For over a decade now, Roopkund Trek (the mysterious lake) has been of extreme interest for trekkers not only because of the enchanting landscape surrounding it but also because of the presence of several fossils (bones and skeletons) in its waters. For years no one could figure out what had happened and why these fossils exist. The mystery still has many stories. The most believed is that around 850 AD, a group of pilgrims faced an unusually severe hailstorm which caused hundreds to die.
The local legend says that the king of Kanauj, Raja Jasdhaval, with his pregnant wife, Rani Balampa, their servants, a dance troupe and others went on a pilgrimage to Nanda Devi shrine, and the group faced a storm with large hailstones, from which the entire party perished near Roopkund lake.
The Roopkund trek is a majestic one. On one side you get a great opportunity to trek through a beautiful forest section, cross a meandering stream, walk on the unusually green and world famous high altitude meadows called Ali bugyal & Bedni bugyal only to be welcomed by an intimidating high altitude environment where one gets to see some most gigantic Himalayan peaks like Trishul (7120m) & Nanda Ghunti (6310m) at very close range. As one approaches the higher reaches, the terrain becomes more barren with possibility of having to walk through snow.
The last ascend from Bhaguabasa is a hard one but once through, it feels absolutely magical. We cross villages like Wan. It is one of those places that give you a glimpse of how being in paradise is. Brhamatak Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Dodital Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek are some other options to trek in Uttarakhand.
NEW DELHI
3 Hours Before Flight Time
We meet early at Kathgodam and start our drive to Lohajung. This is a very scenic drive through the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand.
We pass through the Almora and Kausani and continue to get into Garhwal region to reach Lohajung. We check into a guest house here. Overnight in Lohajung.
Today’s trek is through thick forest with abundant bird life. You will also come across a series of fresh water streams which really make this trek enchanting. You will pass through many small villages and also see their lifestyle in this region. After the trek downhill and then again uphill, we will reach Didana. The campsite is right above Didana from where we can also view the trail for our trek later. Overnight in tents.
Today after a steady ascend through thick oak forest we will come to the alpine grazing meadows called Ali bugyal. It’s a super place for taking a break and to enjoy the views of unending vistas in all directions and if the sky is clear you will be mesmerized by the views of the Trishul peak. From here on it’s an easy walk till Bedni bugyal with the gradient being moderate. Bedni bugyal is a very fine campsite with vast open views and grazing pastures all around, not to forget the close views of the Trishul & Nanda Ghunti peaks.
An unforgettable trip to the high Alpine wonderland of ice and snow is the true highlight of a visit to Switzerland. Globus Local Favorite At an amazing 11,332 feet, the JUNGFRAUJOCH is Europe’s highest railway station. Jungfrau’s 13,642-foot summit was first ascended in 1811 and in 1912 the rack railway was opened. There are lots of things to do here: enjoy the ALPINE SENSATION, THE PANORAMA 360° EXPERIENCE, and the ICE PALACE. Also receive your JUNGFRAU PASSPORT as a souvenir to take home with you. The round trip to the “Top of Europe” by MOUNTAIN TRAIN will take most of the day.
We start early today and start ascending through the meadows and with the trek up, it will lead us to the ridge on top. This ridge will be a 2 Kms of walk traversing to the other valley. This is going to be an extremely serene view. It is going to a comparitively easy day today.
Today is the most important day of the trek. Ascending through the moraines, rock and snow patches. An initial 1 hour ascend will bring us to Chidiya Nag. From here, we will have a steep ascend full of icy/snow patches to reach Roopkund. This trail is steep at sections and there are high possibilities of it being under snow for most part of the year. You might get to see the fossil remains inside the lake. We retrace our steps to Bhaguabasa for lunch and descend further down to Patar Nauchaniya.
Trek down through the beautiful meadows, jungles of pine, rhododendron & oak to reach Wan, a village you are sure to fall in love with. Visit the village temple and rest for some time. Our trek will end here and we will board the vehicles and drive down to Lohajung.
Overnight in tents/ lodge.
We make it an easy start. Leave for Kathgodam after having breakfast. At Kathgodam, we close our memorable trip to the mysterious lake.
