Roopkund Lake Trek, Shimla

Roopkund Lake Trek is a popular trekking destination located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The trek is named after Roopkund Lake, a high altitude glacial lake situated at an elevation of 16,499 feet in the lap of the Himalayas. The trek is known for its scenic beauty, challenging terrain, and the mystery surrounding the lake's origins.

The Roopkund Lake trek is considered a moderate to difficult level trek, and it takes about 7 to 8 days to complete. The trek starts from Lohajung, a small village in Chamoli district, and covers a distance of around 47 kilometers. The trail passes through dense forests, gushing streams, high altitude meadows, and snow-capped peaks, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

The highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake, also known as the 'Mystery Lake.' The lake is famous for the hundreds of human skeletons and remains found around it, which are believed to be from the 9th century AD. The mystery surrounding the skeletons and the lake's origins has led to many theories, including a theory that the skeletons belonged to an army of General Zorawar Singh of Kashmir, who died in a battle with the Tibetans.

Apart from the lake, the trek also offers stunning views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks, Bedni Bugyal meadow, and the snow-clad peaks of Mount Kamet, Mount Chaukhamba, and Mount Nanda Ghunti. The trek is best done between May and June and September and October when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Roopkund Lake trek is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers who wish to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and unravel the mystery of the 'Mystery Lake.'

Roopkund Lake Trek is a popular trekking destination located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The points of interest of the trek are:

1. Roopkund Lake: The main highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake, which is also known as the Skeleton Lake. The lake is famous for the hundreds of human skeletons that can be seen at the bottom of the lake. It is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 16,499 feet (5,029 meters).

2. Alpine Meadows: The trek offers stunning views of alpine meadows filled with vibrant flowers like Himalayan blue poppies, primulas, and marigolds. The meadows are surrounded by snow capped peaks, making it a perfect spot for nature photography.

3. High altitude Passes: The trek passes through high altitude passes like Junargali, which is located at an altitude of 16,200 feet (4,938 meters). The pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and is a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset views.

4. Glaciers: The trek also takes you through glaciers like Bedni and Ali, which are a treat to watch. The Bedni glacier is located at an altitude of 11,500 feet (3,505 meters) and is a popular camping site.

5. Nanda Devi Temple: The trek also includes a visit to the Nanda Devi temple, which is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi. The temple is located in the picturesque village of Lohajung, which is the base camp of the trek.

6. Local Culture: The trek also provides an opportunity to experience the local culture of the Himalayan villages. You can interact with the locals, learn about their lifestyle and taste the local cuisine.

The Roopkund Lake Trek is a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experience. It is a unique trek for every trekking enthusiast.

The best time to visit Roopkund Lake trek is during the summer months, between May and June, and in the autumn months, between September and October. During these times, the weather is generally dry and clear, making for good trekking conditions. The monsoon season in the region, which lasts from July to August, brings heavy rainfall and landslides, making the trekking trail dangerous and difficult to navigate. The winter months from November to April experience heavy snowfall andfreezing temperatures, making it unsuitable for trekking. However, it's always a good idea to check the weather conditions and forecasts before planning your trek.