The Skeleton Lake
Roopkund is Himalayan legend: a glacial tarn at 15,700 ft scattered with centuries-old human skeletons, beneath the Junargali ridge and the ramparts of Trishul. The approach crosses Ali and Bedni Bugyals — meadows so beautiful they'd justify the trek alone.
Important: Access Restrictions
Following court directions on protecting alpine meadows, authorities have restricted camping on the bugyals and, in recent seasons, curtailed the classic Roopkund route itself. Rules have shifted several times — do not book this trek without verifying the current legal status with the district administration or a reputable local operator. We keep this guide for reference, not as an open invitation.
The Classic Route
Historically: Lohajung → Didna → Ali Bugyal → Bedni Bugyal → Patar Nachauni → Bhagwabasa → Roopkund, with the optional Junargali ridge above the lake. High camps sit above 14,000 ft, making acclimatization critical.
Alternatives
If Roopkund remains restricted when you plan to travel, Brahmatal and Kuari Pass deliver the same Trishul–Nanda Ghunti theatre legally and comfortably, while our Kumaon routes — Pindari and Milam — offer equally grand glacier objectives.