Roopkund—Homkund Trek

The Roopkund – Homkund Trek is one of the most adventurous and iconic Himalayan journeys, combining natural beauty, mythology, and high-altitude exploration. The trail begins from the charming mountain village of Wan and gradually ascends through ancient oak and rhododendron forests, traditional shepherd settlements, and vast alpine meadows. The journey takes trekkers across the spectacular Ali and Bedni Bugyals, some of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in the Himalayas. These rolling grasslands offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Nanda Ghunti and Trishul, whose reflections can often be seen in the sacred Bedni Kund. As the trail climbs higher, the landscape transforms into a dramatic alpine wilderness leading to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, famous for the ancient human skeletons discovered along its shores. This glacial lake, surrounded by towering snow peaks, has fascinated trekkers, historians, and explorers for decades. Beyond Roopkund lies the technical high-altitude crossing of Junargali Pass, opening the route toward the remote valley of Shila Samudra. The trek continues further to the sacred Homkund, a revered site associated with the legendary Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, one of the longest and most sacred pilgrimages in the Himalayas. This expedition offers a rare opportunity to experience the wild beauty, mythology, and untouched landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Region

Uttarakhand

Start

Dehradun

Finish

Dehradun

Season windows

Autumn (Sept–Nov), Summer (May–Jul)

1. Day 1

   Dehradun to Lohajung

   2,300 m · 284 km

   Drive from Dehradun to Lohajung through the scenic valleys of Kumaon and Garhwal. The road passes along rivers, forests, and traditional mountain villages. Overnight stay at Lohajung.

2. Day 2

   Lohajung to Didna Village

   2,400 m · 10 km

   The trek begins with a descent toward the Neel Ganga River followed by a steady climb through oak and rhododendron forests to reach the traditional Himalayan village of Didna.

3. Day 3

   Didna to Ali Bugyal

   3,350 m · 8 km

   Ascend through dense forests before emerging onto the vast alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal. The sweeping grasslands offer spectacular views of Mt. Trishul and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

4. Day 4

   Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni

   3,840 m · 8 km

   A gradual trek across the high meadows leads to Patar Nachauni, a campsite surrounded by magnificent Himalayan vistas.

5. Day 5

   Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa

   4,290 m · 9 km

   The trail climbs steadily toward the higher alpine zone with dramatic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Reach Bhagwabasa, the base camp for the Roopkund summit push.

6. Day 6

   Bhagwabasa to Shila Samudra via Roopkund & Junargali Pass

   3,900 m · 13 km

   Begin early for the summit push to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, famous for the ancient human skeletons found around its shores. From Roopkund, continue the steep climb to Junargali Pass, the highest point of the trek. After crossing the pass, descend into the dramatic glacial valley of Shila Samudra. • Roopkund: ~15,700 ft • Junargali Pass: ~16,600 ft • Shila Samudra: ~13,100 ft

7. Day 7

   Rest Day at Shila Samudra

   A rest day at Shila Samudra to recover and acclimatize after the demanding high-altitude crossing of Junargali Pass.

8. Day 8

   Shila Samudra to Dodang

   4,480 m · 8 km

   Traverse through remote alpine terrain and glacial valleys to reach the high-altitude campsite of Dodang.

9. Day 9

   Dodang to Homkund and back to Dodang

   4,720 m · 8 km

   Trek to the sacred Homkund, a revered site associated with the legendary Nanda Raj Jat Yatra. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, the place holds immense spiritual significance. Return to Dodang for the night.

10. Day 10

    Dodang to Latakhopri

    3,500 m · 10 km

    Descend gradually through high-altitude terrain toward the beautiful campsite of Latakhopri.

11. Day 11

    Latakhopri to Sutol Village

    2,300 m · 12 km

    The trail continues descending through forests and traditional shepherd routes to reach Sutol Village, one of the important villages along the Nanda Raj Jat route.

12. Day 12

    Sutol to Dehradun

    Drive back to Dehradun through the scenic Himalayan roads, concluding the Roopkund – Homkund Trek.