Roop kund Trek
Time : May/June /July
Trek Duration: 13 nights and 12 days Delhi to Delhi which includes train travel Delhi to Kathgodham by A/C sleeper and back.
Region : Kumaon Hills (Almora)
Max. Altitude : 5029 m.
Roop kund is a lake situated at a height of 5029 m in the lap of the Trishul Massif, hidden below a ridge on the periphery of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. It is often called the “Mystery Lake”, as in it lie some 300 corpses dated to the 14th Century AD, well preserved due to the cold and only seen when the lake thaws. There are two versions for these remains; one, that they are the remains of soldiers under General Jorawar Singh’s army which was on its way to Tibet, the other that they are the remains of people on a pilgrimage to Trishul base about 600 years ago.
High-up in the Himalayas, the Roopkund Lake, surrounded by rock-strewn glacier and snow clad peaks, is a marvelous sight. The starting point of our trek is Mundoli village situated in eastern Garhwal Himalaya. To get to this starting point all trekkers are required to initially reach Kathgodam by over night train from Delhi. From Kathgodam guests would be driven to Mundoli.
Day 1.
Meet in Delhi Railway station “COMESUM RESTAURANT” at 8.00 AM sharp. Train to Kathgodham by Ranikhet Express. Train departure at 10.10 pm
Day 2.
Arrive at Kathgodam railway station 05.30 hrs. Drive to Ranikhet (90 kms. 3 hrs.) for quick wash and change . After refreshing ourselves we continue with our drive. Our destination is Mundoli village (1750 m 115 km/ 4 to 5 hrs.) The drive to Mundoli is across a scenic countryside past the hill towns of Kausani, Baijnath and Gwaldham. We camp here for the night.
Day 3. Mundoli to Wan (2439 m /13 km /5 to 6 hrs.):
Today’s walk is not difficult but a bit long. Stepping out of Mundoli we trek up to Lohajung Pass (2,133m). From here a clear path leads northwards to Wan (2439m). The ascent is quite gradual. At Wan the campsite is beyond the Forest Rest House on a ridge that offers marvelous views of Trishul peak.
Day 4. Wan to Bedni Bugyal (3354 m/8 km/ 4 to 5 hrs.)
The trail from Wan ascends to Bedni which is acres and acres of meadow scooped out of lush mountain scape, a steep ridge arching up into the dusk, and above it, the enormous western flank of Trishul. The spot is absolutely romantic and the campsite is divine.
Day 5. Bedni to Baguvabassa (4667 m /9 km/ 5 to 6 hrs.)
Today is a tough day. The trail from Bedni ascends to the remote village of Begubassa, where we camp for the night.
Day 6. Baguvabassa to Roopkund (5029 m/5 km /3 hrs.)
It is an easy day and by mid-day we are at Roopkund. The campsite is at the tip of the lake. We have the entire afternoon to explore the surrounding area climb to Jorawargalli 2hrs for a panoramic view of Himalayan snow - capped peaks as seen while at Jorawargalli. The peaks seem like,one could to touch them. back to Roopkund. to Baguvabassa 3hrs overnight intents.
Day 7. Rest day
In case the weather plays truant we will make another attempt to Roopkund lake and descend the same day to Bistola via Baguvabassa. In case we have successfully climbed to Roopkund we will relax.
Day 8. Roopkund to Bistola (4570 m /7 km /3 to 4 hrs.)
We follow the same trail to descend from Roopkund. Our overnight camp is at Bistola.
Day 9. Bistola to Ali Bugyal (3300 m /10 km /4 to 5 hrs.)
Ali Bugyal is another Alpine like meadow that is just as charming as Bedni. We camp here for the night
Day 10. Ali Bugyal to Didana (2700 m /8 km /3 to 4 hrs)
The descent from Ali to Didana is easy and we pitch up close to a river.
Day 11. Didana to Mundoli and drive to Ranikhet
From Didana we retrace our steps to civilization. The walk to Mundoli is less than 8 kms. and this takes around 3 hrs. At Mundoli, after refreshing ourselves, we board a waiting jeep that drives us back to Ranikhet (115 km / 5 hrs.). We check in to any hotel and rest for the night
Day 12. Ranikhet to Kathgodam (90 km)
Today is a day when we can chill out and relax. Late afternoon we board a vehicle that drives us to Kathgodam. There is also the option of leaving Ranikhet after breakfast and driving to the legendary Jim Corbett Park. The train to Delhi departs from Kathgodam at 20.40 hrs.
Day 13. Arrive in Delhi at 5.30 a.m.
Trek ends with humbling and exhilarating experience. Group disperses