Roopkund
9 days
Duration
16,100 ft
Max altitude
8
Max group size
Challenging
Difficulty
Notes from the trail
I’ve done this route close to ten times now, and every single time Roopkund manages to feel different. If someone asked me to name a favourite trek in India, this would probably be it. Not because of one dramatic moment, but because of how the entire journey unfolds.
The trail begins gently, almost quietly, moving through villages and forests without any rush to impress. And then Ali and Bedni Bugyal appear, and everything changes. Those meadows have a presence that is hard to explain. Walking across them with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti right in front of you feels expansive in a way that immediately slows your pace. I often find myself stopping without a reason, just taking it in.
Higher up, the landscape begins to strip away that softness. The trail becomes rockier, the air thinner, and the mountains start to feel closer and more serious. The approach to Roopkund is demanding, but I’ve always felt that the effort is what gives the lake its meaning. Standing there is not about celebration or noise. It carries a quiet intensity, almost a sense of curiosity, shaped by the mystery that surrounds the place.
For me, Junargali has always been the real emotional high point. The terrain becomes raw and exposed, and suddenly the scale of the Himalaya feels overwhelming. Trishul dominates the skyline, and there is a feeling of being completely surrounded by mountains rather than just looking at them.
What keeps drawing me back to Roopkund is how complete the experience feels. The trek moves through forests, meadows, high alpine terrain, and glacial landscapes in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Even though it is a well-known route, there are still moments of quiet where the mountains feel personal and unhurried.
Each time I return, I notice something new. Sometimes it is the way light falls across the bugyals, sometimes the silence near the lake, and sometimes just the rhythm of walking that settles in after a few days. Roopkund has never felt like a checklist destination to me. It feels like a journey that stays with you, and one that I keep wanting to return to.
Itinerary
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Arrival in Dehradun followed by a short scenic transfer to Rishikesh. After check-in, there is time to relax, organise gear, and attend a trek briefing.
Drive time: 1.5–2 hrs
Altitude: 1,150 ft -
A long but spectacular mountain drive tracing river valleys deep into the Garhwal Himalaya. The route passes through changing landscapes, traditional hill towns, and forested ridges before reaching Lohajung.
Distance: ~280 km
Drive time: 8–9 hrs
Altitude: 7,700 ft -
A short jeep ride to Kuling marks the start of the trek. The trail winds through dense forests, village paths, and river crossings before a steady climb leads to Didna village.
Trek distance: 5–6 km
Trek time: 3–4 hrs
Altitude: 8,100 ft -
A gradual ascent through oak and rhododendron forests opens into the vast alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal — one of the most beautiful high-altitude grasslands in India.
Distance: 9–10 km
Time: 6–7 hrs
Altitude: 11,500 ft -
A stunning ridge walk across rolling meadows with expansive views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The trail gradually climbs toward the campsite at Patar Nachauni.
Distance: 6–7 km
Time: 4–5 hrs
Altitude: 12,800 ft -
The landscape transitions from grassy meadows to rugged alpine terrain. Vegetation thins as the trail climbs over rocky slopes toward the high camp at Bhagwabasa.
Distance: 5–6 km
Time: 5–6 hrs
Altitude: 14,100 ft -
An early start leads to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, famous for its archaeological remains and dramatic setting. Strong participants continue to Junargali Pass for sweeping high-Himalayan views before a long descent to Palpal campsite.
Distance: 13–14 km
Time: 8–9 hrs
Roopkund altitude: 15,750 ft
Highest point (Junargali): 16,100 ft
Camp altitude: 11,500 ft -
A long forest descent leads to Wan village, followed by a short drive back to Lohajung where the team celebrates the completion of the trek.
Distance: 9–10 km trek + drive
Time: 5–6 hrs
Altitude: 7,700 ft -
Return drive through mountain valleys back to Rishikesh, marking the end of the expedition.
Distance: ~280 km
Time: 8–9 hrs
Included in this journey
• Trek leadership throughout the journey led by Jude Rayen
• Local guide and support staff including mules and mulemen for group logistics
• Required permits and forest entry fees
• Accommodation in homestays for 2 nights (Lohajung)
• Accommodation in twin-sharing tents during trekking days
• All meals during trekking days including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, soup, and light snacks
• High-altitude camping equipment including kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping tents, mattresses, and sleeping bags
• Safety and medical equipment including oximeter and group first-aid kit
• Internal logistics including Sangkhola to Darap vehicle transfer
Not included
• Travel to and from Dehradun ( Flights, etc)
• Shared transport to Lohajung and return from Lohajung to RIshikesh
• Personal trekking gear and clothing
• Personal expenses such as bottled water, snacks, charging, laundry, or hot showers where available
• Travel insurance and evacuation or rescue costs
• Expenses arising from itinerary changes due to weather, road conditions, or natural factors beyond control
• Buffer day expenses if required due to delays
• Tips for guides and local support staff
Optional addons
• Shared transport as per itinerary (cost divided among participants)
• Offloading support through porter or mule assistance
• Single room in homestays (subject to availability)
• Single tent for the duration of the trek
• Private vehicle or accommodation upgrades
• Additional nights before or after the trek
Optional addons can be arranged in advance based on availability and preference.
Planning this journey
This trek runs as a small group departure as well as a custom journey, allowing dates and pacing to be shaped around what feels right for you.
The base cost for the trek is ₹42,500 per person for groups of 4–6 participants, covering the core camping experience, meals, permits, and leadership throughout the route.Transport and offloading remain optional add-ons so the journey can stay flexible depending on group size and individual preferences.
I lead this trek myself alongside a trusted local team, with a focus on moving steadily, staying safe, and allowing the landscape to shape the rhythm of the experience.
If this route feels right for you, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk through details or help customise this trek around your timing and expectations.
Jude
