At its heart, Roopkund Trail can only be described by one word - magical. Perhaps this could be due to its spectacular scenery of majestic snow-capped mountains and vibrant forests, connected by paths which both challenge and reward trekkers alike. Visitors seeking a breathtaking glacier experience and cool, crisp air should visit this area. Nanda Ghunti and Mount Trishul boast impressive glaciers that attract many tourists each year, creating the most magnificent ice sculptures imaginable. Uttarakhand offers the Roopkund trek which leads you up to Roopkund Lake at an altitude of 5,029 meters, featuring haunting Skeleton Lake with more than 500 human remains thought to have been unearthed; according to myth, an army once traveling on pilgrimage faced harsh punishment from God the Weather God during their travels.
Discovering Roopkund Trek and Its Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, one of the major religious pilgrimages held each year by local hill people to pay respect to Nanda Devi - believed by some to be Lord Shiva's home amongst Himalayan snows - is celebrated annually during three-week-long parade from Nauti village near Karanpraayg to Homkund close to Roopkund and back again. Devotees endure harsh conditions by trekking barefoot over all terrain, showing their devotion towards their cause. Wan marks the starting point for trekkers and can take them directly to Godam 210 km or Ristreksh 270 km away via auto, both being accessible cities with affordable auto rentals for easier travel. Most treks are expected to end up somewhere near Deval (27 kilometres from Wan).
Best time to visit
Spring temperatures typically range between 15-20degC during the daytime hours and could drop as low as -2 in the evening hours. Fall season, from September through October, features temperatures that hover around 10-15 degC; evening temps could reach 5degC providing breathtaking pictures of snow-capped mountains.
Roopkund Trek Information includes its duration spanning 7 days and reaching 15,696 feet in altitude, covering 53 km over an area covering an approximate total surface area. Difficulty level for this trek ranges between moderate and difficult. Roopkund Trek provides an unforgettable adventure set amid breathtaking natural beauty. In my quest to escape urban routine, I embarked upon this trek in order to immerse myself in nature's tranquillity. Along my trek I saw numerous animal and plant species as well as witness some imposing mountains which had previously only existed as concepts in my head.
ATM and mobile network coverage
ATM machines can be found both in Kathgodam and Dewal. Keep in mind that ATMs will not be accessible outside Dewal since trekking begins from this point. Most mobile networks provide coverage in Lohajung; however, connectivity in mountain zones may be limited and it is advised against calling important numbers here.
Enjoy and remain safe on an outdoor adventure, it is wise to bring essentials such as trekking poles, durable footwear and an assortment of socks with you. Warmaters, jackets with insulation as well as warmaters hats and gloves may provide added warmth and coziness during your journey. Be sure to protect your skin by applying sunscreen daily and staying hydrated by filling up water bottles. A proper backpack can help transport all these necessities. Other essentials include cameras, sunglasses, and personal hygiene items to meet personal hygiene standards as well as basic items for bed sheets. A flashlight with extra batteries, multitool capabilities and insect repellent should also be kept nearby for added safety measures. Likewise, an essential medical kit containing first aid supplies, binoculars and sleeping bags could come in handy should any unexpected situations arise.
