Roopkund Travel Guide
India's famous skeleton lake at 5,029 m — one of the most dramatic high-altitude treks, via Lohajung through vast alpine meadows.
- Altitude
- 5,029 m
- Best season
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- From Dehradun
- ~275 km (to Lohajung) + 42 km trek
- Category
- Trek
Why visit Roopkund
- Trek to the mysterious skeleton lake at 5,029 m — one of the highest and most enigmatic lake treks in India
- Camp on the vast Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal meadows, two of the most beautiful high-altitude grasslands in Uttarakhand
- Gaze at the bones of hundreds of 9th-century humans preserved by the cold at the lake's edge
- View Trishul peak (7,120 m) from close range — one of the most dramatic peak views on any Indian trek
- Challenge yourself on a genuinely difficult high-altitude route requiring fitness, acclimatisation, and proper gear
Roopkund is a glacial lake at 5,029 m in the Chamoli district, notorious for the hundreds of ancient human skeletons found around its shores — remains that have been dated to the 9th century CE and linked by DNA analysis to two distinct groups, possibly pilgrims caught in a catastrophic hailstorm. The mystery of the Roopkund skeletons has made this one of India's most talked-about trekking destinations, drawing both adventure seekers and those fascinated by its eerie history.
The standard Roopkund trek covers roughly 42 km from the roadhead at Lohajung, passing through the sweeping Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal — two of Uttarakhand's finest high-altitude meadows — before ascending steeply to the lake. The trek typically takes 7–9 days and reaches a maximum altitude that requires good acclimatisation. Views of Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti are outstanding from the high camps. The season windows are narrow — May–June before the monsoon and September–October after it — due to the extreme altitude and unpredictable weather.
Explore around
Places near Roopkund
Small village at 2,360 m with guesthouses and basic facilities; the standard Roopkund trek starting point
Bedni Bugyal28 km from LohajungA vast high-altitude meadow at 3,354 m — one of the finest campsites on any Uttarakhand trek
Ali Bugyal22 km from LohajungAnother stunning meadow, adjacent to Bedni, carpeted with wildflowers in June
The final ridge before the lake — a steep snow climb in early season; panoramic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
What to do
Activities at Roopkund
Roopkund Lake Trek
The 42 km route from Lohajung to Roopkund passes through forests, alpine meadows, moraines, and snow slopes. The final section from Junargali to the lake involves a steep descent on loose scree or snow depending on the season.
Bedni and Ali Bugyal Camping
Camping at Bedni Bugyal (3,354 m) is one of the signature experiences of the trek — open meadows, 360-degree views, and an overwhelming silence broken only by wind and birdsong.
Skeletal Remains Viewing
At Roopkund lake, hundreds of human skeletal remains are visible, partially preserved in the ice and on the lake shore. A 2019 DNA study found these were people of diverse geographic origins, deepening rather than solving the mystery.
Trishul Peak Views
The approach to Roopkund offers some of the most dramatic close-up views of Trishul (7,120 m) available without mountaineering — the peak looms over the entire upper section of the trek.
Book with us
Tours covering Roopkund
Before you go
Roopkund travel tips
- Roopkund is a difficult trek — prior high-altitude experience (at least one 4,000 m+ trek) is strongly recommended before attempting
- A Forest Department permit is required; most trekking agencies handle this as part of their package
- Acclimatise carefully — the lake is at 5,029 m and altitude sickness is a real risk; spend an extra day at Bedni Bugyal before pushing to the lake
- The snow section from Junargali to the lake requires microspikes or crampons and trekking poles in May–June
- Lohajung has ATMs but they are unreliable — carry sufficient cash for the entire trek duration from Kathgodam
- Organised agency treks are strongly recommended; independent trekking above Bedni Bugyal without local guide knowledge significantly increases risk
Getting there
How to reach Roopkund
Lohajung is 220 km from Kathgodam via Almora and Gwaldam. The road journey takes approximately 8–9 hours. No direct buses; hire a taxi or take shared vehicles from Kathgodam.
Kathgodam is the nearest railhead with good connections to Delhi (Ranikhet Express, overnight journey). From Kathgodam, hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to Lohajung.
Pantnagar Airport (230 km from Lohajung) has limited daily flights from Delhi. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is an alternative for those combining with other Garhwal destinations.
Where to stay in Roopkund
- Lohajung has basic guesthouses and lodges suitable for pre-trek overnight and post-trek recovery
- On the trek, camping is the only option — agency-operated fixed camps or self-carried tents
- Forest shelters exist at some camps (Didna village, Pathar Nachauni) but conditions are basic and availability limited
- Book through a registered trekking agency for managed camps at Bedni Bugyal and Bhagwabasa (the high camp before the lake)
Food & dining
- Lohajung has small dhabas and tea stalls serving simple Kumaoni and north Indian meals
- Agency trek packages include all meals on the trail — typically three meals plus tea and snacks
- Self-supported trekkers must carry all food from Lohajung; there are no shops above Wan village (14 km from Lohajung)
- Carry high-energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, energy gels) for the demanding final day climb to the lake and back
Background
History of Roopkund
Roopkund lake has been known to local shepherds and Himalayan communities for centuries, but its skeletal contents came to wider notice in 1942 when a British forest guard reported finding hundreds of human skeletons around the lake. Initial speculation suggested they might be Japanese soldiers, then the victims of an epidemic or natural disaster. Radiocarbon dating eventually placed the remains around the 9th century CE.
A landmark 2019 DNA analysis published in Nature Communications found the Roopkund skeletal remains belonged to three genetically distinct groups: a majority from South Asia, a smaller group with ancestry matching populations from the eastern Mediterranean (consistent with modern Greeks or Cretans), and a very small group from Southeast Asia. The presence of eastern Mediterranean individuals at a remote 5,000 m lake in the Indian Himalaya remains unexplained and has made Roopkund one of the most discussed archaeological mysteries in recent years.
Local tradition attributes the skeletons to a royal procession — a king, queen, and their entourage who were struck by a sudden hailstorm and killed en masse while crossing the high pass. This story is embedded in a local folk song (jagar) that describes a goddess sending down hailstones 'hard as iron' to punish the procession for disrespecting her shrine. Whether or not this folk memory relates to the actual skeletal remains remains debated.
Plan your trip
Suggested Roopkund itinerary
- Day 1Drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung (220 km, 8–9 hrs). Overnight Lohajung (2,360 m). Gear check.
- Day 2Trek Lohajung to Didna village (10 km, 5–6 hrs). Overnight camp at Didna (2,740 m).
- Day 3Trek Didna to Ali Bugyal (12 km, 5–6 hrs). Meadow walk and acclimatisation. Overnight camp Ali Bugyal (3,100 m).
- Day 4Trek to Bedni Bugyal (4 km, 2 hrs). Rest and acclimatisation day at Bedni (3,354 m). Optional walk to Bagwabasa meadow. Overnight Bedni Bugyal.
- Day 5Trek Bedni Bugyal to Bhagwabasa (8 km, 4–5 hrs). Overnight high camp (4,150 m). Early dinner and early sleep.
- Day 6Early start (4–5 am) to Roopkund lake (4 km, 3–4 hrs via Junargali ridge). Lake visit, skeleton viewing. Return to Bhagwabasa and continue descent to Bedni Bugyal. Overnight Bedni.
- Day 7Descend from Bedni Bugyal to Lohajung (24 km, 7–8 hrs). Overnight Lohajung. Drive to Kathgodam next morning.
Common questions
Roopkund FAQ
- Why is Roopkund called the skeleton lake?
- Hundreds of human skeletal remains dating to approximately the 9th century CE are preserved around the lake and partially visible in the ice. The cold, high-altitude conditions slowed decomposition, leaving the skeletons unusually intact. A 2019 DNA study found the remains belonged to multiple genetically distinct groups, deepening the mystery of who they were and how they died.
- How difficult is the Roopkund trek?
- Roopkund is graded difficult — the highest point is 5,029 m and the route involves long days, snow slopes, loose scree, and significant altitude gain. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is essential. Joining an organised agency group with guides and support is strongly recommended.
- What month is best for Roopkund?
- May to June and September to October are the two primary windows. June is best for wildflowers on the bugyals; September–October gives the clearest skies and peak views. The lake is usually snow-covered in May–early June.
- Are permits needed for Roopkund?
- Yes — a Forest Department entry permit is required for the Roopkund trek, and visitor numbers are managed. Most trekking agencies handle permit acquisition as part of their trek package. Independent trekkers should check current permit requirements with the Chamoli Forest Division before departure.
Keep reading
Roopkund guides
Adventure & Trekking4 Day Roopkund Trek and Hemkund Sahib Tour Package from RishikeshBook 4 day Roopkund trek and Hemkund Sahib tour package from Rishikesh at ₹18,000 per person. Get itinerary, route & cost details. Call +91-977-976-6740 to book now! Read More…Adventure & Trekking8-Day Haridwar to Roopkund Trek and Hemkund Sahib Tour Package Cost 2026Book 8-day Haridwar to Roopkund trek and Hemkund Sahib tour package at Rs. 40,000 per person. Get itinerary, route, and cost details. Call +91-977-976-6740 to book now! Read More…Ready to visit Roopkund?
Tell us your dates and we’ll put together a plan that fits.