Roopkund
India's most iconic bucket-list trek, named for the mysterious human skeletons found at the lakebed near the pass.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Roopkund Trek Overview
India's most iconic bucket-list trek, named for the mysterious human skeletons found at the lakebed near the pass.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Lohajung · Estimated trip duration: 8 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation information
Catalogue altitude reference
This is a catalogue figure without a route-specific linked elevation source. It is not a verified GPS maximum, starting altitude or total ascent.
A measured walking-route profile is not available. Have a reliable published route or GPX file? Send a correction or source.
Roopkund Trek Planning Guide
Roopkund is a moderate-difficult trek in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand. Panth records the route as approximately 53 km over 8 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 15,750 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Roopkund
The Panth catalogue currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 5 planned days, including Lohajung to Didna village and Didna to Ali Bugyal. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
No advance permit is recorded; local fees or permissions may still apply. The recorded base location is Lohajung, and the nearest listed rail connection is Rishikesh (via Haridwar), then a road journey to Lohajung. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A moderate-difficult rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Roopkund. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Very high trekker volume in peak season has led to litter and overcrowding concerns — the Forest Department periodically caps daily numbers and Snow can persist at Bhagwabasa into June; carry microspikes for the summit push. The current packing notes include Microspikes for the final approach to Roopkund, Warm layers for Bhagwabasa camp, which sits above 12,500 ft. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Uttarakhand
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Roopkund with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Descend into the Neel Ganga valley to the first village camp.
Climb into one of India's grandest alpine meadow systems.
Ridge walk between twin meadows with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti views.
Climb above the treeline toward the high camp below Roopkund.
Summit day to the lake and the ridge above it, then a long descent.
Safety notes
- Very high trekker volume in peak season has led to litter and overcrowding concerns — the Forest Department periodically caps daily numbers
- Snow can persist at Bhagwabasa into June; carry microspikes for the summit push
What to pack
- Microspikes for the final approach to Roopkund
- Warm layers for Bhagwabasa camp, which sits above 12,500 ft
Frequently asked questions about Roopkund
Where is Roopkund located?
Roopkund is listed in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, within the Uttarakhand trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Roopkund trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Moderate-Difficult. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Roopkund?
Panth currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Roopkund?
No advance permit is currently recorded, although local entry fees or rules may still apply.
How long is the Roopkund trek?
The catalogue records 8 days and approximately 53 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.