Choosing between the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek and Roopkund trek is one of the most common dilemmas for trekkers planning the Uttarakhand’s trek.
Both treks start from the same base—Lohajung—and share the same stunning vistas of Mt. Trishul.
Having trekked in this region and closely followed recent forest rules, this guide breaks down the real 2026 situation, difficulty, scenery, fitness needs, cost, and whether combining both treks makes sense—especially for beginners trekkers.
Ali Bedni Bugyal vs. Roopkund: A Quick Comparison for 2026
At a glance, Ali Bedni Bugyal is about vast alpine meadows and slow immersion, while Roopkund is about altitude challenge and mystery.
Feature | Ali Bedni Bugyal | Roopkund (Skeleton Lake) |
| Max Altitude | ~12,550 ft | ~16,000 ft |
Difficulty | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Difficult |
Duration | 6 Days | 8 Days |
Best For | Beginners, Families, Photographers | Fit Intermediate Trekkers |
Key Highlight | Massive Alpine Meadows | Ancient Skeletons & Glacial Lake |
The 2026 Reality Check: Is the Roopkund Trek Open?
If you’ve been scrolling through old Instagram reels of camping at Bedni Bugyal, hold that thought. The ground reality in 2026 is governed by strict environmental regulations.
Why Roopkund trek was restricted in recent years
Roopkund faced restrictions due to:
- Environmental damage around the lake
- Human remains preservation concerns
- Overcrowding and waste issues
These led to strict forest department controls.
Current forest rules and legal access status
As of recent seasons:
- Ali Bedni Bugyal is fully open
- Roopkund access depends on permits, route approval, and forest decisions
- Routes via Junargali are especially sensitive
What trekkers should realistically expect in 2026
While some large commercial operators have moved away from Roopkund, several specialized local agencies still run the route using modified itineraries.
Pro Tip: If you want to do roopkund trek, you can check the Roopkund Trek package by roopkund heaven status online. If there are still running batches for the upcoming May-June or September-October windows, you can book your slot. Just be prepared for longer hiking days since your campsites will be further away from the meadows than they used to be.
Ali Bedni Bugyal vs Roopkund: Which Trek Is Easier for Beginners?
Trail gradient and terrain comparison
Ali Bedni is a classic “forest-to-meadow” trek. You walk on well-defined trails, under oak canopies, and finally on soft, rolling grass. Roopkund, however, gets aggressive. Once you cross the 14,000 ft mark at Kalu Vinayak, the terrain turns into a jagged world of boulders, scree (loose rocks), and slippery snow patches that require much better balance.
Daily walking hours on both treks
Ali Bedni: 5–6 hours/day
Roopkund: 6–8 hours/day (long summit push days)
Altitude gain and how beginners feel physically
Ali Bedni tops around 12,500 ft, while Roopkund crosses 15,700 ft—a big jump for first-timers.
Technical sections: snow, steep climbs, risk points
The final 500-meter climb to Roopkund is notorious for its steep incline. If there is hard ice, you might need microspikes or a trekking pole for stability. Ali Bedni has zero technical risk; it’s a pure “trekker’s trail” where your biggest challenge is just a few steep switchbacks through the forest.
Mental comfort level for first-time Himalayan trekkers
For a first-timer, Ali Bedni is a confidence booster—it’s beautiful, safe, and social. Roopkund is an endurance test. If you aren’t mentally prepared for freezing winds and the physical fatigue of a 16,000 ft climb, the experience can feel more like “survival” than a vacation.
Scenic Beauty Comparison: Meadows vs Glacial Lake Experience
The Visual Appeal of Ali Bedni: Asia’s Largest Alpine Pastures
- Endless rolling green meadows
- Open horizons
- Changing skies and light
It’s cinematic and peaceful.
The Mystery of Roopkund: Skeletons, Ice, and the Junargali Ridge
- The glacial lake
- Ancient skeletons
- Dramatic ridge walks
It’s thrilling but brief.
Best Views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti: Which Trail Wins?
Ali Bedni offers longer, clearer views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Roopkund offers closer but shorter-lived views.
Best Time to Do Ali Bedni Bugyal vs Best Time for Roopkund Trek
Seasonal window for Ali Bedni Bugyal
Spring (April-June): Lush green meadows and rhododendrons.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Golden meadows and the crispest views of the peaks.
Winter: Possible as a snow trek till Bedni Top.
Seasonal window for Roopkund trek
Shorter window: May–June & September
Highly weather-dependent
Weather risks and visibility comparison
Roopkund is notorious for sudden blizzards. Ali Bedni is safer; even if the weather turns, you are usually close to the safety of the tree line.
Fitness Requirements: Which Trek Demands More Physical Preparation?
Minimum fitness level needed for Ali Bedni Bugyal
You should be able to jog 5km in 35 minutes. Focus on leg strength (squats) to handle the descents.
Fitness and endurance required for Roopkund
- Strong endurance
- Stair climbing practice
- Ability to handle long summit days
Mental Resilience for High-Altitude Camping
Camping in the cold requires discipline. While Ali Bedni is chilly, Roopkund is biting. You need the “mental grit” to stay positive when the oxygen gets low and the temperature drops to -10°C.
Sample Itinerary: Mapping Your Journey from Lohajung
The Standard 6-Day Ali Bedni Bugyal Route
Day 1: Rishikesh → Lohajung
Day 2: Lohajung → Didna
Day 3: Didna → Ali Bugyal
Day 4: Ali Bugyal → Bedni Bugyal
Day 5: Bedni → Wan
Day 6: Return
The Extended 8-Day Roopkund Circuit (If Permits Allow)
- Bedni → Pathar Nachauni
- Bhagwabasa
- Roopkund summit attempt
Key camps and acclimatization points
Ali Bedni has better acclimatization spacing, ideal for safety.
Cost Comparison: Ali Bedni Bugyal vs Roopkund Trek Packages
The base cost of your trek depends on the duration and the technicality of the route.
Roopkund Trek Package
Base Price: ₹ 13,900 + 5% GST (Lohajung to Lohajung)
Add-ons:
₹ 2,000: Transport (from Rishikesh or Dehradun)
₹ 2,400: Backpack Offloading (if you don’t want to carry your own bag)
₹ 500: Mandatory Trek Insurance
₹ 1,000 per person: For Double Sharing tents
₹ 2,500: For a Jumbo Bag rental
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek Package
Base Price: ₹ 7,900 + 5% GST (Lohajung to Lohajung)
Add-ons:
₹ 2,000: Transport (from Rishikesh or Dehradun)
₹ 1,600: Backpack Offloading
₹ 210: Trek Insurance
₹ 1,000 per person: For Double Sharing tents
₹ 2,500: For a Jumbo Bag rental
What’s included and excluded in most packages
Stay: Accommodation on all days of the trek (from your arrival in Lohajung until the end). This includes guest houses/homestays and high-quality tents at the campsites.
Meals: All meals from dinner on Day 1 to tea/coffee on the final day. Expect simple, nutritious, and calorie-dense vegetarian food designed for high-altitude energy.
Expert Team: Services of a Mountaineering-qualified trek leader, professional local guides, cooks, and support staff.
Equipment: High-quality sleeping bags, mattresses, kitchen & dining tents, utensils, and technical gear like crampons/microspikes if the trail is icy.
Safety & Permits: Forest entry fees, trekking permits, and fuel charges. For safety, the team carries a first aid medical kit, oxygen cylinders, and a stretcher.
Can You Combine Ali Bedni Bugyal and Roopkund in One Trek?
The Roopkund trek includes Ali and Bedni Bugyals. You don’t “combine” them; you pass through the meadows to reach the Roopkund lake.
Who should avoid doing both together
- Are a first-time trekker
- Have limited fitness
- Want a relaxed experience
Why experienced operators matter
For a high-altitude trek like this, always choose an experienced operator like Roopkund Heaven or other local experts who understand the 2026 permit situation and prioritize safety equipment like oxygen cylinders and oximeters.
