Roopkund Trek
Experience the legendary Roopkund Trek, a high-mountain adventure that blends raw Himalayan nature, alpine challenges, local culture and the mystical spirit of Uttarakhand.
Best Seasons
May to June – September to November
Duration
10 Days
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Pickup & Drop
From Rishikesh to Rihikesh
Total Distance
55 Km
Highest Altitude
~ 5.000 m
Roopkund Trek – The Lake of Mysteries
The Roopkund Trek, located in the heart of the Indian Himalayas, is one of the most iconic and captivating treks in the country. The route takes you through alpine meadows, dense forests, and high-altitude mountain landscapes, leading to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, famous for the human skeletal remains discovered there. With breathtaking views of peaks such as Mount Trishul, Mount Nanda Ghunti, and other majestic mountains, this trek combines nature, adventure, and spirituality. Winding trails, off-the-beaten-path routes, and expert local guides ensure every step is unforgettable. Perfect for small groups, the Roopkund Trek guarantees quality, safety, and an authentic immersion in Himalayan culture and life.
General Information about the trek to the Roopkund lake
DURATION: 10 Days – 9 Nights
TREK DAYS: 6 Days – 5 Nights
TOTAL DISTANCE: approx. 55 km
SEASONS: May–June & mid-September to early November
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: approx. 5,000 m (16,404 ft)
ELEVATION GAIN: approx. +2,600 m (8,530 ft)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate–Challenging
ACCOMMODATION STYLE: Local guesthouses & high-altitude camping
LANGUAGES: Hindi, English, Spanish, Catalan (for other languages, contact us)
TEMPERATURES:
- Near Roopkund: can drop below –10°C depending on weather
- Late spring: +15°C to –5°C
- Autumn: +12°C to –10°C
High-altitude glacial lake known for its preserved human skeletons and legends that make it one of the most fascinating treks in India.
Walk across Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, two of Asia’s largest alpine meadows, with open views of Mt Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and the surrounding Garhwal peaks.
Meet warm local communities, stay in traditional wooden homes, and experience authentic Himalayan hospitality along the ancient trade routes.
Trek Itinerary
Why This Trek?
1. Because we live at its base camp.
Our daily life is here, at the starting point of the Roopkund trek. This allows us to know the trail deeply, we’ve hiked it in different seasons and in all kinds of conditions.
2. Because it’s authentic and non-touristic.
Roopkund is still a little-explored place. Here, Himalayan culture is lived in its purest form, without filters or adaptations for tourism.
3. Because it holds spiritual meaning.
This lake is much more than nature. It’s surrounded by legends and stories that make it a sacred and truly unique place.
4. Because it’s an accessible challenge.
Reaching it involves altitude and effort, but it’s a doable trek, perfect for experiencing the Himalayas without needing an extreme expedition.
Why trek with The 108 Peaks?
At The 108 Peaks, we believe that a Himalayan trek is much more than reaching a summit, it’s about feeling safe, eating well, supporting local communities, and experiencing the mountains with intention. That’s why our treks are designed with care, respect, and a deep connection to the land and its people.
Small Groups for a Better Experience
We work exclusively with small groups (maximum 12 people) to ensure safety, personalised attention, and a more intimate connection with the Himalayas. Smaller groups also reduce environmental impact and allow for a more authentic and peaceful trekking experience.
Fair Pay & Respect for Local Teams
We place strong emphasis on offering fair and coherent salaries to everyone involved, guides, porters, cooks, mule handlers, and support teams. When you trek with us, you directly contribute to sustainable tourism and dignified livelihoods in the mountain villages of Uttarakhand.
Healthy, Local, Mountain Food
Food is essential for energy, safety and enjoyment during the trek. We provide fresh, local, traditional mountain meals, prepared by experienced cooks. The menu is healthy, vegetarian and adapted to the needs of high-altitude trekking.
Eating well = trekking better.
Cultural Immersion
We always try to add one extra day before or after the trek in the village. This allows you to:
– Visit the local community.
– Learn about Himalayan culture, traditions and daily life.
– Support local shops and family-owned guesthouses.
– Enjoy a slower, more human side of the mountains.
Proper Acclimatization
Before every trek, we include a full acclimatization day with:
– A short hike to help your body adjust.
– Gentle Yoga and breathing exercises.
– A detailed Himalayan briefing about altitude, safety, weather, and terrain.
– A packing session to help you organise your backpack correctly.
This preparation ensures that you start the trek confident, informed, and physically adapted.
Guided With Heart and Experience
Your guides combine professional expertise with a deep love for the Himalayas. You are accompanied at all times, supported in every step, and encouraged to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Uttarakhand
The Himalayas are not just a majestic mountain range; they are also a sacred space. In the state of Uttarakhand, known as Dev Bhoomi — the Land of the Gods — the mountains are experienced with a deep spiritual dimension. Here, rivers like the Ganges are born, ancient temples rise in almost inaccessible places, and rural life maintains an intimate connection with nature and tradition. Walking through this region is stepping into a less-touristy, deeply authentic India, where the silence of the mountains invites inward reflection.
In this part of the Himalayas, deep in Uttarakhand, life changes in rhythm and language. Here, Hindi is not the main language; instead, local languages like Garhwali reflect a unique and ancestral culture. The village of Lohajung, where we begin the trek, is literally the last inhabited point: beyond it, there are only mountains, summer pastures, and remote trails that lead into the heart of the massif. It is an imposing natural frontier: behind lies rural India, and on the horizon, beyond the great mountain ranges, begins the territory of Tibet and China.
Roopkund Trek
The Roopkund Trek is one of the most striking treks in the Indian Himalayas. Over six days, we’ll cross forests, alpine meadows, and high-mountain landscapes until we reach Roopkund Lake at approx. 4,800 meters. This lake is famous for a fascinating mystery: hundreds of human skeletons were found in and around its frozen waters, dated by studies to over a thousand years ago. The most accepted theory is that they belonged to pilgrims caught in a hailstorm. Beyond its history, the route offers spectacular views of Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) and a deep connection with the wild and legendary essence of the Himalayas.
During the trek, we’ll sleep in tents or simple local accommodations, eat meals prepared in the field, and experience daily life at the pace of the mountains. There is no phone coverage, no Wi-Fi, no modern comforts: just the trail, the group, and the landscape. This simplicity, far from being a limitation, becomes a gift. It helps us stay present, connect with nature and ourselves, and live an experience that goes beyond tourism: an adventure with soul.
Acclimatization
Acclimatizing is not optional — it is essential.
To safely and comfortably reach more than 5,000 meters of altitude, proper acclimatization is key. The Roopkund Trek is designed with a gradual progression that allows us to adapt step by step to altitude changes.
The first days in Lohajung (2,400 m) include short hikes and gentle activities to help the body adjust to the mountain environment. Once we begin the route, the elevation gains are distributed in a balanced way and the stages are manageable, with time to rest and listen to your own rhythm.
Throughout the entire trek, we offer mindful and attentive guidance: we closely observe how each person is feeling and always prioritize health over any goal. If anyone shows symptoms of altitude sickness, timely measures will be taken, including descent if necessary. In that case, only the affected person would go down, accompanied by a local guide, while the rest of the group can continue with the planned itinerary.
You will be in good hands: with trained guides, knowledgeable of the region, and prepared to offer support and adapt to any situation with responsibility and care.
WEIGHT / EQUIPMENT
During the trek, most of the equipment will be transported by mules: camping tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, food, and shared gear. Each participant also has the option to hand over one bag with their personal items (clothing, toiletries, etc.), which the mules will carry from one campsite to the next.
This means you will only need to walk with a small daypack containing what you need for the day: some fruit or nuts, a rain jacket, a warm layer… and most importantly, your enthusiasm. This logistics setup allows us to hike lighter and fully enjoy the journey.
If we encounter snow on any section of the trail (which can happen in some high-altitude areas in May), we will use crampons to continue safely.
AM I READY?
You don’t need to be an athlete or have prior high-altitude experience to do this trek, but it is important to have a good level of fitness and, above all, genuine motivation. You’ll be walking between 4 and 7 hours a day, for 6 consecutive days, on mountain terrain and at altitude.
If you enjoy hiking, are used to trails with elevation gain, and feel comfortable moving with a light backpack, you’re probably ready. What matters most is not being the fastest, but approaching the journey with the right attitude, awareness, and respect for everyone’s pace. We’ll be there to guide you so you can experience the trek with confidence and peace of mind.
ACCOMMODATION
1. HOMESTAY IN LOHAJUNG
Simple accommodation in a mountain home with a warm and family-like atmosphere. Facilities are more basic: there is no Wi-Fi, but mobile internet is available in certain spots. It’s an authentic experience that allows you to connect with rural life and nature.
3. HOMESTAY IN DIDNA
Very simple accommodation, without a shower or internet connection. Ideal for experiencing the remoteness of the mountains, resting after the first trekking stage, and sharing a room.
4. CAMPING DURING THE TREK
We will sleep in tents with designated toilet and dining areas. A sleeping mat and sleeping bag will be provided to ensure comfort during the nights in nature.
THE GROUP
At the108peaks, we keep our trekking groups small — 8 to 12 people — because we believe the Himalayas are best experienced in a close, human and respectful atmosphere. Our groups are made up of people from different countries, ages, genders and walks of life, and this diversity is exactly what enriches the journey and creates an open, welcoming environment.
We look for participants who not only want to complete a trekking route, but who are also curious to discover local stories, understand the land, and experience — even for a few days — what life is like for the people of the mountains. Respect is essential: we walk through sacred regions, and it is as if someone is inviting us into their home. We honour this by taking care of the land, the culture and the local communities. We also work with local teams whom we pay fairly, and we make sure every detail is handled with honesty and responsibility.
We also look for people with a spirit of adaptability. During the trekking, you may need to share a room or a vehicle, and conditions can be simple: limited light, limited internet and the natural rhythm of mountain life. If this sounds like what you’re looking for — adventure, authenticity and respect — then you’re in the right place.
PREPARATION
Before starting this journey–trek, we will get in touch with you to answer any questions you may have. After that, you will receive the payment document along with the cancellation policy. Once you have reviewed everything, you will reserve your spot by making the initial deposit.
Next, you will fill out a short form with basic personal and health information. You will also receive a detailed document about the trek, including all logistics, daily planning, and the list of required gear.
If needed, we can assist you with how to get to Rishikesh and recommend hotels. For participants coming from outside the country, we can also schedule a video call to help with the visa process, flights, travel insurance, and other logistics. Please note that for foreigners, trekking permits are more expensive, so the final price may be slightly higher.
Participants will receive a detailed gear list specifying what is provided (such as the tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, crampons if needed, and other shared equipment) and what you need to bring or rent, like a headlamp, trekking poles, hiking boots, or an appropriate jacket.
This preparation support ensures that you feel ready and comfortable throughout the entire experience.
GUIDES
As part of this trek, you’ll be guided by two experienced locals in the Himalayas:
Manoj is a professional mountain guide with many years of experience in alpinism and especially on the Roopkund Trek, a route that starts right next to his home. His deep knowledge of the terrain, weather and culture ensures that you move confidently and respectfully through the Himalayas.
Gemma is a Catalan graphic designer and Yoga teacher who has been living in Uttarakhand, India, since 2023. She is continuously training in mountain skills and will be with you throughout the entire journey, offering translations, guidance and support so you feel safe, informed and connected at every step.
Together, they create a balance of professional guidance, cultural immersion and human warmth, so you can focus fully on living the experience.
In the rare case that Manoj and Gemma are unable to guide the trek, you will still be accompanied by certified, professional Himalayan guides who know the route in depth and will offer the same level of safety, care and personal attention. Your experience and well-being will always remain the priority.
INCLUDES
ACCOMMODATIONS
- From the moment you arrive in Lohajung until the day you leave.
MEALS
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included from the moment you arrive in Lohajung until the moment you leave Lohajung.
- This means that breakfast and lunch on the first day, during the journey to Lohajung, are at your own expense.
- However, the dinner on the first evening, once you arrive in Lohajung, is already included.
TRANSPORT
- Includes transportation from Rishikesh to Lohajung by bus or car, depending on the number of participants. It also covers the transport on the first day of the trek to reach the starting point, and on the last day after finishing the trek. Finally, it includes the return journey from Lohajung back to Rishikesh.
TREKKING
- Trekking and camping permits included.
- Support team: guides, cooks, helpers and mules.
- Individual equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sleeping mat, crampons (if needed).
- Camping gear: everything required for a self-sufficient camp—dining tent, toilet tents, tables, chairs, kitchen, gas, utensils, lighting…
- Safety equipment: stretcher, oxygen, first aid kit, oxygen saturation monitor.
OUR SERVICES
- Registration assistance: You will receive full guidance to complete your registration smoothly and correctly.
- WhatsApp support group: From the moment you sign up, you’ll have access to a WhatsApp group where we provide direct support, answer questions, and share all important updates.
- Pre-trek preparation support: We help you understand everything you need before starting the Roopkund Trek: gear, clothing, physical preparation, altitude tips, weather expectations, and logistics.
- Phone call (or video call if needed) for international participants: For trekkers coming from outside India, we offer a call to guide you through essential topics such as how to reach Rishikesh, visa basics, SIM card information, and other practical questions. If necessary, this can be done via video call.
- Language support: Translation and guidance available in English, Spanish, and Catalan, depending on your needs.
- Cultural & practical guidance during the trek: We help you with everyday aspects such as renting gear in Lohajung, understanding local customs, interacting respectfully with mountain communities, and preparing for each trekking day.
- Detailed trekking dossier: You will receive a complete PDF with practical information about the Roopkund route, the campsites, the weather, altitude advice, the required gear, and recommendations for your trip.
- Personalized gear checklist: A clear gear list explaining what is provided (tent, sleeping bag, mat, crampons if needed, etc.) and what you must bring or rent (headlamp, trekking poles, boots, proper jacket, etc.).
- Photo & video collection
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals during the journey between Rishikesh and Lohajung (both directions).
- Accommodation in Rishikesh before or after the trek.
- Rental of personal gear (such as trekking poles, hiking boots, headlamp, or jackets) that is not provided in the trek package — although we will guide participants on where to buy or rent equipment locally if needed.
- Travel insurance, which is highly recommended and should cover trekking up to 5,000 m (we can advise on suitable options).
- Snacks, drinks, bottled water, or any extra food outside the meals included in the trek plan.
- Laundry services.
- Tips or donations to guides, helpers, or local families.
- Personal expenses of any kind.
- Emergency evacuation charges (if required), or any costs arising from loss, theft, or misplacement of personal belongings.
- Porter or mule charges for carrying personal luggage.
- Any additional expenses caused by unforeseen circumstances, such as natural calamities, weather changes, roadblocks, landslides, delays, or alternate travel arrangements beyond our control.
Groups of more than 8 people
To secure your spot, a deposit is required.
Payments can be made via bank transfer, Google Pay, or cash.
Request the payment and cancellation conditions via WhatsApp at +34 630 620 604 or by email at the108peaks@gmail.com
Custom Groups
(fewer than 8 participants)
For private groups with fewer than 8 members, the trek is fully customized. Prices vary depending on the number of participants and specific needs.
Please contact us with your group size and preferred dates for a personalized quote.
FAQs
Would you like to come with your own group?
If you already have a group and would like to travel on different dates, we can organise the same trip fully adapted to your schedule and group size.
Just get in touch with us and we’ll create a personalised itinerary for your adventure.
