Buran Ghati Trek: An Exceptional Alternative to Roopkund Lake Trek
Back in 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court put a stop to camping in the Roopkund meadows, which kind of threw a wrench in the plans of many trekkers. Roopkund had been a dream destination for a lot of us, and finding an alternative hasn’t been easy. But then I came across Buran Ghati, and honestly, it deserves way more attention than it gets.
I remember being genuinely surprised during my trek there—like, how had I not heard more about this place before? The landscape is straight-up magical. Picture endless grasslands, dense pine forests, and views that feel like they’ve been lifted from a fantasy novel. It wasn’t just beautiful—it was breathtaking. And the best part? It wasn’t just a pretty face. The climb up to the Buran Pass, and especially the descent (which is more like a snow slide at certain times of year), gave me that adrenaline rush that makes a trek unforgettable. In terms of challenge, it felt almost on par with Roopkund, but with way fewer crowds and a whole lot more charm.
Now, let’s talk starting points. Roopkund kicks off at Lohajung, and Buran Ghati begins at a little village called Janglik. Between the two, Janglik won my heart. It’s one of those untouched gems that still feels like it’s been frozen in time. The homes are these beautiful wooden structures with stone roofs, and the whole place is wrapped in snow-capped peaks and pine trees. There’s this peaceful stillness there that immediately made me feel like I’d truly arrived in the mountains.
Lohajung, by contrast, has become more commercial over the years. It’s not a bad place—it still has incredible views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti and the Didina Valley—but it’s definitely got more of a town vibe than a village one. You can feel the trekker traffic that’s passed through.
So, if you’re looking for something that combines natural beauty, a real sense of adventure, and that peaceful mountain vibe Roopkund used to offer, Buran Ghati might just be the trek you’ve been searching for.
Day-by-Day Comparison between Buran Ghati & Roopkund Trek
Day 1 Comparison
Buran Ghati is honestly one of those treks that just keeps surprising you—in the best way. It starts off quietly, winding through these charming little farms, and before you know it, you’re deep in a pine forest that feels like something out of a fairytale. I remember walking through those woods thinking, Wow, this is exactly what I hoped trekking in the Himalayas would feel like. Every so often, the trees open up into these beautiful clearings where you just want to stop, sit down, and take it all in.
And then comes one of my favorite parts—the grasslands. They seem to stretch on forever, and right when you think it can’t get better, you reach Dayara meadows. It’s honestly like stepping into a postcard. I remember there’s this exact moment—the “wow” point, as people call it—where the trail suddenly reveals the meadows in all their glory. Every single person I’ve seen reach that spot just stops. Mouth slightly open, eyes wide. It’s pure awe. That moment alone makes the whole trek worth it.
Now, Roopkund—that one used to be my go-to trek. And don’t get me wrong, it’s still incredible. The first stretch through the oak and rhododendron forests is absolutely magical. There’s this play of light through the trees, especially in the mornings, that gives everything a golden glow. It’s hard not to keep turning around for one last look.
The forests are thick and lush until you hit Gheroli Patal, the first campsite, and I always felt this sense of quiet wonder on that section of the trail. Honestly, before I discovered Buran Ghati, Roopkund had my heart—especially because of those oak forests on Day One. They felt like the perfect beginning to an epic trek.
But now, having done both, I think Buran Ghati edges ahead—not because Roopkund lost its charm, but because Buran Ghati somehow manages to combine that same forest magic with even more drama and beauty as the trek unfolds.
Day 2 Comparison
Day two on the Roopkund trek is when things really start to feel surreal. You leave camp and head into this absolutely dreamy oak forest—dense, green, and glowing in places where sunlight filters through the canopy. It’s like something out of a movie, the way the light dances through the trees. There’s a kind of quiet magic in that part of the trail.
Then, as you emerge from the forest, Ali Bugyal takes your breath away. It’s one of those places that photos just can’t do justice. A vast, rolling meadow, perched high in the mountains, with nothing but open sky above and lush green stretching in every direction. Honestly, walking barefoot here—even if just for a bit—is one of those small, unforgettable joys.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, you arrive at Bedni Bugyal. I’ve heard a lot of trekkers say it’s even more beautiful than Ali—and I get why. The sunset here? It hits different. There’s something about the silence, the colors, the wide-open sky that makes you pause. It’s emotional in the best way.
The meadows of Ali and Bedni were such highlights of the Roopkund trail that, after camping was banned there, a new trek—The Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek—was carved out just so people could still experience their beauty. And honestly, it’s worth it.
Now, shifting over to Buran Ghati—on Day Two, you start from the gorgeous Dayara meadows, which already set the tone for something special. The trail gently climbs through landscapes that keep changing—you’ll pass through quiet pine and silver birch forests, cross gurgling mountain streams, and follow paths where water tumbles down grassy slopes like it’s flowing straight from the clouds.
As you get higher, the views just open up. You’re walking above the valley, pine trees lining your path, and off in the distance, those snow-capped peaks feel like they’re keeping watch. After about five hours, you reach Litham, the day’s campsite, nestled where two valleys meet. And let me tell you, the views in both directions are jaw-dropping. There’s something really special about that spot—like you’re standing at the heart of the mountains.
When Roopkund became inaccessible, I found myself searching for a trek that could offer both beauty and that feeling of wonder. Buran Ghati surprised me. It’s not just a solid alternative—it stands tall on its own.
Day 3 Comparison
Now, if you’re doing the Buran Ghati trek, there’s an extra day built in for acclimatization—and trust me, it’s not just a rest day. On Day 3, you actually get to do a side trek to Chandranahan Lake, which is honestly a whole adventure on its own. I won’t get into all the details right now (that’s a story for later), but let’s just say, it’s wild, raw, and absolutely worth it. For now, let’s fast forward to Day 4.
Meanwhile, over on the Roopkund trail, Day 3 is what I’d call a visual treat. The trail runs the full stretch of Bedni Bugyal, and walking through it just never gets old. I mean, how often do you get to trek across meadows this wide and this ridiculously beautiful? There’s something so peaceful and almost otherworldly about the way the grass moves with the wind and the way the sky just seems bigger up there.
As you continue along, the path starts to curve around the mountain and leads to Patar Nachauni—basically the last bit of those lush green meadows before the landscape starts changing. And all this time, Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul are there in the distance, like silent, snow-covered giants keeping you company. The views are just… constant. It’s the kind of trail where your mind wanders in the best way. One minute you’re caught up in the scenery, the next you’re deep in your thoughts.
I will say this though—while Roopkund definitely offers these peaceful, almost meditative moments, Buran Ghati brings its own kind of excitement. It’s like each trek has its own personality. Roopkund feels graceful and grand. Buran? A bit more wild and thrilling. And that’s part of what makes comparing the two so much fun.
On 4th Day Comparison
Day 4 on the Buran Ghati trek? Honestly, it’s where the adventure really starts to hit its stride. If I had to rate one day higher than the others, this might just be it.
We moved out of Litham Valley, and suddenly, it felt like we were getting really close to the Dhauladhar range. Those mountains don’t just sit there quietly—they rise up in front of you like this giant, imposing wall of snow. It’s wild. You can’t help but stop and just take it all in. Our guides pointed out the Gunas Pass, which is like Buran Ghati’s rugged cousin. Just knowing you’re trekking near such dramatic geography makes the day feel more epic.
If you’re trekking early in the season, this is probably when you’ll hit your first snow patches. And yeah, the excitement level goes up a notch. The grassy meadows start to fade away as the terrain slowly shifts. Then, just around this bend—bam—Buran Ghati comes into view. It’s not the full pass yet, but that first glimpse is enough to get your heart racing as you mentally start prepping for the climb ahead.
By the time we reached Dunda, the whole vibe changed. Snow underfoot, peaks all around, and this crisp chill in the air. It finally felt like true alpine territory. Setting up camp on snow? Surprisingly fun. It’s one of those little moments that makes you feel like a real trekker—even if your socks are a little damp.
Climax Day Comparison - The Summit Day
The day we’d all been waiting for finally arrived—the day we’d tackle the summit push on both the Roopkund and Buran Ghati treks. Honestly, both treks are incredible in their own ways. If I had to pick a favorite (which is so hard), I’d give Buran Ghati a slight edge—and I’ll tell you why.
Let’s start with Roopkund. The approach to the lake is intense. You’re walking across this seemingly endless, snow-covered slope, and the higher you go, the quieter everything gets. There’s this strange sense of anticipation—you know Roopkund is up there somewhere, but you can’t see it until you’re literally right beneath it. Then comes the final stretch: a zigzagging, steep climb that really tests your stamina.
And suddenly, you’re there.
You look up and there it is—Roopkund. Bigger than you imagined. Quieter, too. The cliffs above cast these dramatic shadows across the lake, and everything feels a little surreal. It’s so still, you can practically hear your own thoughts echo. Most people just stand there in silence, taking it in. Some cry. Some laugh. For me, it was one of those moments where the exhaustion and the awe just collided—and yeah, maybe I got a bit misty-eyed too. Reaching Roopkund isn’t just about getting to a place—it’s a real emotional high point.
But then there’s Buran Ghati.
When you reach the top of the pass, you’re feeling pretty accomplished… until you look down. And what’s waiting? A straight-up snow wall. Your heart skips a beat. You’re standing on this narrow ledge, staring down at what looks like an endless drop. But just when you’re about to question all your life choices, your trek leader casually tosses down some rappelling ropes, flashes a grin, and says, “Alright, your turn.”
It’s insane—and amazing. That 50-meter rappel might only take a few minutes, but it’ll live in your memory forever. And once you’re down, the real fun kicks in.
Picture this: you’re sitting on your backpack, someone gives you a playful shove, and you’re sliding down the snow like a kid on a winter playground. No joke, it’s the most joyful part of the trek. We did five snow slides that day, each one faster and more hilarious than the last. Everyone was laughing, shouting, tumbling into the snow—it was pure, giddy happiness.
By the time we started winding down through the Baruva Valley, legs tired but spirits high, I couldn’t stop smiling. The grassy trails felt almost springy underfoot, like they were echoing our energy.
So yeah—Roopkund hits you in the heart, and Buran Ghati hits you in the soul and the stomach (from laughing so much). They’re both unforgettable. But if you ask me, Buran has that extra little spark of wild, unpredictable joy.
Final thoughts? Look, there’s no denying that Roopkund is an incredible trek. It’s iconic for a reason—the mystery, the setting, the sheer thrill of reaching that ancient lake—it all makes for a pretty unforgettable experience.
But here’s the thing: it’s not the only trek out there that delivers that level of magic.
In fact, there are other trails—Buran Ghati, for example—that offer something just as special, if not more, depending on what you’re looking for. It’s got all the drama and beauty you’d want in a high-altitude Himalayan trek, but with a few standout features of its own—less crowd, more variety, and some serious fun (I mean, where else do you get to rappel and slide down snow slopes like a kid?).
And yeah, Roopkund does tend to get pretty crowded, especially during peak season. If you’re someone who values solitude, untouched landscapes, and a bit of off-the-beaten-path charm, Buran Ghati might just surprise you—in the best way possible.
So if Roopkund isn’t an option right now, or even if you’re just looking to try something a little different, give Buran Ghati a serious look. You won’t be settling—you’ll be discovering something equally amazing.