lake” Roopkund Lake is often called Skeleton Lake because of the hundreds of ancient human skeletons discovered at its bottom.These remains date back nearly 1,200 years, believed to be victims of a sudden, violent hailstorm according to modern research.This eerie discovery continues to attract historians, scientists, and trekkers worldwide. Stunning High-Altitude Alpine Meadows The trek passes through two of India’s most beautiful bugyals (meadows): These vast green carpets offer breath taking 360° views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. They’re often listed among the most scenic alpine meadows on earth. Close-Up Views of Mighty Himalayan Peaks The trail offers dramatic views of major Himalayan giants, including: For many trekkers, these views alone make the journey worthwhile. Adventure-Packed Terrain The Roopkund Lake Trek features a variety of landscapes in a short span: This diversity makes the trek both exciting and challenging. A Deep Connection to Folk Culture & Mythology Roopkund is closely linked to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a grand pilgrimage that takes place once every 12 years.The trail is lined with stories, local legends, and cultural significance, adding spiritual depth to the journey. Best Time for the Roopkund Trek (Season-Wise Guide) Choosing the right trekking window is crucial for safety, visibility, and overall experience on the Roopkund Trek. Since Roopkund is a high-altitude expedition (5,029 m), weather conditions vary dramatically across the year. Below is a detailed, season-wise breakdown so you can plan perfectly. Spring (March – April) Trekking Status: Not recommended Weather & Conditions Should You Go? No. The route is generally inaccessible and unsafe during early spring. Summer (May – June) Trekking Status: Highly recommended Weather & Conditions Why Trek Now? Monsoon (July – August) Trekking Status: Not recommended Weather & Conditions Should You Go? Definitely NO. Trekking is risky and often restricted. Autumn (September – October) Trekking Status: Peak season Weather & Conditions Why Trek Now? Winter (November – February) Trekking Status:  Not possible Weather & Conditions Should You Go? NO. Roopkund remains completely closed in winter. Roopkund Trek Information: Route & Itinerary A standard itinerary span 7–8 days. Below is the most common route followed by trekking groups. Day Route Altitude Day 1 Lohajung 2,300 m Day 2 Lohajung → Didna 2,450 m Day 3 Didna → Ali Bugyal 3,350 m Day 4 Ali Bugyal → Ghora Lotani 3,900 m Day 5 Ghora Lotani → Bhagwabasa 4,600 m Day 6 Bhagwabasa → Roopkund → Return 5,029 m Day 7 Descent to Lohajung — Day 8 Departure — Essential Packing List for the Roopkund Trek Roopkund Trek Tips for First-Time Trekkers Follow these expert suggestions to stay safe and enjoy the trek fully. Safety Tips Altitude Tips Environmental Tips How to Reach Roopkund from Delhi Mode of Transport Route / Nearest Place Distance from Delhi Approx. Travel Time By Road Delhi → Lohajung (trek base) 520 km 12–14 hours By Train Delhi → Kathgodam → Rishikesh → Lohajung 280 km (Delhi to Kathgodam) + 240 km (Kathgodam → Lohajung) 12–14 hours total By Air Delhi → Pantnagar Airport → Lohajung 250 km (by road from Pantnagar) 8–10 hours total Nearest Town for Supplies Joshimath 540 km 12–13 hours from Delhi, then 8–10 hours to Lohajung by road Trek Starting Point Lohajung km (base camp) — FAQs 1. How difficult is the Roopkund Trek? The Roopkund Trek is considered moderate to difficult, requiring good fitness and prior trekking experience. 2. Is Roopkund Lake still accessible? Yes, but accessibility depends on weather and forest department permissions. Always check the latest updates before planning. 3. What permits are required for the Roopkund Trek? You may need local forest permits and a medical fitness certificate. Most trek organizers handle this. 4. What is the best month to do the Roopkund Lake Trek? The best months are May–June and September–October. 5. Is it safe for solo trekkers? Solo trekking is not recommended due to the challenging terrain. Join a trusted trekking group for safety. Why Clan Stays Should Be Your Go-To Travel Partner Choosing Clan Stays as your travel partner ensures a seamless and memorable journey from start to finish. With years of experience in curating personalized travel experiences, they combine safety, comfort, and local expertiseto make every trip stress-free. Whether it’s high-altitude treks, cultural tours, or offbeat destinations, Clan Stays takes care of all logistics so you can focus on enjoying the adventure. Their dedicated team prioritizes customer satisfaction, making them a trusted choice for travellers seeking reliable and hassle-free travel experiences.