Rup Kund - Hom Kund Trek

19 days in India, 10 days trekking; Level: moderate-strenuous Highest Point: 5,303m Dates: May, June, September, October

Highlights: Almora Hill Town Bazaar - Gwaldam – Debal – Loharjang - Didana - Ali Bugyal – Badni Bugyal - Bhugu Basa - Rup Kund (5,029m) - Jyuri Gali Pass (5,303m) - Hom Kund

Set beneath the towering summit of Trisul (7120m), Rup Kund (5,029m) is sometimes referred to as the 'mystery lake' on account of the many human skeletons found here, a reminder of when some 600 years ago allegedly a party of pilgrims was trapped by bad weather. The first stage of the trek climbs from Mundoli over Loharjang Pass. The trail to Rup Kund then ascends through oak, pine and rhododendron forest to the alpine camp at Badni Bugyal. The views from this camp are among the finest in the West Himalaya. Beyond Rup Kund we cross Jyuri Gali Pass (5,303m), a difficult ascent, with an impressive backdrop of Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti. The pass traverses the headwaters of the Nandakini River. From here it is another 3-4 hours to Hom Kund (4,060m).