Roopkund lake (5030 m) - Rishikesh to Karna Prayag by Badrinath bus. Travel to Debal (45 km) via Tharali by bus. Travel by jeep to Mandoli and then to Wan. Wan to Bedni Bugyal (3350 m, 10 km) : 5 hour. Bedni Bugyal to Bhagwa Basa (4100 m, 9 km, 4 hour). Then to Roop Kund and back (10 km) : 50 km , 4 days. Lake is at the foot of Trishul (7122 m)
peak.

History : Roopkund lake is usually called as the Mystery lake since human skeletons and remains of horses were found here. There are two versions to the remains; one that they are remains of soldiers under General Jorawar Singh on a mission to Tibet, another that they are remains of people on a Yatra to the Mt. Trishul base about 400 years back.

Location : In Uttaranchal, India

Best season : Aug-Sep

Climate : Night temp will be freezing, strong winds, rain and snowfall.

Accomodation : Wan has good basic accomodation and is the last village on the way. Wan to Roopkund and back takes 4 day trek with stays in tents.

Height : Wan (2600 m) to Roopkund lake (5029 m, 23 km). Jorawar Gali (5348 m) is the highest point near by on the route to Homkund.

Pilgrim route : Once in 12 years, the royal Nanda Devi Jat Yatra is organised to Roopkund and then to Homkund lakes with a four horned ram. Lot of devotees participate in the yatra - ardous trek - and the ram is set free at Homkund. Last Yatra was in 1999 and next pilgrimmage is due in Sep 2011 AD.

Dangers : Landslides are common in the area after a rainfall.

Requirements : Heavy woollen, tent, sleeping bag, rain coat, wind cheater, medicines, torch, food (like fruits, fruit juice, trail mix, chocolates, soup, glucose, ORS etc.), porters, cook, cooking utensils and a guide.

Travel plan :
Day 1 : Travel from New Delhi to Haridwar bus/train.
Day 2 : To Deabal via Karnaprayag.
Day 3 : Travel to Wan via Lohjung (2590 m, 25 km) by jeep.
Day 4 : Trek to Bedni kund and to Bedni Bugyal in 5 hour (Plane walk).
Day 5 : Trek to Bhaguabasa 4000 m via Bistola (9 km, 4 hour)
Day 6 : Trek to Roopkund & back(10 km, 5 hour)
Day 7 : Walk down to Wan via Bedni Bugyal (18 km, 8 hour)
Day 8 : Travel to Karnaprayag
Day 9 : Travel to New Delhi

Approximate tour cost : Rs 10 000/- (Indian Ruppee)
1 US $ = Rs. 45