Best Season for Roopkund Lake Trek and What to Expect

The Roopkund Trek is a high altitude trek situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The trek takes you to the Roopkund Lake Trek, the history and legends associated with the trek gives it a mysterious and mythical feel.

Roopkund lake is beautiful, covered in a layer of mist and surrounded by the tall mountains. The way to reach the lake is also filled with several natural landscapes that thrill the mind, such as the Bedni and Ali Bugyal.

Roopkund is also famous because it is surrounded by skeletons that are centuries old, the tales goes that a corrupt king and his entourage going on a pilgrimage were punished for their wrong doings.

What To Expect On The Roopkund Lake Trek

Ali Bugyal

At an altitude of 3,350 meters, Ali Bugyal is one of Asia’s highest and the most breathtaking alpine meadows. The meadow is the part of the famous Roopkund trek and is known for its sheer natural beauty that is sure to leave you speechless.

The soft alpine meadow with horses and mules roaming around and the backdrop of the glorious himalayan peaks makes this place surreal. Visiting here one feels that he has stepped into a different world.

Bedni Bugyal

The Bedni Bugyal is at a little distance from the Ali Bugyal and is at an altitude of 3,750 meters. The Bedni Bugyal takes you closer to the vistas that you witness from the Ali Bugyal, offering panoramic views of the snow-laden peaks like the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The place also offers a perfect spot for stargazing, to see the milky way galaxy floating overhead.

Roopkund Lake

The lake after which the trek takes its name, the Roopkund Lake is at a height of 5,020 meters and hides secrets that are centuries old. The lake is surrounded by skeletons that are at least a thousand years old. The beautiful location surrounded by this ancient tragedy gives the location an eerie feel and makes it India’s most fascinating trek to go on.

The lake also is a part of legend where it is said that the Goddess Nanda Devi punished the disrespectful King and his entourage, showering hails on them. The lake is like a time capsule, taking you back to the times of myths and legends.

Best Time To Visit The Roopkund Lake

The best time to visit the Roopkund lake is during the post monsoon season from September to Mid October. Here is what each season has to offer:

May to June:

• The early summer time from May to June offers snow cover tails, especially near the Junargali Pass and Roopkund.
• The Ali Bugyal and Befni Bugyal start to turn green and are covered with wildflowers in the spring season.
• The clear skies offer spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks like the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
• The Roopkund lake might be frozen during this season.

September to Mid October:

• Owing to the monsoon you will see the lush green meadows and clean mountain air.
• There would be no snow on the trail making it safer for the trekkers
• The Roopkund lake is fully visible as the snow has melted and the skeletal remains are also in full visibility.
• You will also find a lesser crowd during this season as compared to the summers.

These two seasons are a good time to visit the Roopkund Trek, it is recommended that you visit the lake in the September to August season as the visibility is best during this time. You should avoid the monsoon months as the heavy rainfall makes it difficult to trek in this area.