The best time to visit Roopkund Trek is from May to June in summer and September to mid-October in autumn. These are the two seasons to plan Roopkund trek and discover the mysterious skeleton lake. The Roopkund Lake trek is accessible for a short window owing to extreme trekking conditions.
The summer batches for the Roopkund trek begin in May and last till June. During these months, upper campsites will have abundant snow. Autumn season starts post-monsoon in September and continues till mid-October. As winter snow melts during these months, trekkers witness the remains of the infamous human skeletons by Roopkund Lake.
Here is a detailed season-wise guide to Roopkund Trek. Know more about the best time to visit Roopkund trek and plan your trip according to your interests and preferences.
Roopkund Trek in Summer (May to June)
May marks the beginning of Roopkund trekking season, attracting domestic and international trekkers to embark on the journey to Roopkund Lake. Abundant snow can be found on the Roopkund trail during the summer months, making it an ideal time for those who want to trek amidst the snow.
If you want to experience the vibrant spring colors while enjoying the snow on the trail, then summer is the best time to visit Roopkund trek. May and June are perfect to experience exotic flora and fauna along the trail.
Roopkund Trek in May
May is the best time to visit Roopkund to experience the awe-inspiring meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal. In May, the meadow is abloom with exotic wildflowers. The beauty of campsites comes to life in May while the enchanting forest compels you to admire the silence on the trail. It feels epiphanic to be amidst the dense forest full of oaks and rhododendrons and soak in the earthy scent.
Roopkund Trek in June
If you want to experience snow on the trail along with a share of spring colours, plan the Roopkund trek in the summer months.
Plan Roopkund Lake in June to witness the lingering beauty of the spring blooms. Rhododendrons, locally known as Buransh, bloom in abundance on the trail in summer. If you are fortunate, you may catch glimpses of beautiful rhododendron blooms on the trail.
Roopkund Trek in Monsoon (July to August) Not Recommended
Monsoon season in Uttarakhand, which starts in July, should be avoided due to the higher risk of landslides and roadblocks. Uttarakhand receives heavy rainfall in July and August. Cloudbursts are frequent in the mountains. The trail is muddy and slippery. Trekking to Roopkund during the monsoon is unsafe.
Roopkund Trek in Autumn (September to mid-October)
Autumn season begins in September and continues till the arrival of winter in late November. It is considered the best season to explore the Roopkund trek and immerse in the grandeur of the mighty mountains. Clear and cloudless sky, dry trail, warm and cosy day to hike, and excellent visibility make autumn a perfect time to attempt the trek between September and mid-October.
The best time to unravel the mystery of the human skeletons by the lake is during the autumn when the monsoon clouds dissipate, paving the way for clear skies and an unobstructed view of the towering mountains.
Roopkund Trek in September
September is the best time to visit Roopkund Lake to catch glimpses of the towering Mt Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. The snow-studded peaks appear sharp and clear in September. September is the best time to visit Roopkund and witness the stunning beauty of the peaks.
Roopkund Trek in October
In October, the snow around the lake recedes, and the skeletons come to the surface. The enigma of these eerie finds enthrals the trekkers who attempt this mysterious lake trek. Clear sky, crispness in the air and solitude on the trail make October the perfect time to bask in the beauty of the Roopkund trek.
Roopkund Trek in Winter (November to February)
Roopkund trail becomes arduous in winter due to extreme snowfall. The trek is closed during the winter months as the region receives heavy snowfall, and it becomes challenging to navigate the trail.
Winter arrives early in Roopkund. The higher reaches receive snowfall as early as November. With long trekking hours and massive altitude gain, the winter months of November to February are not feasible for trekking to Roopkund.
Roopkund Trek in Spring (March to April)
While many treks reopen for trekkers as Spring arrives in March, Roopkund remains buried under a thick blanket of snow. Although March opens the lower regions of the trek, it is not advisable to trek to Roopkund in March and April due to unfavourable conditions at higher campsites.
Roopkund Trek Highlights
The famous Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand leads you to an enigmatic Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeleton Lake. This glacial lake is located at a staggering altitude of 16,470 ft above sea level. Roopkund owes its immense popularity to the presence of human skeletons. The Lake continues to be shrouded in innumerable mysteries with no definitive conclusions to date.
Since the confounding discovery of the human skeletons, the Roopkund Lake has attracted trekkers, explorers, and researchers worldwide.
The trek to the infamous skeleton lake passes through the stunning meadows of Ali Bedni Bugyal. Roopkund is also famed for the spellbinding sight of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti.
The trek starts from Lohajung village. Roopkund Lake trek distance is around 40 km, and you can complete the trek comfortably in 8 days, including travel to and from the base camp. The hike is for seasoned trekkers with prior hiking experience.
If thrilling folklores, mesmerising meadows, and majestic mountains intrigue you, Roopkund Trek is a must for all adventure lovers.
