Roopkund Trek

SHORT ITINERARY:

• After having breakfast, set out on your trek towards Wan village, which is only about an hour's drive from Lohajung.

• Follow a cemented trail over houses and villages, and a little after forty-five minutes, come across a grove of ancient cypress.

• Journey continues to Ranaka Dhar which is a historic place where the Goddess Parvati is said to have fought the demon called Lohasur. This place provides stunning views of the valley.

• When the Neel Ganga reaches a point to the north, go to the bridge and sit for some time to enjoy the calmness before starting to walk to the base of the first camp, which is at Gehroli Patal and passes through lovely oak and rhododendron trees.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

After your breakfast, your trek begins by moving towards Wan. Start from Wan, a village located at an hour’s drive from Lohajung. It is one of the cemented trails which runs through inhabited houses. After walking forty-five minutes into your trek, a cluster of cypress trees that are many centuries old stands ahead. It's big enough to take 4 people around it! Give it a shot and wrap your arms around the tree, instead.

You will see two trails from here. One follows the ridge straight ahead. The other branches of the Latu Devta temple. Latu Devta, who is mostly worshipped by mountain residents, brings safety to the land. He is invoked by devotees before moving further upcourt at the Nanda Devi Jat Yatra at the temple. Hit the temple bell here for a safe trek and go back to the trail that takes you to the ridge-Ranaka Dhar. It takes 30-45 minutes to climb the distance from Wan to Ranaka Dhar. At such heights, the unbeatable sites of Lohajung, Wan, and the valley should not be missed! It is said that the demon Lohasur was defeated by Goddess Parvati in the place named Ranaka Dhar. This was also the place where their war, in which Lohajung was the starting place, also ended. The word Ranaka Dhar translates to blood that is tempered by battle.

At this point, it’s a few steps downward to reach the Neel Ganga. A break on the bridge built on Neel Ganga is a cool place. The water in this place is clean and cool.

From here, you can reach Neel Ganga. Bridges on Neel Ganga are good places to sit and relax. Trees hang over the river and the water trickles down and tumbles over the rocks in the shade. The waters of this place are rather cool and soothing. This is where the lustrous hill climb towards the first base camp, Gehroli Patal, starts. The route now goes through Oak and Rhododendron and one can hear the sound of dry leaves being crunched under the soles of their trekking shoes. This trek has walnuts, pears, Himalayan roses, and all other forms of flora. Some birds like the flycatcher and the magpies can also be seen. Be careful and vigilant.

SHORT ITINERARY: 

• The climb begins through oak and rhododendron forests and quickly picks up pace through steep stone steps for a duration of fifteen minutes or so.

• You find yourself in an expansive flat area and set your sights on the Ali Bugyal, an immaculately large and green pasture.

• After one and a half hours, the trees retreat to make way for the sparkling green fields of Ali Bugyal.

• Bask in the views of the green meadows and a ridge circling out in all directions with horses rested far away.

• After sightseeing the lovely Ali Bugyal, make use of your feet’s stamina and head towards Ghairoli Patal for the night.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The path during this section goes up, through the forest of oak and rhododendron, steeply. And after climbing up for fifteen minutes over stony steps, there is a large flat area. A wide plain known as Ali Bugyal is to the right and in that direction there is a path that goes to the right. The trees begin to recede after about 1 and a half hours of ascent. There is a moment when the oak and the Rhododendrons seem to vanish from view and what lies ahead is an expanse of the fullest green carpet that could be ever offered to one. Welcome to Ali Bugyal. All the fatigue disappears, now enjoy the beautiful view of the rolling meadows of Ali Bugyal.

You are on top of a ridge that extends out in all four directions. There are wide stretches of lush green grass on the mountains. With all your weariness eased, let your eyes soak in the captivating view of the rolling meadows of Ali Bugyal. One is at the ridge which radiates outwards in every direction – vast expanses of green grassland channeled out from the slopes of the mountains. Slow-moving clouds roll in from below, envelope the ridge, and proceed to flow down on either side with all its grace. You see innumerable steeds in peaceful motion feeding themselves on greenery. After exploring Ali Bugyal we will come back to Ghairoli Patal.

SHORT ITINERARY: 

• Proceed from Ghairoli Patal towards Pathar Nachauni and cross the charming Bedani Bugyal.

• From Bedni, the path bends gently, then bends out over a saddle for three kilometers before vanishing altogether into one and new views.

• When crossing the saddle, a new view of the ridge shows through the other side patterned with winter patches of snow.

• Walk through the Ghora Lotani pasture where the horses rest before the meadows climb the mountain’s slopes.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

On day 4, we will trek from Ghairoli Patal to Pathar Nachauni through Bedani Bugyal. From the Bedni Bugyal, the trail to Pathar Nachauni departs in a leisurely, easy curve. From Bedni, it can be observed proceeding out of the mountain for almost 3 km before it vanishes into a saddle. As soon as you go beyond the saddle while trekking, you get to see the other side of the ridge. The view is equally breathtaking but different. You also start seeing patches of winter snow on the flanks of the mountain (on the other side) for the first time.

There are two ways one can follow the trail that leads to Pathar Nachauni and further to Bhagwabhasa. It is possible to go back the way you came yesterday until the main trail is left to enter the Bedni campsite zone (5-7 mins backward). 

SHORT ITINERARY: 

• Following breakfast, or immediately after breakfast, commence on the 6 km trek towards Bhagwabhasa from Pathar Nachauni which is 14,126 feet above sea level and is expected to take around 5-6 hours to complete.

• On the way, the Kalu Vinayak temple can be visited which is 2 km uphill and relatively hard on turns and is a beautiful sight.

• Roopkund, Mount Trishul, and Nandaghunti are commanding sights that one can see while at the Kalu Vinayak making it an amazing place to stop.

• Same for the picture above, it is necessary to go one more kilometre on a rocky path towards Bhagwabasa on which one can see blossomed plants in the monsoon.

• Reach the camp at Bhagwabasa, establish the tent, have dinner, and go to sleep.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

After breakfast, proceed to trek towards Bhagwabasa (14,126 feet) which is a trek of approximately 6 km and will take around 5 to 6 hours to get there. As per the lore surrounding this place, the dancers were cursed by goddess Nanda to be turned into stones. Patthar- stone Nachauni- dancers. Begin the trek in the direction of Bhagwabhasa and the same path will lead you towards Kalu Vinayak temple, But this will require you to trek an additional 2 km at an altitude of 200 ft. This line is difficult again it is not straight and has curves so be careful as one fumble can be the worst thing ever. But in any case, this climb is worth every single effort because once at the top, you will be awe-struck. Yes, at that place, there is room for wind as the height increases, oxygen is less at this level and hence while going up take pauses and water. Kalu Vinayak – The temple has a traditional design and is made of stones but it looks beautiful and unique. In the atmosphere there, you can feel the spirituality. In such high altitude temples, it is a place that is so high that only people who love to discover new things can relate.

Upon arriving at the temple, you will catch a glimpse of Roopkund which is the destination you shall head to on the next day and also an endpoint to your long journey. The view includes the beautiful Mount Trishul on one side and Nandaghunti on the other side to truly captivate the eye.

As stated, proceed on the path that will lead you to Bhagwabasa which is 1 km from this point. The path is full of stones and it is pretty difficult to cross it, pause, and move on to locate Bhagwabasa, which is, however, a desolate site during the monsoons there is an abundance of flowering plants in this vicinity. Pitch your tents and enjoy dinner, followed by an overnight stay.

SHORT ITINERARY: 

• Begin the day by having a cup of hot tea or coffee, followed by breakfast before setting out for trekking to Roopkund and Junargali Top.

• Arrive at the Roopkund Lake famous for its unknown skeletons and enjoy the captivating high altitude views.

• Keep moving and climb up to Junargali Top, 16,156 feet above the ground to get the commanding sight of Nanda Devi temple and peaks around it.

• Make the climb down the way crossed previously via Bhagwabasa and descend on a rough downhill track.

• Finally, reached the campsite after a tough trek and retired to bed.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

To accommodate the cold weather, we will first have hot tea or coffee and then pack breakfast to leave for Roopkund. But the white clouds are covering the mountains in a matter of moments. Our goal for the day is to reach an altitude of 5,029m above sea level known as Junargali Dhar Top from 400m below. This lake is located at high altitudes. Legend has it that the lake contains the bones of people who inhabited the earth in ancient times, thus it is often referred to as the "Mystery Lake." These skeletons are visible when the ice thaws. If you are lucky, you can see these skeletons on the edge of the lake. The site you will be seeing will surely take your breath away when you stand on the top of Junargali and look towards the temple of Nanda Devi. This is because it is windy at the peak. However, you will also be filled with a sense of accomplishment standing at the top of this peak, that nothing else compares to.

Return once again to Pathar Nachauni by going through Bhagwabhasa. The descent will be more challenging because while climbing the trail was steep whereas descending. It gets more exciting so enjoy the journey, and relax your mind and body for your trip. You camp out and have your meal after a day of trek. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

SHORT ITINERARY: 

• Start the trek from Patthar Nachauni where you will pass dense forests to reach the Lohajung area.

• Further, the descent through the forest and reaching the banks of Neel Ganga. From there the villagers in Wan village can be seen.

• First take a taxi from Wan Village to Lohajung, where a guest house will be already booked.

• Rest at the guest house enjoying memories of the day and interactions with co-trekkers about their experience.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

As you trek in the lap of nature there are large trees, moving towards Lohajung. The villagers have organized a puja at the popular temple of Latu Devta in Wan village. You may go to the temple or have a rest over here. As you descend, a forest region will surround you. After that, go to the bank of the river Neel Ganga, and walk towards Wan village — a lovely little mountain village. Return to Lohajung in a cab. Stay overnight at the guesthouse after dinner.

As you reach Lohajung, dinner awaits and for the last time, you check in at a tourist guest house, contemplating the memories of this wonderful stretch of Himalaya. After several days of trekking on challenging routes, the guest house offers a relaxing and pleasant ambiance for you to retire. This is a good time to take a rest, meet and hear the experiences of others who have trekked, and relish the moments that made the experience worth the whole journey. The calm village, amidst hills, provides the necessary ambiance for you to take a rest and refresh yourself before the end of the trek. The last night at Lohajung also encourages you to soak in the sights and sounds of such a beautiful and tranquil area.

SHORT ITINERARY: 

• After breakfast, proceed on the road from Lohajung to Kathgodam, visiting mountains and forests in the process.

• The charm of the places traversed makes one reminisce about the best moments of the trip.

• Reach Kathgodam Railway Station between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

• Finish your trek and go to board your train.

• Finally, forget about all your plans and look at the Himalayas, stay in your mind while resting after the adventurous trek.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Upon completing the amazing views during the Roopkund trek, you will drive from Lohajung in the morning. There is a final stretch which is captivating and stress relieving to the place known as Kathgodam, which will allow you to view mountains and forests one more time. When you reach Kathgodam, you will reach the railway station between 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. This ends your trek, and you board your train or move on with the cherished experience of the Himalayas.