If you are planning to go for the Roopkund trek, a lot of magic and natural beauty is awaiting you. The famous Roopkund alpine lake is located vaguely at 16499 feet above the sea level. It is also known as the skeleton lake because of human skeletons that have been discovered around it. Various theories are explained and people are curious to know whose skeletons are there and when did those people die? Some of these theories claim that they belong to Japanese soldiers who passed away during the Second World war. However, some studies even claim that they belong to people from an Indian tribe who disappeared due to a severe hailstorm in the 9th century.
Roopkund trekking starts in the town of Loharjung and takes one through mountains brimming with rich biodiversity and delightful surroundings. You get to travel through tiny hilly villages before finally arriving in Ali Bugyal. It is an alpine steppe at an altitude of about 10,830 feet above sea level. As you start to scale, you wander through forests of spruce, deodars, and fir, as you reach on the top, the trees fade and extensive and rich green flat land welcome you. You might also be able to view animals that come here to graze during the summers.
A Journey to the Incredible ‘Skeleton Lake’ that Remains Frozen in the Past
Your next stop is Ghora Lotani, which is about 12,500 feet above the sea level, it is another alpine meadow, and is probably named so because of the profusion of horses that are found here. Once you reach the campsite near the pasture, you can retire for the night. Most of the hikers prefer to stay here for an entire day and try to acclimatize before moving on any further. From this point, your trek will take you to the lake itself and from there back to Loharjung.
The Beauty, The Charm and the wonder of Roopkund:
On your way to Loharjung, you will arrive in Bedini Bugyal, which is about 11,003 feet above the sea level. It is yet another peaceful alpine meadow of captivating beauty and is entirely covered with green grass. You can find some stone huts, which the shepherds inhabit during the summers. In winters, however, they discard them and move to lower altitudes.
Roopkund Trek – A Travelogue:
The hike is not that tough, but one is recommended to be perfectly fit and must stay highly attentive while attempting it. After this excursion, you will surely return to the Indian mountain ranges for yet another expedition.
The Best Time for Roopkund Trek:
You can choose any season to attempt the Roopkund trek, depending on your desire. If you like fancy snow and want a challenging hike, then the months of May and June are perfect for you. On the other hand, if you long to see the ambiguous skeletons, then you must plan for the excursion sometime in September or October.
It can be Very Cold Along the Way:
The lower areas do not encounter extreme cold, but in higher spots, it is pertinent that you wear multiple layers of clothes. At relatively high camps, the days aren’t that cold, but the night temperature can drop as low as -6-degree Celsius.