Roopkund trek is one of the most loved treks in Uttarakhand. It has gained a lot of popularity lately and has become every trekker's favorite. Due to this excessive rush to the trek, there have been some effects on the nature and the biodiversity of the area due to which the Hon’ble High Court of Uttarakhand recently issued a ban on overnight camping in the high altitude meadows of Uttarakhand. Due to the Roopkund trek ban, this trek cannot be undertaken anymore till the ban is lifted. As we all know, the meadows are a biodiversity hotspot and it is extremely important to conserve them. Even though the beauty of the Roopkund trail is unmatched and the trek finds itself on the bucket list of many trekkers, it is essential that we do not get disheartened by the court order.

The Himalayas have so many other trails, which are as beautiful and charming as the Roopkund trail.

The Roopkund trek ban has given trekkers an opportunity to explore the new trails or the less popular trails, where the crowd is also less. This will give the trekkers a chance to live in untouched and pristine surroundings with only nature around you.

5 best treks to do in 2019 instead of Roopkund.

 

These alternatives to Roopkund trek are no less in beauty and grandeur than the Roopkund and since these are also less explored, one can be assured to find the surroundings untouched. 

1. Kedar Taal Trek

 

The Kedar Taal trek begins from Gangotri in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most scenic treks of Uttarakhand. The 7- Day trek is of moderate difficulty level and one attains a maximum altitude of 15,748 ft, which is higher than the Roopkund altitude. The total trek distance is around 38 km. Trekkers must have a minimum level of fitness in order to successfully do this trek.

The glacial Kedar Taal shining in front of your eyes and the giant peaks of Thalay Sagar (6,904m), Meru (6,672m), Mt Bhrigupanth (6,772m) towering over the lake make for the perfect view.

Apart from the beautiful trail, the trek also offers varied flora and fauna all along. This trek is one of the best alternatives to Roopkund.

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2. Buran Ghati Trek

 

 

Buran Ghati Trek is the 'have it all' trek which starts from Janglik and ends at Barua is one of the most beautiful treks of the Shimla region. This trek is a perfect choice for those who are looking for a trek, which has the best of everything. Especially if you are looking for camping in the meadows, just like camping in the Bedni Bugyala and the Ali Bugyal on the Roopkund trail, then you must book yourself on the Buran Ghati trek right away.

The maximum altitude attained in the trek is 15,059 ft. The trail of this trek often enters and exits dense pine and oak forests. The Chandranahan Lake is another major attraction of this trek. The 7 - Day trek will not give a chance to think about the Roopkund trek ban. Being a moderately difficult trek, it is accessible to many trekkers.

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3. Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

 

The Pin Bhaba Pass trek is one of its kind. The 7- Day trek takes you through the beautiful alpine Kinnaur to the stark Spiti. The trek starts from Kafnu and ends at Mudh. The total distance covered in these two days is around 48 km. The maximum altitude attained during the trek is 16125 ft. The trek is of a moderately difficult level. As you move towards the pass, you notice that you are leaving the green land behind and are entering into an arid landscape. The beauty of this trek lies in contrast.

The Roopkund trek ban does give a chance to set foot on newer and more diverse trails!

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4. Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek

 

 

The Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek is considered to be one of the most picturesque treks. The trek starts from a small village Khanol. From here an approximate distance of 37 km is covered over a period of 6 days.

An altitude of 14,699 ft is attained during this trek. Landscapes ranging from alpine forests, meadows (like the Bedni Bugyal and the Ali Bugyal), waterfalls, moraines and a blue water high altitude lake known as mini-Chandratal can be found on the trail of this trek. The trek offers a great view of snow clad peaks of Deo Tibba (6001m) & Indrasan (6220m) along with the glaciers of Jagatsukh and Deo Tibba.

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5. Baraadsar Lake Trek

 

 

Being the closest alternative to Roopkund, the Baraadsar Lake Trek starts from the lovely village of Pithari in the Western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and takes you over a spectacular ridge to the mystical Baraadsar Lake at the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

With a total trekking distance of 43 km in a span of 8 days, this mesmerizing trek takes you across massive meadows, thick forests, fantastic never-ending ridge, picture-perfect campsites with uninterrupted views of majestic snowcapped peaks and stunning landscapes of Rupin and Supin valleys, a thrilling summit climb and the sacred lake of Baraadsar taking you to a maximum altitude of 15,092 ft.

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Trekking is not just about covering a popular trail, it is about exploring new places and discovering new trails. Trekking in Uttarakhand is a blissful experience. All of the above-mentioned treks can be a good option for the next trekking season in place of Roopkund. Their pristine beauty and flawless trails are something to look out for.

Being on new trails is a refreshing experience. Roopkund trail is so popular, that somewhere the rush on the trail has compromised its beauty and one cannot really experience the solitude and the wilderness anymore. These relatively remote trails are the best way to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas. As trekkers, we should not be disheartened by the Roopkund trek ban, instead, we should make the most of it.

So, let’s put on our trekking shoes and set out on these trails. Let the splendors of these trails captivate your wander soul.