Summary
Meetup Location: Kathgodam
Duration: 8 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: INR 10,000 per person
Group size: minimum 4 and maximum 12 persons
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Story
Roopkund, a high altitude glacial lake, is situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal in Uttarakhand, at a height of 5029 meters. The lake is surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad mountains, making it a fantastic trekking destination. It is also known as the "Mystery lake", owing to the hundreds of human skeletons that lie at the edge of the lake. Researchers claim that they date from 850 AD, and were likely the victims of a hail storm. The trek to Roopkund passes through lush green alpine meadows and coniferous forests. It offers expansive views of the Himalayas and offers a glorious chance to bask in the beauty of the Himalayas.
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Itinerary
Day - I, Kathgodam to Loharjung
Kathgodam is the meeting point of the trek. The best way to get to Kathgodam is the Ranikhet Express but one needs to book early to get reservations. As you get to Kathgodam the inviting views of the lower Himalayas welcome you. You can hire a car or take the bus to travel from Kathgodam to Loharjung, the start point of the trek. Mountain roads are narrow and full of sharp curves but the views are grand and green.
Day - II, Loharjung to Didna village
In the morning we will proceed for the first stage of the trek. First there will be a steady climb up to the Loharjung Col (2590m) which we cross to arrive at the valley of Bedni Ganga. Then descend on the north side of the pass down to the river before climbing back up to Didna Village (2439m). Overnight camp.
Day - III, Didna village to Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal
The trek towards Ali Bugyal is steep. From here one can soak in the expansive view of the Garhwal peaks. Continue trekking through thick forests as far as Ali Bugyal (Bugyal means meadow in local Garhwali dialect). Just after crossing Didna Village, a little distance away there is a stream. Stop here to fill water bottles. This is the last source of water until Bedni, 4 hours away. The climb from Didna to Ali is almost 800 meters high. The forest starts to thin after about 3 hours of climb, there you will see a vast rolling meadow. This is Ali Bugyal. Overnight stay in camp in Bedni Bugyal, almost 8 Kms away from Ali Bugyal.
Day - IV, Bedni Bugyal to Bhagwabasa
Start your day early. You want to be in Bhagwabasa as soon as possible to acclimatise yourself to the altitude before you will be in Roopkund. The trail to Bhagwabasa climbs out of the Bedni campsite in a gradual and easy manner. Overnight camp.
Day - V, Bhagwabasa to Roopkund and back to Bhagwabasa
From Bhagwabasa it is about 5 Kms to Roopkund. At some parts the slope is steep but most parts are easy. It takes about 3 hours to climb up to Roopkund. Overnight camp at Bhagwabasa.
Day - VI, Bhagwabasa to Wan
Post breakfast trek back to Badni Bugyal. After crossing a river, a short climb leads to the main valley, at the head of which is Wan. Overnight camp.
Day - VII, Wan to Loharjung
After breakfast trek to Loharjung. This is the last day of trekking. Overnight camp.
Day - VIII, End of trip
The trip ends after breakfast, and the people can choose to head back to the cities or stay around.
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Requirements
This trek is meant for people above 14 years of age only. Prior trekking experience is not essential, but good physical fitness is mandatory. Additionally, persons suffering from injuries or recovering from injuries or operations are strictly prohibited from participating in this trip.
What is included in the cost?
Meals : All meals (vegetarian only) during the expedition
Accommodation : All accommodation during the trek, be it guest house, home stay or camping
Guide: A qualified and professional English speaking expedition guide and support staff.
Equipment: All trekking equipment such as tents (sharing on a 2/3 people per tent), crampons, sleeping bags, mattresses, cooking utensils and crockery, mules or porters for luggage if required.
Fees: This includes all park entrance fees and trekking permits
First aid: A first aid medical kit, stretcher and oxygen cylinder
Transport: Transport only from Kathgodam to Loharjung and back
What is excluded from the cost?
Personal expenses
Food costs before or after the start of trek
Insurances like, but not limited to, medical and travel insurance
Mules or porters to carry personal luggage. Please note that each member of the trip is expected to carry his/her own luggage. If a porter or a mule is desired, the customer will have to inform us prior to booking the trip and pay for the extra costs
Anything which is not specifically mentioned as being included in the cost
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Booking and cancellation
Trek size: This trek has a minimum group size of 4 persons and a maximum size of 12 persons. The trek can be customized for a smaller group at reasonable extra cost. Please contact us for customization.
Cancellation policy: if a customer books places in the trek and cancels later, the following charges will be applicable depending on when the cancellation is done.
- 30 days or more before departure - no charges
- 30 to 15 days before departure - 10% of invoice
- 14 to 7 days before departure - 25% of invoice
- 7 to 3 days before departure - 50% of invoice
- 2 days or less before departure - 100% of invoice
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Map
Triund Hill, Bhagsunag Trail to SnowLine Cafe
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219