Trekking Roopkund-Kuari Pass

DaveJ

My wife and I are interested in making a trek beginning at Mundoli/Bedni Bugyal/Roopkund and continuing over Kuari Pass during October 2005. We are experienced backpackers in our mid-50's. We want to go on our own but are interested in using porters. Is a guide needed? Can we hire the porters in either Delhi or Rishikesh, or are they provided at the trailhead town? Can the trek be started in either Joshimath or Mundoli (I think we prefer Mundoli from what I have read, so we can finish closer to Badrinath, but welcome any advice.) Can we make the arrangements for porters and other assistance on arrival in Delhi or Rishikesh? Any suggestions on transportation or lodging before the trek begins? Can any trek permits that are needed be obtained in Delhi or Rishikesh or are they available in Joshimath, Mundoli or Gwaldam? Any suggestions about food--bring it from the US or purchase in India? We would really appreciate your advice and would love to hear from anyone who are arranged a similar trip.

lucky

Hi

I have done Joshimath-auli-kuaripass-panarani-durmi tal circuit. You can start your trek from Joshimath or Auli. There is a ropeway from Joshimath to auli. The physical distance is about 12 Km's. The altitude difference of 1500 mtrs. Auli is at 3000M. From auli you can can make it to Kuari pass on the second day with one day camp after crossing Gorson Bugyal. You have to camp in the middle of the jungle. From there you will reach Kuari pass in about 5 hours. The trail descends very steeply from there. You have to make another stopover just after crossing Kuari. The next day will take you to a village "Panarani" from where trek to Roopkund bifurcates. If you are coming from Roopkund then also you will head for Kuari pass via this village.
Porters and ponies you can hire from Joshimath. I don't have the idea of the trail head on the Roopkund side but it should not be a problem. The trek from Panarani to Auli requires a guide as the trail winds through jungle and high grass. You can stay at Pana. There is a school there. Or you can just ask for Lakhpat's house. He is a nice host. He can open up a room for you. Don't be dissappointed with the room. That's all Panarani can offer.
The climb from panarani to Kuari pass is very steep. A full day's climb without respite. But the views are amazing especially on the Auli side of the pass.
Checkout on the weather for Roopkund. I have heard it can be treacherous. But it's a beautiful trail you've chosen.
As for the permits I don't think any are required because this area is not in the inner line. Yes there is a national park boundary before Joshimath. You will ahve to pay per day charges for cameras and all.

Have a nice trip.

Lucky

AvidTrekker

....for Roop Kund. You will be able to see the bones in the lake as the ice will have thawed out properly. Guide, porters will be available at Mundoli, but may not be English speaking. Guide charges around rs 500 per day and porter cost rs 200 per day. Permits not reqd from any authority at all. Even from the point of gaining altitude gradually, Mundoli to Joshimath is a better option. Rishikesh also has many agencies arranging guides/porters. Delhi has agencies which will do the whole thing for you at around USD 90 per day per head.

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leem

Dave, I did this in Oct '97 from Josimath. It was a trek organised by an Australian/Indian company called World Expeditions so I can only answer a couple of your questions. I really enjoyed it. Mundoli is a very small village, I dont remember seeing any "agencies" there or a shop to buy provisions. Josimath is a small town, I noticed a couple of trekking agencies there, if not more and of course a market to buy things at. There are also hotels and lodges at Josimath, we camped our last night at Mundoli but I expect there will be lodges there. I think this means if you want to start from Mundoli you will need to make your arrangemetns elsewhere. Rishikesh would be an option for this. We did the trek outlined in the Lonely Planet guide which also discusses organising these things individually. The Uttaranchal tourist dept appears to organise treks also. There is a lot of info on the net as well.

I did the Pindari Glacier trek (well covered by this site) last year without guides etc. Comparing the two treks I think there are some spots on the trek you are planning that you will need a guide and porters.

As for food the locals eat rice, dahl and vegetable curries most of the time. Indian bread and curd is often available. If you organise a guide and a cook you could vary this a bit.

hope this helps