Roopkund Lake, nestled in the laps of the Himalayas in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, is best visited during the months of May to June and September to October. During this period, the weather is most favorable, with the snow from the winter months beginning to thaw, revealing the alpine meadows and oak forests in their lush green splendor. The pre-monsoon summer time from May to June is ideal as the days are relatively warmer and the nights are pleasantly cool, which makes trekking to the high altitude lake an enjoyable experience. Travelers will find the path more accessible and the risk of landslides or heavy snow is minimal. Moreover, the skies are clearer, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. However, trekkers should be prepared for occasional spells of rain and cold as the weather in the high altitudes is quite unpredictable.
The window between September to October marks post-monsoon and just before the onset of harsh winters, which is another excellent time for the trek. The landscape bursts with a wide array of flora and the clearness of the sky offers unobstructed views of the majestic Himalayan panorama. The temperature during the day remains moderate, though the nights can turn considerably cold, so adequate warm clothing is necessary. As Roopkund is famous for its mystery skeletons, visible when the snow is melted, the aforementioned months provide the best chance to witness this mystical phenomenon. However, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (July and August), when heavy rainfall can lead to dangerous landslides and poor trail conditions, making the trek risky.
