Roopkund in detail and explained

arjunm · Mar 16th, 2007, 12:24

Dear Harsh

I have kind of settled on 15 June as my start date.

I plan to do Wan -- Bedni Bugyal -- Bhaguabasa -- Roopkund and back to Bhaguabasa -- Bedni bugya -- Ali bugyal/Didana -- Lohajung. I don't plan to do Joragali pass.

What's your recommendation?

About the tents and sleeping bags, Almoraboy is quite confident about getting them at Lohajung. In fact, on his blogspot he's given out a few contacts. I'll speak to them shortly and see what can be done. I was thinking of other options as a backup. NIM is a good idea and I have picked up equipment from them often. The only problem is that they are in Uttarakashi and we are heading to Kumaon. Does NIM have other units closeby?

Arjun

crimsonharsh · Mar 16th, 2007, 13:52

Hi Arjun,

I think 15th should be perfect but dont delay it further for then monsoon will start looming in.
As for joragali it is entirely ur call ... all I can say is it should be possible in june ... so take ur pick
No NIM does not have any units apart from Uttarkashi, have a word with Almoraboy, renting that close to route will always be helpful
In case you going via rishikesh you can explore GMVN, munni-ki-reti, but I have doubt abt quality there also ... maybe other can throw more light on this ...

Outdoor Adventure · Mar 16th, 2007, 14:38

In Delhi IMF is the best option, try to book in advance, there is always surge in demand due to trekking season in May/ June. The equipment on rent and rates are avilable on thier web. (right now under updation)

http://www.indmount.org/index.htm

There are some addresses with phone Nos. are given in the book " Trekking holidays in India" by Outlook traveller.

http://www.indiamapstore.com/outlook...n_india.htm l

Check it out.

And sure to have lush green bugyals. Lot's of grass to be grazed.

happy outdoor

Outdoor Adventure.

arjunm · Mar 16th, 2007, 21:58

Dear Outdoor Adventure

Thanks for the info on IMF. I'll get in touch with them. I am just worried about taking bad quality equipment from anyone. Even IMF.

Meanwhile, thanks for the link on the Outlook traveller. I have the book already. I haven't checked out the equipment guys yet.

But what is most heartening in your thread is the prospect of lush green bugyals -- that's a sight I am dying to see.

Any other tips would really help.

Arjun

arjunm · Mar 16th, 2007, 22:13

Here's a question for Almoraboy

For the Roopkund programme I am planning to take a Sumo (we are going to be 9 or 10 of us) from Kathgodam to Lohajung. Is that possible, or do I have to break?

Could you give me some idea on the costs? Also, what is the cost of taking a vehicle from Lohajung to Wan?

Meanwhile, I am going to call your contacts for the trek. Thanks so much for posting them up in your blog. Which guide would you recommend?

Arjun

crimsonharsh · Mar 17th, 2007, 13:34

Hi Arjun,

As you are going via kathgodam you can try this Guide. He works out of Almora and I know him personally, he is a very reliable guy. In case you call him just tell him you got his number from Harsh and he will workout something good for you. He sure should be also able to arrange whatever gears you require.

Nagendra : 0-9412101001

Harsh

Outdoor Adventure · Mar 17th, 2007, 14:34

This is right way to reach Lohajung.

refer post of Almoraboy :

http://www.indiamike.com/india/showt...0#post23 2510

Try to reach Wan by personal vehicle (Sumo/ Qaulis/ Jeep). You can hire it from Karnprayag. There are experienced local guides/ Porters/ Cook available at Gwaldham, right now I am not able to find thier contact info. Can take thier services if not planned before.

Happy outdoor,

Outdoor Adventure

Photos of Khatling Glacier & Mayali pass:
http://in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hap...ippy/my_photos

Almoraboy · Mar 17th, 2007, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by arjunm

Here's a question for Almoraboy

For the Roopkund programme I am planning to take a Sumo (we are going to be 9 or 10 of us) from Kathgodam to Lohajung. Is that possible, or do I have to break?

hi,
yes, it is possible to do kathgodam-lohajung in 1 day by a jeep/sumo. if u r lucky, u can go to Wan all the way by sumo. if u do not think that the road is good enough for the sumo (after lohajung), then u can take a jeep from lohajung to wan.
u can reach lohajung from kathgodam, but u might not get a direct jeep/bs. so it is a good idea if u r booking a whole sumo from kathgodam. if u r having problems in booking, then just ping me. i will give u some phone numbers of guys in kathgodam area who drive taxis.
the path should be : kathgodam-almora-kausani-gwaldam-lohajung
u can stay in the TRC/PWD or the Pangtey lodge in lohajung. there will be some places to stay in wan also, with toilets.
in bedni bugyal, there will be small stone huts/cottages (but without toilets).

Quote:

Could you give me some idea on the costs? Also, what is the cost of taking a vehicle from Lohajung to Wan?

well, the cost of kathgodam to munsyari, which takes 1 full day (300 kms) is 3000 bucks, for an indica. so i guess a sumo will be slightly more expensive.
and the road ahead of gwaldam will be full of bumps.

Quote:

Meanwhile, I am going to call your contacts for the trek. Thanks so much for posting them up in your blog. Which guide would you recommend?

Arjun

u can go to wan, and get some guides/porters form the only shop in wan..bisht general store.

kaushaldesai · Mar 19th, 2007, 11:53

hi arjun ..

I have noticed there has been lots of activity here thot some of my suggestions might prove helpful ...i run roopkund trips regularly last year i did 2 trips on in May and one In Sep. In the May trip we cud not go beyond Kalu Vinayak but the sep. trip we reached roop kund.

why do you want to go to kathgudam. arrive in risikesh there is a bus that goes to lohajung it starts at 4 am frm risihikesh the fare is 200 rs per person. second
After the trek on the return instead of coming back to lohajung why not continue to khnol and sithel via Wan frm sithel you can get jeeps to Nanada prayag ...you can also travel for 2-3 days to Badrinath. the good thing being you then get to see more places.

let me know if you want any more info

cheers

kaushal

arjunm · Mar 20th, 2007, 22:34

Ok Everyone. Here is my reply.

Harsh, Thanks for the guide's number. Here is a question for you. On this trek, do you actually need a guide? Aren't the trail well marked out?

Outdoor adventure, I had a great time looking at your Khatling glacier photos. I had wanted to do Vasuki taal for quite sometime. After your snaps, I am truly inspired. What's more I recongised someone with who I have trekked before. Was Shambu Rawat your guide? I have trekked with him recently. Nice guy, knows routes well. But I don't like his sneaky habit of asking for more every now and then.

Almoraboy, you have given me again lovely tips on where to stay. Thanks.

About the taxi rates: According to you Kathgodam to Munsyari is about Rs 3000 by Indica. How much would I be shelling out for the whole thing upto Wan? Any ideas? I know it would be a combination of Jeep and Sumo but can you throw any ideas?

Kaushal, you seem to be an old pro at this. I think I'll take your tip on this and get down to Nandprayag via Sithel. How much longer trekking days does it take to do this?

I am aware of the Rishikesh Lohajung bus route. I just wanted to take the sights of Almora and Kausauni. I have never been this side and just wanted to see whether they live up to their beauty.

Arjun

mintu · Mar 21st, 2007, 00:24

Hi , Arjunum if u r planning in second week of july then there r chances of less rain as coz now a days its raining n snowing on the tops. U were also talking about gear to b picked from lohajung here i should tell u that that place is a small village u might not find the right gear over there. I hav been to Roop kund a numer of times n it is always better to hav a prior arrangment as coz there is only one shop after Wan n that also is in Vedni.

arjunm · Mar 21st, 2007, 12:07

Dear Mintu

Welcome to Indiamike. Nice to see folks like you on the Agony Uncle foroum.

What would you suggest? Where do I pick up gears?

Arjun

crimsonharsh · Mar 21st, 2007, 12:11

Hey Arjun,

"On this trek, do you actually need a guide" -- It all depends on the amount of experience you have when it comes to mountains. I remember I once had a word with somebody (don't remember his name) on this forum itself who did it without a guide, but if you take my words I will not recommend. There are N number of reasons for it but yet again it's your call.

Are you planning to do wan-kukin pass-kanol-sithel-nandprayag on return ... Well you can do it but there is not much to see on this route its more of a commuting route for local's between wan-kanol ... we did it as well ... If you really have some time and looking for a extra day or two why don't you try Juragali and maybe Homekund

Harsh

arjunm · Mar 22nd, 2007, 00:31

Dear Harsh

I wasn't seriously planning to do this route without a guide. Probably the next time I might, but not the first time. Joragully sounds quite thrilling and inviting but it would mean spending two more trekking days. Am I right on that?

Arjun

mintu · Mar 22nd, 2007, 13:12

Hi, Arjunum
as i think u want to do this trek without the help of a guide but what i will tell u is u need to hav a prior very good experiance of trekking in high altitudes and it also depends on the size of u r group and division of labour among the team members as well. what i suggest here if u r not familiar with the locals then u should take some help. And about the gear to get from almora is a little hard coz people do the whole thing means they will do a guided tour for u with complete gear n all arrangments, they actually won't give u the tents n all so easily just for hiring and that is not only here i guess.
One more thing U didn't told us about how many days u hav in hand coz there are 4 or 5 different ways to get to Vedni and Roopkund.

Mar 16th, 2007, 14:38	#18
Outdoor Adventure Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Indore Posts: 32	Links for Renting equipments. In Delhi IMF is the best option, try to book in advance, there is always surge in demand due to trekking season in May/ June. The equipment on rent and rates are avilable on thier web. (right now under updation) http://www.indmount.org/index.htm There are some addresses with phone Nos. are given in the book " Trekking holidays in India" by Outlook traveller. http://www.indiamapstore.com/outlook...n_india.htm l Check it out. And sure to have lush green bugyals. Lot's of grass to be grazed. happy outdoor Outdoor Adventure.

Mar 17th, 2007, 14:34	#22
Outdoor Adventure Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Indore Posts: 32	Reach Lohajung through Haridwar,Karnprayag,Tharali,Mu ndoli This is right way to reach Lohajung. refer post of Almoraboy : http://www.indiamike.com/india/showt...0#post23 2510 Try to reach Wan by personal vehicle (Sumo/ Qaulis/ Jeep). You can hire it from Karnprayag. There are experienced local guides/ Porters/ Cook available at Gwaldham, right now I am not able to find thier contact info. Can take thier services if not planned before. Happy outdoor, Outdoor Adventure Photos of Khatling Glacier & Mayali pass: http://in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hap...ippy/my_photos

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Mar 16th, 2007, 12:24	#16
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215	Dear Harsh I have kind of settled on 15 June as my start date. I plan to do Wan -- Bedni Bugyal -- Bhaguabasa -- Roopkund and back to Bhaguabasa -- Bedni bugya -- Ali bugyal/Didana -- Lohajung. I don't plan to do Joragali pass. What's your recommendation? About the tents and sleeping bags, Almoraboy is quite confident about getting them at Lohajung. In fact, on his blogspot he's given out a few contacts. I'll speak to them shortly and see what can be done. I was thinking of other options as a backup. NIM is a good idea and I have picked up equipment from them often. The only problem is that they are in Uttarakashi and we are heading to Kumaon. Does NIM have other units closeby? Arjun

Mar 16th, 2007, 13:52	#17
crimsonharsh Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: India Posts: 48	Hi Arjun, I think 15th should be perfect but dont delay it further for then monsoon will start looming in. As for joragali it is entirely ur call ... all I can say is it should be possible in june ... so take ur pick No NIM does not have any units apart from Uttarkashi, have a word with Almoraboy, renting that close to route will always be helpful In case you going via rishikesh you can explore GMVN, munni-ki-reti, but I have doubt abt quality there also ... maybe other can throw more light on this ...

Mar 16th, 2007, 21:58	#19
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215	Dear Outdoor Adventure Thanks for the info on IMF. I'll get in touch with them. I am just worried about taking bad quality equipment from anyone. Even IMF. Meanwhile, thanks for the link on the Outlook traveller. I have the book already. I haven't checked out the equipment guys yet. But what is most heartening in your thread is the prospect of lush green bugyals -- that's a sight I am dying to see. Any other tips would really help. Arjun

Mar 16th, 2007, 22:13	#20
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215	Here's a question for Almoraboy For the Roopkund programme I am planning to take a Sumo (we are going to be 9 or 10 of us) from Kathgodam to Lohajung. Is that possible, or do I have to break? Could you give me some idea on the costs? Also, what is the cost of taking a vehicle from Lohajung to Wan? Meanwhile, I am going to call your contacts for the trek. Thanks so much for posting them up in your blog. Which guide would you recommend? Arjun

Mar 17th, 2007, 13:34	#21
crimsonharsh Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: India Posts: 48	Hi Arjun, As you are going via kathgodam you can try this Guide. He works out of Almora and I know him personally, he is a very reliable guy. In case you call him just tell him you got his number from Harsh and he will workout something good for you. He sure should be also able to arrange whatever gears you require. Nagendra : 0-9412101001 Harsh

Mar 19th, 2007, 11:53	#24
kaushaldesai Account Closed Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Manali Posts: 31	hi arjun .. I have noticed there has been lots of activity here thot some of my suggestions might prove helpful ...i run roopkund trips regularly last year i did 2 trips on in May and one In Sep. In the May trip we cud not go beyond Kalu Vinayak but the sep. trip we reached roop kund. why do you want to go to kathgudam. arrive in risikesh there is a bus that goes to lohajung it starts at 4 am frm risihikesh the fare is 200 rs per person. second After the trek on the return instead of coming back to lohajung why not continue to khnol and sithel via Wan frm sithel you can get jeeps to Nanada prayag ...you can also travel for 2-3 days to Badrinath. the good thing being you then get to see more places. let me know if you want any more info cheers kaushal

Mar 20th, 2007, 22:34	#25
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215	Ok Everyone. Here is my reply. Harsh, Thanks for the guide's number. Here is a question for you. On this trek, do you actually need a guide? Aren't the trail well marked out? Outdoor adventure, I had a great time looking at your Khatling glacier photos. I had wanted to do Vasuki taal for quite sometime. After your snaps, I am truly inspired. What's more I recongised someone with who I have trekked before. Was Shambu Rawat your guide? I have trekked with him recently. Nice guy, knows routes well. But I don't like his sneaky habit of asking for more every now and then. Almoraboy, you have given me again lovely tips on where to stay. Thanks. About the taxi rates: According to you Kathgodam to Munsyari is about Rs 3000 by Indica. How much would I be shelling out for the whole thing upto Wan? Any ideas? I know it would be a combination of Jeep and Sumo but can you throw any ideas? Kaushal, you seem to be an old pro at this. I think I'll take your tip on this and get down to Nandprayag via Sithel. How much longer trekking days does it take to do this? I am aware of the Rishikesh Lohajung bus route. I just wanted to take the sights of Almora and Kausauni. I have never been this side and just wanted to see whether they live up to their beauty. Arjun

Mar 21st, 2007, 00:24	#26
mintu Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Almora Posts: 14	Hi , Arjunum if u r planning in second week of july then there r chances of less rain as coz now a days its raining n snowing on the tops. U were also talking about gear to b picked from lohajung here i should tell u that that place is a small village u might not find the right gear over there. I hav been to Roop kund a numer of times n it is always better to hav a prior arrangment as coz there is only one shop after Wan n that also is in Vedni.

Mar 21st, 2007, 12:07	#27
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215	Dear Mintu Welcome to Indiamike. Nice to see folks like you on the Agony Uncle foroum. What would you suggest? Where do I pick up gears? Arjun

Mar 21st, 2007, 12:11	#28
crimsonharsh Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: India Posts: 48	Hey Arjun, "On this trek, do you actually need a guide" -- It all depends on the amount of experience you have when it comes to mountains. I remember I once had a word with somebody (don't remember his name) on this forum itself who did it without a guide, but if you take my words I will not recommend. There are N number of reasons for it but yet again it's your call. Are you planning to do wan-kukin pass-kanol-sithel-nandprayag on return ... Well you can do it but there is not much to see on this route its more of a commuting route for local's between wan-kanol ... we did it as well ... If you really have some time and looking for a extra day or two why don't you try Juragali and maybe Homekund Harsh

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Mar 22nd, 2007, 00:31	#29
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215	Dear Harsh I wasn't seriously planning to do this route without a guide. Probably the next time I might, but not the first time. Joragully sounds quite thrilling and inviting but it would mean spending two more trekking days. Am I right on that? Arjun

Mar 22nd, 2007, 13:12	#30
mintu Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Almora Posts: 14	Hi, Arjunum as i think u want to do this trek without the help of a guide but what i will tell u is u need to hav a prior very good experiance of trekking in high altitudes and it also depends on the size of u r group and division of labour among the team members as well. what i suggest here if u r not familiar with the locals then u should take some help. And about the gear to get from almora is a little hard coz people do the whole thing means they will do a guided tour for u with complete gear n all arrangments, they actually won't give u the tents n all so easily just for hiring and that is not only here i guess. One more thing U didn't told us about how many days u hav in hand coz there are 4 or 5 different ways to get to Vedni and Roopkund.