Uttarakhand
Roopkund Travel Guide — Skeleton Lake Trek on a Budget
Best months
Per-day budget
₹8,200–14,000/day
Getting there
Roopkund is a glacial lake in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at 5,029 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is known as Skeleton Lake because of the hundreds of human skeletons visible in the clear water and along the shoreline. The skeletons date from around the 9th century CE and were long a mystery — scientific studies determined they were from a group of pilgrims caught in a sudden hailstorm. The Roopkund trek is a 5-day round trip that passes through the high-altitude meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, some of the largest alpine meadows in Uttarakhand. The trek is one of the most popular in India for its combination of natural beauty and mystery. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air.
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Why go
The Roopkund trek is a classic Indian Himalayan trek suitable for fit beginners with a guide. The route starts at Wan village (2,400 m) and passes through dense forest to the meadows of Ali Bugyal (3,600 m) and Bedni Bugyal (3,800 m) — these are rolling alpine meadows that turn green in summer and are dotted with wildflowers. The final ascent to Roopkund lake (5,029 m) involves walking on snow for 2-3 km. The view from Roopkund of the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks is spectacular. The descent returns through the same route.
The skeletons at Roopkund are visible in the lake when the snow melts (May-June). The mystery of who these people were and how they died adds a macabre layer to the trek. Studies suggest they were a group of pilgrims from the 9th century caught in a severe hailstorm with no shelter. The remains are now partially protected by the Forest Department. The Bedni Bugyal meadow has a small temple dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi, and the region is part of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage route that passes every 12 years.
How to reach
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 250 km from Wan village (trek start point). Trains from Delhi to Kathgodam take 6-7 hours (sleeper class ₹300-500). From Kathgodam, buses to Mundoli (near Wan) take about 8-9 hours (₹400-600). Most travellers organise group transport from Kathgodam or Delhi as the last stretch is remote — check current timings and fares with UTC (utc.uk.gov.in) before travel. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 230 km away. Most trekkers take a group taxi from Kathgodam to Wan. The trek from Wan to Roopkund is 5-6 days round trip.
What a day costs
| Group trek package (5 days) | ₹6,000–10,000 |
| Guide cost (per day, group share) | ₹500–1,000 |
| Camping permit per person | ₹200–500 |
| Mules for luggage (per day) | ₹1,500–2,500 |
When to go
May-June is the main trekking season when the snow has melted enough to reach the lake and the skeletons are visible in the water. September-October is the post-monsoon season with clear skies and stable weather, but the lake may be covered with snow from the previous winter. July-August is monsoon — the trail is wet and views are obscured by clouds. The ideal period is late May to early June for the best combination of trail conditions and clear views. The lake freezes over in winter and is inaccessible.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam to Wan Village
Start from Kathgodam early morning. Drive to Wan village (7-8 hours, 2,400 m). Set up camp or stay in a village homestay.
Day 2: Wan to Ali Bugyal
Trek from Wan to Ali Bugyal (5-6 hours, 3,600 m). The trail passes through forest and opens up to vast meadows. Camp at Ali Bugyal.
Day 3: Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal
Trek to Bedni Bugyal via the ridge (4-5 hours, 3,800 m). The meadow and the Trishul peak views are the best of the trek. Camp at Bedni Bugyal.
Day 4: Bedni Bugyal to Roopkund and Return
Start early (3 AM) for the summit push to Roopkund (5-6 hours, 5,029 m). The final section is on snow. Reach the lake, see the skeletons, and return to Bedni Bugyal by evening. Camp at Bedni Bugyal.
Day 5: Bedni Bugyal to Wan
Descend from Bedni Bugyal to Wan village (5-6 hours). Drive back to Kathgodam by evening.
Student hacks
- ▸Join a group trek — the per-person cost drops significantly with a 6-8 person group. Trekking agencies in Delhi offer Roopkund packages from ₹6,000-8,000 for 5 days.
- ▸The rented gear (sleeping bag, tent, microspikes) is cheaper in Kathgodam than in Wan — rent everything before you leave.
- ▸Carry ORS and electrolyte powder — the high altitude and long trekking days dehydrate you quickly.
- ▸The skeletons are visible only in May-June when the ice melts — plan your trip for this window.
- ▸Train your cardio for 4-6 weeks before the trek — the altitude makes the climb significantly harder.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals need a Forest Department permit for camping in the Roopkund trek zone. The permit can be obtained through a registered trekking agency or from the Forest Department office in Mundoli. The trek involves high altitude above 4,500 m — acclimatization is essential. Altitude sickness is a real risk at Roopkund. Carry a medical kit with Diamox (consult a doctor before use). The final ascent from Bedni Bugyal to Roopkund involves walking on snow — microspikes and trekking poles are necessary. The weather can change rapidly — carry waterproof gear and warm layers. A guide is strongly recommended for this trek.
FAQs
How difficult is the Roopkund trek?
Moderate to difficult. Suitable for fit beginners with a guide. The altitude (5,029 m) is the main challenge.
Do I need a guide for Roopkund?
Yes — the trail is not marked in the final section and the altitude requires proper acclimatization. A guide is strongly recommended.
When are the skeletons visible?
The skeletons are visible in May-June when the ice melts. The rest of the year the lake is frozen or covered in snow.
Is Roopkund safe?
Yes with precautions. Altitude sickness is the main risk. Proper acclimatization and a guide mitigate most risks.
How many days do I need?
5-6 days for the full trek including travel from Kathgodam. The trek itself is 5 days.