Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Famous for its mysterious human skeletons visible in the clear water, Roopkund attracts trekkers and adventure lovers from across the country and abroad.

This route is popular among trekking enthusiasts who want to experience the Himalayan wilderness and stunning mountain views. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Roopkund, including transport options, trekking routes, permits, and seasonal advice for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Getting from Major Cities to Roopkund – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable for reaching the nearest railway stations before starting your road journey to the trek base. It is popular for budget travelers and those coming from distant cities.

• The nearest major railway station to Roopkund is Kathgodam, approximately 250 km away, connected well to Delhi and other northern cities by regular trains.

• From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Lohajung or Wan village, the common trek starting points, which are about 150-160 km and take 5-6 hours by road.

• Train fares to Kathgodam vary between INR 300 to 1,200 depending on class and train type, with frequent trains from Delhi and Lucknow.

• During peak trekking season (May to October), trains can be crowded; booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective way to reach the base villages for the Roopkund trek. They are popular among budget travelers but may have limited frequency and comfort.

• State-run buses by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation run from Kathgodam to Lohajung and Wan, the main starting points for the Roopkund trek, covering about 150 km in 5-7 hours.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 150 to 300, making it an affordable option for solo travelers and groups.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and holidays; arriving early at the bus depot in Kathgodam is advised to secure a seat.

• Road conditions can be challenging during monsoon season (July-September) with landslides and delays common, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to the trek base offers flexibility and comfort, especially for groups or families. It is popular among travelers who want to explore nearby areas before starting the trek.

• The drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung or Wan is approximately 150-160 km via NH109 and local mountain roads, taking around 5-6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Car rentals with drivers are widely available in Kathgodam and Nainital, with daily rates ranging from INR 2,500 to 4,000 depending on vehicle type.

• Self-driving requires experience with mountain roads, as the route includes narrow stretches, hairpin bends, and occasional potholes, especially during monsoon.

• There are toll plazas on NH109; keep cash handy as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas.

• Fuel stations are sparse beyond major towns, so fill up before starting the mountain drive to avoid inconvenience.

Flight

The nearest airport to Roopkund is Pantnagar Airport, suitable for travelers coming from major Indian cities. Flights save time but require additional road travel to reach the trek base.

• Pantnagar Airport is about 200 km from Lohajung, with regular flights from Delhi and other northern hubs operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• From Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kathgodam or directly to Lohajung, which takes around 6-7 hours by road.

• Flight fares vary widely from INR 2,000 to 6,000 depending on booking time and season; booking early is advisable during trekking season.

• Weather conditions such as fog in winter months can cause flight delays or cancellations, so keep flexible travel plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers to Roopkund, helping you prepare and navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets to Kathgodam or Pantnagar well in advance, especially during May to October, to avoid last-minute unavailability and higher prices.

• From Kathgodam or Pantnagar, arrange a taxi or check bus schedules to reach Lohajung or Wan, the trek starting points; taxis offer flexibility, while buses are budget-friendly.

• Obtain necessary permits for the Roopkund trek from the Forest Department office in Lohajung; carrying ID and permit copies is mandatory for entry.

• Prepare your trekking gear and supplies in Lohajung or nearby towns; local shops provide basic equipment and food items if you forgot anything.

• Start your trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon weather changes and ensure enough daylight for daily progress; acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

• Use local guides if unfamiliar with the route; they improve safety and enrich your experience with local knowledge about the terrain and culture.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient bottled water or purification tablets, as natural water sources on the trek may not be safe to drink without treatment.

• Book train and bus tickets through official portals like IRCTC and Uttarakhand Transport websites to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Kathgodam and nearby towns to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand for private taxis.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, rain gear, and sturdy trekking shoes, as weather can change rapidly in the mountains.

• Respect local customs and environment; avoid littering and follow guidelines provided by forest officials to preserve the fragile ecosystem.

• Carry a basic first-aid kit including medicines for altitude sickness, headaches, and minor injuries common on high-altitude treks.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Roopkund is from mid-May to early October when the trails are mostly snow-free and weather is favorable for trekking. Winters are harsh and trails are covered with snow, making the trek dangerous.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, which can delay travel and increase risks on mountain roads and trails. Plan your trip outside of heavy rain months for safety and comfort.

• Avoid peak festival periods like Diwali and summer holidays when transport and accommodation are crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Early morning departures are ideal to avoid afternoon rains and to enjoy clear views of the Himalayas during the trek.

• Winter months (November to March) are not recommended due to heavy snowfall and limited accessibility to the Roopkund area.

• Check local weather forecasts regularly during your trip to anticipate sudden changes and plan rest days if needed.

Arrival at Roopkund & What to Expect

Reaching Roopkund involves trekking through rugged mountain terrain with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. The lake itself is a serene and mysterious spot, often visited by trekkers in small groups.

At the end of the trek, you will find basic camping facilities and local guides who can assist with accommodation arrangements. The area has no permanent settlements, so plan to camp or stay in nearby villages like Wan or Lohajung.

For local commute, you will mostly walk or hire porters for carrying luggage. On arrival at Lohajung or Wan, prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available to return to Kathgodam or other towns. Always confirm fares before starting your journey back.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Roopkund is by taking a train or flight to Kathgodam or Pantnagar, followed by a road journey to Lohajung or Wan, and then trekking to the lake. This combination balances comfort, cost, and time effectively.

Planning ahead by booking transport tickets early, arranging permits, and preparing for mountain conditions will ensure a safe and memorable trek. With the right information and precautions, you can confidently explore the unique beauty and mystery of Roopkund.