Roopkund
The mystery lake beneath Trishul
- Dates
- 22–29 Oct 2026
- Duration
- 8 days
- Highest point
- 5,029 m
- Grade
- Challenging
- Starts from
- Rishikesh / Kathgodam
- Price from
- ₹28,500
The journey
A 8-day expedition from Rishikesh / Kathgodam to Roopkund (5,029 m), the legendary "Skeleton Lake" beneath the cliffs of Mt. Trishul. The route runs from Wan village through oak and rhododendron forests, the alpine meadows of Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal, and the high camps of Patar Nachauni and Bhagwabasa. Organised by WildHeartt Explorers LLP.
- Roopkund (Skeleton Lake) at 5,029 m (16,500 ft), beneath the cliffs of Trishul
- Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal, described as one of Asia's largest alpine meadows
- Views of Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and surrounding Himalayan peaks
- Dedicated acclimatisation day (Day 3) and an early dinner with summit briefing at Bhagwabasa
- Forests of oak and rhododendron; snowfields, moraines and rocky ridges above the tree line
How high, day by day
The highest point reached each day, from the itinerary. Rest and drive days are shown between the known points.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Rishikesh / Kathgodam, drive to Wan Village
Up to 2,430 m
Drive approx. 9-10 hrs. Wan altitude 2,430 m (7,972 ft). Scenic drive through changing Uttarakhand landscapes to Wan, a Himalayan village at the edge of dense oak forests. On arrival, settle into the campsite/guesthouse, followed by an expedition briefing, equipment check and interaction with the trek leaders. Overnight: Homestay in Wan Village.
Day 2
Trek from Wan to Geroli Patal / Bedni Bugyal
Up to 3,350 m
Distance 10-12 km; trek time 6-7 hrs; Geroli Patal 3,350 m (10,990 ft). The trail passes through oak and rhododendron forests and opens into the alpine meadows of Bedni Bugyal. Depending on weather and campsite availability, the night is spent at Geroli Patal or Bedni Bugyal. Views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Overnight: Camping at Geroli Patal / Bedni Bugyal.
Day 3
Bedni Bugyal to Ali Bugyal and back to Bedni Bugyal
Up to 3,500 m
Distance 10 km; trek time 5-6 hrs; Ali Bugyal 3,500 m (11,483 ft). Acclimatisation day. The trail crosses Ali Bugyal, one of Asia's largest alpine meadows, with uninterrupted Himalayan views; return to camp for rest. Overnight: Camping at Bedni Bugyal.
Day 4
Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni
Up to 3,860 m
Distance 7-8 km; trek time 5-6 hrs; Patar Nachauni 3,860 m (12,664 ft). The trail ascends into rugged alpine terrain; vegetation thins into rocky slopes. Views of Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and surrounding peaks. Overnight: Camping at Patar Nachauni.
Day 5
Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa
Up to 4,320 m
Distance 5-6 km; trek time 4-5 hrs; Bhagwabasa 4,320 m (14,173 ft). A shorter day with a steady climb to the high camp, above the tree line into snowfields, moraines and rocky ridges. Early dinner followed by a detailed summit briefing. Overnight: Camping at Bhagwabasa.
Day 6
Bhagwabasa to Roopkund (5,029 m) and down to Patar Nachauni
Up to 5,029 m
Distance 12-14 km; trek time 9-11 hrs; Roopkund 5,029 m (16,500 ft). Starts well before sunrise. A gradual climb leads to Roopkund, the Skeleton Lake beneath Trishul. After time at the lake, descend to Patar Nachauni. The longest and most demanding day of the expedition. Overnight: Camping at Patar Nachauni.
Day 7
Patar Nachauni to Wan Village
Up to 2,430 m
Distance 15-16 km; trek time 7-8 hrs; Wan 2,430 m (7,972 ft). The descent retraces the route via Bedni Bugyal, Geroli Patal and the oak forests to Wan. Evening celebration with the team. Overnight: Homestay in Wan Village.
Day 8
Drive back from Wan to Rishikesh / Kathgodam
Drive approx. 9-10 hrs. After breakfast, drive back to Rishikesh or Kathgodam.
Included
- +Private vehicle (tempo traveller) from Rishikesh / Kathgodam to Wan on Day 1 and return on Day 8
- +Professional guides throughout the trek
- +Entrance / permit fees as applicable
- +Wholesome, hygienic vegetarian meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 8 breakfast
- +Comfortable twin-sharing tents with mattress and sleeping bags
- +Separate toilet tents for gents and ladies
- +First aid and medical safety kit with oxygen cylinder
- +Dining tent with table and chairs
- +Rubbish bags for personal trash (trekkers are welcome to collect any trash they can on the way)
- +Services of expert leadership of experienced mountaineers
Not included
- –Travel to reach Rishikesh / Kathgodam on Day 1 and return on Day 8
- –Meals during travel on Day 1 and Day 8
- –Travel insurance
- –Tips and gratuities to guides and kitchen staff
- –Personal expenses and any items of a personal nature
- –Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- –Stay in Rishikesh / Kathgodam before or after the trek
- –Taxes as applicable (GST @ 5%; TCS @ 2%)
Before you go
Booking and cancellation
- Booking amount INR 10,000 (INR 3,000 non-refundable)
- Balance to be paid before 21 September 2026
- Cancellation more than 30 days before departure: 80% of the paid amount refunded
- Cancellation 15 to 30 days before departure: 50% of the paid amount refunded
- Cancellation within 15 days of departure: no refund
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