Roopkund Lake
Uttarakhand / Chamoli / 30-Jul-2017Roopkund lake,situated in the lap of Trishul peaks, is at a breathtaking altitude of 16,499 ft (5,029 m) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Famous for the mystery of hundreds of human skeletons found in the lake, Roopkund lake is also known as Skeleton’s Lake. It’s a lake which is frozen almost round the year, surrounded by snow clad mountains and gigantic rocks in a complete uninhabited area.
The lake is not more than 2 meters deep and when the snow melts, the skeletons inside the lake become visible. Several theories have been put forward to solve the mystery of the skeletons, apart from local anecdotes. However, research is still ongoing. Few samples are also displayed at the museum of Anthropolgical Survey of India, Dehradun.
The Roopkund lake is very beautiful. There is a rock to the north of the lake, named Junargali and a peak named Chandania kot to the east of it. The route covers the beautiful meadows of Bedini Bugyal, which is a scenic destination in itself. Bestow yourself with the magneficient view of Mount Trishul, Mount Nanda Devi, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Nanda Ghhunti etc of the Great Himalayas, while trekking to the Roopkund Lake.
bFESTIVAL:
The most famous festival of Uttarakhand, Nanda Devi Raj jaat, is held once every twelve years at Roopkund Lake. You’ll be very fortunate if you get a chance to get a glimpse of this holy festival.
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Climate of Roopkund Lake
Two seasons of the year, summers (May- June) and post monsoon (September-October) are considered to be appropriate for trekking. During summers, the route still remains covered with snow making the trek a bit harder than post monsoon trek.
It is advisable to register yourself at a professional trekking team or company for safety purposes and hassle free adventure.
Duration of trek- 7-9 Days
Pick up point- Kathgodam
Difficulty level- Difficult
Highest altitude- 16,500 ft
Approx trekking distance- 55 km
Average temperature- 12°C-18°C during daytime, 0°C-6°C during night
Best season- summer (May-June) and post monsoon (September- October)
As the trek goes through all snow clad areas, the weather is cold. On an average, the temperature is 12°C-18°C during daytime and reaches to 0°C-6°C during nights.
How to reach Roopkund Lake
You will have to reach Kathgodam first, from where the journey begins. Kathgodam is 320- 330km away from state capital Dehradun and you can reach here via bus or train.
TREK ITINERARY: (Courstey- India Hikes)
Day 1- Drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung (10-11h)
Day 2- Drive from Lohajung to Wan (1 hour), trekking to Ghairoli Patal, (10,000ft/ 4 h)
Day 3- Trek from Ghairoli Patal to Bedini Bugyal (11,500ft/ 2 h)
Day 4- Trek to Bedini Top (12,200 ft)
Day 5- Trek from Bedini bugyal (11,500 ft) to Patar Nachauni (12,700ft/ 4 h)
Day 6- Trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa (14,100ft/ 5 h). Steep trek to Kalu Vinayak (14,300 ft/ 3 h)
Day 7- Bhagwabhasa to Roopkund (15,750ft), Junargali (16,000 ft) and then return to Patar Nachauni via Bhagwabhasa (9 h)
Day 8- Patar Nachauni to Lohajung (6h trek, 1 h drive)
Day 9- Drive from Lohajung to Kathgodam
ESSENTIALS:
Warm & waterproof clothing
A rucksack of around 60L (preferably waterproof)
Sunglasses
Trekking shoes or Sports shoes
Trekking pole
Waterproof bags or plastic bags
First aid kit
Location on map
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