Roopkund Trek is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for its mysterious high-altitude lake filled with ancient human skeletons. Many adventure seekers and nature lovers travel here to experience stunning mountain views and challenging trails.

This guide explains how to reach the starting point of the Roopkund Trek. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, and practical tips to prepare for this exciting journey.

Getting from Delhi to Roopkund Trek – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach Uttarakhand before starting the trek. It is suitable for those who prefer comfort and scenic routes but requires further road travel to reach the trek base.

• You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam, the nearest major railhead to Roopkund, covering about 280 km in 6–8 hours with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1200 depending on class.

• Trains like the Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express run frequently, offering sleeper and AC coaches, but booking early on IRCTC is essential during peak trekking seasons.

• From Kathgodam, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Lohajung, the usual trek base, which is approximately 160 km away and takes about 6–7 hours by road.

• Train travel can be affected by fog during winter months, so plan accordingly and check train running status on IRCTC before departure.

Bus

Buses provide a budget-friendly and accessible option to reach Uttarakhand’s trekking regions. They are suitable for travelers comfortable with long journeys and local transport conditions.

• State-run buses by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) operate from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Nainital and Almora, major towns near the trek route, with fares between ₹400 and ₹700.

• From Nainital or Almora, you can catch local buses or shared taxis to Lohajung, the starting point of the Roopkund Trek, which is about 70–80 km away and takes 3–4 hours.

• Buses are frequent during the trekking season (May to October) but can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets a day in advance is advisable.

• Roads can be narrow and winding, especially during monsoon, so expect slower travel and occasional delays due to landslides or traffic jams.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to the Roopkund Trek base offers flexibility and convenience, especially if traveling in a group or carrying heavy gear. It is ideal for those familiar with mountain driving conditions.

• The drive from Delhi to Lohajung covers approximately 520 km via NH9 and NH309, taking around 12–14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Major highways include NH9 up to Haldwani and then NH309 towards Almora and Lohajung, with several toll plazas en route requiring cash or FASTag payments.

• Roads are well-maintained until Almora but become narrow and steep towards Lohajung; driving carefully is essential, especially during monsoon or winter when landslides and fog are common.

• Several rest stops and dhabas are available along the route, offering local Kumaoni cuisine and refreshments, useful for breaks during the long drive.

• Parking options at Lohajung are limited, so plan to park your vehicle safely or arrange for a local taxi to avoid last-mile hassles.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Uttarakhand’s gateway cities, suitable for travelers with limited time or those coming from distant locations.

• The nearest airport to Roopkund Trek is Pantnagar Airport, about 180 km from Lohajung, with regular flights from Delhi lasting around 1 hour.

• From Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Lohajung, which takes approximately 6–7 hours by road on hilly terrain.

• Alternatively, you can fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 220 km away, but road travel from there to Lohajung takes longer due to mountainous roads.

• Flight fares vary seasonally, with prices ranging from ₹2000 to ₹6000 one-way; booking early through airlines’ websites or travel portals is recommended.

• Weather conditions like fog during winter mornings can cause flight delays, so allow buffer time when planning onward travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers to Roopkund Trek, helping you organize your journey smoothly from Delhi to the trek base.

• Book your train or flight tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam or Pantnagar at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during peak trekking months, to secure your preferred dates and classes.

• Upon arrival at Kathgodam or Pantnagar, arrange a taxi or check bus schedules to reach Lohajung; local travel apps or hotel help desks can assist with reliable transport options.

• Pack trekking gear and essentials carefully, considering the high-altitude climate; carry water purification tablets and layered clothing for changing weather.

• Reach Lohajung a day before the trek starts to acclimatize and rest; use this time to check with local guides or agencies for permits and route updates.

• Start the Roopkund Trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon weather changes and ensure enough daylight for each day’s hike; always inform your accommodation about your plans.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid photo ID and trekking permits, which are mandatory for Roopkund Trek; these can be obtained from local forest offices or through registered trekking agencies.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in hilly areas; carry a reusable water bottle with a filter if possible.

• Book your train or bus tickets online via IRCTC or state transport websites to avoid last-minute hassles and confirm seat availability during busy seasons.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available, especially in towns like Kathgodam and Haldwani, to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm clothing, as weather can change rapidly in the mountains; avoid overpacking to ease your trek load.

• During monsoon (July–September), check weather forecasts regularly and be prepared for trail closures or delays due to landslides and slippery paths.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to undertake the Roopkund Trek is from mid-May to early June and September to October. These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and safer trail conditions.

Winter months are harsh with heavy snowfall, making the trek dangerous and difficult. Monsoon season brings heavy rains, increasing the risk of landslides and slippery trails.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when transport services are crowded and accommodation is limited in Uttarakhand towns.

• Summer months (May–June) have pleasant weather but can be busy with trekkers; plan your departure early morning to avoid crowding on the trail.

• Monsoon rains (July–September) cause frequent landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky and often delayed; it is best to avoid this period.

• Early mornings and late evenings can be foggy and cold, so plan your daily trek start times accordingly to maximize daylight and visibility.

Arrival at Lohajung & What to Expect

When you arrive at Lohajung, you will find a small mountain village that serves as the main base for the Roopkund Trek. The village has basic guesthouses, local eateries, and small shops catering to trekkers.

Local transport options are limited, so most travelers arrive by taxi or shared jeep. Prepaid taxis are rare, so agree on fares before starting your journey. App-based cabs do not operate in this remote area, so cash payments are standard.

Accommodation ranges from simple homestays to budget guesthouses. Booking in advance during peak season is advisable. You can also hire local guides and porters here, which helps support the community and ensures a safer trek.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach the Roopkund Trek base is by taking a train from Delhi to Kathgodam followed by a taxi or bus to Lohajung. This option balances comfort, cost, and accessibility well for most travelers.

Planning ahead by booking transport and accommodation early, packing appropriately for mountain weather, and allowing extra time for road travel will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable trekking experience. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your adventure to Roopkund and embrace the beauty of the Himalayas safely.