Roopkund Homkund Trek Advise

chits007 · Aug 21st, 2007, 21:17

Hi Friends,

we (group of 6-8 people) planning Roopkund-Jorawar Gully-Shila Samudra - Homkund Trek between 28 Sept- 6 Oct. Is this the right time ?

I am sure some of friends here hast trekked on this route.

I want some tips and advise in our planning . ? Like how tough is route ? what could be a possible itinerary. and details of guide who these route . I didn't find much details and pics of Shila samudra and hom kund area .

Thanks

arjunm · Aug 22nd, 2007, 11:17

Dear Chits

You have kind of timed your trip perfectly. End of September is really nice.

The route is moderately difficult. I would suggest you to climb up to Joragully and then head back instead of crossing over to Homkund side. However, if you are fit, then Homekund is not a bad idea. But the best views are on the Roopkund side.

This June ten of us went on the Roopkund trek. Six of us went up to Junargully (and not Joragully). It was a wonderful experience.

Details of the trek plan, I'll put it across shortly. Meanwhile, any other specific questions, just shoot.

Arjun

chits007 · Aug 22nd, 2007, 14:03

Hi Arjun,

People told that one night at Shila Samudra will gave he trekker a life time experince with peaks all around you . Thats why we include Shila Samudra and Homkund . Yes after Homkund the trek is not so wonderful .

We have 9 days in our hand (Leave on 28th Sep and arrive on 8th Oct from Delhi) which I think is a more for roopkund thats why we want to explore other areas as well.

Where can we find guide who has knowledge of area beyond Roopkund?

arjunm · Aug 23rd, 2007, 18:42

Quote:

People told that one night at Shila Samudra will gave he trekker a life time experince with peaks all around you . Thats why we include Shila Samudra and Homkund . Yes after Homkund the trek is not so wonderful .

We have 9 days in our hand (Leave on 28th Sep and arrive on 8th Oct from Delhi) which I think is a more for roopkund thats why we want to explore other areas as well.

Where can we find guide who has knowledge of area beyond Roopkund?

Dear Chits

I think you must have read about the views from Shila Samudra from one of the threads. While it is partly true, it is a bit stretched too.

From Junargally you can actually see Shila Samudra 3000 ft down below. It is in a kind of a shadow area with Trishul towering above you and Nandaghunti on your right. I must say it is an impressive sight, but to go down all the way, and then trek up to Homekund and spend 4 days on this...hmmm... think about it.

However, to add a touch of variety to your trek (and if you have some days to spare), I would suggest a side trek to Bekhal and Brahm tal. It would be 3 days up and down, and the views are great. The trail takes you through deep forests and meadows. The start of these treks are at Loharjung. You could do these two before you start on your Roopkund trek. Gets your legs oiled too.

Give me a few days time to get you our guide's number. Meanwhile start your preparation. Especially on the fitness angle of your team members. It is not an easy trek and you really need to be fit to do the Roopkund adventure.

Arjun

himadventures · Aug 31st, 2007, 23:47

Your timing is very good. Do use fix rope at J.Gully. I am sure you are going to have a wonderful time up there. keep an eye on weather.
Wishing good luck to all of you !!

infinion · Sep 2nd, 2007, 14:17

i was planning a future trek :=> wan - roopkund - joshimath via the trail of Kuari pass trek.

please throw up an itinerary / grade / how hard it will be / how rewarding it will be in terms of fauna,flora,views / can one view some part of Nandadevi sanctuary ? / of course of details of guides / precautions/ max height gained .

fitness resonably ok. the only major trek done by me is satopanth tal -swargorohini.max height breathed - 5300msl

thanking in anticipation

<>
www.infinions.blogspot.com

chits007 · Sep 2nd, 2007, 17:08

Thanks HImalayan Adventure..we are planning the trek ..lets see how it materialize..
We have added Ronti Saddle also in our plan..lets see whether we can do it or not after roopkund-jorawar gali etc...I met a guy on www.trekearth.com who has done this and then talked to a guide..he said yes we can do it in Early Oct.Max height of Ronti Saddle is 5800 mts and its 3 Km of trek from Hom kund..
@ infinion ..yes one can do Roopkund-Jorawar Guli-Shila Samudra-Hom kund-and then Kuari pass to Auli-Joshimath..
I have made a itinerary on my own from Lonely Planet by merging two treks..but it will be long i think 15-16 Days...plan would be like this

Day 1 : Loharjung -Didina
Day 2: Didina-Ali Bugyal- Bedni Bugyal..
Day 3: Bedni Bugyal - Baggu Wasa
Day 4 - Start early Bassuwasa-Roopkund-Jorwar Guli-ShilaSamudra
Day 5: Shila Samudra- Dodang
Day 6 : Dodang -Homkund-Ronti Saddle-Dodang
Day 7 & Day 8 : Dodang - BHujwani-Latukhopri-Sutol-Sitel..Its approx 40 Kms down trek with some jungle trail..it can be adjusted accordingly
From Sitel their is a motorable road and you can goto Ghat.
From Ghat one can start for Kuari Pass and then Auli-Joshimath.

Infinion since you have done Satopanth-Swargarohni..i think you are fit enough to do it..Guide is necessary and some precaution while descent jorawar guli and ascend Ronti .

If you are doing Kuari Pass..i will recommend add copule of days for Pangarchula Climb(5200 mts or so) near Khullara.
You will get beautiful views of Nanda Devi Sanctuary from there.

himadventures · Sep 2nd, 2007, 22:35

chits is right but trekking plan made by chits does not allow to have some rest day UP THERE. I think that you should have a days rest at BHAGWA BASA. This gives ample rest to handle ronty saddle. Ronty saddle requires equipment-please do carry with you. And as i mentioned- do not avoid using a fix rope at JWAR GALLI. There had been accidents here and those were killed who did not listen to guide. Recently, a french has slipped.

This is not a easy trail....I think you should consider having some rest....and start early whenever you start trekking...as early as possible because DRAMA OF WEATHER PLAY very important role in this CWM.

Although your timing is very good but still I have seen some magical weather here....I used to start climbing RONTY and clouds will come over us and we used to be in total whiteout. And when we used to descend from slope- it eveoprates in valley.

)

Ultimately, we gave up our attempt that day and for next two days...we were struck up in windy and rainy [ sleet ] weather.

It would be better if you have ropes and iceaxes with carabiners etc.

chits007 · Sep 3rd, 2007, 12:12

Hi HimalayAdaveture,
thanks ..pointed noted...i told the guide that we will take ropes etc but he said in Sep end its not required..anyway i will insist to have them atleast..(i guess 40 meters of ropes will be OK)...
how about ronti saddle..should we carry ICE axe ? how many pairs ??

arjunm · Sep 4th, 2007, 17:05

Chits

When are you leaving Delhi? A friend of mine is trekking alone in Roopkund and leaving Delhi on 29th. Could he join up with you guys? He is interested to go up to Ronti as well.

How does he get in touch with you? Leave me a private message if you want to.

Arjun

himadventures · Sep 6th, 2007, 21:44

Ronti saddle has history of posing problem to trekkers and climbers. Although weather pattern is changing very fast...and there may not be enough snow to pose problem to you. Still, in a attempt and route like this-I am of the view that 2-3 ice axes and two lenghts of rope can be managed.

chits007 · Sep 7th, 2007, 12:26

Ok Sir..
we will do the same ..and we will aproach ronti only when the weather is good..and will start early..

Now this look good ? 2 small trek on Day 2 and Day 3...

Day 1 : Wan -Bedni
Day 2: Bedni Bugyal - Ghora Lotani...and rest for acclimitasie
Day 3: Ghora Lotani - Baggu Wasa and again acclimatise..
Day 4 - Start early Bassuwasa-Roopkund-Jorwar Guli-ShilaSamudra
Day 5: Shila Samudra- Dodang
Day 6 : Dodang -Homkund-Ronti Saddle-Dodang
Day 7 & Day 8 : Dodang - BHujwani-Latukhopri-Sutol-Sitel..Its approx 40 Kms down trek with some jungle trail..it can be adjusted accordingly
From Sitel their is a motorable road and you can goto Ghat.

himadventures · Sep 8th, 2007, 18:53

Ya- but do not know why I am feeling that you should pack ration for some extra time in this trek.

Otherwise, your plan seems good to me.

Trishul · Sep 8th, 2007, 20:18

hi,
All trek is nice & its not tough but you may take 1 or 2 days extrs in the trekking because in this trek you may hieght gain so try to one dya rest In Bednibugyal for acclimitization.
Yours programe is as given below
Programme 01
day 01 Loherganj to wan
day 02 wan to bedni
day 03 bedni
day 04 bedni to bhaguapassa
day 05 bhaguapass to roopkund to jhoragali & back to Bhaguapassa
day 06 Bhaguapassa to Bedni
day 07 bednibugyal to dedna
day 08 dedna to Loherganj
day 09 deidna to rishikesh or to kathgodam
Programme 02
01 mundoli to dedna
02 dedna to bedni
03 bedni rest for acclitimize
04 bedni to bhaguapassa
05 bhaguapassa to roopkund to jhoragali & back to Bhaguapassa
06 bhaguapassa to bednibugyal
08 bedni to wan
Wan to rishikesh or to Kathgodam
I had send you mobile no of experinced & well technically qualified guide he will arange tent ets in Lohergang but you must contact befor 15 days to him

Yours plan is right.
Youra plan like
01 mundoli to dedna
02 dedna to bedni
03 bedni rest for acclitimize
04 bedni to bhaguapassa
05 bhaguapassa to roopkund-shailsamundra
06 shailsamundra to homkund & back to shailsamundra or stay at homekund
07 shailsamundra to bhaguapass or patalnauchoni
08 patalnauchoni to bedni or to wan
09 wan to rishikesh or to kathgodam
i am just coming to complete that trek we had experiencied mountaing guide which had done some sourse from N.I.M.Uttarkashi so if you want nice guide then i send you mo.9412927591.
he will arange all thing in Lohergang .
07

Quote:

Originally Posted by chits007

Hi Friends,

we (group of 6-8 people) planning Roopkund-Jorawar Gully-Shila Samudra - Homkund Trek between 28 Sept- 6 Oct. Is this the right time ?

I am sure some of friends here hast trekked on this route.

I want some tips and advise in our planning . ? Like how tough is route ? what could be a possible itinerary. and details of guide who these route . I didn't find much details and pics of Shila samudra and hom kund area .

Thanks

chits007 · Sep 8th, 2007, 23:44

@himalayanadventure..
yes sir we will carry enough extra ration for days...infact we have one past experince in doing that..we have done HKD in winter season..where we have done this kind of planning...
please the rationa list here http://chitrang.blogspot.com

@trishul..
we have some modification liek day1 and day 2 will be done in 1 day and we will end up in wan not didna..one of ur frnd grp went to bedni bugyal last week and they managed to reach wan by 9 PM when they changed the jeep at gwaldam and purchased some ration..we will take a straight jeep to wan from kathgodam..which i am confident can reach by 7 PM..

trishul how have u managed to come back via same route after homekund...i mean jorwar guli-shilasamudra is all down trek..so if u come from other side it will be a steep climb how have u managed that..please comment..

also please shed some light on current roopkund homekund jorawar guli and shilasamudra condition like snow /night temperature/rainfall/ etc

and where are the pics ?

Aug 21st, 2007, 21:17	#1
chits007 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Noida Posts: 184	Roopkund Homkund Trek Advise Hi Friends, we (group of 6-8 people) planning Roopkund-Jorawar Gully-Shila Samudra - Homkund Trek between 28 Sept- 6 Oct. Is this the right time ? I am sure some of friends here hast trekked on this route. I want some tips and advise in our planning . ? Like how tough is route ? what could be a possible itinerary. and details of guide who these route . I didn't find much details and pics of Shila samudra and hom kund area . Thanks

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Aug 22nd, 2007, 11:17	#2
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 196	Dear Chits You have kind of timed your trip perfectly. End of September is really nice. The route is moderately difficult. I would suggest you to climb up to Joragully and then head back instead of crossing over to Homkund side. However, if you are fit, then Homekund is not a bad idea. But the best views are on the Roopkund side. This June ten of us went on the Roopkund trek. Six of us went up to Junargully (and not Joragully). It was a wonderful experience. Details of the trek plan, I'll put it across shortly. Meanwhile, any other specific questions, just shoot. Arjun

Aug 22nd, 2007, 14:03	#3
chits007 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Noida Posts: 184	Hi Arjun, People told that one night at Shila Samudra will gave he trekker a life time experince with peaks all around you . Thats why we include Shila Samudra and Homkund . Yes after Homkund the trek is not so wonderful . We have 9 days in our hand (Leave on 28th Sep and arrive on 8th Oct from Delhi) which I think is a more for roopkund thats why we want to explore other areas as well. Where can we find guide who has knowledge of area beyond Roopkund?

Aug 31st, 2007, 23:47	#5
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	Your timing is very good. Do use fix rope at J.Gully. I am sure you are going to have a wonderful time up there. keep an eye on weather. Wishing good luck to all of you !!

Sep 2nd, 2007, 14:17	#6
infinion Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: dubai - sharjah . TATWAMASI Posts: 122	i was planning a future trek :=> wan - roopkund - joshimath via the trail of Kuari pass trek. please throw up an itinerary / grade / how hard it will be / how rewarding it will be in terms of fauna,flora,views / can one view some part of Nandadevi sanctuary ? / of course of details of guides / precautions/ max height gained . fitness resonably ok. the only major trek done by me is satopanth tal -swargorohini.max height breathed - 5300msl thanking in anticipation <> www.infinions.blogspot.com

Sep 2nd, 2007, 17:08	#7
chits007 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Noida Posts: 184	Thanks HImalayan Adventure..we are planning the trek ..lets see how it materialize.. We have added Ronti Saddle also in our plan..lets see whether we can do it or not after roopkund-jorawar gali etc...I met a guy on www.trekearth.com who has done this and then talked to a guide..he said yes we can do it in Early Oct.Max height of Ronti Saddle is 5800 mts and its 3 Km of trek from Hom kund.. @ infinion ..yes one can do Roopkund-Jorawar Guli-Shila Samudra-Hom kund-and then Kuari pass to Auli-Joshimath.. I have made a itinerary on my own from Lonely Planet by merging two treks..but it will be long i think 15-16 Days...plan would be like this Day 1 : Loharjung -Didina Day 2: Didina-Ali Bugyal- Bedni Bugyal.. Day 3: Bedni Bugyal - Baggu Wasa Day 4 - Start early Bassuwasa-Roopkund-Jorwar Guli-ShilaSamudra Day 5: Shila Samudra- Dodang Day 6 : Dodang -Homkund-Ronti Saddle-Dodang Day 7 & Day 8 : Dodang - BHujwani-Latukhopri-Sutol-Sitel..Its approx 40 Kms down trek with some jungle trail..it can be adjusted accordingly From Sitel their is a motorable road and you can goto Ghat. From Ghat one can start for Kuari Pass and then Auli-Joshimath. Infinion since you have done Satopanth-Swargarohni..i think you are fit enough to do it..Guide is necessary and some precaution while descent jorawar guli and ascend Ronti . If you are doing Kuari Pass..i will recommend add copule of days for Pangarchula Climb(5200 mts or so) near Khullara. You will get beautiful views of Nanda Devi Sanctuary from there.

Sep 2nd, 2007, 22:35	#8
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	chits is right but trekking plan made by chits does not allow to have some rest day UP THERE. I think that you should have a days rest at BHAGWA BASA. This gives ample rest to handle ronty saddle. Ronty saddle requires equipment-please do carry with you. And as i mentioned- do not avoid using a fix rope at JWAR GALLI. There had been accidents here and those were killed who did not listen to guide. Recently, a french has slipped. This is not a easy trail....I think you should consider having some rest....and start early whenever you start trekking...as early as possible because DRAMA OF WEATHER PLAY very important role in this CWM. Although your timing is very good but still I have seen some magical weather here....I used to start climbing RONTY and clouds will come over us and we used to be in total whiteout. And when we used to descend from slope- it eveoprates in valley. ) Ultimately, we gave up our attempt that day and for next two days...we were struck up in windy and rainy [ sleet ] weather. It would be better if you have ropes and iceaxes with carabiners etc.

Sep 3rd, 2007, 12:12	#9
chits007 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Noida Posts: 184	Hi HimalayAdaveture, thanks ..pointed noted...i told the guide that we will take ropes etc but he said in Sep end its not required..anyway i will insist to have them atleast..(i guess 40 meters of ropes will be OK)... how about ronti saddle..should we carry ICE axe ? how many pairs ??

Sep 4th, 2007, 17:05	#10
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 196	Chits When are you leaving Delhi? A friend of mine is trekking alone in Roopkund and leaving Delhi on 29th. Could he join up with you guys? He is interested to go up to Ronti as well. How does he get in touch with you? Leave me a private message if you want to. Arjun

Sep 6th, 2007, 21:44	#11
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	Ronti saddle has history of posing problem to trekkers and climbers. Although weather pattern is changing very fast...and there may not be enough snow to pose problem to you. Still, in a attempt and route like this-I am of the view that 2-3 ice axes and two lenghts of rope can be managed.

Sep 7th, 2007, 12:26	#12
chits007 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Noida Posts: 184	Ok Sir.. we will do the same ..and we will aproach ronti only when the weather is good..and will start early.. Now this look good ? 2 small trek on Day 2 and Day 3... Day 1 : Wan -Bedni Day 2: Bedni Bugyal - Ghora Lotani...and rest for acclimitasie Day 3: Ghora Lotani - Baggu Wasa and again acclimatise.. Day 4 - Start early Bassuwasa-Roopkund-Jorwar Guli-ShilaSamudra Day 5: Shila Samudra- Dodang Day 6 : Dodang -Homkund-Ronti Saddle-Dodang Day 7 & Day 8 : Dodang - BHujwani-Latukhopri-Sutol-Sitel..Its approx 40 Kms down trek with some jungle trail..it can be adjusted accordingly From Sitel their is a motorable road and you can goto Ghat.

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Sep 8th, 2007, 18:53	#13
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	Ya- but do not know why I am feeling that you should pack ration for some extra time in this trek. Otherwise, your plan seems good to me.

Sep 8th, 2007, 23:44	#15
chits007 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Noida Posts: 184	@himalayanadventure.. yes sir we will carry enough extra ration for days...infact we have one past experince in doing that..we have done HKD in winter season..where we have done this kind of planning... please the rationa list here http://chitrang.blogspot.com @trishul.. we have some modification liek day1 and day 2 will be done in 1 day and we will end up in wan not didna..one of ur frnd grp went to bedni bugyal last week and they managed to reach wan by 9 PM when they changed the jeep at gwaldam and purchased some ration..we will take a straight jeep to wan from kathgodam..which i am confident can reach by 7 PM.. trishul how have u managed to come back via same route after homekund...i mean jorwar guli-shilasamudra is all down trek..so if u come from other side it will be a steep climb how have u managed that..please comment.. also please shed some light on current roopkund homekund jorawar guli and shilasamudra condition like snow /night temperature/rainfall/ etc and where are the pics ?