Peaks, Lakes, and Memories: Our Roopkund Trek

I had been dreaming of a Himalayan trek for years, and when my brother agreed to join me for the Roopkund Trek, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. The plan was simple yet demanding: five days of walking through dense forests, rocky trails, and high-altitude passes, culminating in the mysterious glacial lake of Roopkund.

Neither of us had trekked together before, and the thought of challenging ourselves while sharing the journey felt like the perfect sibling adventure.

We began our trek from the small village of Lohajung, the air crisp with pine and the scent of wet earth from overnight rain. Our backpacks felt heavier than expected, but each step into the forested trail made city life feel far away.

The trail wound through oak and rhododendron forests, streams crossing our path and the sound of birds accompanying our every step. My brother and I quickly fell into a rhythm, sometimes walking in silence to soak in the landscape, other times laughing over old memories or teasing each other about who would tire first.

 
The first day introduced us to the Himalayan terrain with moderate climbs, giving us a taste of what lay ahead. Waterfalls appeared along the trail, glinting under the sun, and small clearings offered spaces to rest and take in the view.

We paused often, not just to catch our breath but to observe the subtle changes in the forest, the patterns of moss on rocks, and the occasional deer glimpsed between trees. Sharing these observations became part of the joy, each of us noticing things the other might have missed.

By the second day, the trail grew steeper as we approached Ali Bugyal, the high-altitude meadow known for sweeping views. The path opened to vast green expanses dotted with wildflowers, and the mountains stretched endlessly on the horizon. We set up a short break, spreading out our lunch of bread, cheese, and nuts, the quiet interrupted only by the distant bleating of sheep and the rustle of the wind.

Climbing higher together, we shared moments of silence and laughter, each step building both physical endurance and the bond between us.

Midway through the trek, we faced a challenge when a section of the trail was slippery from recent rain. Navigating rocks and loose soil demanded care, and for a while, we moved cautiously, testing every foothold. That moment tested our patience and teamwork, and eventually, we found a safe path forward. Booking this trek through Thrillophilia had provided us with excellent guidance and local support.

After reading a few reviews of Thrillophilia before booking, I felt confident about their expertise—and the experience truly matched the positive feedback shared by other travelers.

As we climbed beyond Ali Bugyal toward Bedni Bugyal, the terrain shifted. Forests gave way to rocky stretches, and the air grew thinner with each step. Our pace slowed naturally, allowing us to appreciate the panorama unfolding before us.

Snow-capped peaks reflected sunlight against clear blue skies, rivers shimmered in valleys below, and the occasional flutter of a mountain bird reminded us of the wild beauty surrounding us. Reaching Bedni Bugyal, we were greeted with the sight of alpine meadows stretching in all directions, our campsite nestled among gentle slopes.

That night, sitting by a small fire and gazing at the stars, we felt both exhaustion and elation, the mountains offering a quiet space to reflect and share stories.

On the fourth day, we began the ascent to Roopkund itself. The trail became steeper and rockier, with patches of snow testing our endurance. Every step demanded focus, and the oxygen-thin air reminded us of the altitude. The anticipation of reaching the lake added motivation, and my brother and I supported each other over difficult stretches, helping balance packs, offering encouragement, and sometimes laughing at our own slow progress.

As we approached the glacial lake, the landscape transformed dramatically. The barren slopes, scattered rocks, and icy winds created an otherworldly environment, the lake’s shimmering surface reflecting surrounding peaks.

Standing at Roopkund, the mysterious “Skeleton Lake”, was a surreal experience. The legend of the skeletal remains visible under the water added an eerie fascination to the pristine beauty. We walked around the lake, careful of the slippery edges, feeling the chill of the wind and the vastness of the mountains.

The effort to reach this point made the sight even more rewarding. Photos captured the view, but the memory of standing in that silence, surrounded by peaks and glacial water, was far more powerful than any image.

Descending on the final day brought a different sense of accomplishment. Every step downward carried reflection on the journey, the challenges faced, the shared laughter, the quiet moments of awe, and the bond strengthened through the trek.

We paused to notice details we had missed before, the interplay of sunlight and shadow across slopes, the sound of distant waterfalls, and the aroma of alpine plants. Each small observation added texture to the experience and a sense of completeness to the adventure.

Reaching Lohajung once more, tired, sunburnt, and carrying layers of clothing and gear, we felt exhilarated and fulfilled. The trek had offered more than physical exercise; it had provided a shared space for connection, reflection, and discovery.

Alongside breathtaking scenery and demanding trails, we had created memories that would linger in stories, laughter, and photographs. Conversations with other trekkers later confirmed that our experience mirrored the highlights often shared in Thrillophilia reviews, which reassured us that this journey was both authentic and well-planned.

Reflecting on the Roopkund Trek during the return journey, I realised how rare such adventures are. Sharing effort, awe, and companionship with someone who has been part of your life for as long as a sibling creates a depth that ordinary trips rarely achieve.

The mountains, the trails, and the lake were incredible, but the moments of encouragement, laughter over small slips, and quiet conversations along the path were what made the trip unforgettable. This trek reminded us that the essence of travel lies not only in reaching the destination but in experiencing every step together, discovering strength, resilience, and the enduring connection between siblings.