ROOP KUND TREK Overview: Roopkund is situated at a height of 5029m in the lap of Trishul massif.

Also known as the mystery lake because of the human and animal skeletal remains many of which bear injury marks. A recent joint expedition of the Heidelberg University (Germany) and Garhwal University tried to unravel the mystery of the lake. Two of the many explanations regarding these remains are: 1. These are the remains of a party of pilgrims on a yatra to the base of Trishul who could not cope with a sudden bad turn of the weather. 2. These are the remains of the Dogra General Zorawar Singh's army from Jammu which tried to invade Tibet in 1841, but was beaten and forced to find its way back home over the Himalayas. The lake, surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad peaks, is magnificent and enchanting. On the way to Roop Kund lies an extremely enchanting meadow, viz., Bedni Bugyal which is a treat to the eye.

Highest Altitude: 5029m Total no. of days: 10 days Grade: Moderate

Itinerary: Day 1 Delhi to Kathgodam Board the overnight Ranikhet Express leaving Old Delhi railway station at 09:55 pm. Day 2 Drive Kathgodam to Kausani(1890m) 5 hrs Arrive Kathgodam early in the morning . Board the waiting vehicles to drive straight to Kausani, breakfast enroute. we arrive just in time for lunch. Kausani offers a panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks. Overnight Hotel. Day 3 Drive Kausani to Lohajung (2320m) 6 hrs A long mountain drive today, going from the Kumaon ranges to the Garhwal crossing the townships of Baijnath and Gwaldam and then following the Pindar River to the town of Debal. We turn away from the river here and climb up a steep mountain road which takes us to Lohajung, the starting point of the trek. Overnight Camp / Guest House. Day 4 Lohajung to Didina(2550m) 5 hrs Walk down across to the valley of the Bedni Ganga. Cross over to the other side of the valley and climb past the village of Didna through thick forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak to reach the campsite at an idyllic pastoral setting.

Day 5 Didina to Bedni Bugyal (3330m) via Ali Bugyal 7-8 hrs The trail now follows the ridge with lovely views of towering summits of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and

Kedarnath on one hand and the picture postcard views of the villages of Wan, Didna and Kulin on the other. A climb through a rhododendron forest takes us to the meadows of Ali Bugyal rolling on to join equally magnificent meadows of Bedni Bugyal (3350m). Day 6 Bedni Bugyal to Bhagubasa (4100m) 4-5 hrs The trail climbs up to the Pathar Nachauni ridge to get closer views of Trisul, Nanda Ghunti, and Changabang. A steep zigzag brings us to the caves of Bhagubasa where one can find some rock shelters which are used by the pilgrims. Camp next to these improvised shelters at an altitude of 4100m. Day 7 Bhagubasa to Roopkund (4600m) to Bedni Bugyal 8 hrs After an early morning breakfast climb the steep zig-zag and narrow trail leading to the Skeleton lake of Roopkund (4600m). If the snow cover is not too thick, one would find the skeletal remains of the humans and horses dating back to 13th century. A steep walk up from here to the ridge gives a close up view of Trisul and Nanda Ghunti. Return all the way down to camp at Bedni Bugyal. Day 8 Trek Bedni Bugyal to Wan (2440m) and drive to Rudraprayag Descend steeply through the forests of fir, rhododendron and pine to reach the valley floor. Cross over and climb to the village of Wan(2440m). Drive 5 hrs to reach the comforts of a hotel in Rudraprayag. Day 9 Rudraprayag to Delhi After breakfast in the morning, drive 5 hrs from Rudraprayag to Haridwar. Board the evening Shatabdi Express to arrive Delhi