THE LEGENDARY ROOPKUND TREK OPENS : This is why you should plan to visit it this year.

Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal , the two of the biggest Meadows of India are of high value to the people of Uttarakhand. Even from environmental point of view, it's presence is crucial. Bugyals are like lungs set up by the mountains itself. With influx of Trekkers for Roopkund , a lot of popular corporate companies from Adventure Travel , set up their fixed camps on the Meadows. With batch sizes going up to thirty to sixties for them and continuously running , they found more profit in fixing their camps. The camps fixed in Meadows put high pressure on the grass bed for which the Bugyals are famous for. Tents covering the area of the grass and not letting sun in , or their huge steel pegs and wooden nails making holes all around to ruin the Bugyal. Add to it the the huge amount of Trekkers walking each day on the Bugyal that left scars on it. Lastly , with so many Trekkers came so many mules to carry their equipments, and mules had nothing but the grass to eat on. Overgrazing was the final nail in the coffin for Bedni and other beautiful Meadows up there on Roopkund Trail.

As the locals came to realize how their home is being hurt , a petition to the Uttarakhand High Court , came to the rescue. The Court banned all camping in Meadows. And not just for Bedni or Ali Bugyal but for most Meadows famous to Trekkers in the state of Uttarakhand. From 2018 the ban came into place and now in a lot of treks , camps are not allowed to be put in Meadows , where previously beautiful campsites were set up.

For the greater good, the trekking world welcomed this decision and aligned to the ban, giving a chance for the mountains to breath back.

The ban also did hit the stomachs of a lot of people associated with trekking business , but they also sacrificed in the betterment of the mountains they call home.

Finally now in 2021, the locals have got the permission to start their trekking again with one condition. No more camping on the Meadows. The Trekkers are allowed to pass through it and enjoy the views and feel of it. But one can't stay in the Meadows anymore.

This is justified and very logical for long-term healthy trekking world, as India grows it's adventure tourism.

After the pandemic , the livelihood was hurt bad in such mountain regions and this is a welcoming step from the government to revive the tourism in one of the most beautiful treks of India.

You can plan your Roopkund trek. It's certainly a moderate difficult trek due to the last day of technical ascent to the lake at 16000 feet which has probability of snow storms a lot. The trek is open May June , as before that the snow is too much for people to go. High altitude sickness due to such height is another issue which makes the trek , a tricky affair and every trekker must follow the discipline of mountains.

But in the end the views one get after surviving through the storms and challenges mountains throw at you , are among the best rewards of LIFE.

Also add to that after three years of no people having walked the trail to Roopkund , the trail with it's Meadows and mountains will shine in virgin glory having replenished.

And that my friend is a great enough reason to visit Roopkund this summer!

Hello , I am Deep a licensed trek and Tour Guide from India. An individual with no organization or corporates. Having worked with companies like INDIAHIKES , The HOSTELLER , G ADVENTURES and currently on project basis with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC , I have guided treks and tours around India. My love for Mountains helps me to write about places and aware the Trekkers and traveler community.

If you love what you like and want any suggestions regarding planning a trek or trip , feel free to connect with me. I also arrange for small team treks to Roopkund.

Also connect to share our love of wanderlust.

My Instagram @deepjyoti_biswas

Website is www.deepjyotibiswas.com

Hope to see you soon on an adventure !!