Roopkund is a high altitude trek. Naturally, the risks associated with a high altitude trek are different from other treks.

Risk 1: Altitude and terrain

Most people find it difficult to understand high altitude. Our base camp Lohajung is at 8,250 feet. This is already high altitude. The Roopkund trek takes you to 15,750 feet. This is considered to be very high altitude. Trekkers don’t often understand the implications of starting a trek at high altitude. It means by the time trekkers reach Camp 2 at Bedni Bugyal (at 11,500 ft), they very often start to display the symptoms of high altitude – mild headache, nausea, general uneasiness. These are signs of AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. Trekkers must read this article on AMS and understand it fully before starting on a high altitude trek like Roopkund.

At Indiahikes we believe a preventive step taken before you start the trek is better than risking a chance of dropping out of a trek because of altitude sickness.We recommend trekkers to start on a course of Acetazolamide (Diamox®) when they arrive at Delhi. We strongly recommend trekkers reading this article on Benefits of Diamox.

On a Himalayan trek like the Roopkund there is no alternative but to gain altitude rapidly. Even though we have designed the trek to ascend as slowly as possible there is considerably altitude gain every day of the trek. The altitude gain chart is at this link.

Risk 2: Weather

On a high altitude trek the weather is not predictable. On the Roopkund trek, the higher reaches of the trek is in permafrost. This means whether it is summer or winter, the final stages of the trek is almost always on snow. Even though we can predict with reasonably certainty that the months of June and September are the best time to trek, a slight change in atmospheric pressure or a shift in the winds can bring snowfall on the Roopkund trek, especially in the upper reaches. In a worst case scenario we may curtail the trek at Bhagwabasa or at any point where we feel it is safe. Under no circumstances will Indiahikes proceed with the trek if the snow looks too dangerous to be trekked on. A call on this is taken by our Trek Leaders and Guides leading the team.

Another weather related issue is a burst of hailstones on your trek. Most of the Roopkund trek is above the tree line. In such terrains it is difficult to find shelter from hailstones. The best thing to do is to head to your nearest camp as quickly as possible. Rain accompanied by hail stones is common above 11,000 ft. They are fun to watch and experience. However, if a trekker is caught in a hail storm while trekking he/she should protect himself in multiple layers of clothes (including covering the head with a woolen cap). Rarely do you get life threatening hail stones in these regions.

The Roopkund trek has not been designed to accommodate a second attempt at Roopkund. If in case of extreme bad weather the trek is abandoned.

Risk 3: Physical injuries

On a trek it is not uncommon to sprain a leg or accidentally meet with a fall -- especially on the snow sections. Sprains, cuts and bruises are less difficult to manage. Fractures and dislocations are rare but more difficult to tackle. The trekker needs to be immobilized and brought down to the base camp as soon as possible. Our trek leaders are trained to handle emergencies like these but they are not doctors. The nearest medical aid is more than 100 kms away and it may take anything from 24-48 hours to get a trekker to a hospital. As a participant on the trek you must be aware of these risks before starting on the trek.

Risk 4: Evacuation, emergency and communication

Evacuation of an affected trekker is not a quick process; it takes time. Sometimes the trekker has to be put on a stretcher. At other times he must be carried down with the help of porters. It requires a team of 4-6 porters to bring down a victim. The trails are narrow and sometimes steep. At times there is not enough room for the porters to stand while bringing down a victim. This makes any evacuation a slow process – slower than the usual trekking time. In an emergency when time is of the essence this can be deeply frustrating to the victim as well as those who are with him.

Emergency evacuation by helicopter is not a possibility. Helicopters need to fly from the nearest base at Delhi or Jammu. They need to refuel once in between, usually at Dehradun. This is time consuming. It could take 7-8 hours before a helicopter reaches you. Helicopters also need a flat area of 20X30 meters to land and a clear sky. Usually in the regions we trek, there is a cloud cover by 2-3 pm in the afternoon. Even in a life threatening situation the common rule applied is to move down and not wait for a helicopter to reach the victim. This rule is applied universally across the globe.

Communication on the trek is limited to the use of walkie talkies and runners to send information. Use of satellite phones are banned in our country. Mobile phones do not work. Once on the trek you are cut off from the rest of the world until you complete the trek. The implication is that even in an emergency communication is difficult. In an emergency it takes time for help to reach you.

Please understand these risks before starting on a high altitude trek in the Himalayas.

How Indiahikes is prepared for an emergency

1. Every group is accompanied by a trek leader who is trained to handle emergencies. He knows how to administer first aid, address altitude related problems and issue emergency medications. A high altitude medical kit always accompanies the group on the trek. An evacuation team is ready in case a trekker has to be brought down to a safer camp. A stretcher also accompanies the team when they are on the trek. Bottled oxygen is available at the highest camp.
2. An on call doctor is available on phone at all times during the trek. He/she is trained on mountain related emergencies.