HIMALAYAN TREK  ·  THE SKELETON LAKE

Roopkund Trek

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May 29 – Jun 5, 2027
Trip Dates
8 Days · 7 Nights
Duration
Late May to early June
Best Window
Rishikesh
Start & End
Dehradun
Fly Into
16,000 ft
Highest Point
Homestay + Tents
Accommodation
Difficult
Trek Grade
What You'll Do

8 Roopkund Moments

Two of the biggest meadows in Uttarakhand, a campsite with no soil, only rock, and a frozen lake with hundreds of old skeletons around it.

01
Stand at Roopkund, the Skeleton Lake, at 15,750 ft. Bones and skulls from more than a thousand years ago still lie around it. Day 5
02
Push on for 20 to 25 more minutes to Junargali at 16,000 ft, with Trishul (7,120m) straight in front of you. Day 5
03
Walk across Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, two of the biggest high-altitude meadows in India. Day 3
04
Sleep at Bhagwabasa, 14,100 ft. It's so high there's no soil at camp, only rock. Day 4
05
Take a long break by the Neel Ganga before the climb to Gehroli Patal, a campsite inside the forest. Day 2
06
Leave camp at 4 am with your headlamp on for summit day. Day 5
07
Hear the full story at camp: the 1942 discovery, the National Geographic expedition and what the 2019 DNA study found. Day 4
08
Snow on the upper trail and green meadows lower down. That's why we go in the last week of May. Season
Day by Day

The Itinerary

8 days from Rishikesh and back. We camp at Gehroli Patal, Patar Nachauni and Bhagwabasa, and do the lake and Junargali on Day 5.

Day 1

RISHIKESH TO LOHAJUNG

216 km drive9 to 10 hoursHomestay
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Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet, on the drive from Rishikesh

We leave Rishikesh early and drive 216 km up through the Garhwal hills to Lohajung, the last big village before the trail. Tonight is a homestay, a hot dinner and the first round of introductions. I'm honestly as excited about this trek as you are.

Did You Know? Locals call Roopkund the Mystery Lake.
Day 2

LOHAJUNG TO WAN, TREK TO GEHROLI PATAL

1 hour drive5 km4 to 5 hours
▾
Camp in the oak forest clearing at Gehroli Patal OJ tripper resting on a log by the Neel Ganga stream

A short drive to Wan and the trek starts. Expect 30 to 45 minutes of climbing to Ran Ka Dhar, then a 20 minute walk down to the Neel Ganga. We spend some time by the river before a stiff 3 hour climb to Gehroli Patal. This camp sits inside the forest and it's a pretty one.

Did You Know? Roopkund is a glacial lake. For about a month in summer, as the ice melts, you can see the bones and skulls of the people who died here.
Day 3

GEHROLI PATAL TO PATAR NACHAUNI VIA ALI AND BEDNI BUGYAL

10 kmLong day10,000 ft to 12,700 ft
▾
OJ group climbing a golden grass slope towards Ali Bugyal Trishul above Bedni Bugyal at first light Yellow wildflowers on Bedni Bugyal OJ tripper with a mountain dog on the bugyal

Today is a long one. About 2 hours of steep climbing gets you to Ali Bugyal, then a gentler trail runs across to Bedni Bugyal with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti right behind it. We camp at Patar Nachauni, one of the windiest campsites on the trek.

Did You Know? A forest ranger found the skeletons in 1942. Tests later showed they were far older than anyone had guessed.
Day 4

PATAR NACHAUNI TO BHAGWABASA

6 km4 hours12,700 ft to 14,100 ft
▾
Trekker on the steep trail towards Bhagwabasa Trekker on a ridge near Kalu Vinayak Camp tents below snowy peaks at Bhagwabasa Snow peak at dusk from Bhagwabasa

We reach our highest campsite today. Bhagwabasa is so high there's no sand or soil around the tents, only rock. In the evening I'll walk you through the history of the lake, so you know what you're looking at tomorrow. Early dinner, early sleep.

Did You Know? In 2004 a National Geographic team brought back remains for testing. Because of the cold, some of them still had flesh and hair attached.
Day 5

BHAGWABASA TO ROOPKUND AND JUNARGALI, BACK TO PATAR NACHAUNI

12 km4 am startUp to 16,000 ft
▾
OJ group on the snow trail to Roopkund OJ trekkers at the edge of Roopkund lake Old bones on the rocks at Roopkund A skull at the Roopkund skeleton lake Trekker on the snow ridge to Junargali Trekker on the snowy ridge above Roopkund

Summit day. We leave camp around 4 am after a quick breakfast. It's a gradual climb of about 3 hours to Roopkund, and the last 20 minutes is a steep zigzag. At the lake, the trek leader decides who is fit for the 20 to 25 minute push up to Junargali. The descent from Roopkund is tricky, so we take it slow and then walk down to Patar Nachauni.

Did You Know? Skull and shoulder fractures on the skeletons point to a huge hailstorm. A 2019 DNA study found the remains belong to at least three different groups of people, some of them from the eastern Mediterranean.
Day 6

PATAR NACHAUNI TO GEHROLI PATAL

10 km5 to 6 hours
▾
Golden ridges on the walk back to Gehroli Patal

We walk back across the meadows to our first campsite. It's a relaxed day, and after yesterday you've earned it.

Did You Know? Roopkund is a protected site. Taking anything from it, even a small bone, is a punishable offence.
Day 7

GEHROLI PATAL TO WAN, DRIVE TO LOHAJUNG

5 km down1 hour driveHomestay
▾
OJ tripper by a clear pool on the Neel Ganga

Down through the forest to Wan. We should be back by around 4 pm, then it's a short drive to Lohajung for the night. Maybe a small party too.

Day 8

LOHAJUNG TO RISHIKESH

216 km drive9 to 10 hours
▾

The long drive back to Rishikesh. We get in by evening, so book your flight home from Dehradun for the next day.

The Route

Rishikesh → Lohajung → Roopkund

About 53 km on foot from Wan and back, with the lake and Junargali on Day 5.

Rishikesh Start & end · Days 1 and 8 Lohajung Days 1 and 7 · 7,600 ft Gehroli Patal Days 2 and 6 · 10,000 ft Bhagwabasa Day 4 · 14,100 ft Roopkund + Junargali Day 5 · 16,000 ft Route Start / End Camps & homestay Summit
Rishikesh, start and end, Days 1 and 8
Lohajung, homestay, Days 1 and 7 (7,600 ft)
Gehroli Patal, forest camp, Days 2 and 6 (10,000 ft)
Patar Nachauni, camp, Days 3 and 5 (12,700 ft)
Bhagwabasa, highest camp, Day 4 (14,100 ft)
Roopkund and Junargali, Day 5 (15,750 ft and 16,000 ft)
Price

Price on Request

Message us on WhatsApp and we'll send the 2027 price, what it covers and how many slots are left.

2027 Batch, May 29 – Jun 5, 2027
On request
per person · Rishikesh to Rishikesh

Ask anything about fitness, gear or the route in the same chat. Most people on this trek come solo.

Get the price on WhatsApp
What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ What's Included
✓8 days, Rishikesh to Rishikesh by road
✓2 nights in a homestay at Lohajung
✓5 nights camping on the trail
✓All meals on the trek, plus bed tea or coffee every morning
✓Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses
✓Forest permits
✓Local transport
✓A trained OJ trek leader to keep you safe
✗ What's Not Included
✕Flights or trains to Dehradun and Rishikesh
✕Your stay in Rishikesh before and after the trek
✕Meals on the drive to Lohajung and back
✕Mineral water and room service
✕Camera charges
✕Cost of any extra day, or anything caused by a change to the itinerary
Social Proof

What Trippers Say

★★★★★ 4.9 Google Rating
★★★★★

"It was our first morning in Tapovan, the land crisp and white with freshly fallen snow. Vyshakh was very understanding about it - that's how he is. If safe and possible, he always lets you do your thing."

Hema
Hema
Tripper Review · Tapovan / Meru
★★★★★

"ENCHANTING, THRILLING AND ADVENTUROUS is the only right way to recount my trek with Vyshak and this MAD group whom I now call family. From making us feel at home on our first day to arranging 'chai' for us at the summit, Vyshak surely knows the way to people's hearts!!"

Surbhi Rathi
Surbhi Rathi
Tripper Review · Chandrashila Trek
★★★★★

"The first thing that pops in my mind is to close my eyes so I can relive those moments we sat on the edge of a road to look down into the valley of floating clouds. The hike up to a nearby peak to watch sun set when we reached Sandakphu was magical."

Atishi
Atishi
Tripper Review · Sandakphu
Click here to read what our trippers have to say →
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to do Roopkund?

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The last week of May and the first week of June. The monsoon hasn't reached the hills yet, so the skies are mostly clear, the meadows are turning green and there's still snow higher up near the lake. That's why our 2027 batch runs May 29 to June 5.

How hard is the Roopkund trek?

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It's a difficult trek. You go from about 7,600 ft at Lohajung to 16,000 ft at Junargali in four days, and summit day is long, with a 4 am start and a tricky descent. If you can run 4 to 5 km in 30 minutes, you're ready for it. If you've never done a high-altitude trek, start with Chandrashila or Sandakphu.

Where does the trek start, and how do I get there?

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Rishikesh. Fly into Dehradun (Jolly Grant) and get to Rishikesh by the evening of May 28. It's about 30 to 45 minutes by cab. We leave early on May 29 and get back to Rishikesh on the evening of June 5, so book your flight home for June 6.

Will we see the skeletons?

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The lake stays frozen for most of the year, and the bones show as the ice and snow around it melt. The bones in the photos on this page are from one of our past batches, but how much is exposed on the day depends on that year's snow.

How cold does it get?

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Days on the meadows are pleasant. Nights at Bhagwabasa and the early start on summit day go below freezing, often to -5°C or lower. Bring a down jacket and two pairs of thermals.

What does it cost?

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The 2027 price is on request. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll send the price, what it covers and how many slots are left.

What are the inclusions?

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1. 8 days, Rishikesh to Rishikesh by road
2. 2 nights in a homestay at Lohajung
3. 5 nights camping on the trail
4. All meals on the trek, plus bed tea or coffee every morning
5. Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses
6. Forest permits
7. Local transport
8. A trained OJ trek leader to keep you safe

What are the exclusions?

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1. Flights or trains to Dehradun and Rishikesh
2. Your stay in Rishikesh before and after the trek
3. Meals on the drive to Lohajung and back
4. Mineral water and room service
5. Camera charges
6. Cost of any extra day, or anything caused by a change to the itinerary

How much cash should we carry?

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8K to 10K for your personal expenses.

What should you bring?

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Mandatory: your original ID proof.

Clothes: 2 fleece jackets, 3 synthetic or cotton pants, 4 full-sleeve tees, a sun hat, a woollen cap or muffler, woollen gloves, a towel, 2 pairs of thermals, 1 down jacket (zero degree or warmer) and a waterproof jacket or poncho.

Shoes and socks: high-ankle trekking shoes and cotton socks.

Skincare: UV sunglasses, lip balm, cold cream and sunscreen.

Also: a headlamp. You'll need it at 4 am on summit day.

I am coming solo. Is that a problem?

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Most people come alone on my trips. About 25% bring a friend or partner. Honestly, it really doesn't matter. On every batch I've led, people gel with everyone, and even the ones who thought they wouldn't end up surprising themselves.

What are trips like?

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Most batches have 12 to 20 people, aged between 16 and 38. Most people come alone or with a friend, and it ends up feeling like travelling with college friends more than strangers. We do more outdoorsy things than regular trips. If we see a pretty waterfall, a sunset or a rainbow on the way, we stop and catch it. We usually sleep late too, because of the group games and because nobody wants to miss time with the group.

I haven't heard about this company before. Where can I read more?

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Here are a few places to read more about us and our trips: Testimonials, About me and our Instagram page.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

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If Plans Change, We've Got You We totally get it, life happens, and sometimes your plans have to take a rain check. That's why we've kept our cancellation policy simple, transparent, and as kind as possible.

• 45+ days before the trip: 10% cancellation charge
• 30–44 days before the trip: 25% cancellation charge
• 15–29 days before the trip: 50% cancellation charge
• Within 14 days of the trip: 100% cancellation charge

These are calculated on the total trip amount, not just the token amount.

Now, if you can find someone to take your spot, we'll happily refund your full amount. No questions asked. Because at the end of the day, we'd rather have someone travel than hold back your money.

To keep your spot confirmed, please clear the remaining balance by the due date, it helps us lock in stays, permits, and experiences for the group. If payments are delayed beyond that, we'll have to treat it as a cancellation (same policy applies).