Roopkund
The Skeleton Lake

Yes. Some of our best experiences on this trail have been with first-time trekkers. They come to the Himalayas wanting to absorb everything, and they leave with learnings that stay with them long after the trek.

The real bar is simple: you should be able to comfortably walk 10–12 km on a hilly trail with a small daypack. Roopkund is graded moderate-to-difficult mainly because of altitude (15,750 ft) and one long summit day, not because of technical climbing or ropes.

Consistency in your prep is the non-negotiable part. Two to four weeks of brisk walking, stairs and a few longer weekend hikes is usually enough. Stick with it, and we will help you do the rest.

Think of it like being able to walk uphill for 5–6 hours at a steady pace while carrying a 4–6 kg daypack, and still feel steady the next morning. You do not need a gym or running background. Two to four weeks before the trek, try to walk 8–10 km twice a week, climb stairs with a loaded backpack, and do basic leg and core exercises.

If you are unsure whether this is for you, call or WhatsApp Manoj and talk it through. If you would rather just book, go ahead and describe your routine clearly in the fitness section of the booking form. Manoj will read it, tell you the honest truth, and you can still decide. If you choose not to go ahead after that conversation, we will refund your full amount as long as you let us know within 24 hours.

One thing worth knowing: the mountains have a way of showing you how tough you really are, more mentally than physically. That is the part most people end up being proud of.

The route changes character each day. You start in mixed forest and oak-rhododendron, open into the wide meadows of Ali Bugyal, then move into higher, rockier terrain near Patar Nachauni and Bhagwabasa. Day 6 is the longest: a pre-dawn start to Roopkund and back to Patar Nachauni. Trails are well-defined but can be steep, loose, or snowy depending on the weather. Poles help a lot.

Safety is built into the pace, not just the kit. The itinerary has enough acclimatisation built in, and the team checks how everyone is feeling each evening. Your trek is led by certified trek leaders. At least one lead on every DevTrails departure is Wilderness First Responder certified, and several of our leads also hold BMC and AMC mountaineering qualifications from India's recognised institutes. Others are trained directly by leaders who do. The team also carries a full first-aid kit, portable oxygen, a pulse oximeter, and communication devices. Groups are intentionally small so the lead can notice early signs of altitude discomfort and adjust the plan.

If you still have questions after reading this, talk to Manoj. He has done these treks himself and is usually the best person to answer doubts, even the ones that come up after you have googled everything.

At Lohajung you stay in a simple guesthouse or homestay. On the mountain you sleep in twin-share premium tents with sleeping mats. Meals are hot, vegetarian and built for altitude: rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, porridge, soup, roti, snacks and plenty of warm drinks. Nothing fancy, but food that keeps your body steady while you climb. Tea and drinking water are provided throughout. Any allergies, dietary restrictions or foods you cannot eat must be shared with us in detail before the trek so we can plan around them.

Layered clothing is the key. Pack quick-dry trek pants, dri-fit t-shirts, thermal inners, a fleece or softshell mid layer, a warm down or synthetic jacket, a rain jacket and rain cover, broken-in high-ankle trekking shoes, woollen socks, gloves, a woolen cap, sun cap, UV sunglasses, SPF 50+, a headlamp, two trekking poles, and two one-litre water bottles.

You will carry two bags: a daypack (20–30 litres, 4–6 kg) with water, rain jacket, snacks, sun protection, camera and small first-aid. This one stays with you every walking day. Your main backpack (50–60 litres) holds extra layers, camp footwear, toiletries and other camp comforts you want at the tents; it does not carry the sleeping bag. If you prefer not to carry your main backpack on trekking days, a porter or mule can offload it for ₹2,400 for the full trek.

You do not need to buy everything. Down jackets, trekking shoes, poles and backpacks are easily available on rent. You can book them online through SharePal, or we can arrange them through our local Dehradun vendor. Reach out to Manoj for details. If this is your first trek, we honestly recommend renting over buying. Good gear is expensive, you will not know your preferences until you have walked a few days in the mountains, and renting lets you try quality equipment for a fraction of the price. Buy only once you know trekking is for you. We send a complete checklist after registration.

The fee covers Rishikesh-to-Rishikesh transport, accommodation at Lohajung, twin-share tents on trek, all meals during trekking days, trek permits and forest fees, a certified trek lead and local guide, first-aid support, and trek insurance. It does not include your travel to Rishikesh, personal trekking gear, or personal expenses. Optional porter/mule support is available for ₹2,400 for the full trek.

We pick up from Backstays Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh around 5:00 AM. The exact boarding time is shared with your group before departure, once everyone's travel is confirmed.