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Roop Kund

Roop Kund

India

A skeleton lake at 16,500 ft — beautiful, eerie, and not for beginners.

1 Group Tours·1 Operators·from ₹15,000

Roop Kund is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, sitting at around 5,029 metres (16,499 ft). It's not a typical 'tourist' destination — it's a ser...

Best forAdventure seekersExperienced trekkersPhotographersMystery loversNature enthusiasts
Moderate to Difficult
|You should be able to walk 8–10 km with a 5–7 kg backpack on hilly terrain. Prior high-altitude trekking experience (at least one 4,000m+ trek) is recommended. Cardiovascular fitness is a must.
Updated 39d ago

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See all 1 trips in Roop Kund

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Trips by Departure City

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From Rishikesh
1 trip available

What to Expect

Expect a demanding high-altitude trek with steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and basic camping. You'll walk through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows (Bedni Bugyal is stunning), and rocky terrain. Nights are freezing even in summer. The lake itself is small and often misty — the 'skeleton' aspect is mostly historical; you won't see piles of bones anymore (they've been removed or covered). Expect 6–8 hours of walking daily, altitude sickness risk, and no luxury. Group tours handle permits, guides, cooks, and tents, but you carry your own daypack. The reward: solitude, starry skies, and a sense of achievement.

Honest Heads-Up
  • Altitude sickness is real — 5,000m is no joke. Acclimatise properly or you'll be evacuated.
  • The trek is not a 'walk in the park' — you need prior high-altitude trekking experience.
  • Weather can turn in minutes; snowstorms are possible even in May and October.
  • No mobile network beyond Lohajung — tell your family you'll be offline.
  • Medical facilities are nonexistent; carry a basic first-aid kit and diamox if prescribed.

Things to Do

Brahmatal Trek
6 days·₹9,000–₹12,000
Group
Kuari Pass Trek
6 days·₹10,000–₹14,000
Group
Auli Skiing
1–2 days·₹2,000–₹5,000
Group
Mundoli Village Stay
1 day·₹800–₹1,500
Group
Joshimath Temple Visit
Half day·Free
Group
Auli Laga Joshimath Cable Car
2–3 hours·₹500–₹1,000
Group
Rafting in Rishikesh
1 day·₹600–₹1,500
Group
Camping at Bedni Bugyal
1 night·Included in trek
Group

Plan Your Trip

How to Reach

By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (nearest). By train: Rishikesh or Haridwar railway station. From there, take a shared jeep or bus to Lohajung (10–12 hours). By road: Drive from Rishikesh via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Dewal to Lohajung. The trek base is Lohajung or Wan village. Group tours usually arrange transport from Rishikesh.

Travel Tips
1Acclimatise at Bedni Bugyal — don't rush to the summit.
2Carry cash — no ATMs beyond Rishikesh.
3Pack light; you'll thank yourself on steep climbs.
4Respect the lake — don't throw anything in it.
5Start early each day to avoid afternoon weather changes.
6Hydrate constantly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
7Use trekking poles to save your knees on descent.
8Keep emergency contacts and a paper map.

Local Guide

Food & DiningVeg friendly

Eat light and carb-heavy before summit day. Avoid oily food at high altitude. Group tours provide simple, nutritious meals — don't expect gourmet.

FAQs

Is Roop Kund trek safe for beginners?
No. It's a high-altitude trek reaching 5,000m. You need prior experience of at least one 4,000m+ trek. Beginners should build up with treks like Kedarkantha or Brahmatal first.
How many days does the Roop Kund trek take?
Typically 6 days from Lohajung: Day 1 Lohajung to Didna, Day 2 to Bedni Bugyal, Day 3 to Patar Nachauni, Day 4 to Bhagwabasa, Day 5 summit Roop Kund and descend to Bedni, Day 6 back to Lohajung. Some itineraries do 5 or 7 days.
What is the best time to do Roop Kund?
May–June and September–October. May has snow patches and clear skies; October offers post-monsoon clarity. Avoid monsoon (July–Aug) and deep winter (Dec–Feb).
Do I need a permit for Roop Kund?
Yes, you need a permit from the Uttarakhand Forest Department, usually arranged by your trek operator. It costs around ₹150–₹500 per person. Also, you must register at Lohajung.
Can I do Roop Kund without a guide?
Technically yes, but strongly discouraged. The trail is not well-marked, weather changes fast, and altitude sickness can hit. A guide ensures safety and permits.
What is the difficulty level of Roop Kund?
Moderate to difficult. Daily walks of 6–8 hours, steep ascents, and high altitude make it challenging. Fitness and acclimatisation are crucial.
Are there skeletons at Roop Kund?
Historically, hundreds of skeletons were found, but most have been removed or buried by authorities. You might see a few bones or remnants, but it's not a bone yard anymore.
What about altitude sickness at Roop Kund?
Very common. Symptoms include headache, nausea, breathlessness. Descend immediately if severe. Carry Diamox (consult doctor) and acclimatise at Bedni Bugyal.
How much does a group tour to Roop Kund cost?
Group tours start around ₹15,000 per person from Rishikesh or Lohajung, including permits, guide, camping, and meals. Excludes travel to base and personal gear.
Is there mobile network on the Roop Kund trek?
No network beyond Lohajung. Some spots near Bedni Bugyal get BSNL signals intermittently, but don't rely on it.

Group Trips to Roop Kund

Roop Kund group trips are not your average Himalayan getaway. This is a high-altitude trek to a glacial lake steeped in mystery, where ancient skeletons were once found. If you're an experienced trekker looking for a serious challenge, a Roop Kund tour package from TripzSearch connects you with licensed operators who handle permits, guides, and camping. Most group tours start from ₹15,000 and run for 6 days from Lohajung, covering Bedni Bugyal and Bhagwabasa. The best time for a Roop Kund trek is May–June or September–October, when the weather is stable and views are clear. You'll need good fitness and prior high-altitude experience. Group trips to Roop Kund are ideal for adventure seekers, photographers, and mystery lovers. Compared to Brahmatal or Kuari Pass, Roop Kund is tougher and less crowded. Book a Roop Kund group tour with TripzSearch for honest reviews, transparent pricing, and expert guidance. Whether you call it Roopkund or Roop Kund, this trek delivers raw Himalayan beauty and a story you'll tell for years.

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