Mystery lake of Roopkund is a tough trek over a stone paved well defined path. The lake is 26 km from the last village Wan and takes 3 days of trek at high altitude. Roopkund (5029 m) is well known for its mystery of the Human skeleton found. It is one of the most attractive trekking destinations in India. From Bedni Bugyal onwards one gets good views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. View the peaks at a touching distance from Zorawar gali. The route has flowers like Brahma kamal, Neel kamal and Fen kamal flowers.

On 1 Sept 2007, I boarded Mysore - Nizamuddin Swarna jayanti Exp. from Pune station at 1620 h and reached Nizamuddin on next day at around 1800 h. My connection train - Mussorie Exp - was from Sarai Rohila station near New Delhi at 2100 h. I reached Haridwar on next day morning at 0600 h (3 Sept). Travel to Rishikesh by bus and collected the two men tent and sleeping bag from GMVN office. At around 1300 h I got a bus to Karna Prayag from Yatra bus stand. The zig zag road moves via Dev Prayag, Srinagar and Rudra Prayag to Karna Prayag. Reaching Karna Prayag at around 1900 h and night stay in a hotel.

Karna Prayag has few temples and the sangam to visit. From here the road diverts to Almora and to Badrinath.

4 th Sept 07 : Travel to Lohajung (2500 m) by 0900 h bus, 97 km route via Tharali, Debal and Mandoli. Another bus leaves Karna Prayag for Lohajung daily at 1300 h. The road beyond Mandoli is stone paved and only two buses operates on this route. The bus slowly climb the ghat to reach the Lohajung pass at around 1600 h. There are Lodges and Govt rest houses for stay. One can have meals too from the hotels.

Travel by share jeep to Wan (13 km @ Rs 30). Night stay at Wan near the first tea shop. Nice stay with food. With the help of a high school teacher from Wan village I got a guide - Mohan Singh (s/o Bakhtar Singh, Wan P.O., Chamoli Dt., Uttarakhand - 246427, Phone : 01363 280422 or Delhi (pp) : 9968178496).

My guide cum porter - Mohan Singh - was ready for the trek @ Rs 400 per day. We purchased food items, vegetables, oil and kerosine. He also collected his stove and cooking utensils from his home. Rates : Porter Rs 250 per day, Cook/guide - Rs 300 per day. Food and accommodation has to be provided in addition.

The route to Roopkund is stone paved and clear. Around 15 to 20 trekkers visit the 'kund' daily in the climbing season. The weather is very nice in the first half of September. Carrying a light rain coat and a plastic sheet to cover the bag is very important. Don't argue or discuss hot topics at high altitude (altitude sickness). Trekking is not a competition, so be at your pace. Walk and take rest to enjoy the beauty of surroundings on the trek.

Wan Photos