Roopkund is
Situated at a height of 5029 mts in the lap of Trishul massif, in
Uttarakhand, and it is the location of about three to six hundred
skeletons at the edge of a lake—"Skeleton or Mysterious Lake" in the
Himalayas. The location is uninhabited the skeletons were discovered in
1942 by a park ranger. At that time, it was believed that the people
died from an epidemic, landslide or blizzard. The carbon dating from
samples collected in the 1960s vaguely indicated that the people were
from the 12th century to the 15th century The lake is surrounded by
rock-strewn glaciers and snow clad peaks. The starting point of the
trek is Lhajung Pass (2850m) Mundoli, easily approached by motor from
any where. The route passes through lush green grassy land "Bugyal" and
conifer forests clinging onto the slopes of hills. The trek thereafter
winds it's way along the Pinder river. Then to round off this trek, one
can approach Homekund via Shail Samudra glacier and then move on to
Ghat, Nandprayag or Auli. The famous Bedni Bugyal (Meadow), on the way
to Roopkund, attracts nature lovers around the world.
Trek Grade |
: Moderate. |
| Duration |
: 19 Nights (Choice of Clients) |
| Season |
: April-June, & September-
November. |
DAY 01: ARRIVAL DELHI
Upon arrival meet to our representative, transfer to hotel. Rest of the
night at hotel (mostly the flight arrives mid night)
DAY 02: DELHI-NAINITAL (1890M) 6-7 HRS DRIVE:
After breakfast commence drive to Nainital around 310 km./ 6-7 hrs
drive, through the plane of Ganges and Yamuna river, this the most
cultivated land in India. Upon arrival at Nainital check in hotel, Rest
of the time visit the Lake City, The Mall road, Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03: NAINITAL-KAUSANI-BAIJINATH-LOHAJUNG PASS (1850M) 7-8 HRS DRIVE:
Early morning, start our journey to Mundoli, en route stop for lunch at
Kausani, visit the Baijinath Temples, (Shival and Parvati) Gwaldam is
the border line of the two vallyes, Kumaon and Garhwal, on arrival at
Kundali, take the tent for overnight stay, rest of the time visit local
village. Overnight at camp.
DAY 04: LOHAJUNG-MUNDOLI- DIDINA (2439 M) 5-6 HRS TREK:
After breakast commence trek to Mundoli village, the first part of
trekking is flat, follow a road till the village Mundoli, after divert
on the right, descent till the Wan River, than ascending trekking and
throught the rohododendron forest till the small summer suttlemnt
village Didina. Overnight at camp.
DAY 05: DIDINA - PATHAR NACHUNI (3658 m) 5-6 HRS TREK:
Today is a steep trek through oak trees and bamboo shrubs up to Ali
Bugyal. From here we walk over Ali Bugyal enjoying the view of
Hima-ayan peaks till we arrive Bedni Bugyal. Bugyal means meadow in
Garhwali dialect. From Bedni Bugyal we can have a view of Mt. Nanda
Ghunti, Trishul massif and also peaks on the north of Garhwal. We
continue our trek to Pathar Nachuni where we stay in tents for night.
DAY 06: PATHAR NACHUNI - BHAGUABASA (4267 M) - ROOP KUND (4800 M)
-PATHAR NACHUNI (3658 M) 8-9 HRS TREK:
Today’s trek is also steep. During the months of August to October the
valley is full of fragrance of Saussurea Obvallata flower, locally
known as Brahmkamal. This flower acquires special importance to make
offerings to Gods, especially to Lord Shiva and is found only in
certain places in high altitudes. After touching the flower by hand,
the smell lasts for hours.
In
Roopkund human skeletons of 500 - 600 years old are found. There are
several beliefs about the mystic presence of these skeletons. Some say
refugees fleeing from prosecution of Tuglak's army under General
Zorawar Singh died here on the way. Others believe traders from Tibet
might have died in a natural calamity. Yet another belief is that King
Jasdal of Kanauj was on his way with his wife undertaking a pilgrimage
called, „Nanda Jat“ to propitiate Goddess Nanda Devi 560 years ago. The
Queen delivered a child on the way. This made the Goddess Nanda Devi
angry by spoiling Her Holy Land. A snow storm was sent down by the
Goddess killing hundreds on the trail of pilgrimage. According to the
artefacts recovered so far this explanation of "Nanda Jat" seems more
viable. Yet curiosity is unsatiated to find reason for this mystery .
DAY 07: PATAL NACHUNI - WAN (2437M) 6-7 HRS TREK:
After breakfast commece the pleasant walk on a well paved road. Long
and steep descent into the forest to join the River. Then long climb to
reach the pleasant village of Wan, near another Hindu shrine. The
inhabitants still wear their traditional clothes. Visi the temple near
one of the biggest Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara). Overnight in camp.
4 to 5 hours walking.
DAY 08: WAN - KUNOL (2200 m)-SUTOL: 6-7 HRS TREK:
After breakfast start the day trek to Sutal, climb gradually th path
lead to regular cervical Kukin (3069 m). The pleasant descent to the
middle of a forest inhabited by many monkeys led to the confluence of
two rivers, near the village of Kunol. A new short climb leads to the
beautiful village of Sutol, the traditional houses with tiled roofs.
Overnight in camp.
DAY 09: SUTOL - DEKHANADHAR (2200M) 5-6N
HRS TREK:
The trail ascends and descends along the valley, suddenly plunged into
the river and ascends steep switchbacks to reach a small temple. After
lunch, a further increase led to a sharp edge, view Trisul amazing
!!!!! Camp near the village of Dekhandar. Overnight in camp.
DAY 10: DEKHANADHAR - RAMANI (2100M) : 5-6 HRS TREK:
In the village of Ala, superb sculptures adorning the portal of some
homes. The winding path leads down to an altitude pastures. Under the
high peaks, steady progression to the camp. Overnight in tents.
DAY 11: RAMANI - KALIGHAT (PANA)(2250M): 7-8 HRS TREK:
Here is the longest day of the course, in a splendid setting. An
initial steady climb leads to a little over 2 hours at the climax of
the day, Ramni Pass (3064 m). The Kauri Pass is clearly visible in the
distance. Impressive views the peaks of Garwhal Himalayas. The road
plunges into the village Jhin-Jhi, passing close to many farms. A
suspension bridge can cross the gorge Bireh (many monkeys). tough climb
(2h 30) to Kaliaghat comfortable camp, near Pana village. Overnight in
camp.
DAY 12: PANA - SIARTOLI (3012M) - DHAKWANI
(3341M) 6-7 HRS TREK:
Another day with beautiful views. After 600 meters uphill, crossing a
pass at 3100 meters. On the opposite side, progress in a deep gorge.
Path delicate, regularly damaged by monsoon rains. But the camp,
located in the base of Kauri, is very pleasant. Overnight in camp.
DAY 13: DHAKWANI - OVER KUARI PASS (3798M) - TALI (3310M) 5-6 HRS TREK:
A final effort to pass the highest point of the circuit. In 1931,
English explorer and mountaineer, Frank Smythe, on his way to climb
Kamet second highest peak in India after Nanda Devi, writes: "Arriving
at the pass, we remain silent surprise. No words could express our
feelings. The Himalayas lay before us in a majestic arc of a circle.
"Nilkhanth, Chaukhamba (7141 m), Dunagiri (7067 m), Changabang (6864 m)
and even Nanda Devi are visible by browsing a few hundred meters on the
edge. Panorama deemed as one of the most beautiful in the entire
Himalayan range. The road dips Talli, where the view on the Nanda Devi,
clear weather is exceptional. Overnight in tents.
DAY 14: TALI - AULI (2695M)- JOSHIMATH (2100M) 3 HRS TREK + 45 MINUTS
DRIVE:
After breakfast start descent trekking toward Auli, through the
"Bugyal" on the way you have a chance to see the Himalayan Peaks. On
arrival at Auli, take the vehcle to Joshimath. Overnight at hotel or
guest house.
DAY 15: JOSHIMATH -SRINAGAR (180KM/ 6-7 HRS DRIVE)
Early in the morning, after breakfast drive to Srinagar, on arrival
check in hotel, rest of the tiem explore the tiny town. Overnight at
hotel or guest house.
DAY 16: SRINAGAR-RISHIKESH : 3-4 HRS DRIVE:
After early breakfast drive to Rishikesh en route visit Deopriyag, the
confluence of Bhagirathi and Alakhananda River. On arrival to Rishikesh
check in hotel, rest of the time visit the temples. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 17: RISHIKESH:
After breakfast commence full day local Temples, Ashram, Laxman Jhula,
Ram Jhula and local market visit. Late evening witness the Ganga
Ceremony. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 18: RISHIKESH-HARIDWAR-DELHI (210KM/ 5-6 HRS DRIVE) ;
Morning drive to Delhi, en route visit Har Ki Pauri Ghat, another
temples, & Yoga Center, later drive to Delhi, On arrival check
in hotel.Overnight at hotel
DAY 19: DELHI:
After breakfast start combined New adn Old Delhi sightseeing, visit Res
Fort, Jama Masjid, Chadani chowk, Raj Ghat, Government Buildings,
Humayun's Tomb, & Qutab Minar. Farewell dinner and in time
departure transfer to onward destination.
DAY 20: DELHI DEPARTURE:
In time departure transfer to onward destination. End the services.
|
