After an year-long of waiting and planning, it seemed to be happening at last, the Roopkund Trek. Needless to say, Roopkund is nothing less than a roller coaster ride. The trail cuts across villages, dense forests and right to snow capped Mountain peaks.
After some research my friend Abhishek Bansal & I decided to undertake this “trip” with TTH – Trek the Himalayas which, in retrospect, was a good decision. These people are pretty professional, friendly and superbly helpful. Highly recommended.
Dear readers, the Roopkund Trek is definitely not a walk in the park. Please make sure you are physically fit to undertake this journey because this Trek gains intensity with each passing day. Training at least a month prior to your D day is strongly advised.
Well then, this is how my trip was.
Day 01 | Base Camp | Lohajung (7,662 ft)
Our assembly point was Khatgodam Railway station. After meeting rest of the Team Members we hopped in our cars and drove off to Lohajung. With a few pit stops on the way, we reached Lohajung by 5:00 pm. By 8 in the evening the whole group gathered and our briefing began. Readers, make sure you pay utmost attention to your briefing sessions because that is what will keep you alive and going for the next few days. Our briefing started with simple introductions and if anyone had any prior experience in trekking. In my case, I did Kheerganga and Triund before this but I was assured that they hardly count. You see, High Altitude Trekking is a different ball game altogether. During our briefing sessions TTH made sure they covered every aspect of the Trek, from terrain, day-wise weather, apparel to safety measures. In High Altitude Treks you have to make sure that you are covered in layers (clothing wise). Two layers are for reasonably cold weather and four to six layers are for extreme conditions. Our Camp leader explained that in a Trek Team you will have a Trek Leader who keeps shuffling from the front slot to the ones at the back, one Trek Guide who will lead the way as they are well versed with every nook and corner of the route. Lastly the Sweeper, his job is to make sure no one is left behind. Our batch had Ameet Sir as Trek Leader, Pushkar Sir as Trek Guide and Kalam as Sweeper.
Few important pointers here. TTH made it very clear that if they found anyone smoking or drinking they will be asked to leave immediately. There was some logic to it. What we all heard about drinking Brandy or Rum keeps you warm is an utter farce. Alcohol in reality dehydrates you, one might feel good in the night while having it but in the morning you will feel tired and lethargic. So exercising restraint is quintessential.
Day 02 | Lohajung (7,662 ft) – Didna Village (8,045 ft)|
I woke up at around 4:30 am in the morning. Excitement just didn’t let me sleep. Up there weather remains the most elusive element. From scorching sunlight to dense fog to unforgiving downpour, weather is incredibly unpredictable. After a hefty breakfast and a group photo we began our march. On the first day you cover around 7kms. First day’s ascend gives you a pretty realistic idea of what’s going to follow. Following a marked trail we reached Didna Village around 1:00 pm.
Once we threw down our bags and had water, it struck us; this is some intense stuff and holy cow this was just day one!!!. After everybody made it to the camp, lunch was served. We went out with our TL Ameet Sir in the evening to collect some wood for bone fire but of course, weather had a different plan altogether. It rained throughout the night.
Didna Village : Home stay
Day 03 | Camp 02 | Didna Village (8,045 ft) – Ali Bugyal (11,320 ft)|
After a heavy downpour, we woke up to a giant earthworm infestation. No, they will not bother you much but will definitely gross you out. But the view that welcomes you in the morning will make up for everything. There is heaven on Earth and for me it is in the Himalayas. The place where Clouds, Mountains and the Sun create an unbelievable symphony of beauty, a pure visual treat.
Brace yourself this will be a day to remember. As the routine goes, after breakfast and a group photo we started our ascend. In my experience this was the toughest day. You start from the bottom of the mountain and literally make it to the top. Technically Didna is the last village on your route. Trail from Didna to Ali Bugyal is pretty intense and almost unrealistically steep. To make it more interesting, the clouds chose to pour some rain on our way.
Ok, here is a confession. During this day, as strenuous as it got, each one was at his own pace. I did weigh my bag carefully before leaving Delhi. It was around 11Kgs and after adding 2 liters of water it touched about 13Kgs. Doesn’t sound much but trust me it was killing me up there. When we stopped for a water break I said it to my friend Abhishek, “Bro, there are chances I might not be able to make it, it’s like a Mountain on my back”. Encouraging as he always is but with a slight pinch of sarcasm, my friend motivated me to go on. Feeding me dry fruits and helping me adjust my bag, he did what he could. I tried my level best to carry on but there was this one point when doubt seeped in. I really wasn’t sure whether I was going to make it. I was all alone at one point and could not see anyone ahead or behind. I was pretty sure I was on the right track but my bag kept killing me. I read few articles before I started training for this trek. Ladies and Gents, dead lifts and squats are a must, especially when you plan to carry your bag. But despite my preparations, I was drenched in sweat from top to bottom and walking in the rain over damp leaves and narrow edges was just making it worse. I almost slipped a few times. That’s when I decided to drop my bag. That’s right, literally swing it across the cliff. So you can imagine my plight. I have no intention of scaring you but trust me Roopkund Trek challenges you at every level physically, mentally and emotionally. So there I was, calculating what was important and I jumped to a conclusion that all I needed now was water and my heavy jacket. Rest seemed like dead weight. Believe me I took of my bag and the moment I started unzipping it, I heard TL Ameet Sir call my name and realized he was right behind me. **** Few seconds and my fear would have conquered me. Judging by my physical state he suggested we take a water break and wait for the ones behind us. We sat down and chatted for a bit. He shared where all he had trekked and narrated stories about the famous Chadar Trek, where the trail lays over the frozen Zanskar river. After the break and with few words of encouragement I started again. Finally huffing and puffing we reached the ridge of the Mountain, where a Rhododendron Forest stood welcoming us. We had our lunch at the edge of the forest, while it was raining and we made our way to Ali Bugyal.
So after the most demanding and strenuous 11Kms, the Mountain decided to reward us with Ali Bugyal, Asia’s largest meadow. Stunning, mesmerizing and incredibly beautiful are just few words that describe Ali Bugyal. Vast lands with tiny grass carpeted over it, Ali Bugyal is an absolute beauty. Words just fail to describe what we saw there. When we stood at Ali’s doorstep all the pain and strain seem to vanish.
We reached our camp slowly savoring every bit the vast grasslands had to offer. After dumping our rucksacks at the camp we rested for about an hour. We stepped out to explore the meadows armed with our ponchos and walking sticks. At the maggi point in the Bugyal, we clicked few pictures and shared our bit of the peril we just endured. As the Sun decided to call it day, we made our way back to the camp.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Top Adventure Company in India
How Trek The Himalayas has Become the Best Trekking Company of Uttarakhand?
A memorable trek - DAYARA BUGYAL
Why Trek The Himalayas is Considered The Best Trekking Company in India?
Top 3 Must-Do Himalayan Summer Treks in 2024 - High on Adventure
A Journey Through Paradise of Kashmir Treks
Popular Kashmir Great Lakes and Offbeat Doodhpathri Trek
Discover the thrilling adventures of Ladakh
Why We Believe Har Ki Doon is one of the Best Summer Treks?
An Introduction to the Lovely Campsites of Bali Pass Trek