Roopkund Homkund Ronti Saddle Trek
Big brother of Roopkund Trek
Available Batches
Brief Description
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Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Dehradun (640M) to Sutol (2,200M)
Distance: 280 km
If you have signed up with Bikat for a drive from Dehradun to Sutol, our day starts early. All of us assemble at the meeting point by 7 in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Sutol – a small village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. We reach Sutol through Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Devprayag and Karnprayag. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 10 to 12-hour drive and settling into mountain air, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons:
One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads on the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark.
Day 2
Sutol (2,200M) to Tatra (2,680M)
Distance: 6 kms
We start our first day of trek towards Tatra which is 6 kms from Sutol. Sutol is the last motorable village towards our destination. The route takes us upstream into the valley through dense forests and bushes. Tatra is a small farming village at an altitude of 2,680M putting our elevation gain for the day at close to 480M.
Day 3
Tatra (2,680M) to Lata Khopri (3,080M)
Distance: 9-10 km
Today will be a long day, but well within the tree line. We continue our trek through the forest to reach an opening which is called Lata Khopri. Here is where we set up camp for the night.
Day 4
Lata Khopri (3,080M) to Chanimaghat
Distance: 10 km
It is as eventful a day as it is long as we pass through some of the deep lush green forests of the Nanda Devi Biosphere and cross multiple streams. The river crossing is the trickiest part of this otherwise pleasant day of hiking.
Day 5
Chanimghat to Dodang (4,480M)
Distance: 6 km
We continue towards Dodang which is at an altitude of 4,480M. Do Dang literally translates to Two Boulders named so for the two huge boulders at the site. The campsite is marked by these boulders forming a cave.
Day 6
Dodang (4,480M) to Homkund (4,060M) and Ronti Saddle (5,300M) to Sila Samudra (4,000M)
Distance: 11 kms
We start our trek early. After some easy patches we come across a sharp ridge breaking down from its right hand side, almost like a 90 degree slab of mud. We take the trail that descends a bit on the left side of the ridge. The ridge slowly turns right to bring you to Homkund. After offering prayers, we start up the steep snowy climb to the Ronti Saddle.
Initial scrambles and walk over the boulders for some 2 kilometers and then switchbacks through the snow field, bring us to the top. It’s a 2 hour steep and strenuous climb from Homkund to Ronti Saddle with an elevation gain of 1300 meters. You will mostly be walking on snow the entire time. The view from the top of Ronti Saddle is breathtaking. Ronti Peaks 1, 2, Trishul 1, 2, 3, Nanda Ghunti all stand tall around the saddle. Dronagiri looks mesmerizing made even more special by the fact that only a few get to experience this majestic peak due to its placement.
From here, we head to our campsite for tonight which is on the boulders of Sila Samudra at a height of 4,000M. Sila means Rock and Samudra means Sea – the name of the campsite literally translates to a Sea of Rocks and it couldn’t be more accurate for the rocky moraines that make up the region.
Day 7
Sila Samudra (4,000M) to Junaragali (5,050M) to Sila Samudra (4,000M)
Distance: 8 km
Today is the day we go to Roopkund and it is also a day which will require a lot of concentration. It is a steep climb up to Junairagali Pass and a steep climb down from there, back to Sila Samudra with over 1000M elevation difference to be covered on each side. The snow makes these steep slopes even trickier. After a hard day of traverse, we are back to our old campsite of Sila Samudra.
Day 8
Sila Samudra (4,000M) to Lata Khopri (3,080M)
Distance: 12 km
We trace our steps back the same way we had come and reach back down to Lata Khopri tonight covering a long distance of 12 kms through the day. But since we are losing altitude, it is a relatively easier day than some of our previous days on the trek.
Day 9
Latakopdi (3,080M) to Sutol (2,200M)
Distance: 15 km
We give Tatra a skip and head straight back down to Sutol today.
Day 10
Sutol (2,200M) to Dehradun (640M)
Distance: 280 kms drive
Expect to reach Dehradun by later evening. We’d recommend that you plan your travel out of Dehradun late night or on the next day.
Day 11
Buffer Day
This day can be used on any of the days along the itinerary as per required – in case of bad weather or if a rest day is needed. The cost of this day is included in the total trek cost.
What's Included
- Meals during the trek
- Forest/Camping Fee (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Tents, Sleeping bags, mats
- Safety Equipment
- Trek guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common supplies
- Services of a Certified Trek Leader
- 2 Nights Hotel/Guest House Stay in Lohajung
What's Not Included
- Meals during hotel stay and road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Offloading of personal rucksack
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
BRS Level Required
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
- 3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
- Push Ups – 10 and
- Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
Ronti Saddle is a saddle between the glorious Himalayan peaks of Nanda Ghungti and Trishul closer to the Nanda Devi Inner Sanctuary. The trek to Ronti Saddle is approached from the more popular Roopkund side and you enter the Sheela Samudra valley once you cross over the Junairagali Pass above Roopkund. The trek offers majestic views of peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Pre monsoon - May and June
Post monsoon - September and October
The trek begins from Lohajung which is about 200 km from Kathgodam/Haldwani. There are no direct buses from Kathgodam/Haldwani to Lohajung. But you can take a shared jeep which will cost you around INR 900. It takes around 12 hours to get to Lohajung from Haldwani/Kathgodam.
Kathgodam is well connected to Delhi through rail and road transport. Here is how you can reach:
By Road
Uttarakhand Roadways provides all kinds of bus services between Delhi ISBT to Haldwani. The distance between Delhi to Kathgodam is 294 km which takes about 7 hours to cover. You can book your bus tickets online through https://utconline.uk.gov.in/ or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi. These taxis come at exorbitant prices.
By Rail
Kathgodam is the last railhead before Lohajung. Board Ranikhet Express from Delhi which reaches Kathgodam early in the morning. Or you can take Delhi Sampark Kranti which reaches Kathgodam in the night in case you want to stay the night.
By Air
Pantnagar Airport is the closest to Lohajung at a distance of 256 km. There is one Air India flight running every day between Delhi and Pantnagar. It is suggested to make your bookings well in advance due to a low frequency of flights. In case you are flying to Pantnagar, take a taxi from the airport to Kathgodam and then take one of those shared jeeps to reach Lohajung.
One can expect full network till Wan Village and some points beyond this village. Garoli Patal is one point where you can expect reception. BSNL network connectivity is sparsely available through the trail till Patarnachauni.
Kathgodam is located in Nainital district of Uttrakhand. Nainital is 53 km from Kathgodam and can be reached by local buses. Nainital is a famous tourist spot in the mountains in visited by a lot of people all around the year. Naini Lake is the heart of Nainital where you can enjoy boating, yachting, and paddling. Perch on the Tiffin Top to enjoy the views of Nainital. Stroll at The Mall Road where you can buy some souvenirs from the trip.
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Informative
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While the terminology used in mountaineering is decently complex but the features that I am going to talk about are mostly the common ones. When we go to the mountains, trek...
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