Roopkund Lake Trek: A Frozen Tale of Bones and Beauty
Roopkund Lake Trek can only be defined by one word: breathtaking. It may be because of its spectacular scenery of magnificent mountain ranges capped with snow and vibrant forests that relate to paths that challenge as well as reward trekkers. Anyone looking for a stunning glacier adventure and cool, fresh air must go to this region. Nanda Ghunti and Mount Trishul are renowned glaciers that draw numerous tourists annually and create the most stunning snow-covered sculptures that you could ever imagine. Uttarakhand provides the Roopkund trek that takes you upwards to Roopkund Lake with an altitude of 5,029m. It also features an entire Skeleton Lake, with over 500 human remains believed to be found. According to legend, a group of soldiers who were on a journey of pilgrimage was punished severely by God for the weather God in their journeys.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is one of the most important religious rituals held yearly by the hill local people to show respect to Nanda Devi. The Devi, who is thought by many to be Lord Shiva’s house in the Himalayan snows annually celebrated during the three week-long march that runs from Nauti village in Karanpraayg up to Homkund near Roopkund, returning. People who are devoted to the cause endure extreme conditions, walking barefoot across every terrain to show the dedication they have to their purpose. Wan is the place to start for those who trek and takes straight to Godam in 210 kilometers or Ristreksh around 270km by automobile, both of which are easy cities that offer affordable car rentals to make travel easier. Most of the treks will be finished in the vicinity of Deval.
Roopkund Lake Trek Information
The Roopkund Lake trek length is 7 days, with a peak of 15,696 feet in altitude. It covers 53 kilometers across a total surface. The level of difficulty for this trek ranges from moderate and challenging. Roopkund Trek offers the most unforgettable experience set in the stunning nature’s beauty. Get away from the hustle and bustle of life, I set off on this journey so that I could immerse myself in the peace and tranquillity of nature. On my journey, I observed various species of animals and plants and viewed some majestic mountains that had previously just been a thought in my mind.
The mythology behind Roopkund Lake Trek:-
Since it is known as the Land of Gods, Roopkund as well as its surroundings are sites of fascinating mythological stories as well as folklore. According to Hindu texts, It was in Bedni Bugyal that the four Vedas were composed. In the vicinity of Bedni Kund, it is believed that Maa Durga killed Demon Mahishasura in her Kali Avatar, which made the location sacred.
According to the mythology, following her battle with the Demons, Parvati desired to wash herself. Thus, God Shiva constructed a lake along with his Trishul and remained in the lake as his wife soaked in the water. After bathing and sitting down, she saw her gorgeous and crystal-clear reflection as she reflected in the turquoise waters of the lake. This led to giving the lake its name, Roopkund.
The view of the Roopkund Crater at the Kalu Vinayak Pass for the first time on the trek. The legend says that this is the spot where Lord Vinayak was watching over Parvati while Parvati had a bath at the Roopkund Lake.
It is believed that the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra takes place once every twelve years. Locals believe that an unidentified four-horned ram visits this location as a symbol of luck, which is most likely a manifestation of God. In this prestigious event, hundreds of people visit Hem Kund Lake. Hem Kund Lake to pay respect to the goddess Nanda Devi.
According to local legends, the king Jasdal from Kanauj was heading out along with his wife to make the journey and gain the Goddess’s love. When the queen gave birth to one of her children on her journey, goddess Nanda Devi was furious because she believed that the child caused harm to her sacred home. She then unleashed a ferocious snowstorm that killed thousands of people on their journey to their worship. This is also the reason for the bones found in Roopkund Lake.
The King’s visit can also be seen at Pathar Nauchuni. Meaning “Dancing Stones,” you can spot a few huge stones there. According to the legend of the annual pilgrimage, the King became distracted by the royal dancers. The Goddess was furious and swore at the dancers and made them stone.
Highlights from the Roopkund Lake Trek
As one of the most stunning trekking routes that can be found in India, the Roopkund trek is one of the most difficult treks about difficulty. It is 53 km in length and is broken down into 6 days to finish, and will take you to Roopkund before returning to your home base, Wan.
- The thrill of excitement
The trek offers an experience of excitement and adventure that people who trek seek, since it’s a path with difficult climbs, as well as slippery descents into the mountain. A cautious trek along the exposed and sharp ridge while you travel toward Junargali, when you cling to a rope, will be an unforgettable moment in any trekking experience. Not just the thrill of your entire experience, which makes this trek unique as well as the stunning scenic views it’s surrounded by. It takes you near the famous breathtaking and breathtaking Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, which makes it among the most sought-after treks in India.
- The meadows
The views of two massive alpine high-altitude meadows along the trek to Ali Bugyal, in addition to Bedni Bugyal, situated above 11,000ft, are a sight that will blow your mind absolutely. In order to put it in perspective the trek takes 2 days to walk across these rolling meadows. You get to experience the peaceful view of the beauty of nature all over. Take an interest in the reflection of Nandaghunti peak within the tiny lake in Ali Bugyal. As the best high-altitude grassland and among the most beautiful meadows to be found during a trek. Be on the lookout for stunning flowers such as the Brahma Kamal. The flower is named in honor of Brahma who is the Hindu God of Creation, Brahma Kamal, is an uncommon find that is restricted to areas of high altitude. It’s beautiful, and is the official flowers of Uttarakhand.
- Dense forest
The trek you take will lead through thick oak forests and Rhododendron. While you walk through the woods, the soft breath of the mountain breeze flowing through the twisting branches of the trees creates a calming experience for the trekker. The serene atmosphere feels like a concert when you hear birds singing, and the dry leaves crash beneath your feet while you stroll through the bed of forest.
- Ice covering and the blanket of snow that covers Roopkund
In the wake of the stunning views of the natural beauty, once you have climbed towards Kalu Vinayak, you hit the huge stretches of frozen terrain that is covered with snow during the trek. The adventure continues as you traverse the frozen spots of snow before reaching the stunning Roopkund. The snowy white carpet that you walk on as you traverse the rugged terrain on the climb will be an experience that all trekkers love.
- The summit climb leads to Junargali
The climb up to Junargali can’t be done every time because the weather can change quickly at these altitudes and makes it difficult to access. However, if you’re fortunate enough to for a shot at an attempt to climb the mountain with a view, Junargali is like the cherry to top’ on an adventure that has plenty of highlights. When you reach the top, on one other hand, you can enjoy the excitement of being at the edge of Junargali while at the same time, you are able to enjoy the mind-blowing views of Mount Trishul, with nothing in between. The views are truly amazing and, in addition to Mount Trishul, you have numerous other mountains that cover the horizon, standing at a height right in front your eyes.
What peaks can you observe in the vicinity of Roopkund?
It is possible to see some of the most stunning mountain peaks on the trek, such as:
- Trishul 1 & 2
- Nanda Ghunti
- Neelkanth
- Chaukhamba
- Jaonli
- Gangotri
- Jogin and many Jogin
How to Reach Roopkund Lake Trek
- By Air: The closest airport Pantnagar Airport, about 250km away from Lohajung.
- By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station is the closest railhead situated at 235 kilometers away from Lohajung.
- by road: Lohajung is well-connected via road to the major cities of Uttarakhand including Nainital, Kathgodam, and Haldwani.
Trek Difficulty
It is Roopkund Trek is the Roopkund Trek is a moderately challenging trekking experience suitable for those who are fit and have previous experience in high-altitude treks. The route covers roughly 53km across 7-9 days with trekkers climbing to a peak elevation of 4,800 metres in Roopkund Lake. The trek is steep with ascents with rocky tracks, the snowy terrain, particularly near the lake.
Best time to visit Roopkund
Temperatures in spring typically vary between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime and may drop to as much as -2 degrees Celsius during the night. The fall season, which begins in September, is characterized by temperatures hovering between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Evening temperatures can reach up to 5 degrees Celsius, providing stunning images of mountains covered in snow.
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