The Roopkund Trek is one of the most thrilling and mysterious high-altitude treks in India. Nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Roopkund is famous for its glacial lake that holds hundreds of ancient human skeletons. This eerie yet fascinating destination attracts thousands of trekkers each year, thanks to its blend of natural beauty, alpine meadows, and legends. But before the real adventure begins, you need to know how to reach the starting point of the Roopkund Trek. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive route breakdown to make your journey hassle-free.

Overview of the Roopkund Trek Route

The Roopkund Trek is typically a 6 to 9-day trek, depending on your itinerary and pace. The trek takes you through dense forests, pristine meadows like Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal, and eventually up to the Roopkund Lake at an altitude of 15,750 feet. The most popular starting point of the trek is Lohajung, a small village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Lohajung is the base camp where most trekkers begin their journey toward Roopkund.

To reach Lohajung, you’ll need to make your way through a combination of transportation methods — flights, trains, buses, and shared taxis — depending on where you're starting from. The nearest major city to Lohajung is Kathgodam, which is well connected to other parts of India.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reaching Lohajung

Reach Delhi – The Gateway City

Most travelers heading for the Roopkund Trek start their journey from New Delhi. The capital city is well-connected to all parts of India and has international flight connectivity as well. From Delhi, you will need to travel to Kathgodam, which is the nearest major railhead.

You can reach Delhi by:

• Flight: Major airports in India and abroad offer regular flights to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
  
  

• Train: Delhi is a central hub for Indian Railways with trains arriving from all directions.
  
  

• Bus: Inter-state bus services are available to Delhi from various cities.
  
  

Delhi to Kathgodam – By Train or Bus

Kathgodam is the last railway station before you enter the deep Himalayan regions. It serves as the main transit point for travelers heading toward the Kumaon and Garhwal hills.

• By Train:
  There are multiple trains from Delhi to Kathgodam. Some of the popular ones include:
  
  

• Ranikhet Express (15013/15014)
  
  

• Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express (15035/15036)
  
  

• Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040) – The fastest and most comfortable option, reaching Kathgodam in about 5 hours.
  
  

• By Bus:
  Uttarakhand Roadways and private buses run from Anand Vihar ISBT, Delhi to Haldwani/Kathgodam overnight. However, buses take longer and are less comfortable than trains.
  
  

• Travel Time: Approx. 5-7 hours depending on your choice of transport.
  
  

Kathgodam to Lohajung – Scenic Mountain Journey

Once you reach Kathgodam, your journey to Lohajung begins. This part of the journey is scenic but can be long and tiring as you drive into the heart of the Himalayas. There are no direct trains or flights, so you’ll have to rely on road transportation.

• By Shared Jeep or Taxi:
  Shared taxis are available from outside Kathgodam railway station early in the morning. They usually go via Haldwani – Almora – Kausani – Gwaldam – Debal – Lohajung. This route offers some of the best panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
  
  

• By Private Cab:
  Booking a private cab is a more comfortable and flexible option, especially if you are traveling with a group. It allows you to stop en route and soak in the views or grab food.
  
  

• By Bus:
  Buses to Lohajung are limited. Sometimes you might need to break the journey, changing buses at Almora or Gwaldam.
  
  

• Travel Time: The journey from Kathgodam to Lohajung takes about 10 to 12 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
  
  

Alternative Routes to Lohajung

If you are coming from other cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Nainital, there are alternate routes to Lohajung:

• From Dehradun:
  Travel via Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Tharali – Debal – Lohajung. It’s a longer route compared to Kathgodam but equally scenic.
  
  

• From Rishikesh/Haridwar:
  Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag. From Karnaprayag, you’ll need to hire a private cab to reach Lohajung via Tharali.
  
  

These routes might be less preferred due to longer travel times and fewer public transport options but can be convenient for those already exploring other parts of Uttarakhand.

Best Time to Travel

Before planning your route to Lohajung, consider the best trekking seasons for Roopkund:

• May to June: The trails are green, the snow is melting, and the weather is pleasant. This is the most popular season.
  
  

• September to October: Post-monsoon views are breathtaking, with clear skies and vibrant landscapes.
  
  

Avoid traveling in the monsoon (July-August) due to frequent landslides and roadblocks, and in peak winter (November-February) when most routes are snowed in.

Travel Tips and Essentials

1. Start Early:
   Begin your journey from Kathgodam early in the morning so you can reach Lohajung by sunset. Mountain driving at night is not recommended.
   
   

2. Book Transport in Advance:
   Whether it’s a shared taxi or a private cab, pre-booking is wise, especially in peak season when demand is high.
   
   

3. Carry Essentials:
   Roadside amenities are limited in the hills. Carry water, snacks, a power bank, and essential medications.
   
   

4. Stay Overnight at Kathgodam if Needed:
   If you arrive late in Kathgodam, consider staying the night and starting early the next morning.
   
   

5. Mobile Connectivity:
   Expect limited to no mobile signal after Kathgodam. BSNL and Jio have slightly better coverage in Lohajung.
   
   

Roopkund Trek: A Journey Worth the Effort

The route to the starting point of the Roopkund Trek may seem complex, but it is part of the adventure. The road journeys across terraced hills, pine forests, and quaint mountain towns offer a preview of the natural grandeur that lies ahead. Many trekkers find this road trip almost as rewarding as the trek itself. Reaching Lohajung might take effort and patience, but it sets the perfect tone for the majestic journey that awaits.

The Roopkund Trek is not just about reaching the mysterious lake; it’s about the entire experience — the trail, the stories, the camaraderie, and the scenery. From Lohajung, you’ll begin a multi-day walk that takes you across alpine meadows, ridgelines, and snow-covered passes. Every step is filled with anticipation, especially as you approach the final destination — the haunted yet beautiful Roopkund Lake.

Accommodation in Lohajung

Before you start the trek, you’ll likely spend a night in Lohajung. Accommodation options here are basic but comfortable.

• Guest Houses: Local guesthouses offer clean rooms and homemade food. Prices range from ₹500–₹1200 per night.
  
  

• Homestays: A great way to experience Garhwali hospitality. Many locals host trekkers in their homes.
  
  

• Trek Organizers’ Camps: If you’re going with a tour operator, they usually have their own camps or tie-ups with local hotels.
  
  

Make sure to rest well here before the trek begins, and also use this time to acclimatize.

Final Thoughts

Reaching the starting point of the Roopkund Trek involves multiple legs of travel — from the plains of Delhi to the heights of Lohajung. But every kilometer is worth it. Proper planning, early bookings, and flexible travel schedules will ensure a smooth start to your adventure.

With its ghostly legends, lush bugyals, and snow-capped peaks, the Roopkund Trek is one of the finest high-altitude experiences in the Indian Himalayas. Getting there may take some time, but for the nature lover and the trekking enthusiast, it’s a journey you’ll never forget.