Introduction
People travel to India from all over the world to experience different sorts of trekking vacations. There are many fantastic and bizarre trekking locations in India. A popular and stunning trekking path in Uttarakhand is Roopkund. This glacier lake is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty. We have a few things to share with you before you begin planning your Roopkund trek tour in Uttarakhand.
Numerous well-traveled hiking paths in Uttarakhand are ideal for having a joyful trekking vacation. What makes Roopkund Trek appealing then? The answer is that Roopkund is endowed with beauty that you won’t find at other locations. You will undoubtedly discover breathtaking vistas of sloping mountains coated in a thick layer of gleaming white snow during your Roopkund trekking tour. In addition to the breathtaking vistas of the Garhwal Himalaya, Mount Trishul, and Mount Nanda Ghunti, you may find the most spectacular Himalayan landscape at Roopkund. The Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How to reach
This hike begins in Kathgodam, a tiny settlement in Uttarakhand’s Nainital area. There are only two routes to reach this lovely covert village, and they are both accessible via roads and railways. You must use road or rail transportation to get to Kathgodam because the closest airport, Pantnagar Airport, is 71 kilometres away. The Kathgodam Railway Station is connected to all major cities by regular trains thanks to well-connected rail systems. You can also go by public or privately owned buses that leave from places like Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Haridpur, Rudrapur, Moradabad, and Chandausi.
Difficulty level of Trek
Despite being a high altitude trek in the Garhwal region, beginners can easily join up for Roopkund. About 15,700 feet above sea level is where one must reach the summit. For beginners, the Roopkund hike is fairly safe and simple because to its clearly marked routes. You won’t even need to hire a guide or professional to lead you through the mountains and valleys blanketed in snow on this walk.
Best time
A trip to Roopkund can be planned during one of two times of the year: either before the monsoon arrives or after it has passed. The first trekking season is from May to June, and the second is from August to September. You can expect to see Bugyals’ greener side before monsoon as well as a frozen Roopkund Lake filled with skeletons. Even though the Dayara Bugyals will be a little bit brown if you start your trek after the monsoon, it will still look wonderful. Beginning in September, the lake freezes solidly, revealing its skeleton.
Regarding the locals
They have a rich history and fascinating culture. You can learn about the traditions and customs that are strictly observed in this community by studying its culture. They will ensure that your adventure is full of special moments thanks to their empathy and respect for tourists. Height Points. With a height of 554 metres at the foot of the Kumaon Ranges and a beautiful vista of scenery, this notable trekking journey departs from Kathgodam.
Folklore about Roopkund Lake and its mystery
A British forest guard discovered thousands of remains close to Roopkund Lake in 1942. Since then, anthropologists, historians, and scientists have conducted research on these skeletons in the frigid regions of the Himalayas. There are between 300 and 600 skeletons scattered about. Why did so many people pass away? The cause can be a sudden hailstorm in the highlands. The claim that cracks are discovered on the skulls might just as easily support the hypothesis that hailstorms caused them.
These bodies are the subject of numerous theories. According to some researchers, General Zorawar Singh of Kashmir and his forces returned after an unsuccessful attempt to capture Tibet in 1841, as evidenced by the skeletons. They had forgotten how to get in and were never discovered. Some people also thought the bones belonged to Japanese soldiers who died while advancing through the area during the Second World War. Recent research has revealed that the skeletons belonged to persons who may have perished in hailstorms in the ninth century. But we’d want to stress right now that the mystery is still unsolved. And it heightens the location’s mystique.
While scientists investigate scientific facts and evidence, locals and laypeople have their own fascinating folklore about Roopkund Lake. Roopkund, like most trek routes, has its own set of stories.
Permits
Required There will be entry fees at specific checkpoints, trek permits, and mandatory forest camping fees throughout the region for the duration of the walk. Please include identity documents, such as your driver’s licence or voter identification card, a passport-sized photo, a medical certificate attesting to your fitness for the trek, and a disclaimer At Loharjung, where you must pay a camping fee to the Forest Officer, permits can be obtained.
