Roopkund
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India • 30.25°N, 79.73°E
📖 About Roopkund
- ✦Skeleton Lake at 5,029m holds 300+ human skeletons visible in ice-free months
- ✦53 km round-trip trek from Lohajung base at 2,310m gains 2,719m elevation
- ✦Trek passes through Ali Bugyal meadows at 3,400m and Bedni Bugyal at 3,354m
- ✦Closed November to April - snow blocks trail above Wan village at 2,438m
At 5,029m, Roopkund Lake sits frozen most months, revealing hundreds of human skeletons when ice melts in September and early October. The 53 km round-trip trek from Lohajung (2,310m) climbs through oak and rhododendron forests, crosses two high-altitude meadows - Ali Bugyal at 3,400m and Bedni Bugyal at 3,354m - and reaches the lake via a steep ascent from Bhagwabasa camp at 4,150m. The skeletons date to the 9th century, identified through carbon dating as belonging to pilgrims caught in a hailstorm.
The trek route passes through Wan (2,438m), the last village with shops and a Forest Department checkpoint where you register and pay entry fees. Above Wan, you cross the Neelganga stream and climb to Bedni Bugyal, a 5 km meadow with a seasonal temple dedicated to Goddess Nanda. From Bedni Bugyal, the trail ascends to Bhagwabasa, a rocky campsite below the final ridge. The lake itself measures 40 metres across and stays ice-covered until late May.
This trek suits experienced trekkers comfortable with 10-12 hour summit days and camping at 4,000m+ elevations where night temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) even in September. Mobile connectivity ends at Wan village, and the nearest ATM sits in Mundoli, 16 km before Lohajung base camp.
🎯 Things to Do in Roopkund
This 3,400m meadow sits 11 km from Wan village on the second day of the standard trek itinerary. The trail gains 962m elevation through oak forests before opening into grasslands that span 3 km across. Sunrise at Ali Bugyal offers clear views of Trishul (7,120m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309m) peaks on clear mornings, though clouds move in by 10 AM during monsoon months.
Located at 3,354m and 16 km from Wan, Bedni Bugyal serves as the third night's campsite with a small Nanda Devi temple that opens during the September Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage. Camping fees run Rs 100-150 per tent through local operators (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The meadow gets crowded in May-June with 30-40 tents on peak weekends, but September sees lighter traffic with 10-15 groups.
The lake sits 6 km from Bhagwabasa camp via a steep scree slope that gains 879m in 3-4 hours of climbing. Skeletons lie visible around the lake edges from late September to early October when ice recedes. Forest Department rules prohibit touching or photographing the remains up close, with a Rs 5,000 fine enforced by checkpost guards who patrol the area during peak season.
This 5,100m viewpoint lies 1.5 km beyond Roopkund Lake and offers views of Chaukhamba (7,138m) and Nilgiri Parbat (6,474m). The ridge crossing adds 2-3 hours to summit day with loose rock sections requiring careful footing. Only 30% of trekkers attempt Junargali due to altitude and stamina demands after the lake climb.
This 2,438m settlement 14 km from Lohajung marks the trek's official start with a Forest Department office where you pay Rs 150 entry fee and Rs 600 camping fees per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Wan has three small shops selling biscuits, instant noodles, and basic medical supplies at 2-3x valley prices. The village is the last point with intermittent mobile signal on BSNL network only.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -5.6 | 16.8 | 37 | 49% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -5.4 | 18.8 | 56 | 50% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -3.1 | 22.3 | 53 | 53% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | 3.4 | 24.9 | 66 | 48% |
| May | 🌦️ | 7.1 | 27.4 | 99 | 53% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 10.0 | 28.3 | 105 | 64% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 13.4 | 25.7 | 220 | 85% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 13.6 | 24.0 | 174 | 88% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 10.7 | 23.8 | 114 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | 4.9 | 22.2 | 47 | 65% |
| Nov | 🌤️ | 0.3 | 19.9 | 6 | 49% |
| Dec | 🌤️ | -4.1 | 18.2 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Chamoli region, not exclusively Roopkund. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Roopkund
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for temperatures ranging from 7.1°C (44.8°F) at Lohajung base in May to -5°C (23°F) at Bhagwabasa camp at night. Bring a -10°C rated sleeping bag, three-layer clothing system, and waterproof shell for afternoon rain showers.
Book trekking permits through the Uttarakhand Forest Department website 15-20 days ahead during May-June season, though September permits usually clear within 5 days. Carry two photocopies of your Aadhaar card and one passport photo for checkpost registration at Wan.
The Lohajung-Wan road is a 14 km dirt track requiring a 4x4 vehicle or local jeep, which charges Rs 2,500-3,000 for the trip (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Shared jeeps from Mundoli to Lohajung run only when full with 8-10 passengers.
The last ATM sits in Mundoli village, 16 km before Lohajung base camp - withdraw enough cash for the entire trek plus emergencies. UPI does not work above Wan village, and no shops accept cards anywhere on the trail.
Most trekkers stay in Lohajung village where basic guesthouses charge Rs 500-800 per night with shared bathrooms (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Organized trek packages include camping gear and meals, running Rs 8,000-12,000 per person for a 6-day itinerary from Kathgodam.
📍 More Places in Chamoli
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Roopkund
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Roopkund covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Roopkund is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 4992 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.